Posted by Diane Bridges on 8/2/05 9:54am
Msg #56374

Getting Started

Hello all! I am a PA notary, and have just started looking into becoming a mobile notary/signing agent. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to learn the process: are there books, courses, etc? Do I need a special certification? Thanks! All help is appreciated!

Reply by Charm_AL on 8/2/05 10:42am
Msg #56382

You must know your state's laws backward and forward...read message # 33325 to get started. Good luck!

Reply by AJ_in_CA on 8/2/05 10:44am
Msg #56383

Diane, there are lots of resources out there on the internet. I would suggest taking a class first and familiarizing yourself with loan docs and the process involved. There are certification classes you can take through the NSA and a few others...the internet will reveal those resources available to you in your area. Then start signing up with signing agencies...that is where you'll get your first experience at a loan doc signing. You're not going to know everything there is to know about doing a loan doc signing after your class. Its an ongoing process! We learn a lot by just doing and making a few mistakes a long the way. Soon though you'll get the hang of it...the more you do, the more you'll learn. Also, keep up on notary forums such as this one...lots of valuable information!

Reply by Charm_AL on 8/2/05 10:52am
Msg #56385

***You're not going to know everything there is to know about doing a loan doc signing after your class. Its an ongoing process! We learn a lot by just doing and making a few mistakes a long the way. Soon though you'll get the hang of it...the more you do, the more you'll learn***


It's imperative to know everything there is to know about the loan signing process before you ever take your first job! Making a few mistakes along the way is NOT accepted by Signing services and Title companies...They will not use you again if you mess up training yourself on their work and those mistakes can

1) Get you sued
2) Mess up the borrowers loan that may not fund because of a mistake.
3) blackball yourself quickly when these companies talk, and believe me - they do.

This is not a job to take lightly

Reply by Amy Underwood on 8/2/05 11:15am
Msg #56391

You're right, it is not a job to take lightly...there are major responsibilities involved as you mentioned. In a perfect world we would be perfect people BUT there are going to be times when in fact, a mistake will be made as we have seen on this forum over and over again. We learn by doing and by being meticulous at what we do. If you are not a detailed oriented person then this job is not for you! You need to know what your state laws require of you when you are witnessing a signing and how to properly execute a notarization...YES! But there are going to be times like we have all seen on this forum where people made a mistake...hopefully not on the notarization itself but in some other form. I'm not talking about breaking the law such as backdating or post dating or not being ethical. I'm talking about mistakes in the signing itself that could effect funding for the borrower...such having them sign their name exactly as it appears on the signature line. I have had borrowers insist on signing their name with their middle initial when it was not included on the signature line. What do you?? You may not encounter every possible circumstance that could happen at a signing that could in effect, send you back to borrowers to have them re-sign. Black ink or blue ink? Some require black and some blue...some, its either, and if you're not told ahead of time or if you didn't ask, you may need to go back and re-do it all over again. I have yet to have a signing company ask me to go back and re-do a notarization because of my error...but from what I have seen on this board and many others are that mistakes are happening...

Reply by Charm_AL on 8/2/05 11:21am
Msg #56392

I understand the 'law of averages'. I was docked $25.00 for sending docs back in a FedEx pak envelope instead of the cardboard one. I understand even the most seasoned will make a mistake. I was trying to get across that this isn't something you cut your teeth on as you go.

Reply by Charles_CA on 8/2/05 11:43am
Msg #56396

You know you just pointed out one of the problems I have with some of the contractors in this business. I don't understand the logic of someone charging $25 against your agreedupon fee for sending the documents in the wrong kind of envelope. I understand that there may have been an increase in cost but I suspect that the account belonged to the Title company or the lender. I doubt that the SS had to shell out andything out of pocket. The improtant thing is that the documents were received in useable form and fully recordable. I am sure that you've eaten some costs, its just part of business. It apears to me that SSs want all of the benefits and none of the problems.

Reply by Charm_AL on 8/2/05 1:40pm
Msg #56431

Re: Getting Started - Charles

When I inquired about the shortage, they told me they get docked $25. everytime the PAK envelope is used. If that's the case, they should put it bold not to use "THE PAK" like everything else that's important.

Reply by Charles_CA on 8/2/05 1:52pm
Msg #56443

I agree completely...nm

Reply by Diane Bridges on 8/3/05 10:23pm
Msg #56806

Thank you all for your great advice! I have been a notary for 10 years and know the importance of doing my homework. This has been a great place to start. Thanks again!