In Connecticut, if you are acting as Power of Attorney (POA) for someone in a real estate transaction (like selling their house), you must follow certain signing conventions so the contract and deed are legally valid.
Here’s how it works:
The POA must be durable (still effective if the principal is incapacitated).
It must specifically grant authority to sell real estate.
It should be notarized and, ideally, recorded in the land records of the town where the property is located before the closing.
When you sign documents (contracts, listing agreements, deeds, closing papers), you sign the principal’s name, followed by your name and capacity.
For example, if you are Jane Smith signing under POA for John Doe:
Correct signature:
John Doe, by Jane Smith, his Attorney-in-Fact
Alternative acceptable versions:
John Doe by Jane Smith, Power of Attorney
Jane Smith as Attorney-in-Fact for John Doe
⚠️ Do not just sign your own name, or just write “POA” — it won’t be legally binding.
Connecticut requires the POA to be recorded in the town’s land records before or at the same time as the deed is recorded. The closing attorney usually handles this.
You’ll need to bring:
The original or certified copy of the POA.
A valid photo ID.
Sometimes a copy of the principal’s ID is requested for lender/title company compliance.
✅ Quick Example (contract signature line):
Seller: John Doe By: Jane Smith, his Attorney-in-Fact