COVID-19 (coronavirus)

As a valued client, we would like for you to know that our top priority is for your health and safety. Considering the current event concerning COVID-19 (coronavirus), our firm has implemented internal safety precautions and closing procedures. We are carefully monitoring the advice and updates from the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, as well as federal, state and local governments. Our primary focus is to continue to serve you, while prioritizing cleanliness, health, and the safety of our teams and clients.

Internal Safety Precautions

• Open internal doors at all times during business hours to create a hands-free environment.
• Increased cleaning schedules of our lobbies and conference rooms to include wiping down of all surfaces before and after each closing.
• Providing hand sanitizer in our lobbies, conference rooms and throughout the entire office to be used by employees and clients attending closings.
• Providing individual disposable blue pens to all signers upon arrival.
• Providing latex gloves to all parties participating in the closing.
• All communal snacks and candy have been removed from the lobbies and conference rooms.
• Instructing staff to adhere to the CDC’s instructions to preventing illness including, but not limited to, frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes with their elbow, disinfecting workspace frequently as well as reporting any potential exposure to management.
• Reserving the right to deny customers and visitors with increased risks.

Closing Procedures

As of now, our main office in Gainesville and satellite office in Duluth are open. We do not expect for either office to close unless instructed or by the advice of federal, state or local authorities. 

• Can I e-sign for my closing?
  • Loan transactions with Buyer and Sellers -NO- Several closing documents require a signature in the physical presence of an unofficial witness and notary pursuant to Georgia law.
  • Cash Buyer – YES- E-sign closings are available for cash buyer ONLY at no cost.
    
    
• Can my closing be conducted remotely?
  •  Due to the unusual circumstances, remote closings may be available to assist Buyers and Sellers in the event they are unable to attend an in-office closing. However, documents will have to be signed in the presence of a witness and a notary. This would require the Buyer and/or Seller to obtain a witness & notary for signing. Currently mobile notary services are in high demand. Third party notary charges will apply.

The Law Offices of Russell C. Petersen has faced service disruptions in the past, which has educated us on how to effectively service our customers in the time of need. Our firm functions on a paperless file system and employees have the ability to work remotely from any location to assist with a closing transaction.

• Can I give another person power of attorney to sign on my behalf at the closing?
  •  Yes, this is permissible as long as the power of attorney has been pre-approved by our office as well as the lending institution involved, if any.  During this time, we are offering to prepare such powers of attorney free of charge for those who request it; recording charges may apply, however.

Additional Precautions

As of today we are taking the following additional measures:

• Recommending Only Essential Signers Attend Closings. In order to limit potential exposure and adhere to social distancing recommendations, we are recommending only those people whose signatures are needed for closing attend the closing when possible. We offer any real estate agent the opportunity to join us by buyer and seller consent. We have various virtual attendance options to offer.

• Signing Buyers and Sellers in Separate Rooms for Closings. Where possible, we will be signing Buyers and Sellers in separate closing rooms and immediately seating parties in closing rooms upon arrival to avoid unnecessary contact in our lobbies.

• Limiting Our Team Member’s Interactions.In addition to limited interactions in our lobbies, our team members behind the scenes are adhering to social distancing within our offices and working remotely where possible as an additional precaution.

• Offering to Make Alternative Signing Arrangements for High Risk Exposure Customers. For our customers who have a heightened risk of complications if potentially exposed, we are on a case by case basis making alternative signing arrangements in lieu of physically signing in our offices.

Closings Continuing in Light of the Georgia Declared Judicial Emergency

Georgia Chief Justice Melton announced a statewide judicial emergency. At this point, the recording offices and in turn our ability to continue with closings is uninterrupted. Even should recording offices close temporarily, our ability to search title records virtually and record via electronic recording will continue.

While we are all facing challenges, we know the ability to proceed with closings remains essential. We appreciate those of you who have reached out to us to express your support for our team during this trying time.

This too shall pass and our commitment, trusted experience and dedication to extraordinary closings will see us through.We appreciate your loyalty and our continued opportunity to serve you.

As of today we are taking the following additional measures:

• Recommending Only Essential Signers Attend Closings.  In order to limit potential exposure and adhere to social distancing recommendations, we are recommending only those people whose signatures are needed for closing attend the closing when possible. We offer any real estate agent the opportunity to join us by buyer and seller consent. We have various virtual attendance options to offer.

• Signing Buyers and Sellers in Separate Rooms for Closings. Where possible, we will be signing Buyers and Sellers in separate closing rooms and immediately seating parties in closing rooms upon arrival to avoid unnecessary contact in our lobbies.

• Limiting Our Team Member’s Interactions. In addition to limited interactions in our lobbies, our team members behind the scenes are adhering to social distancing within our offices and working remotely where possible as an additional precaution.