What is the role of a notary public in real estate transactions?

A notary public serves a crucial role in real estate transactions by certifying the authenticity of signatures on important documents. This function helps to prevent fraud by verifying the identity of the signers, ensuring that they are indeed who they claim to be and that they are signing documents willingly and without coercion. This signature verification process is essential in the context of real estate transactions, as these documents often involve substantial financial commitments and legal obligations.

In addition to verifying signatures, a notary public may also provide an official seal on documents, which further enhances their credibility. This is particularly important in transactions involving deeds, mortgages, and other documents that require notarization to be legally binding and enforceable.

The other roles related to real estate transactions, such as providing legal advice, overseeing the closing process, or preparing legal documents, fall outside the scope of a notary's responsibilities. These duties are typically handled by attorneys, real estate agents, or title companies. Understanding the distinct function of the notary public helps clarify their importance and limits within the realm of real estate transactions.