COVID-19: Operations Update – Remaining flexible during these extraordinary circumstances

Before we share with you our latest operations update, we would like to take a moment to thank all of the healthcare workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic who are working tirelessly to keep us all safe and healthy. We send our sincerest thanks to all of the doctors, nurses and other medical personnel who continue to put their own health on the line to serve our community. And as members of the Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees, we would like to express particular gratitude to the entire frontline staff and leadership team throughout the Hackensack Meridian Health system, especially Bob Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health; Mark Sparta, President of HUMC; and the entire Center for Discovery and Innovation for their guidance throughout this unprecedented time.

We also hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe, healthy and successful in these challenging times. We are happy to report that our offices are still running smoothly – returning searches in a timely fashion, closing deals, and getting documents recorded. While we have been able to keep our offices open, the majority of our staff is working remotely in order to take the proper precautions consistent with the measures outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.We must also remember that as many as 1,500 municipal offices nationwide are partially or fully closed. For an up-to-date listing of the current county recording office closings, we recommend checking out the list compiled by ALTA – and keep in mind that it is frequently changing. Despite this, we still have access to our internal database of back titles, our search database, and a title plant of over one million files.

As we mentioned last week, we are able to be flexible when needed during these extraordinary circumstances. We can e-record and insure files through the date of recording, and in many cases, remote notarization is allowed. We are also looking into various electronic signature applications, such as DocuSign and others, to assist during this period of time.

While New Jersey does not currently allow for Remote Online Notarization (RON), there is a bill in legislation to allow for it during the COVID-19 emergency. Many other states, like New York (Executive Order 202.7), already allow for RON, making it broadly allowed if requested by the client, provided that the lender also approves of its use.

As a reminder, we are limiting in-person visits to a minimum. However, if you have reason to visit our offices, please rest assured that we are taking all of the proper precautions set forth by the CDC and WHO. Our cleaning services are regularly wiping down and disinfecting our bathrooms, door handles, elevator control knobs, hallway railings, and other surfaces daily. We are also encouraging any of our staff members who do not feel well to stay home.

We will keep you updated as the situation evolves. Keep an eye on your email, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for further updates. As always, be well, and stay safe.