Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult an attorney for guidance on specific laws regarding Remote Online Notarization (RON), digital signatures, and related legal matters. As laws concerning RON and notarization are subject to frequent changes, it is advisable to verify current regulations with your local government.
Here’s a number worth paying attention to: approximately 71.5% of Gen Z buyers are eyeing homeownership within the next six years. That’s a significant wave of new borrowers heading your way, and they’re bringing very different expectations about how the mortgage process should work.
The difference isn’t just generational preference. It’s about how an entire generation has learned to interact with the world. For mortgage lenders still relying heavily on in-person meetings and paper-based processes, this shift might require some adjustments. That’s where online notarization platforms like NotaryCam come in, helping bridge the gap between traditional lending and what Gen Z actually wants.
Let’s talk about why this matters for your business and how remote online notarization (RON) might help you better serve this growing demographic.
Understanding Gen Z’s Approach to Homebuying
Recent research shows that approximately 71.5% of Gen Z buyers are considering homeownership within the next six years, with about 37% planning to purchase within just one to three years. Their motivations vary from starting families (around 34%) to escaping rising rental costs (approximately 18%).
What’s different about Gen Z? They’re digital natives who grew up with smartphones and expect the same level of convenience in major life transactions as they get when ordering food or banking online. For mortgage lenders, this means your traditional processes may need some updating to meet their expectations.
Where Traditional Processes Fall Short
Think about your typical closing process. Even in 2025, many lenders still require multiple in-person meetings, physical document signings, and coordinating schedules across various parties. For Gen Z buyers who might be working remotely, living in different cities, or juggling tight schedules, this can create significant friction.
The coordination challenges alone can slow down transactions. When you’re trying to get a buyer, seller, and notary in the same place at the same time, delays often follow. These delays can sometimes mean the difference between closing on time and losing a competitive deal.
How Online Notarization Helps Address These Challenges
Remote online notarization platforms like NotaryCam offer an alternative approach that often aligns better with Gen Z’s lifestyle and expectations. Here’s what it typically involves:
Borrowers can complete their notarization using a laptop or desktop computer with video and audio capability. The process generally happens in real-time with a commissioned notary public via secure video connection.
NOTE: Before implementing RON in your lending operations, you’ll need to verify the specific rules and regulations in your state. RON requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction, including which documents can be notarized remotely and what security protocols must be followed.
Key Benefits That May Improve Your Operations
Here are just a few benefits of implementing RON when targeting Gen Z homebuyers:
Flexibility in Scheduling
One of the most practical advantages is scheduling flexibility. Instead of coordinating multiple people’s calendars for an in-person meeting, borrowers can often schedule notarization sessions during evenings or weekends. This can help reduce delays that might otherwise push back closing dates.
Reduced Geographic Barriers
If you’re working with out-of-state buyers or borrowers relocating for work, RON can help eliminate travel requirements. This is particularly relevant for Gen Z, who tend to be more mobile in their careers and housing choices.
Faster Transaction Times
In competitive markets, speed can matter. Online notarization may help streamline the closing process by removing some of the logistical hurdles that slow traditional closings. While it’s not a magic solution, many lenders find it helps keep transactions moving forward.
Better Alignment with Borrower Expectations
Gen Z borrowers often expect digital options. Offering RON might help position your lending operation as modern and borrower-friendly, which can be a competitive advantage when these buyers are comparing lenders.
Considerations for Implementation
Before implementing RON, you should consider the following:
Security and Verification
Reputable RON platforms use advanced identity verification technology to confirm borrower identities. This often includes knowledge-based authentication, credential analysis, and biometric verification. These security measures can sometimes provide more thorough verification than traditional in-person methods.
State Compliance
This bears repeating: you must verify RON regulations in each state where you operate. Some states have robust RON laws; others are still developing their frameworks. Your compliance team should review state-specific requirements before offering RON services to borrowers.
Technology Requirements
Make sure your borrowers understand they’ll need a computer or laptop with functioning video and audio. Some Gen Z buyers might assume they can use their phones, but current RON standards typically require the larger screen and more stable connection that computers provide.
Platform Features to Look For
If you’re considering adding RON to your operations, here are some features that might matter:
Integration Options
Some platforms offer white-label integration or API access. If you handle high volumes of loans, these features might help you incorporate RON into your existing workflow more seamlessly.
Volume Pricing
For lenders closing numerous loans monthly, volume pricing options can make the cost structure more predictable and potentially more affordable.
Document Management
Look for platforms that help you organize and access notarized documents efficiently. Features like monthly billing for recurring access or single-use document viewing might align better with your operational needs.
What NotaryCam Offers Mortgage Lenders
If you’re considering adding RON to your operations, NotaryCam provides several features designed specifically for lending professionals:
White Label and API Integration
If you handle high volumes of loans, NotaryCam’s white-label integration and API access may help you incorporate RON directly into your existing workflow. This means borrowers can complete their notarization without feeling like they’ve left your lending ecosystem, which can help maintain brand consistency throughout the closing process.
