When purchasing a house from an absent seller, buyers must prioritize verifying legal documents, conducting virtual inspections, and securing remote notarization. Legal review ensures contracts are binding, virtual tours assess condition without seller bias, and remote notarization streamlines signatures.

The absence of a seller increases risks of undetected property issues or fraudulent documents. A 2022 National Association of Realtors report found 65% of buyers used virtual tours to avoid in-person visits, reducing reliance on seller-provided information. Professional inspections cost $300–$500 on average (American Society of Home Inspectors), but catching defects early saves buyers $5,000–$10,000 in repairs . Title checks prevent 2.1% of transactions from closing due to liens or errors (Fannie Mae 2023). Remote notarization, legal in 48 states since 2020, accelerates closings by 20 days (National Notary Association). These steps mitigate risks and align with 78% of recent remote buyers prioritizing transparency (Zillow 2023).