Posted by Hugh Nations Signing Agents of Austin on 1/30/07 3:21pm
Msg #173323

A few tips

A few practice tips, some discovered the hard way

1. Been doing this for more than four years, and I still use a cheat sheet for every closing. It not only ensures that I cover all the bases, but gives me a written record of the actual closing for the file.

2. For all four years I have had difficulty remembering to date the journal entry; on the NotRot journal, which I use and cherish, the date entry is on the far left, and I tend to overlook it. Got smart a while back, and just included that on my cheat sheet. Haven’t missed recording a date since.

3. The best place to keep the oath, at least for me, is taped to the inside of the journal, so that when I am doing the initial entry I can swear in the parties.

4. Always pull a computer map, even if you intend to use the GPS. Doing so has saved my butt on several occasions.

5. If you are headed out for a closing in the boonies, always call for directions before you leave, because when you get out there, you may not have cell service. This is provided that you yourself don’t live in the country where cell service is problematic.

6. Carry rescission calendars, and give one to each client with the rescission period dates circled.

7. Staple your business card to the folder containing the borrowers’ copies. I also give a promotional item with my name and phone number. Over the years, I have given pens, pen knives, pads of stickup memos, 12-month schedulers, and fridge magnets. The pens have been received best, especially the Regal pen from National Pen Co.

8. Have a couple of jokes in store for the clients to mull over while you are making long journal entries (in Texas, notaries have to enter comparatively voluminous information about deeds). My favorite: Q. What do you call a row of rabbits hopping away from you? A. Obviously, it’s a receding hare line. Next favorite: Q. What do you call a dog with no legs? A. Doesn’t matter; he couldn’t come anyway.

Reply by Michelle/AL on 1/30/07 3:38pm
Msg #173324

This is good stuff. Thanks, Hugh. n/m

Reply by Leon_CO on 1/30/07 4:00pm
Msg #173325

** 5. If you are headed out for a closing in the boonies, always call for directions before you leave, ... **

This is one that I am especially careful about.

The people who live out there know the area like the back of their hands. And when you ask for directions, they assume you know what they're talking about.

I ask for as much information as I can get. Things like mile markers, land features and objects, what kind of vehicle is parked in front of the barn, ... anything they can tell you that will help.

However this doesn't always work. The borrower, who may have been color blind, told me that he lived in a blue house. The house was actually white. I almost went crazy trying to find a blue house. It turned out, he rarely leaves the house, and forgot what color it was.

Reply by Poppy on 1/30/07 6:35pm
Msg #173335

Thank you! Hugh.. :-) n/m

Reply by John Temblador on 1/30/07 8:09pm
Msg #173342

Great knowledge for all.. much appreciated!! n/m

Reply by Debbie/OH on 1/31/07 8:28am
Msg #173378

Hugh, Thank you for the tips..question what is on your cheat sheet? Just curious?

Reply by Hugh Nations Signing Agents of Austin on 1/31/07 11:42am
Msg #173409

Debbie asks:

***what is on your cheat sheet?***

See below.

Closing checklist
_____________________________
Borrower Date

Oath

Check $__________ Not required__________

Ink ____Blue ____Black ____Unspecified

Driver license, Social Security, other _______________________

Notary book signed

Notary book dated

Rescission calendar

Card

Explanation of Signing Agent role

Explanation of requirements for name signing, initials

Explanation of error correction

Determination of preferred presentation

Reply by cara on 1/31/07 12:39pm
Msg #173413

Closing Checklist

Thanks for your generous sharing. Question: waht is "determination of preferred presentation" ? And, does "explaination of error correction" refer to crossout and initialling of errors in docs such as NORTC? If not, please explain.

Reply by Trenton Hall on 2/1/07 10:33am
Msg #173512

With the exception of the directions, although I do ask about the house and number, and giving calendars and jokes, I do the same things. I don't use a cheat sheet but I may statr.