What is one primary responsibility of a notary public within real estate?

A notary public plays a critical role in the real estate process by witnessing signatures on important documents. This responsibility is fundamental because it helps to prevent fraud and ensures the integrity of the documents involved in real estate transactions. When a notary witnesses a signature, they verify the identity of the signers and confirm that they are signing the documents willingly and under no duress. This function adds a layer of security and trust to the transaction, which is vital in a field where legal agreements and contracts are paramount.

While other roles such as marketing properties, negotiating contracts, and providing financial advice are important in real estate, they fall outside the specific duties of a notary public. The notary's focus is solely on the authentication of documents and ensuring that the signing process adheres to legal standards. This specialization underscores the importance of notaries in maintaining the legal framework within which real estate transactions occur.