McKeever, so wonderful to hear from you at sea, and that the trip is turning out to be wonderful and meeting expectations!

John and Christina, not sure what the law is in your state, so this is not legal advice. You could always sign a Limited Power of Attorney prepared by your attorney to a trusted friend (could that possibly be a lawyer?) who could act in your stead in your absence to sign a contract. Just make sure they would e-mail you before signing anything with terms of sale/purchase, etc. That way, they could sign anything for you (Contract of Sale, HUD-1, etc. for the sale, and if you are buying they could also sign all the mortgage docs.) No need for a notary on board. I have this quite often when clients are away when settlement occurs. Send me a private message if I'm not being clear.