Posted by Lisa/WI on 8/19/05 6:04pm
Msg #60453

Oh No!!

Or maybe not. I just got done doing a closing, where I am listed on the Closing Instructions as "Closing Agent", and not only that, but am required to sign these instructions as "Closing Agent" or my fee will be reduced. What am I supposed to do? This is for Land Options and Chase Manhattan. I had 2 ID forms that had "Closing Agent" also, but I crossed it out and put "Signing Agent". If I am not mistaken, in Wisconsin, you have to have a license to be a Closing Agent. There isnt any way I could title myself that. Wouldnt this be misrepresentation? HELP!! Dont know what to do!!

Reply by MelissaM/FL on 8/19/05 7:26pm
Msg #60459

Are you positive that you are being required to sign as the closing agent? Normally, SAs do NOT sign the closing instructions. Call the TC/SS and ask them if you're truly confused. If you cannot get an answer, then you need to decide how to sign them. Most closing instructions include information about the closing agent's preparation of documents as directed and about disbursement of funds, neither of which you are doing. I have seen some notary specific closing instructions, but those are few and far between, IME.

Reply by Lisa/WI on 8/19/05 7:36pm
Msg #60462

Thanx for responding. Positively positive. I am typed in as the closing agent for this!!! Thats why Im a little flipped out about this. Unfortunately, it was a print and run for the most part, and only was able to go over some docs, while scimming the rest. Never thought I would be put as closing agent. In there directions it states: Notary must sign page 4 of Chase Closing instructions (You are a representative of Land Options, Inc. and are considered a Settlement Agent for this transaction. "Funding" is Land Options responsibility and you personally are not being held responsible for ANY disbursements for this transaction.)

Reply by Nd_WA on 8/19/05 8:12pm
Msg #60476

Consider you are not responsible for funding/disbursement, what about all other responsibilities that a Closing Agent do. I would call who ever hired you to clarify and hope it was just an error.

Reply by IowaNotary on 8/19/05 7:34pm
Msg #60461

Call either title company or settlement agent and ask what to do. I have had packages where it seemed like I , as a notary, was to sign as a closing agent or a settlement agent but upon calling I found out that was not true. I have never had a company complain when I called for a clarification. They would much rather answer your question upfront than try to correct a problem later.

Reply by MelissaM/FL on 8/19/05 9:46pm
Msg #60492

I have to agree with Iowa. When in doubt, check it out. The only stupid questions are the ones you didn't call about that bite you in the butt later. Call the TC and ask about that. THEN, especially if they tell you not to sign it, put a post-it note on the page with information about who gave you the instructions. That way you have done all the CYA you can. Good luck!

Reply by Debbie_MA on 8/19/05 10:50pm
Msg #60512

I have done many for Chase with Land Options, and in the instructions it normally states how to split the documents (2 packages-1 to Chase and 1 to Land Options), and as a Notary if you feel uncomfortable signing as the "Closing Agent" this form should be sent to Land Options to be completed. I have always done that and never had a problem.

Reply by Lisa/WI on 8/19/05 11:05pm
Msg #60513

Re: Were you.....

listed on the top of the Closing Instructions as the Closing Agent with your address and phone numbers?