Posted by MaryP/PA on 3/7/06 10:34am
Msg #102780

DOT signing w/o middle initials

I was just getting ready to send a package from a closing I did last night when I realized on the 1003 it listed the husband and wife on the title using their middle initials. When I check the DOT it had them listed w/o their middle initials and signing w/o them as well. Now I know in PA the DOT has to be the same as the deed. You think they would know that, the title company. I didn't realize it until this morning and just sending the package back as is. I bet the recorder's office won't accept it and I will have to go back out and sign them again. Would you mention it to the signing company or just see what happens?

Reply by O/Cnotary on 3/7/06 10:44am
Msg #102782

Our instructions are always have BRW sign as typed. If it is

not accepted by the recorder then they will have to have you go back and pay you another fee.

Reply by Charm_AL on 3/7/06 10:54am
Msg #102785

Take the professional high road and get ahold of the SS immediately and ask them what they want you to do. If the mistake is on the part of the TC, then you ask for a trip fee, if it doesn't matter, you will stand out in the SS's eyes for being alert enough to notice this detail and report it before you send it in.

I'm sorry, but I abhor when people say "should I just see what happens" We are dealing with people's financial interests here and with that attitude, some borrower somewhere is going to get screwed. Put yourself in the borrowers shoes and ask yourself the same question.

Some notaries are more afraid of looking dumb and losing $$$ or business and take chances. That is not why we are doing this.
Believe me, the SS would rather you call in.

Not an attack you personally, many notaries just turn the other cheek and throw the pkg into the drop box. Another reason why we have all this hand holding over simple crap, and this behavior only makes all of us look bad as a profession.

Reply by Ilona_OH on 3/7/06 11:03am
Msg #102788

Well said!

Reply by LawrenceOK on 3/7/06 11:14am
Msg #102799

I say it's whom ever prepared the docs that screwed up, and I agree with Carm. Call whoever hired you and explain. If need be, show them your a professional and correct it on your dime, unless there is a mileage factor. I'm sure they would be willing to pay an extra trip charge for this.

Reply by MaryP/PA on 3/7/06 11:19am
Msg #102805

That's what I'm going to do is contact them. It is a mileage factor. The drive was quite a distance for me. I'll call them now.

Reply by MaryP/PA on 3/7/06 11:26am
Msg #102817

well I called the SS and they said just send the package back as is. I checked with the Recorder's office and she said they will probably take it because they don't do a search when they record things to see how the property is titled. They just record it.

Reply by Charm_AL on 3/7/06 11:27am
Msg #102819

Viola...conscience clear!

Reply by PAW on 3/7/06 11:33am
Msg #102824

I have noticed and been told that the recorders record the documents. They don't check it for accuracy, only compliance with the statutes, principles and guidelines for recording the instrument. In the case of titles, that's what the title search and title insurance is for. Title departments and companies are responsible to ensure the proper vesting is provided to the lender. The lender has the responsibility to ensure that the deed/mortgage is proper.

If the recorders were also the instrument police, then nothing would get recorded for months, or even years because they would be so wrapped up in verifying and correcting the instrument.

Reply by Calnotary on 3/7/06 11:35am
Msg #102826

"If the mistake is on the part of the TC, then you ask for a trip fee,"

Why Charm? If it was their mistake, why ask for just a trip fee.

Reply by Charm_AL on 3/7/06 11:46am
Msg #102833

Re: DOT signing w/o middle initials..Cal

because you are driving out to have one piece of paper signed, you'll be done before your car cools off.
I think asking for a full fee is raping the SS and chances are real good that they will feel their docs are in a hostage situation and never deal with you again. I've done many favors for SS's/TC's and they will always call me first with biz. It's just good business practice. imo

Reply by Calnotary on 3/7/06 12:29pm
Msg #102844

Im sorry Charm, I think I misunderstood you.

I thought you said to charge only a trip fee instead of the full fee. My bad. Sorry. You are
right if she goes out again, for just a simple initial and it was TC mistake, yeah, a trip fee
its fair.

Reply by sue_pa on 3/7/06 2:05pm
Msg #102868

I think you are fine. One question, do you mean Mortgage? as we don't have Deeds of Trusts in Pennsylvania. The 1003 is an application. It does not necessarily contain the correct vesting of the property. You sign as typed. The exception is when they send you a title commitment that shows something different. The Recorder of Deeds won't reject it because their job isn't double checking that the docs are properly drawn. The 'problem' will arise with the lender/insurance company having a lien on a property and the vesting not matching.