Cutting Closing Times in Half with eSign and Remote Online Notarization
In today’s fast-paced mortgage and real estate landscape, time is more than money—it’s a competitive advantage. Homebuyers expect speed and convenience, lenders seek operational efficiency, and real estate professionals want a process that keeps deals moving without compromising compliance. This is where electronic signatures (eSign) and Remote Online Notarization (RON) step in as transformative technologies that dramatically accelerate closing turn times.
In this article, we explore how eSign and RON work together, why they matter, and how they eliminate traditional bottlenecks in the closing process.
What Are eSign and RON?
Before diving into their impact, let’s define these tools:
eSign (Electronic Signatures)
An electronic signature is a digital method for signing documents without printing, scanning, or mailing paperwork. Today’s eSignature platforms are secure, compliant with legal standards like ESIGN and UETA, and readily accepted in real estate and mortgage transactions.
RON (Remote Online Notarization)
RON enables notaries to witness and notarize signatures using live audio-visual technology. Instead of meeting in person, signers connect with a commissioned notary digitally. RON adds a layer of identity verification, security, and legality—matching or exceeding what happens in a physical notary setting.
Why Closing Turn Times Matter
Closing turn time refers to the amount of time from when a loan application is submitted to when documents are signed and the loan is funded. Traditionally, this process can take 30 to 45 days or more, with lots of in-person meetings, document exchanges, and coordination.
Lengthy turnaround times:
Increase costs
Cause borrower frustration
Raise risk of losing deals
Lead to logistic headaches for lenders and title/escrow partners
Speeding up turn times has become a strategic priority for lenders and closing professionals.
The Traditional Closing Bottlenecks
To appreciate the impact of eSign + RON, it helps to understand the common obstacles in traditional closings:
1. In-Person Meetings
Borrowers often had to meet a notary or signing agent in person—a scheduling challenge that delays signing windows.
2. Paper Document Handling
Print, mail, courier, and scan cycles add days or weeks to the process.
3. Errors and Re-signatures
Missing pages, signature mistakes, or improper notarization can force delays and repeat appointments.
Each of these friction points adds unpredictable delays—often outside the control of lenders.
How eSign Accelerates the Process
eSign technology eliminates paper and physical signature hurdles by enabling digital signing workflows.
Instant Signature Capture
Borrowers can sign documents instantly from any device—desktop, tablet, or mobile.
Automated Reminders
Lenders and title agents can send automated prompts to borrowers, speeding completion.
Error Reduction
Digital interfaces prevent missing signatures and guide users through required fields.
Seamless Integration
Leading eSign platforms integrate with LOS (loan origination systems), title portals, and document management systems—reducing manual re-entry and errors.
By removing paper handling, eSign saves hours to days in every transaction.
How RON Revolutionizes Notarization
Remote Online Notarization takes the physical notary appointment into the digital age. Instead of locating a nearby notary, borrowers connect with a licensed notary via secure video.
Benefits of RON
No Travel or Scheduling Hassles: Borrowers and notaries meet online at convenient times—even outside business hours.
Robust Identity Verification: RON uses credential checks, knowledge-based authentication (KBA), or biometric techniques to confirm signer identity.
Secure, Legally Valid Transactions: RON meets standards in jurisdictions that authorize remote notarizations.
Audit Trails & Tamper Seals: Every RON session captures recordings and tamper-evident seals on final documents.
RON replaces a major time sink in closing — the in-person notarization appointment.
The Combined Power of eSign + RON
When eSign and RON are used together, they transform the closing workflow:
Traditional ClosingeSign + RON ClosingSign in personSign digitally from anywhereMultiple meetingsSingle online sessionPaper handlingFully electronic documentsManual confirmationsAutomated identity & integrity checksPotential re-signsGuided signing with validationDays to weeksOften same-day completion
This synergy yields dramatic improvements in closing turn times.
Real Results You Can Expect
While specific improvements vary by organization, many lenders and title partners report:
Reduction in turnaround times by 30% to 60%
Fewer errors and re-signs
Higher borrower satisfaction scores
Better compliance and audit readiness
Ultimately, eSign + RON help lenders close more loans faster—opening capacity for growth.
Overcoming Adoption Challenges
Despite the clear ROI, adoption does require planning:
Technology Integration
Connect eSign and RON tools with LOS and title systems.
Staff Training
Ensure teams know workflows and compliance requirements.
Jurisdictional Readiness
RON is authorized in many—but not all—states and countries. Know local regulations.
A thoughtful rollout plan speeds adoption and maximizes benefits.
Conclusion: The Future Is Digital
The era of paper-based closings is ending. Borrowers expect convenience, lenders need efficiency, and technology now delivers both.
By embracing eSign and Remote Online Notarization, mortgage and real estate professionals can deliver faster closing turn times—boost satisfaction, reduce errors, and gain a competitive edge.
If your organization hasn’t yet explored these capabilities, now is the time to act. Digital closings aren’t just faster—they’re the future.
