Buying a home can be a complex process. To ensure the transaction goes smoothly, and there are no issues with the transfer of the property, buyers typically engage the services of a notary to oversee the signing of all the paperwork. As an impartial witness trained in real estate closing processes, these professionals finalize the purchase of your home and ensure that the documents related to the purchase and ownership are accurate and compliant. Below, learn how a notary helps in the home buying process. 

What a Notary Does at a Home Closing

Once you’re clear to close on a new home, you’ll need to hire a notary to oversee the proceedings. This is typically a service provided by a title company. You can select any title company for a real estate closing. Most mortgage lenders will provide a list for convenience. 

When you’ve selected a title service, they will provide a notary signing agent to complete the loan process. This includes working with you to determine how you wish to hold the title to the property, such as a joint title between spouses or partners. They will also prepare the statement of adjustments to determine how much must be paid at closing for fees and prepare all of the closing documents. 

At the actual date of closing, the notary signing agent brings the documents for both parties to sign and handles all of the money that needs to be transferred. Although the down payment will most likely be sent to the mortgage lender electronically, you’ll also need to bring a cashier’s check to the closing to cover the closing costs. The signing agent is responsible for disbursing the funds from the mortgage loan, paying the seller’s remaining mortgage balance on the property, real estate agent commissions, and any profits to the seller. 

How a Notary Benefits You

One of the most important roles for a notary is to ensure you know what you're signing, and that you are doing so willingly. Before signing a single document, they will check your identification and possibly administer an oath to ensure you’re aware of what you’re signing and not doing so under intimidation or duress. If, at any point, the notary suspects there is anything amiss, they can stop the proceedings. 

After the papers are signed, the notary will also sign, and apply their seal to indicate they witnessed the proceedings. Without this notarization, the state will not consider the transaction valid. The completed paperwork is then submitted to the proper authorities to record the transaction, and you can take ownership of your new property. 

To ensure your home buying process goes smoothly, turn to a reliable and professional notary from Guillory's Title & Notary Service in Ville Platte, LA. Their team will correctly notarize and witness your real estate transaction and make sure all of the details are handled properly. Call them today at (337) 224-0658 to discuss your needs or learn more about their services on their website.