Can we talk about Pronouns for a minute? Pronouns in Notarial Certificates: What Should Notaries Do?

Those pronouns are there as a 'reader-assist' and were never meant to be circled. These are present in every document that is boiler plate or not specifically drawn for an individual. We see this on government documents, the intake forms at our doctors' offices and so many other places. Some notaries may choose to circle the pronouns as an additional layer of protection on a certificate; however, I have not yet found one state that has that requirement in their regulations.

Which one do I choose, and would it be politically correct to choose any of them?

I chose not to circle any of them.

What is the Difference between a 'Wet' & 'Dry' State in a Real Estate Closing?

Jan 30, 2023
4 min read

Written by Beth Hathoot

Edited & Updated 07/2026

What is meant by the terms - Wet state or Dry state? In this case, it doesn't have anything to do with alcohol. We are talking about real estate and property loan funding and closings.

Notary Public, Notary Stars, Notary2Pro, Signing System, Loan Signings, Loan Funding

As Notary Loan Signing Agents, we probably have heard the terms of a wet state & dry state for a real estate closing before but never really understood what it meant. Technically, in our role, we really don't need to know what it is because we rarely have to deal with it at the loan signing table. But I am the forever curious nerd and need to know as much as I can about something as it could make my loan signing appointment go smoother at the table.

In looking at the loan process, we know that when we meet with the consumer, all the loan and title search process has already taken place and our job is to just collect signatures, sometimes cash to close, and get the documents back to the Attorney or Title/Escrow company. Once those documents are reviewed and accepted (Quality control) the process of closing begins. Funding varies by state and refers to when a mortgage is considered 'Officially" closed, mortgage funds are disbursed and the new owner can take possession of the property. For the buyer, it is literally getting the keys and garage door opener at the table or waiting a few days. For the Seller, it is the difference between getting their proceeds at the table or waiting a few days.

What is the difference between a Wet funding and a Dry funding?

In 'wet' funding, (sometimes called Table Funding) the lender will fund the loan (transfer money to the Title/Escrow/Attorney) immediately after approval of all the signed documents on the day of the loan signing (shown as closing date on the CD & Settlement Statement). Wet funding wires are typically ordered a day or two in advance and are sitting in the escrow account the day the documents are signed. Commonly the mortgage and title documents are signed, the loan funds are distributed, and ownership is transferred (Recorded) from the seller to the buyer. This scenario is referred to as a 'wet' closing because it is official - before the ink dries. It is much stricter than dry funding and it happens much quicker. The Seller can receive their proceeds on the day the documents are signed, and the Buyer can take possession of the property. This is 100% done on closing day.

For a 'dry' funding, on the closing date, all parties sign the mortgage documents, the lender requirements are met...but the funds are not immediately disbursed. The funding package needs to go back to the lender so that it can be reviewed. No funds are distributed to the Seller on that date, and the Buyer cannot take possession of the property quite yet. It takes a few days before the lender funds the loan (wires the money to Title/Escrow/Attorney) and the conveyance document is recorded transferring ownership to the new buyer. By this time the - ink will have dried. Dry funding slows things down and is intended as a consumer protection to ensure there aren't any added issues that need to be addressed before funds are distributed. I know I've certainly been at the table on a Seller package and I'm giving the signer my "Exit" speech and the question comes "But where is my check? Didn't you bring my money?" I immediately correlated that this Seller's past experience has been with property located in a "wet funding" state. Dry funding rules vary from state to state.

Which states are 'Wet' or 'Dry' Funding states?

Dry Funding States

Alaska	Hawaii	New Mexico
Arizona	Idaho	Oregon
California	Nevada	Washington

Wet Funding States

Alabama	Indiana	Minnesota	Notary Dakota	Vermont
Arkansas	Iowa	Mississippi	Ohio	Virginia
Colorado	Kansas	Missouri	Oklahoma	West Virginia
Connecticut	Kentucky	Montana	Pennsylvania	Wisconsin
Delaware	Louisiana	Nebraska	Rhode Island	Wyoming
D.C.	Maine	New Hampshire	South Carolina	Florida
Maryland	New Jersey	Tennessee	Georgia	Massachusetts
New York	Texas	Illinois	Michigan	North Carolina
Utah

Whether a particular state is 'wet' or 'dry' is strictly based upon that state's RE laws. But surprisingly there are two states that allow for both; California and Alaska. For Real Estate Agents, a wet closing is preferred and will allow them to get their commission a little faster. A lender may prefer a Dry Closing if they are having issues with funding, technology issues, a backlog of applications, or a misplaced form or even waiting on specific repairs to be made to the property. Dry closing would give them a little more time to resolve those issues. For the Buyer, a 'dry closing' just means it will be a few more days until they can post that key-dangling, big-grin selfie on Facebook.

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