FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — Drive-up closings are happening in the mid-state as the residential real estate market is being forced to adapt to the new norm due to COVID-19.
Sarah Simmons is a sales executive and closing agent at Homeland Title in Franklin.
"The real estate closing is essential,” Simmons said.
She helps facilitate drive-up closings where clients stay in their parked vehicle outside her office.
“I will say that our market has felt very strong, and we are seeing new contracts come in, and I think the nervousness is more about the physical interaction,” Simmons said, “So we’re on the phone with them, and we are walking them through, just like we would if we were sitting across the table from them. We’re just at a much safer distance.”
Kyle and Nikki Hargrove closed on their home on April 1.
Hargrove said, “No matter how we did it, we just wanted to get it done, and moved in.”
Their documents were handed to them in the parking lot at Homeland Title. Since it’s a huge financial decision, they were glad someone was able to walk them through the process virtually.
“Whatever you got to do,” Hargrove said, “Really just so thankful we didn’t have to delay longer. We had a long road, and just to be able to move into our new home and kind of get things back to normal, it was a blessing.”
Simmons said some of her clients pull into the parking lot wearing gloves and masks for the document hand-off.
“Talk to your real estate agents, and talk to your title companies, ask them what to expect, and don’t be afraid to request what you’re most comfortable with,” Simmons said.
For the Hargrove family, they’re looking forward to settling in to their Thompson’s Station home. “I’m just glad to be in our new home, and now it’s time to start unpacking.”
Other people are opting for power of attorney so they sign the documents on their behalf.
