How to Get Documents Notarized for Real Estate in Texas: Complete Guide
How to Get Documents Notarized for Real Estate in Texas: Complete Guide
Real estate transactions require proper notarization to ensure documents are legally valid and can be recorded with county clerks. Whether you're buying, selling, or refinancing property, understanding real estate notarization requirements is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know about notarizing real estate documents in Texas.
Why Real Estate Documents Must Be Notarized
Legal Requirements:
- Deed recording: Deeds must be notarized to be recorded
- Legal validity: Notarized documents are legally binding
- Title insurance: Required for title insurance policies
- Court recognition: Notarized documents are admissible in court
Practical Benefits:
- Prevents fraud: Verifies identity of signers
- Ensures validity: Documents are legally enforceable
- Facilitates recording: County clerks require notarization
- Protects parties: All parties are protected legally
Real Estate Documents That Require Notarization
1. Deeds
- Warranty deed: Transfers property with warranty
- Quitclaim deed: Transfers property without warranty
- Deed of trust: Security instrument for mortgage
- Transfer on death deed: Transfers property upon death
2. Mortgage Documents
- Mortgage note: Promissory note for loan
- Deed of trust: Security instrument
- Mortgage modification: Changes to mortgage terms
- Satisfaction of mortgage: Release of mortgage lien
3. Real Estate Contracts
- Purchase agreement: Contract to buy property
- Sale agreement: Contract to sell property
- Lease agreements: Commercial leases (some)
- Option agreements: Property option contracts
4. Title Documents
- Title affidavits: Sworn statements about title
- Title transfer documents: Transfer of title
- Title insurance documents: Title insurance paperwork
5. Closing Documents
- Closing statements: Final settlement statements
- Affidavits: Various sworn statements
- Disclosures: Required property disclosures
Requirements for Real Estate Notarization
What You Need:
- Valid photo ID: Driver's license, passport, or state ID
- Real estate documents: Provided by title company or attorney
- All signers present: All parties must be present
- Payment: For notary fees and closing costs
- Property information: Property address, legal description
What the Notary Will Do:
- Verify identity of all signers
- Ensure documents are complete
- Witness all signatures
- Notarize required documents
- Apply notary seal and signature
- Return documents to title company/attorney
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Receive Documents
- Title company/attorney sends documents
- Review documents before signing appointment
- Note any questions or concerns
- Prepare list of questions for notary
Step 2: Schedule Notary Appointment
- Coordinate with title company/attorney
- Schedule convenient time and location
- Ensure all signers can attend
- Confirm notary availability
Step 3: Prepare for Appointment
- Gather valid photo ID for all signers
- Review documents thoroughly
- Prepare questions
- Arrange payment method
Step 4: Meet with Notary
- Present valid ID
- Review documents together
- Ask questions
- Sign documents in notary's presence
Step 5: Notarization
- Notary verifies identity
- Notary witnesses signatures
- Notary applies seal and signature
- Notary records in journal
Step 6: Return Documents
- Notary returns documents to title company/attorney
- Documents recorded with county clerk
- Transaction completes
- Title transfers
Common Real Estate Notarization Scenarios
Scenario 1: Home Purchase
Documents: Purchase agreement, deed, mortgage, closing documents Signers: Buyer(s), seller(s) Notarization: Required for deed and mortgage Timeline: Typically 45-60 minutes
Scenario 2: Home Sale
Documents: Sale agreement, deed, closing documents Signers: Seller(s) Notarization: Required for deed Timeline: Typically 30-45 minutes
Scenario 3: Refinance
Documents: Refinance loan, new mortgage, deed of trust Signers: Homeowner(s) Notarization: Required for mortgage documents Timeline: Typically 30-45 minutes
Scenario 4: Property Transfer
Documents: Deed, transfer documents Signers: Grantor(s), grantee(s) Notarization: Required for deed Timeline: Typically 20-30 minutes
Identity Verification Requirements
Acceptable ID:
- Driver's license: Texas or any U.S. state
- State ID card: Texas or any U.S. state
- U.S. passport: Valid passport book or card
- Military ID: Active duty, reserves, retirees
- Permanent resident card: Green card
ID Requirements:
- Must be current (not expired)
- Must have photo
- Must have signature
- Must match signer's appearance
Cost of Real Estate Notarization
Standard Fees:
- Deed notarization: $10-$15 per signature (state maximum)
- Loan signing: $150-$300+ (includes all documents)
- Mobile notary: $75-$150+ (includes travel)
- After-hours/weekend: Additional fees may apply
What's Included:
- Notary services
- Travel to your location (mobile notary)
- Document review assistance
- Identity verification
- Notarization of all required documents
- Return of documents to title company/attorney
Where to Get Real Estate Documents Notarized
Mobile Notary Services
Houston Mobile Notary Pros offers convenient mobile notary services for real estate:
- Home visits: We come to your location
- Title company visits: Meet at title company office
- Attorney office visits: Meet at attorney's office
- Same-day service: Available for urgent needs
- Evening/weekend: Flexible scheduling
Book an appointment for real estate notarization.
