Posted by MelissaM_FL on 4/18/06 11:22am
Msg #114176

WWYD - Professional Courtesy?

I received two Warranty Deeds via Fed Ex today from an NSA in north Florida. She apparently handled the initial part of this signing and was instructed to send the Deeds to me so that a third party could sign off on them. While preparing the Deeds to be signed here, I noticed the following errors: on the first Deed, the notary is the only witness. Florida requires two witnesses on any Deed that conveys property. On the second Deed, no witnesses signed, nor did the notary complete the acknowledgment. Since the Deeds are duplicates, only one of the Deeds is required to be correct for recording purposes, but, even after I complete my portion of this signing, neither Deed will be recordable.

Should I call the notary and try to help her avoid losing face with the title company or do I just send the Deeds back to title with my portion completed properly and let the chips fall where they may? I know that I'd prefer the first method if I were in her shoes.

Comments? Delusions?

Reply by HARRY_PA on 4/18/06 11:27am
Msg #114178

I think that you have answered your own question. it would be up to sa #1 to determine the mechanics, but you would likely want to clear it throuhg title it documents were shipped back to the other sa. He/she will probably have to fess up but funding will not be delayed as long if the error is caught asap.

Reply by Julie/MI on 4/18/06 11:29am
Msg #114179

I have had that happen a few times over the years. I found that the best remedy is to do my portion PERFECTLY and return it to whom is paying me.

No phone calls, no post-it notes as they are not appreciated. Trust me on this.

Reply by BMoon_FL on 4/18/06 11:35am
Msg #114182

I have been a notary in North Florida since 1978 working with automobile titles, weddings etc. I started signing in spring of 2002. There were probably a dozen signing agents in Jacksonville. Now within 20 miles of my house there are close to 300. At least two or three times a week I am sent out to correct another notary's error. I think in your case I would try to contact the notary this time. Let us know how it turns out. I know I would also want to know if I made an error.

Reply by MelissaM_FL on 4/18/06 11:43am
Msg #114186

This one was in Tallahassee and I did decide to call her. I'd want someone to point out an error to me, especially if it could affect whether I receive future work from the SS or TC. This notary did not know that two witnesses were required on a Deed and we had a very nice conversation about where to go to learn these things. (She asked, I recommended she look here.)

I don't know how title will want it to be handled, but don't think this notary won't make that error again.

Reply by Margaret_FL on 4/18/06 12:59pm
Msg #114219

Melissa,

I think you did the right thing. I used to get a lot of notary error correction work also. There are over 500
Notary signings agents in Duval County and about 300 within 20 miles of me also. I have tried to mentor
a few notaries but it became overwhelming. With my inspection work, I am already done for today and made more in 1 day that I made all week in loan signings. This time I have gotten into a field that there are 8 certified inspectors in the whole state of Florida. I only did a 1/2 inspection today and I am looking at specializing in Nursing Homes. Nursing homes have just been required to have this type of inspection each year in addition to the state. As long as they take Medicare. I also love the respect I get when I arrive to do the inspection. I love it, I now turn my cell phone off and I get peace and quite. All my work comes from Email not phone calls.

Reply by Becca_FL on 4/18/06 1:20pm
Msg #114233

Re: WWYD - Professional Courtesy? Melissa

I have done just what you did and it did not turn out so warm and fuzzy. I think the guy thought I was the self proclaimed Notary Police, which of course is NOT true. I just wanted to let the guy know that there is a wealth of information out there that would help him do his job better. Oh well.

Reply by MelissaM_FL on 4/18/06 1:53pm
Msg #114242

Re: Becca, You can call me any day if you catch an error! :) n/m