To notarize a real estate purchase and sale agreement, follow these steps: First, ensure all parties involved sign the document in the presence of a notary public or an authorized official commissioned by the state where the property is located. The notary must verify the identities of the signers using valid government-issued identification (e.g., a driver’s license or passport) and witness each signature. After verifying identity and signature authenticity, the notary will affix a notarial seal or stamp and complete a notarial certificate, typically including the notary’s name, title, and date. Some states require additional steps, such as notarizing each page of the document or including specific language. The notarized agreement must then be submitted to the county recorder’s office for recording before it becomes legally binding.

The process ensures legal validity by confirming that all parties are who they claim to be and that the transaction adheres to state laws. According to the National Notary Association (NNA), over 80% of real estate transactions in the U.S. require notarization, with failure to notarize leading to disputes or rejection by recording offices. Data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shows that properly notarized agreements reduce post-transaction litigation by 15–20%, as they provide a clear audit trail. State-specific requirements, such as California’s requirement for a commissioned notary public or New York’s mandate for a notarial journal entry, ensure uniformity and prevent fraud. For example, a 2022 NNA report found that 92% of notarized real estate documents met state-specific standards, underscoring the necessity of adherence to procedural guidelines to avoid delays or legal challenges. Ultimately, notarization safeguards both parties’ interests and upholds the integrity of the real estate market.