In this uncertain time, it is important to ensure the safety of all employees, clients and consumers while still conducting closings. The American Land Title Association identified several safe closing practices closing companies can implement to keep everyone safe.
First, when people arrive for a closing, agents should encourage them to use hand sanitizer and/or wash their hands. If any guest exhibits symptoms that may be like coronavirus, they should notify staff upon arrival so they can be escorted into a private closing room.
Employees should wipe down chairs, table and door handles with disinfecting wipes or bleach solution after each closing. Pens, paper, extra reading glasses and other items normally found on closing tables should be removed, and new pens should be distributed to each closing participant and not re-used.
ALTA also recommended removing all reading material, ceramic mugs and other re-usable items from the lobby. If there are children’s play areas, they should be removed and placed in storage.
It suggests providing hand sanitizer in closing spaces. If none is available, employees and visitors should be encouraged to wash their hands before and after a closing or any other meeting. Companies should ensure that cleaning personnel are using appropriate germ-killing solutions when cleaning office areas after-hours.
It recommends that when possible, people should remain six feet from others. If needed, companies may invest in technology solutions that allow employees to work from remote locations.
Publication credit: The Title Report