Understanding the Role of Power of Attorney for Real Estate Closing in Virginia

Buying real estate can be an exciting time for anyone. But, it can also be a stressful and lengthy process, especially if you’re unable to attend the closing in person. Fortunately, there’s a solution –  a power of attorney can be appointed to represent you.

However, it’s important to understand the role of the power of attorney for real estate closing before taking this route. In this blog post, we’ll explain what you need to know about a power of attorney in Virginia.

If you have questions about which type of power of attorney to execute for your real estate transaction, contact a member of our real estate lawyer team at (540) 722-2181. We’re here to answer your questions and help you navigate the closing process with confidence. Let us go to work for you!

Terms and Definitions

To better understand the power of attorney in real estate, it’s helpful to start with a few key definitions.

Term	Definition
Principal	The person granting the power of attorney (POA), authorizing another individual to act on their behalf in real estate matters
Agent or Attorney-in-Fact	The individual designated by the principal to make decisions and perform actions on their behalf in real estate transactions
Scope of Authority	The extent of the agent’s power, determined by the specific type of POA granted
General POA	Grants the agent broad authority to manage all aspects of the principal’s financial affairs, including real estate transactions
Limited POA	Restricts the agent’s authority to specific real estate tasks, such as handling a particular transaction or managing a specific property
Durable POA	Remains in effect even if the principal becomes incapacitated, ensuring continuity in real estate matters
Springing POA	Takes effect only when the principal becomes incapacitated, providing a safeguard in case of unforeseen circumstances
Notarization	Official process of verifying the identity of the principal and the agent, ensuring the validity of the POA document
Revocation	The process of terminating the POA, typically by written notice from the principal to the agent

What is a Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal tool where you, the “principal,” authorize someone else, the “agent,” to make decisions and take actions on your behalf. This authority can be general, granting broad powers to the agent to act on any matter on behalf of the principal, or specific, limiting the agent’s actions to a particular transaction or set of circumstances. In the context of real estate transactions, powers of attorney are often used to allow one party to conduct closing proceedings on behalf of another.

This delegation of authority can encompass a wide range of real estate matters, including:

• Purchasing or selling properties
• Managing rental properties
• Handling financial transactions related to real estate
• Signing documents and making legal decisions on behalf of the principal

How is a Power of Attorney Executed?

To ensure a POA is valid and effective in Virginia, it’s important to follow these key steps:

• Choose the Right Type of POA: Determine the type of POA that suits your needs, whether it’s a general POA, limited POA, durable POA, or springing POA.
• Complete the POA Form: Obtain a POA form specific to Virginia or consult an attorney to draft a customized document. Ensure the form includes essential information such as the principal’s name, address, and date of birth; the agent’s name, address, and date of birth; the scope of authority granted to the agent; and the effective date and any limitations.
• Sign and Notarize the POA: The principal must sign the POA form in the presence of a notary public. The notary will verify the principal’s identity, witness their signature, and attach their seal and signature to the document.
• Distribute Copies: Keep the original POA form in a secure location and provide copies to the agent, relevant financial institutions, and individuals involved in the transaction.
• Record the POA (Optional): For limited POAs related to real estate transactions, consider recording the POA at the county clerk’s office where the property is located. This provides additional legal protection and public notice of the agent’s authority.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Power of Attorney?

A POA can be especially beneficial in real estate transactions, offering advantages like:

• Convenience: A POA allows someone to act on your behalf, which can be helpful if you are unable to be present for every signing or decision.
• Efficiency: A POA can streamline the real estate process by delegating tasks, allowing you to focus on other aspects of the transaction.
• Flexibility: A POA can be tailored to your specific needs and the requirements of the real estate transaction.
• Peace of Mind: A POA can provide assurance that your real estate matters are being handled by a trusted individual.
• Protecting Property Interests: A POA can safeguard your property interests and ensure your wishes are carried out as intended.

What Are the Risks of Using a Power of Attorney?

However, it’s also important to be aware of the risks involved in using a POA for real estate matters:

• Agent Misconduct: The most significant risk is the potential for misconduct by the agent, such as using the POA to sign documents without your approval or making unauthorized decisions about the sale of your property.
• Unauthorized Transactions: Agents may exceed their authority or make unauthorized transactions, such as selling your property for a lower price than you agreed to.
• Legal Disputes: Disputes can arise between you, the agent, or the buyer of your property if the agent does not follow your instructions or if they make mistakes that cost you money.

To mitigate these risks, consider the following measures:

• Choose an agent you trust and who has experience with real estate closings
• Clearly define the agent’s authority in the POA, specifying the types of actions they are authorized to perform and any limitations
• Seek legal guidance from an attorney to ensure the POA is drafted correctly, legally binding, and reflects your specific needs and intentions
• Communicate regularly with the agent to monitor their actions and ensure they are fulfilling your instructions responsibly
• Review the POA carefully before signing it to ensure you understand the scope of authority granted to the agent.

By taking these steps, you can help to protect yourself from the risks of using a POA for a real estate closing.

Termination of a Power of Attorney

The authority given through a POA usually ends in real estate closings under these circumstances:

• Completion of the Real Estate Closing: Once the real estate closing process is finalized, including the signing of all necessary documents and the transfer of ownership, the POA for that specific closing automatically terminates. The agent’s authority to act on the principal’s behalf is no longer applicable.
• Revocation by the Principal: The principal retains the right to revoke the POA at any time, even if the closing process has not yet been completed. This revocation can be made in writing or orally, but it’s advisable to document the revocation in writing for clarity and legal enforceability.

Seeking Professional Guidance

Powers of attorney are an important aspect of real estate transactions in Virginia, particularly for buyers or sellers who cannot attend real estate closings in person. While they present some risks, they can also be a useful tool for streamlining the transaction process. Consult with a real estate attorney if you have any questions or concerns. An attorney can draft a POA that is legally valid and tailored to your specific needs.

By working with a trusted agent and ensuring that your wishes are accurately reflected in the power of attorney document, you can help ensure a smooth and successful real estate transaction.

Ensure a Smooth Real Estate Closing with McCarthy & Akers

At McCarthy & Akers, PLC, our experienced real estate attorneys can guide you through the entire POA process, ensuring your interests are protected and your closing proceeds smoothly. We will draft a customized POA and tailor it to your specific needs and requirements of your closing, clearly defining the scope of authority granted to your agent.

We’ll guide you through the proper execution and notarization process to ensure the POA is legally valid and enforceable. We’ll remain your resource throughout the closing process, answering any questions or concerns you may have.

Reach out to us at (540) 722-2181 or connect with us online. Our team’s extensive experience in all aspects of real estate means you can trust us to handle your real estate closing with care and precision.

With offices in Strasburg, Front Royal, Winchester, and Manassas, we’re always nearby and ready to help. Choosing McCarthy & Akers means choosing peace of mind for your real estate needs. Let us go to work for you!

Copyright © 2024. McCarthy & Akers, PLC | Estate Planning Attorneys. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

McCarthy & Akers, PLC | Estate Planning Attorneys
302 W Boscawen St.
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 722-2181
https://mccarthyakers.com/