Flexible Document Access
NotaryCam provides options for how you access and manage notarized documents. You can view clients’ notarized documents on a single-use basis or set up recurring access through monthly billing, depending on what makes sense for your operational needs and compliance requirements.
Notary Options
NotaryCam gives you flexibility in how you staff your closings. You can use NotaryCam’s network of commissioned notaries who are already trained on the platform, or you can bring your own notaries and have them conduct sessions through NotaryCam’s system. This flexibility can help you maintain existing relationships while still leveraging RON technology.
Security Features
NotaryCam’s platform uses multiple layers of security to protect your transactions. This typically includes identity verification technology, credential analysis, secure audio-visual recording of sessions, and encrypted document storage. These security measures can help ensure that remote notarizations meet the same standards of authenticity and integrity as traditional in-person signings.
The Bigger Picture for Lenders
The Secure Notarization Act of 2024 has helped establish clearer federal guidelines for RON, which may encourage more widespread adoption. For mortgage lenders, this regulatory clarity can make it easier to implement RON with confidence.
Gen Z currently represents a smaller portion of the homebuying market compared to Millennials or Gen X, but that’s changing quickly. As more of this generation reaches prime homebuying age, lenders who have already adapted to their preferences may find themselves better positioned to capture this market share.
Is RON Right for Your Operation?
Online notarization isn’t necessarily the right fit for every lender or every transaction. It’s a tool that might help you serve certain borrowers more effectively, particularly those in the Gen Z demographic who value digital convenience.
Consider your current borrower demographics, your team’s technical capabilities, and your state’s regulatory environment. RON platforms like NotaryCam can often help streamline processes and improve borrower satisfaction, but successful implementation requires proper planning and compliance with state regulations.
Moving Forward
The benefits of online notarization for Gen Z homebuyers are becoming clearer as this generation enters the market in larger numbers. For mortgage lenders, the question isn’t necessarily whether to adopt RON, but when and how to implement it effectively.
If you’re exploring RON options, take time to understand the technology, verify compliance requirements in your operating states, and choose a platform that aligns with your lending volume and operational needs. The goal is to make the borrowing process smoother for Gen Z buyers while maintaining the security and compliance standards your business requires.
Gen Z is reshaping expectations in the mortgage industry. Online notarization platforms can help you meet them where they are, literally and figuratively, while potentially improving your operational efficiency. As with any business decision, the key is understanding both the opportunities and the requirements before moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Notarization for Gen Z Homebuyers
What are the benefits of online notarization for Gen Z homebuyers?
Online notarization offers Gen Z homebuyers several key benefits, including scheduling flexibility, the ability to complete closings from anywhere, faster transaction times, and a digital-first experience that aligns with their expectations. These benefits can help mortgage lenders better serve this growing demographic while potentially streamlining their own operations.
How does remote online notarization work for mortgage closings?
Remote online notarization allows borrowers to complete their mortgage closing documents via secure video connection with a commissioned notary public. Borrowers use a laptop or desktop computer with video and audio capability to verify their identity and sign documents electronically, all in real-time from their chosen location.
Is online notarization legal for mortgage documents?
Online notarization legality varies by state. Many states have established RON laws that permit remote notarization of mortgage documents, but regulations differ significantly.
What technology do Gen Z borrowers need for online notarization?
Gen Z borrowers need a laptop or desktop computer with functioning video and audio capabilities to complete online notarization. The technology requirements are similar to what’s needed for a standard video call. They will also need a strong internet connection.
Why do Gen Z homebuyers prefer online notarization?
Gen Z homebuyers prefer online notarization because it matches their digital-first lifestyle and expectations. Approximately 71.5% of Gen Z buyers plan to purchase homes within the next six years, and they expect the same convenience in major transactions as they experience with other online services. Online notarization eliminates travel time, offers flexible scheduling, and allows them to close from anywhere.
How secure is online notarization for mortgage lenders?
Online notarization platforms like NotaryCam use multiple security layers to protect mortgage transactions. These typically include advanced identity verification technology, credential analysis, encrypted document storage, and secure audio-visual recording of sessions. Many lenders find these digital security measures can be more thorough than traditional in-person verification methods.
Can mortgage lenders use their own notaries with online notarization platforms?
Yes, platforms like NotaryCam allow mortgage lenders to use their own commissioned notaries or access the platform’s network of trained notaries. This flexibility helps lenders maintain existing relationships while adopting remote online notarization technology for Gen Z homebuyers and other borrowers.
What documents can be notarized online for mortgage transactions?
Which mortgage documents can be notarized online depends on state regulations. Some states permit all notarial acts remotely, while others have restrictions on certain document types. Mortgage lenders should verify their state’s specific RON requirements to understand which closing documents qualify for online notarization.
How does online notarization improve the homebuying process for Gen Z?
Online notarization can improve the homebuying process for Gen Z by removing geographic barriers, reducing scheduling conflicts, and speeding up transaction times. Gen Z buyers who work remotely or live in different cities from their property can complete closings without travel. The digital process also helps reduce delays that might otherwise impact competitive offers.
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