Who is a notary?

A notary is a person of public trust, an official who serves as a witness and certifier in legal transactions. Their role is to oversee the correctness and legality of the transaction and protect the interests of both parties. Contrary to appearances, a notary shouldn’t be a source of stress, but rather a support throughout the entire process, especially if you’re planning a property flip, where speed and precision are key.

Preparing for a visit to the notary

Preparing for a visit to the notary is crucial to avoiding unnecessary stress. Here are a few steps to take:

1. Choosing a notary

It’s best to choose a notary based on a recommendation—someone with a good reputation and experience. A good notary will handle all the formalities and ensure the transaction runs smoothly, which is crucial when flipping is your business model.

2. Documents

Prepare all necessary documents, such as:

• Identity card
• Real estate deed (from the seller)
• Extract from the register of premises or land
• Energy performance certificate
• Certificate of no arrears in utilities
• Certificate of no persons registered in the property

3. Checking the land and mortgage register

The notary will verify the legal status of the property through the land and mortgage register, which contains information about owners, any mortgages, and other relevant records. It is important that the land and mortgage register is up-to-date and reflects the actual status.

4. Establishing terms

Before your visit, it is worth agreeing on the terms of the transaction with the notary, including the notarial fee and any additional costs, such as taxes or mortgage registration fees.

The course of a visit to the notary

1. Atmosphere in the office

Notary offices often have a stately appearance, which can add to the stress. However, remember that the notary is there to assist you and ensure the transaction is carried out correctly.

2. Reading and signing the notarial deed

The notary will present you with a notarial deed for you to read and sign. It’s worth requesting a sample deed in advance so you can review it at home or even consult with a lawyer.

3. Payment

Make sure you have funds prepared to cover all fees. Remember, card payments aren’t always possible, so check with your notary to see if they accept this method.

Additional notes

• PESEL number restriction: Check whether your PESEL number is not restricted, as this may prevent the transaction from being completed.
• Payment for the property: Ideally, payment should be made during the notarial proceedings, although in the case of a bank loan, part of the funds may be transferred later.
• The role of the intermediary: If you use the services of an intermediary, he or she should also ensure the correctness of the transaction and verify the documents.

Summary

A visit to the notary is a crucial step in purchasing real estate, and it doesn’t have to be stressful if you prepare properly. Choosing an experienced notary, gathering the necessary documents, and thoroughly reviewing the transaction terms will allow you to navigate the entire process with peace of mind. For those involved in property flipping, the ability to efficiently navigate legal formalities is invaluable.

If you would like to deepen your knowledge about buying and selling real estate, I encourage you to read additional materials and books on this topic, which may prove very helpful in the future.