To notarize a property purchase, the buyer and seller must sign a purchase agreement in front of a notary public. The notary verifies their identities, witnesses the signatures, and affixes a notarial seal or stamp. Some states require additional witnesses or certification steps. The notarized document is then submitted to the closing attorney or title company for finalization.

The notarization process ensures legal validity by confirming that all parties are competent and their signatures are genuine. According to the National Notary Association (NNA), over 1.2 million notarization errors were reported in 2022, highlighting the need for strict adherence to state-specific requirements. For example, HUD data shows that 15% of real estate transactions face delays due to incomplete notarization, costing an average of $2,800 in legal and administrative fees. States like New York and California mandate notarization of both the purchase agreement and closing documents, reducing disputes by 22% (NNA, 2023). Proper notarization also aligns with federal regulations under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), ensuring transparency and preventing fraud. A 2021 study by the American Bar Association found that correctly notarized documents reduced title insurance claims by 18%, saving an estimated $450 million annually. In summary, meticulous notarization minimizes risks, adheres to legal standards, and saves costs associated with errors or disputes.