When you sell a home in Mar Vista, the notary comes in near the end: you sign the grant deed and a few escrow documents in front of a notary, and escrow records the deed. Getting everyone and every ID lined up early is what keeps closing on schedule.
Mar Vista homes change hands often, from Mar Vista Tract mid-century houses to condos along Venice Boulevard. Here are the notary steps in 90066, in order.
1. Check who’s on title, early
Every owner on title signs the deed. That might be both spouses, a parent and child, or the trustee of your living trust. If someone has moved away, they’ll sign before a notary where they live. If someone has died, escrow may need documents first, such as an affidavit of death of joint tenant or a trust certification.
2. Check names and IDs
The name on your ID should match the name on title and on the deed. If you’ve married, divorced or changed your name since you bought, tell escrow now. Make sure every seller has ID that’s current or issued within the last five years.
3. The seller signing
Escrow prepares the documents and arranges the signing, often a few days before closing. You can usually choose where: at home in Mar Vista, at work, or at the escrow office. At the signing you’ll sign:
- The grant deed, notarized, with a thumbprint in the notary’s journal. See deeds.
- Escrow instructions and disclosures, usually not notarized.
- Any affidavits escrow or title asks for, often notarized.
4. If you’re buying your next place too
Your purchase has its own signing, with the loan documents and deed of trust. Some sellers do both in one visit if the timing lines up. See loan signings.
5. After the signing
Escrow sends the signed deed for recording with the LA County Registrar-Recorder and closes once everything is in. You don’t need to do anything else with the notary.
We can’t advise on taxes, pricing or which documents to sign; your agent, escrow officer or attorney handles that. For everything we do locally, see our Mar Vista notary page.
Need a notary? We come to you anywhere in Los Angeles County, 24/7 by appointment. Book online or call (424) 484-9268.