Other Options:
- Title company: Often have notaries on staff
- Attorney's office: Many have notaries on staff
- Bank notary: Often free for account holders (simple documents)
- UPS Store/FedEx: Commercial notaries
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Signing Before Notary Arrives
Mistake: Signing documents before notary is present Solution: Wait to sign until notary witnesses signing
2. Expired ID
Mistake: Bringing expired driver's license Solution: Ensure ID is current and valid
3. Missing Signers
Mistake: Not all required signers present Solution: Ensure all parties can attend appointment
4. Incomplete Documents
Mistake: Documents missing pages or information Solution: Review documents before appointment
5. Wrong Property Information
Mistake: Property address or legal description incorrect Solution: Verify property information before signing
Real Estate Notarization Checklist
Before Appointment:
- [ ] Documents received from title company/attorney
- [ ] Documents reviewed
- [ ] Questions prepared
- [ ] Valid ID for all signers
- [ ] Appointment scheduled
- [ ] Location confirmed
At Appointment:
- [ ] Present valid ID
- [ ] Review documents with notary
- [ ] Ask questions
- [ ] Sign all documents
- [ ] Notary notarizes required documents
- [ ] Receive copies of documents
After Appointment:
- [ ] Documents returned to title company/attorney
- [ ] Documents recorded with county clerk
- [ ] Transaction completes
- [ ] Title transfers
Recording Requirements
County Clerk Recording:
- Required: Deeds must be recorded
- Timeline: Typically within 30 days
- Fees: Recording fees apply
- Process: Title company/attorney handles recording
What Gets Recorded:
- Deeds
- Mortgages
- Deeds of trust
- Liens
- Easements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all real estate documents need to be notarized?
No, only certain documents require notarization (typically deeds and mortgages). Other documents may be signed without notarization.
Can I use Remote Online Notarization for real estate?
Yes, RON is available in Texas for real estate documents, but some title companies may prefer in-person notarization.
How long does real estate notarization take?
Typically 30-60 minutes depending on the number of documents and signers.
What if I can't attend the signing?
All required signers must be present. If you can't attend, you may need to reschedule or use a power of attorney (which also requires notarization).
Can I sign real estate documents before the notary arrives?
No, documents must be signed in the notary's presence. Signing beforehand invalidates the notarization.
What happens if my ID is expired?
You'll need to renew your ID or use an alternative valid ID. Expired ID cannot be accepted.
Why Choose Houston Mobile Notary Pros
- Experienced: Hundreds of real estate notarizations completed
- Convenient: We come to your location
- Fast: Same-day appointments available
- Professional: Licensed and insured
- Knowledgeable: Understand real estate document requirements
- Flexible: Evening and weekend appointments
Next Steps
Need real estate documents notarized? Book an appointment with Houston Mobile Notary Pros. We'll ensure your real estate documents are properly notarized and legally valid.
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Need help with your documents?
If you're in Texas City, Webster, Clear Lake, or the Houston area and need a notary to come to you — evenings, weekends, or at a hospital — we've got you covered.