Real Estate Closing Notary Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s fast-paced property market, the role of a real estate closing notary is more critical than ever.
As the world of real estate evolves, the need for meticulous professionals who can seal, verify, and safeguard our property transactions grows stronger.
But what is truly expected from a real estate closing notary?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
- A hiring manager crafting the profile of the perfect candidate,
- Or simply curious about the intricate process of real estate closings,
You’ve landed in the right spot.
Today, we present a tailored real estate closing notary job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive straight in.
Real Estate Closing Notary Duties and Responsibilities
Real Estate Closing Notaries, also known as Notary Signing Agents, play a critical role in the real estate transaction process.
They are responsible for overseeing the signing of important documents related to home sales and purchases.
They verify and authenticate the identities of all parties involved and ensure all legal documents are signed and delivered correctly.
Their specific duties and responsibilities include:
- Reviewing real estate transaction documents for accuracy and completeness
- Ensuring all parties involved in the transaction are properly identified
- Witnessing and authenticating the signatures on real estate transaction documents
- Notarizing documents in accordance with state laws and regulations
- Returning completed and notarized documents to the appropriate party or entity
- Keeping accurate records of all notarial acts performed
- Ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of all transaction details
- Maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of notary laws and regulations
- Coordinating schedules with clients, real estate agents, and lenders to arrange signings
- Providing unbiased witness to the signing of legal documents
Real Estate Closing Notary Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a diligent, detail-oriented Real Estate Closing Notary to join our team.
The role will involve managing all facets of the real estate closing process, including the accurate and legal signing of real estate documents.
The candidate will be responsible for ensuring real estate transactions are carried out in accordance with state laws, validating identities of signatories and maintaining a thorough record of all transactions.
Familiarity with real estate law and a keen eye for details are key requirements for this role.
Responsibilities
- Manage all facets of the real estate closing process, including compliance with real estate contracts, lender instructions, and title requirements.
- Notarize and ensure proper execution of real estate documents.
- Verify the identities of individuals involved in the transaction.
- Review and explain legal and loan documents to clients during the closing process.
- Maintain a thorough record of all transactions and notarial actions.
- Conduct closings at locations convenient to clients.
- Ensure client satisfaction through timely and efficient closings.
- Stay updated with notary laws and regulations.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Notary Public, preferably in real estate transactions.
- Knowledge of real estate law and closing processes.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to travel to client locations for closings.
- Valid Notary Public License.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Real Estate Closing Notary
- Work Environment: Office setting with frequent travel to client locations.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Real Estate Closing Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Real Estate Closing Notary Do?
A Real Estate Closing Notary, also known as a Notary Signing Agent, is a specialized role within the real estate and legal industry.
They primarily work for real estate companies, law firms, title companies, and also as self-employed individuals.
Their main role is to act as an impartial witness during the execution of loan documents, primarily for real estate transactions.
This includes purchase agreements, deeds, mortgage documents, and other related paperwork.
The Notary verifies the identity of each party involved in the transaction, ensuring that they understand the terms of the documents and are willingly signing them.
They do this by carefully checking each person’s government-issued identification and comparing it with the person present.
Once the documents are signed, the Notary then applies their official seal to each document, thereby notarizing them.
This seal serves as proof that all signatures are legitimate and that the signing process was witnessed by a neutral third party.
It’s also the responsibility of a Real Estate Closing Notary to maintain a journal of all notarial acts, including the date, the type of document, the identity of the signing parties, and their signatures.
In some cases, the Notary might be responsible for delivering the completed documents to the relevant parties, such as the county recorder, the lender, or the buyer/seller’s real estate agent.
Real Estate Closing Notary Qualifications and Skills
A proficient Real Estate Closing Notary should possess the following skills and qualifications:
- Deep understanding and knowledge of real estate law, mortgage processes and escrow services to effectively review and manage all real estate closing documents.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to work with diverse clients and professionals such as home buyers, sellers, lenders, and real estate agents.
- Strong attention to detail to ensure that all documents are correctly completed, signed, and notarized, thereby minimizing legal complications.
- Superior organizational skills to manage several closings simultaneously, maintaining all necessary paperwork accurately and on time.
- Proficiency in using various software and office equipment, like document scanners and digital platforms to handle and organize documentation.
- Exceptional communication and customer service skills to explain complex legal terminologies to clients, answer their queries, and ensure a smooth closing process.
- Problem-solving skills to address any issues that might arise during the closing process and work towards resolving them efficiently.
