Notarize Real Estate Closing

Real estate closings involve the notarization of deeds, mortgage documents, and other paperwork required to transfer property ownership. A notary verifies the identity of all signers and ensures documents are properly executed for recording with the county.

Typical cost:$75 - $200 per signing

What You Need to Bring

Valid government-issued photo ID for all signers

Deed or deed of trust (prepared by title company or attorney)

Loan documents (if financing)

Closing disclosure and settlement statement

Transfer tax forms (varies by state/county)

Real Estate Closing Requirements by State

California

•All signatures on deeds must be notarized before recording
•Grant deeds are the most common transfer instrument
•Documentary transfer tax applies (varies by county)
•Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR) required
•County recorder requires original notarized documents

California real estate closings typically involve a loan signing agent who guides all parties through the documents. The title company coordinates the notary.

Texas

•Texas uses deed of trust (not mortgage) for secured lending
•All deed signatures must be notarized for county recording
•Community property state - both spouses may need to sign
•Texas home equity laws are among the strictest in the US
•Warranty deed is the standard transfer instrument

Texas real estate closings often require both spouses to sign due to community property laws, even if only one spouse is on the title.

Illinois

•Warranty deed must be notarized for recording
•PTAX-203 Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration required
•Cook County has additional transfer tax and requirements
•Illinois is a judicial foreclosure state
•Title insurance is standard practice

Cook County (Chicago) has its own transfer tax stamp requirements in addition to state requirements. Budget extra time for multi-county transactions.