Notary for Real Estate Closings
7 min read
Every real estate transaction — purchase, sale, refinance, or transfer — requires notarized signatures. Whether you're buying your first home or transferring a property deed, a notary or loan signing agent is essential. Here's what to expect and how to find the right professional.
Need a notary for real estate closings?
Find verified notaries near you. Free quotes, no obligation.
Real Estate Documents That Require Notarization
- Deeds — Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, grant deeds, and trust deeds all require notarization to be recorded
- Mortgage/deed of trust — The loan security document must be notarized and recorded
- Closing disclosure — Borrowers sign at closing; notarization confirms identity
- Affidavits — Identity affidavits, occupancy affidavits, and title affidavits
- Power of attorney for real estate — Required when a party can't attend closing in person
Notary vs. Loan Signing Agent: Which Do You Need?
| Feature | General Notary | Loan Signing Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Verifies identity | Yes | Yes |
| Notarizes signatures | Yes | Yes |
| Trained in loan documents | No | Yes |
| Explains documents to signer | Limited | Yes |
| Returns package to title co. | No | Yes |
| Typical cost | $6–$15/signature | $75–$200 flat fee |
For a mortgage closing or refinance, always use a loan signing agent. For simple deed transfers or quitclaims, a general notary works fine.
What to Expect at a Real Estate Closing
A typical real estate closing takes 45–90 minutes. Here's the process:
- The signing agent arrives with the document package from the title company
- All signers present valid government-issued photo ID
- The agent walks through each document, explaining its purpose
- Signers sign and initial where marked — typically 50+ signature points
- The notary notarizes documents that require it (deed, mortgage, affidavits)
- The agent collects the completed package and returns it to the title company
Real Estate Notary Costs by State
| State | Notary Fee | Signing Agent Fee |
|---|---|---|
| California | $15/signature | $100–$200 |
| Texas | $6/notarial act | $75–$175 |
| Illinois | $1/notarial act | $75–$150 |
The signing agent fee is usually paid by the title company or lender, not the buyer or seller. Check your closing disclosure to see how these fees are allocated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a notary do at a real estate closing?
At a real estate closing, the notary (or loan signing agent) verifies the identity of all signers, administers oaths, witnesses signatures on the deed, mortgage, and closing documents, and notarizes each document that requires it. A typical closing involves 50-150 pages of documents with multiple notarized signatures.
How much does a notary charge for a real estate closing?
Loan signing agents typically charge $75–$200 per signing, which is separate from the per-signature notary fees set by state law. The signing fee covers the agent's time to review the entire document package, explain documents to signers, and return the completed package to the title company.
What is the difference between a notary and a loan signing agent?
A loan signing agent is a notary who has additional training in real estate and mortgage documents. They can guide borrowers through the signing process and explain the purpose of each document. All loan signing agents are notaries, but not all notaries are trained in loan signings.
Do real estate deeds need to be notarized?
Yes. Every state requires deeds to be notarized before they can be recorded with the county recorder's office. This applies to warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, grant deeds, and all other deed types. An unnotarized deed cannot be recorded and may not effectively transfer ownership.
Find a Loan Signing Agent Near You
Browse verified loan signing agents and mobile notaries in your city.
Related Guides & Resources
Need a Notary for Your Real Estate Transaction?
Find verified loan signing agents and mobile notaries.
Browse Loan Signing Agents