What is the notary's role in mortgage closings?

• A. Provide loan-closing services.
• B. Offer legal advice to borrower.
• C. Prepare the mortgage documents.
• D. Witness signatures and administer notarial acts, but not loan-closing services or legal advice.

Answer: (D)

At mortgage closings, the notary’s job is to be an impartial witness to the signing. This means they verify the signer’s identity, ensure the signing is voluntary, and administer the required notarial act (such as an acknowledgment or jurat) and complete the notarial certificate. The notary does not arrange the loan, give legal advice, or prepare the mortgage documents. Those tasks are performed by lenders, closing agents, or attorneys. So the notary’s role is simply to witness signatures and administer notarial acts, without providing loan-closing services or legal advice.