Are you a property owner or landlord that wants to sell their asset or needs to rent an apartment or retail space in New York City? Call or text me: Sam Moritz, licensed real estate agent, 203–209–3640.
Once upon a time, in 2019, I had to sign a lease with a new tenant in person, and it was a bit urgent – the deal had been approved by the landlord at the last second and the tenant wanted to move in that night.
Unfortunately, the printer at my brokerage’s office was broken, so I schlepped six stops on the L train to the nearest print shop to get the documents I needed. Printing successful, I walked back to the train, but then realized I had forgotten to print two other important pieces of the lease, so I went back to the store.
It was imperative that all documents were signed that day so the landlord could get the new tenant moved in on time. The lease signing did happen – but it took some juggling because of a poorly timed printer malfunction.
I am grateful because services have arisen since the Pandemic which has made the process of closing a deal way easier.
Nowadays, all steps needed to complete a deal happen, most of the time, virtually. (Not every seller or landlord wants to sign documents virtually, and that’s completely fine – I listen to what they want. But most are okay with virtual closings).
It’s very common now to complete a lease signing via docusign (electronic signature). Further, things like guarantor documents, can now be completed with websites like Notary.com, and are accepted by homeowners. They allow the person signing the document to sit in front of a notary via a webcam and then to email me a copy of the document.
The last part of this process which has changed since the Pandemic is how we get property owners the move in costs for a new apartment, especially when renting an apartment. Clients pay first month and security when they sign their lease — previously, always paid via cashiers check from the bank, delivered to the property owner. But now, most of the time, these funds are sent on Zelle or wire transfer.
This whole process has made things way more efficient — there’s way less commuting involved and way less paper.
But as mentioned – this does not happen every time I close a deal. Every landlord and seller is different. I am still asked, sometimes, to sign a lease in person. And I do it, without question, because I always listen to what the seller wants.
But I definitely appreciate the virtual options available to the industry now.
Are you a property owner or landlord that wants to sell their asset or needs to rent an apartment or retail space in New York City? Call or text me: Sam Moritz, licensed real estate agent, 203–209–3640.
I have been associated with EXR for six years.