What does the term 'notarization' refer to?

Notarization refers specifically to the act of a notary public certifying the authenticity of signatures on documents. This process involves a notary verifying the identity of the individuals signing the documents and ensuring they are doing so voluntarily and with an understanding of the content. The notary public then affixes their official seal or signature to attest to the legitimacy of the signatures and the circumstances under which they were made, thereby providing a level of protection against fraud.

Other elements like transferring property ownership, assessing property values, or engaging in legal reviews of real estate transactions do not capture the essence of what notarization entails. While these may be important aspects of the real estate process, they differ fundamentally from the specific function of notarization, which focuses solely on the certification of signatures. Understanding notarization is crucial since it plays a vital role in ensuring that legal documents are executed properly and can be upheld in a court of law.