What You Need to Know Before Buying or Selling Real Estate? The Chamber of Notaries' New Website Helps You Prepare for the Transaction

The Notary Chamber has launched a new website that helps both buyers and sellers of real estate better prepare for transactions. The updated website contains explanations of the rights, obligations, and notarial services of transaction parties. Individuals and real estate agents can also search for a suitable notary and familiarize themselves with the information needed for the transaction.

"Buying or selling real estate is one of the most important decisions in many people's lives, accompanied by major financial commitments and complex agreements. That is why it is important to know what to pay attention to even before the transaction," said Merle Saar-Johanson, Chair of the Notary Chamber.

According to her, both first-time homebuyers and experienced real estate sellers often have questions: what to check before signing the contract, what conditions to agree on, and what the notary is responsible for versus what the transaction parties themselves are responsible for? Reliable information is also needed by real estate agents and other industry specialists.

One goal of updating the website was to raise public awareness of the notary's role. Research commissioned by the Notary Chamber revealed that while Estonians trust notaries, many do not understand the nature of their work. For example, 51% of respondents view a notary more as an administrative official, while only 34% see them as an impartial provider of legal services.

"A notary's role is not only to certify a contract, but also to explain its legal consequences and help prevent disputes. However, a notary cannot replace the preliminary work of the buyer and seller themselves. We want people to have the necessary information before arriving at a notary's office so they can make well-informed decisions," emphasized Saar-Johanson.

A good real estate transaction begins with preparation

According to notaries, one common misconception is that once the buyer and seller have agreed on the price, all remaining issues can be resolved at the notary's office. In reality, payment and property transfer conditions, the condition of the real estate, and related obligations should be discussed beforehand.

It is also sometimes believed that a notary can obtain all necessary information from registers or banks. While a notary checks the legal background of real estate, they do not conduct an on-site inspection of the building's technical condition. Therefore, the buyer and seller must clarify important facts themselves and inform the notary about them. "A notary can help formulate agreements in legally correct form, but for that they need to have as complete an overview of the transaction as possible," explained Saar-Johanson.

One issue that often raises questions in real estate transactions, according to the notary, is hidden defects. "For example, it is sometimes mistakenly believed that a seller can protect themselves against all future claims with a single contractual clause, but in reality, there is no such universal solution," said Saar-Johanson.

Therefore, it is important that buyers and sellers understand their rights and obligations and know how to prevent potential disputes. Explanations on these questions can also be found on the Notary Chamber's new website.

From transaction preparation to finding a notary

The website is also designed for real estate agents and other industry specialists, who can find information needed to prepare transactions and direct clients to reliable explanations.

"We want both buyers and sellers as well as the specialists who advise them to find answers to their questions as easily as possible. The website helps prepare for the transaction, and if any questions remain unanswered, you can always contact a notary," said Saar-Johanson.

On the website, you can search for notaries by name or region and find their contact information.

In addition to real estate transactions, the site provides information on inheritance, family law, business entities, and other notarial services.

The new website is located at www.notar.ee.