Merlino & Gonzalez - July 2024

Close Deals With Ease

The Role of Technology in Modern Real Estate Transactions

Online Platforms and Digital Conferencing

Real estate transactions are evolving rapidly, especially with the integration of advanced technology making processes smoother and more efficient. For seasoned investors or first- time homebuyers, the final steps of securing a new property can be particularly nerve- wracking. Thankfully, in 2024, technology is here to simplify the usual closing catastrophes. Digitize Documents With Efficiency Gone are the days when closing on a property required lugging around heavy folders stuffed with paperwork. Today, digital platforms ensure that every necessary document is just a click away. This shift not only streamlines the process but also significantly reduces the risk of human error. When all your documents are digitized, everything you need is ready and accessible. There’s no need to worry about a gust of wind ruining your closing day! Enhanced Communication Real estate transactions involve a myriad of conversations among various

parties, including lenders, agents, attorneys, and inspectors. Modern technology can organize contact information and maintain a detailed record of all communications. This continuous connectivity ensures everyone is on the same page and helps prevent last- minute scrambles or misunderstandings as the closing date approaches.

The backbone of tech-savvy real estate transactions is undoubtedly the online platform used for document management. These platforms store documents securely and integrate with blockchain technology to ensure that funds are transferred securely and swiftly on closing day, eliminating the need for physical checks. For closings that involve parties in different locations, digital conferencing tools come into play. They facilitate the virtual meeting of all parties involved, where a remote online notary guides each step, ensuring all documents are reviewed and signed correctly. In 2024, as technology continues to redefine our daily lives, the real estate industry is no exception. By embracing these technological advancements, we can ensure that the process of buying or selling property is as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Secure Transactions With Automated Verification

With considerable sums of money on the line, verifying the authenticity of information and identities is crucial. Technology now allows for meticulous verification processes and secure storage of critical documents, improving the security of your transaction. Additionally, remote online notarization (RON) in states like New York has transformed the signing process. Parties can now meet with a notary via video conference, sign documents electronically, and avoid the scheduling conflicts typical of in‑person meetings.

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MICHELE’S RECIPE CORNER

Estate planning with Merlino & Gonzalez turned out to be surprisingly pleasant. They helped us organize everything, ensuring fairness and clarity in how our assets would be handled. What’s great is that the plan is open-ended, allowing for adjustments as life changes because, as we all know, it certainly does! We feel incredibly blessed to be part of this tight-knit community, to have raised our children here, and to watch our grandchildren grow up in the same wonderful environment. My greatest pride is my children — all wonderfully established in their careers and lives. They have truly been my life’s greatest accomplishments. Now, as Anthony and I start to enjoy our retirement years with some well-earned leisure and travel, it’s comforting to know that everything back home is sorted. Next up on our travel list? Perhaps Niagara Falls! It’s exhilarating to just book a trip and go, knowing everything else is taken care of. Estate planning might sound serious and daunting, but honestly, it’s given us such peace of mind, letting us truly enjoy our adventures and family time without worry. So, here’s to many more years of travel, family gatherings, and living life to the fullest with a little help from our friendly neighborhood law firm! –Darlene & Anthony Vigliotti

SUMMER PIZZA

INSPIRED BY FOODANDWINE.COM

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb pizza dough • 1/4 cup pesto • 1/3 cup shredded quesadilla cheese • 10 thin slices of zucchini • 10 thin slices of summer squash • 2 mini bell peppers, thinly sliced

• 1 thin slice of red onion, diced • 1 strip cooked bacon, chopped

Butter Glaze (optional) • 1 tbsp butter • 1 tsp steak seasoning

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat grill to high heat on one side. 2. Reduce the flame on half of the grill burners to low.

3. Roll out pizza dough into a circle. Place dough on the grill over high heat. 4. Close the cover and let dough grill for 1–3 minutes until bottom is slightly cooked and shows char marks. 5. Use tongs to flip crust over and move it to the low-heat side. 6. Brush dough with pesto, sprinkle with cheese, and evenly distribute veggies and bacon. 7. Grill for about 3 minutes until cheese is melted; then carefully remove. 8. Optional: Combine butter and seasoning. Brush crust edges with butter glaze and place pizza in broiler until golden.

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