I’m a first-time homebuyer and I’ve got a bit of a situation. I’m about to put in an offer on a house, but I have an unavoidable foreign trip in 10 days, and I won’t be back for 45 days. Is it realistic to close on a home while I’m abroad? I’m thinking about giving Power of Attorney to a relative if needed. Has anyone done this before? My biggest worry is signing loan documents and dealing with escrow stuff while overseas. Would love to hear your experiences or advice!
I’ve never done it, but I’ve heard people say Power of Attorney works for situations like this. Just make sure the relative understands what they’re signing.
Bennet said:
I’ve never done it, but I’ve heard people say Power of Attorney works for situations like this. Just make sure the relative understands what they’re signing.
Thanks! Do you know if they’d need to sign everything in person, or can they do it electronically?
Bennet said:
I’ve never done it, but I’ve heard people say Power of Attorney works for situations like this. Just make sure the relative understands what they’re signing.
Most of it can be done electronically these days, but double-check with your lender. Some forms might need in-person notaries.
I closed on my house while abroad last year. Power of Attorney was a lifesaver, but make sure it’s properly notarized before you leave.
Rory said:
I closed on my house while abroad last year. Power of Attorney was a lifesaver, but make sure it’s properly notarized before you leave.
Oh, good to know! Did you face any issues with escrow or the loan process?
Rory said:
I closed on my house while abroad last year. Power of Attorney was a lifesaver, but make sure it’s properly notarized before you leave.
Escrow was fine, but the loan docs were tricky. My lender needed a few things notarized overseas, which took extra time.
Rory said:
I closed on my house while abroad last year. Power of Attorney was a lifesaver, but make sure it’s properly notarized before you leave.
Wait, notarized overseas? How does that even work?
@Hux
Yeah, some U.S. embassies offer notary services, but appointments can be hard to get. Plan ahead if you go that route!
FYI, your lender might be okay with you signing documents digitally, but escrow companies can be old-school about it.
Lex said:
FYI, your lender might be okay with you signing documents digitally, but escrow companies can be old-school about it.
That’s what I’m worried about. Do you think I should ask the escrow company upfront?
Lex said:
FYI, your lender might be okay with you signing documents digitally, but escrow companies can be old-school about it.
Definitely. Better to know their process now so you’re not scrambling later.
If you’ve got a good real estate agent, they should be able to help coordinate everything. Just make sure everyone involved knows you’ll be out of the country.
Ming said:
If you’ve got a good real estate agent, they should be able to help coordinate everything. Just make sure everyone involved knows you’ll be out of the country.
Good point! I’ll make sure to loop in my agent about this.
Biggest hiccup might be time zones. I had to wake up at 3 AM for a last-minute video call with my lender. 
Kim said:
Biggest hiccup might be time zones. I had to wake up at 3 AM for a last-minute video call with my lender.
Oh man, that sounds rough! I didn’t even think about time zones being an issue.
Kim said:
Biggest hiccup might be time zones. I had to wake up at 3 AM for a last-minute video call with my lender.
Yeah, just keep your phone handy, lol. The process is stressful but doable!