Legal TermsHomebuying Glossary

Power of Attorney

Also known as POA

A legal document letting someone else sign documents and act on your behalf.

In plain English

A power of attorney authorizes another person to act on your behalf legally — sometimes used at closing if a buyer or seller can't be physically present to sign documents themselves.

Why it matters

If you need someone to sign on your behalf at closing, tell your title company or closing agent well in advance — POA documents typically need to be prepared and reviewed ahead of time.

Where you'll run into it

Guides and tools on TheBuyingPath that cover power of attorney in context.

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