How do I update my contact email for sale and closing documents when I can’t access my old account? – North Carolina

Short Answer

In North Carolina, tell your closing attorney and lender in writing to replace your old email with your new one and to remove the old email from all notices and e-sign portals. Expect identity checks (such as a photo ID and a call-back) before they make the change. Do this before the lender sends your initial Closing Disclosure so you receive required documents on time.

Understanding the Problem

You need to know how to change your contact email for a North Carolina real estate sale and closing when you can’t get into your old email account. The decision maker is you. The action is a written request to your closing attorney and lender to update and confirm your contact email for all closing communications. Timing matters because lenders send key disclosures shortly before closing.

Apply the Law

North Carolina residential closings run through a North Carolina closing attorney. That office, along with your lender and any e-sign portal, controls how your contact information is stored and used. There is no state statute that dictates how to change an email address in a private real estate closing. Instead, you must give clear written notice, verify your identity, and get written confirmation that the update took effect. The main “forum” is your closing attorney’s office and your lender; the key timing is before the lender sends your Closing Disclosure (typically at least three business days before closing).

Key Requirements

• Written instruction: Email or letter to the closing attorney and lender directing them to replace your old email with your new one and remove the old address from all distributions.
• Identity verification: Be ready to provide a photo ID and confirm the change by a call-back to a known phone number for security.
• Confirm receipt: Ask for written confirmation and a test message to your new email to ensure the change is active.
• Update all platforms: Request resets for any e-sign or lender portals and enable two-factor authentication on the new email.
• Single point of contact: If you have your own attorney, route the update through that office so all parties use the correct, secure channel.

What the Statutes Say

• No North Carolina statute directly governs how to change your email in a private real estate closing; procedures vary by lender and closing attorney.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because you cannot access your old email, send a written instruction to your closing attorney and lender to replace it, remove the old address from all lists, and reset any portals. Provide ID if asked and confirm by phone. Request a test email and written confirmation so you receive time-sensitive disclosures and final documents at your new address.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: You (or your attorney). Where: Closing attorney’s office and your lender in North Carolina. What: A written “Change of Contact Information” instruction that specifies your new email, requests removal of the old email, and asks for written confirmation; include a copy of a government ID if requested. When: Immediately—ideally before the lender issues the initial Closing Disclosure (commonly at least three business days before closing).
2. Closing team updates internal records and any e-sign portal and may call you to verify identity; you receive a test message to confirm the change. This often occurs within 1–2 business days, but timelines vary by office.
3. Final confirmation: you receive disclosures and final documents at the new email; the old email remains disabled in the file. You maintain the confirmation email and test message as your record.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Compromised or inaccessible accounts: Do not enable forwarding from the old email. Direct the closing team to delete it from all distributions and note the file that no wire instructions will be sent or accepted by email without verbal confirmation.
• Portal lockouts: Ask for a portal email reset to the new address and enable two-factor authentication. Verify you can log in and receive notifications.
• Partial updates: Don’t update only one party. Notify the closing attorney and lender (and your own attorney if you have one) at the same time to prevent missed notices.
• Telephone verification: Only call known, published numbers for the closing attorney and lender to verify changes; avoid phone numbers that arrive by email links.

Talk to a Real Estate Attorney

If you’re dealing with changing contact information during a North Carolina real estate closing, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Call us today at [919-341-7055].

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.