03/17/2020
COVID-19 PANDEMIC UPDATE
Dear valued clients, realtors and friends:
Out of an abundance of caution and with the recent CDC and State recommendations with regards to social distancing we are implementing the following additional modifications to our plan released yesterday:
1) We are implementing an Appointment Only Policy. If you do not have a scheduled appointment, please call or email our office as we will not be able to accommodate walk-ins. As stated in prior statements we are limiting our office hours and working from home as much as possible.
2) AVOID LINGERING IN THE CONFERENCE ROOMS. Prior to entering the office, please call ahead to facilitate entering the office hands-free and being immediately directed to a conference room. We apologize for any prolonged wait in your car.
3) CLOSINGS. The buyer(s) and/or seller(s) are the only people who should be physically present in our office for closings or appointments. Bring only the necessary signers to the table. Buyers and Sellers should take particular care to avoid bringing their children to closing.
a. SELLERS. We will be limiting in-office appointments for sellers. Sellers are encouraged to sign their seller documents outside of our office and to overnight or hand-deliver the original, notarized documents for closing. This will help to reduce overall traffic and contact.
b. REAL ESTATE AGENTS & LENDERS. Please consider phone conferencing or facetime/skype attendance, instead of being physically present. Lenders, additional family members, and other third parties will not be allowed to attend closings or appointments.
4) LENGTH OF CLOSINGS. Our office prides itself on our attorneys’ friendliness and desire to educate buyers about the closing process and to explain all closing documents. At this time and in order to shorten the amount of time of closing (and thus lessen exposure), our attorneys will quickly review all documents at closing and will attempt to have buyers in and out of the office within 20 minutes. If you would prefer to read your loan package in advance, please contact your paralegal who can email you the package prior to closing.
5) CASH CLOSING. All cash closings (eg not involving a loan) will now be handled remotely without a physical in-office closing).
6) NO PHYSICAL CASH. Physical cash is handled by multiple people every day and can be an opportunity to circulate many germs, not just COVID-19. Please do not present physical cash at the closing, but defer to bank checks and wires, where possible.
a. Increased use of wires requires additional security around that process.
b. If sending a wire, please call to confirm the wiring instructions with our office prior to sending.
c. Do not EVER rely on email for the wiring instructions or our contact information.
We strongly recommend all parties complete the signing of their closing documents remotely, either with the use of a mobile notary service or by signing with your own notary. We will be available via telephone to explain your documents.
This is a fluid situation and we anticipate making additional changes to our policies in the coming day. However, we are creative and resourceful and are sure we can continue to provide the same friendly, professional services to all our clients, realtors and friends so long as the local Register of Deeds Offices are open and operating.
Thank you again for your continued understanding during these trying times.
Sincerely,
Millsaps & Bratton, PLLC
