Selling when you can't be here to sign
Deployments, underway periods and PCS moves mean military homeowners often can't be present to sign closing documents. A power of attorney (POA) lets someone you trust sign for you, so the sale can close on time.
It's one of the most common questions I get on my PCS and military move page. One important note: PCS timelines, entitlements and rules can change, and every set of orders is a little different. Treat this as general guidance, and confirm the specifics with your orders, your command, your legal assistance office and your installation's transportation and housing offices. This article is general information, not legal advice.
General vs. specific real estate POA
A general POA gives broad authority, but many title companies and lenders prefer, or require, a specific real estate POA that names the property address and the transaction. It's narrower, which makes it easier for the title company to accept.
Your installation's legal assistance office can usually prepare one at no cost. Bring the property's full legal address and the name of the person you're appointing.
Get the title company's approval early
The single most important step is sending the draft POA to the title company well before closing. They'll confirm it meets their requirements and Virginia recording rules. A POA that gets rejected the week of closing can delay everything.
If both spouses are on the deed, each person who can't sign needs their own POA or needs to sign another way.
Who should you appoint?
Pick someone reliable, reachable and local if possible: a spouse, family member or close friend. They'll need to show up with ID, sign carefully and communicate with you. I'll walk them through what to expect so there are no surprises at the closing table.
Other remote signing options
A POA isn't the only way. Many closings can be handled with a mobile notary near your new base or through online notarization, if your title company and the buyer's lender allow it. If you'll be reachable, those options let you sign yourself. If you'll be deployed or hard to reach, the POA is the safer plan.
Your VA loan and proceeds
Your VA loan is paid off at closing, and proceeds can be wired to your account. Confirm wire instructions by phone with the title company, never by email alone, since wire fraud is a real risk. For loan basics, see my guide to VA loans in Hampton Roads, and use my Hampton Roads mortgage calculator to plan your next purchase.
For the whole sale plan, read my PCS selling timeline checklist. If you're still deciding whether to keep the home, see whether to sell or rent when you PCS, and if repairs aren't possible from afar, read selling a military home as-is before you PCS.
How I help when you're gone
I handle showings, inspections, repairs and negotiations locally, coordinate with your POA holder and the title company, and keep you updated whenever you can check in. I'll also connect you with a trusted agent at your next duty station.
Reach out to me and we'll plan the signing before you leave. You can read more on my PCS and military move page.
