The Role of a Notary in Real Estate and How to Get Started

Buying or selling a home is exciting, but the final steps can feel overwhelming. That’s where a certified signing professional comes in — they verify identities, witness signatures, and ensure all property transfer documents are executed according to state law. Below, you’ll learn what these professionals do, why their role is essential, and how to add this in-demand skill to your credentials.

 What Does a Signing Agent Do?

A notary for real estate — often called a notary signing agent — is a commissioned notary public with extra training in real estate transactions. They:

• Verify borrower and seller identities
• Guide parties through loan packages, deeds, and affidavits
• Confirm each page that needs a signature, initial, or date is complete
• Place the notarial seal on acknowledgments and jurats
• Return documents to the title or escrow company for funding

Their presence protects everyone from fraud and keeps closings on schedule.

Can a Real Estate Agent Be a Notary?

Yes — but only with safeguards. A licensed real-estate agent can hold a notary commission if they have no financial interest in the deal they’re notarizing. For example, a listing agent may not notarize their own sale contract, but they can notarize an unrelated deed for another client.

Agents who add a notary commission often gain a convenient side income and offer full-service support to clients.

Why Real Estate Transactions Need Notarization

Real-estate deals involve large sums, multiple stakeholders, and public-record filings. States therefore require notarization to:

• Confirm each signer’s identity and willingness
• Authenticate legal documents such as the mortgage, title transfer, or power of attorney
• Provide an auditable trail in county land records

Skipping notarization can delay funding, void the contract, or trigger fraud claims. The notary is the gatekeeper that keeps the deal legally binding.

 Common Documents in a Property Signing Appointment

• Warranty or quitclaim deeds
• Promissory notes and riders
• Closing disclosures and settlement statements
• Assignments of escrow
• Home-equity, refinance, or reverse-mortgage packages

How to Choose a Signing Specialist

If you’re a buyer, seller, or agent looking for a qualified notary:

• Ask your title company which signing agents they trust.
• Check training and insurance. Confirm the notary has current signing-agent certification and E&O coverage.
• Verify state compliance. For instance, Georgia and South Carolina require an attorney at closing, while Florida permits a single signing agent.

How to Become a Property Signing Professional

The core path is the same nationwide:

1. Hold an active notary commission. If you’re new, begin with a state-specific package — for example, our Texas Notary Package, which includes everything you need to apply for your commission and get started.
2. Complete signing-agent training. Our Notary Signing Agent Course teaches loan terms, document flow, and error-free closings.
3. Pass a background check. Lenders and title companies require annual screenings.
4. Carry Errors & Omissions insurance. Most hiring firms look for at least $25,000 in coverage.
5. Market your services. Join signing platforms, network with local escrow officers, and list your profile in notary directories.

Earning Potential in the Real-Estate Niche

Ready to start your own notary business and start earning in the real-estate industry? Let’s dive in and learn about how much you can earn. 

Unlike general notarizations that may cap at $10 per seal, signing appointments pay for knowledge and convenience. Independent signing agents typically charge $75 – $200 per closing, plus:

• Printing fees for loan packages
• Mileage or mobile-notary travel
• Courier costs to return signed documents

In busy markets, experienced signing agents can book multiple closings a day and build a steady income — or treat the niche as a weekend side hustle. There are a multitude of reasons why becoming a notary signing agent is worth it. 

Remote and Mobile Options

Modern closings aren’t limited to the title office:

• Mobile notaries travel to homes, hospitals, or workplaces — ideal for clients who value flexibility.
• Remote online notarization (RON) allows parties to sign over a secure video call. A mobile notary can perform RON once they complete their state’s RON steps — the process mirrors becoming a regular notary public, with an added technology authorization.

By adding mobile or RON services, you widen your client base and showcase yourself as a forward-thinking professional.

State-Specific Differences That May Affect Your Notary Work

In some states, real estate notarizations or remote closings require additional training or documentation. 

These requirements may influence how quickly you can begin offering signing services in your state. 

California

New and renewing notaries must take a six-hour approved course and pass the state exam. Our California package covers both.

Florida & Pennsylvania

Both states require a short education course before you can notarize.

In Pennsylvania, real estate closings often include state tax forms.

Montana

All commissioned notaries can perform Remote Online Notarization (RON) once they meet the state’s tech and recordkeeping requirements.

Illinois

Remote Online Notarization is permitted.

Next Step: Become a Notary in Real Estate Today  

Want to expand your income and earning potential? Becoming a real estate signing agent is a natural next step for many notaries. 

Since 1965, Notaries.com has helped countless people become notaries. Ready to boost your income or expand into real-estate signings?

Get started now!