- Must be a commissioned notary public. A background in law, real estate, or finance may be beneficial.
Real Estate Closing Notary Experience Requirements
Candidates for the role of Real Estate Closing Notary typically need to have at least 2-3 years of experience in real estate transactions, particularly in handling closings.
This experience can be gained through direct work as a Notary Public, or via roles such as Real Estate Paralegal, Escrow Officer, or Title Agent.
These professionals must have in-depth knowledge of real estate law and notarial procedures.
Furthermore, they should be familiar with the process of preparing and reviewing closing documents, such as deeds, mortgages, and settlement statements.
Candidates with 4-5 years of experience often possess a higher level of proficiency in managing and coordinating real estate transactions.
They are typically more versed in resolving any issues that may arise during the closing process, ensuring that all legal and financial requirements are met.
Those with more than 5 years of experience may have held leadership roles in their previous positions, such as Notary Team Lead or Closing Manager.
This extensive experience, combined with superior organizational and communication skills, is beneficial for more senior or supervisory roles in the real estate closing process.
It is also important to note that all Real Estate Closing Notaries must have a valid notary public license, which requires passing a state-administered examination and maintaining a clean criminal record.
Continuing education or certifications in the field of real estate law or notarial practices can also be advantageous in this role.
Real Estate Closing Notary Education and Training Requirements
To become a Real Estate Closing Notary, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent education.
They are required to complete a notary training course, usually offered through local colleges, universities or online platforms.
This training provides an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a notary public, along with the laws and regulations associated with notarization.
Once the training is complete, the aspiring notary must pass a notary public exam.
The exam content usually includes notary law, notarial certificates and the ethics of being a notary public.
After passing the exam, individuals can apply for a notary commission in their state.
In addition, real estate closing notaries must have an understanding of real estate transactions and the documents involved.
This can be gained through work experience or additional training courses in real estate.
Knowledge of the local language is also necessary as the role involves understanding and explaining legal documents to various parties.
Voluntary certifications, such as those from the National Notary Association, can enhance a notary’s credentials and indicate their dedication to the profession.
Continuous education is also crucial, as the laws and regulations involving notary services can change, hence the notary must be up-to-date with these changes.
Some states also require notaries to have insurance or bonding to protect against potential legal issues.
Real Estate Closing Notary Salary Expectations
A Real Estate Closing Notary earns an average salary of $50,000 (USD) per year.
However, this can significantly vary depending on the experience, the number of closings done, the state they’re operating in and the company they are working for.
It should also be noted that some notaries charge per signing, which can range from $75 to $200, impacting overall income.
Real Estate Closing Notary Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Real Estate Closing Notary need?
A Real Estate Closing Notary should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively handle interactions with clients and other professionals.
They should be detail-oriented and highly organized to manage documents efficiently and accurately.
A good understanding of real estate laws and regulations, along with exceptional ethical standards, is also crucial in this role.
Do Real Estate Closing Notaries need a degree?
Real Estate Closing Notaries do not necessarily need a degree, but they must be commissioned by the state in which they operate.
This typically involves passing a state-administered exam after completing a notary education course.
A background in real estate, law, or finance can be beneficial for this role.
What should you look for in a Real Estate Closing Notary resume?
A valid notary commission is the primary requirement, so look for evidence of this first.
Past experience in real estate closings is a significant plus, as it demonstrates familiarity with the necessary procedures and documents.
Any additional training or certifications in real estate or law can also be advantageous.
What qualities make a good Real Estate Closing Notary?
A good Real Estate Closing Notary is reliable, punctual, and professional.
They need to have a keen eye for detail to spot potential errors in documentation and a firm understanding of confidentiality and ethics.
Good interpersonal skills are essential for building positive relationships with clients and real estate professionals.
Is it challenging to find qualified Real Estate Closing Notaries?
The challenge in finding qualified Real Estate Closing Notaries often depends on the specific requirements of the job and the location.
In areas with a robust real estate market, there may be a higher availability of experienced notaries.
However, the demand for these professionals can also be high in such areas, creating competition among employers.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve given you an inside look at what it really means to be a Real Estate Closing Notary.
And guess what?
It’s not just about signing documents.
It’s about facilitating crucial transactions, one signature at a time.
With our go-to Real Estate Closing Notary job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to make your next career move.
But why stop there?
Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every signature is a part of the bigger transaction.
Let’s build that future. Together.
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