Introduction
Buying or selling a home involves a lot of paperwork — and several of those documents must be notarized before the deal can close. Notarization ensures that the people signing are who they say they are and that they understand what they’re signing. It’s a critical safeguard that prevents fraud and protects everyone involved in a real estate transaction.
Why Notarization Matters in Real Estate
Real estate documents transfer ownership of valuable property and create binding financial obligations. A notary public serves as an impartial witness to verify the identity of signers, confirm their willingness to sign, and make sure all signatures are genuine.
Without notarization, a document may be rejected by the county recorder, invalidated in court, or cause delays in funding.
Documents That Commonly Require Notarization
1. Deeds
A deed is the document that officially transfers ownership from the seller (grantor) to the buyer (grantee).
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Must be signed by the seller in front of a notary public.
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Notarization makes the deed eligible for recording in county land records.
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Common types include Warranty Deeds, Quitclaim Deeds, and Grant Deeds.
Tip: Always use the correct notarial certificate wording required by your state when notarizing a deed.
2. Mortgage or Deed of Trust
This document gives the lender a security interest in the property until the loan is paid off.
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The borrower signs this form, which must be notarized before it can be recorded.
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Ensures the lender’s claim is legally enforceable.
3. Affidavits and Certifications
Affidavits are sworn statements confirming facts such as ownership, identity, or occupancy.
Examples include:
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Affidavit of Title – verifies that the seller owns the property and there are no undisclosed liens.
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Occupancy Affidavit – confirms the borrower will live in the property.
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Identity Affidavit – ensures the borrower’s identity matches loan records.
Each of these must be signed and notarized to be valid.
4. Power of Attorney (POA) for Real Estate Transactions
If someone is signing on behalf of another person, the Power of Attorney must be notarized before it can be used in a closing.
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Notarization confirms that the principal voluntarily authorized the agent.
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Most title companies require the original notarized POA on file before proceeding.
5. Closing Disclosure and Loan Documents
Not all loan documents require notarization, but some lenders or title companies include notarized acknowledgments on certain key pages.
These can include:
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Promissory Note (sometimes notarized for extra verification)
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Loan Agreement Addendums
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Refinance Packets
Always follow lender-specific instructions — some use remote online notarization (RON) to speed up signing.
Documents That Usually Don’t Require Notarization
Some real estate forms are witnessed but not notarized, including:
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Purchase agreements (signed by buyer and seller but not notarized)
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Inspection or repair addendums
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Escrow instructions
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Preliminary title reports
Why Some Documents Must Be Recorded
A document that transfers or secures ownership rights (like a deed or mortgage) must be recorded with the county recorder to become part of the public record.
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County offices will not accept unnotarized documents for recording.
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Proper notarization ensures authenticity and protects against property fraud.
Remote Online Notarization (RON) for Real Estate
Today, many states allow these key documents to be notarized online using Remote Online Notarization (RON).
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The signer meets the notary via secure video platform.
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The notary verifies ID and applies an electronic notary seal.
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The notarized document is immediately available for eRecording.
Fast closings, fewer delays — but always confirm your lender and county accept RON for your transaction.
Final Thoughts
Notarization is more than a formality — it’s what makes your real estate documents legally enforceable and recordable. Whether you’re signing a deed, mortgage, or affidavit, working with a professional notary ensures your paperwork is accurate, complete, and ready for closing.
At Looking Glass Runners Notary, we specialize in helping buyers, sellers, and agents complete their notarizations — both in person and online — with speed and accuracy.
