Topic : Notary Education
Ten Mistakes New Signing Agents Make
by Kelly Robertson, Instructor, Coach, Mentor
1. They Don’t Know What They’re Doing. Newbies have passed their Notary Exam and many have even taken a loan signing certification course, but they have no clue how to complete a proper notarization. They don’t know how to use their journal, they’re lost when it comes to the difference between a Jurat and an [...]
Know Your Role As A Notary Signing Agent
by Melissa Haley, Notary Public, Certified Notary Signing Agent
A Notary Signing Agent has but one function, witnessing the signatures of borrowers on loan documents in accordance with the notary laws of the state in which the notary is commissioned. Knowing your role is critical in performing the function for which you are hired. So, how do you become a notary signing agent? How [...]
“The Successful Notary” 6/07 Newsletter
by Sharon Hassler, Founder/Webmaster, GoGetNotary.com
GETTING SPAM EMAILS every week from new directories and associations? Don’t miss this month’s article, “Start Your Own Association,” for tips on telling the winners from the losers. —————————— ALL MEMBERS: START HERE If you’re new, don’t forget to log in and create your page! If you’re too busy right now, at least add your [...]
What Is A “Preferred Notary”?
by Andrew Springfield, RealtySignatures.com
Who Prefers Them and How Do They Become “Preferred”? Settlement Agents who close real estate transactions, such as Title Companies, Escrow Companies and Attorneys, often need mobile notaries to witness borrowers’ signatures on loan documents. Lenders, Builders and Real Estate Agents need good notaries as well. This small, but critical component of the real estate [...]
Is A Business Plan Important for A Home-Based Business?
by Kelly Robertson, Instructor, Coach, Mentor
Once you decide to start a new business, you’ll find it’s a lot easier to stay on track with the “blueprint” you create. Originally, I called my plan, “The Working Plan” which basically answered the Who, What, Where, When and Why of my business. Start with something simple to make planning easy — a “guide” [...]
Our Loan Signing Industry Has Certainly Changed Over the Last 5 Years!
by Joan Bergstrom, Certified Loan Signing Agent, Instructor, Author
I have been a Notary/Loan Signer in California for 5 years and this is my perspective: 2002 – When I started in all the loan documents arrived at my doorstep via FedEx or UPS and the documents were all printed out for me with a return envelope included with the pertinent information filled out. Boy, [...]
Telephone Etiquette
by Melissa Haley, Notary Public, Certified Notary Signing Agent
Whether making or receiving telephone calls, there are certain common sense rules apply or should apply. There is nothing more unprofessional than hearing children, televisions, or other non-business noise in the background. When preparing to make a telephone call, a quiet place should be found. Know what will be said before placing the call. Know [...]
Presenting and Signing Loan Documents
by Kelly Robertson, Instructor, Coach, Mentor
Kelly mentors signing agents in California. Her comments may be beneficial for any notary but requirements differ from state to state. Presenting and Signing Loan Documents Is Easy—Once You Know How! Do you ever think about what a difference a loan can make in a borrower’s life? Funding could mean a first home for a [...]
How to Keep Control of a Signing
by Melissa Haley, Notary Public, Certified Notary Signing Agent
Have you ever had a borrower answer the phone to talk about their latest vacation, get the kids ready for bed, search for their ID for longer than a few minutes/reasonable amount of time or grab the documents and start flipping through them on their own? As a Notary Signing Agent, it is your duty [...]
Sign Here! Background Checks and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act
by United States Notary Association
If you haven’t heard by now, you soon will. Several real estate title companies are requiring notary signing agents to undergo background checks to remain eligible for future work assignments from them. The five companies currently requiring the checks—Fiserv Lending Solutions, Stewart Mortgage Information (a subsidiary of Stewart Title), LandAmerica OneStop, First American Lenders Advantage, [...]