Does the notary check the property before the purchase?

No — and this surprises many buyers. The notary certifies the purchase but checks encumbrances and the ownership history only on explicit instruction. The thorough check therefore belongs BEFORE the notary appointment, in a lawyer's hands: encumbrance certificate, chain of title, powers of attorney, potential claims. Svetlana works with experienced lawyers from her network for this and never sends a property to certification without that review.