Posted by Aisha Miller on 1/24/08 5:52pm
Msg #232226

New to Signing

I need some advice, this is my 1st assignment and I don't even really know if it is proper, per say. I was asked to attach a loose all purpose acknowledgement to a document from some mortgage papers that another notary failed to correctly get a signature on from the borrower. So, I was presented with an "owner-seller affadavit" which was signed by the notary only. I just want to confirm I am doing anything improper. I am going to witness borrow sign document but I was told by the company that I did not need to notarize again because it was already done by a notary just attach the acknowledgement, but when he said that it sounded weird, I have to stamp it at least or something. Can anyone, also direct me to a sample form for an all purpose acknowledgement form for state of maryland?

Reply by Becca_FL on 1/24/08 5:58pm
Msg #232227

Sounds like the title company is using you as a courier to do some dirty work.

I'm just waiting for edcos for my 6:30, if you like, you can fax me what you have and I try to help you and figure out exactly what they might be up to. You're right, though. It doesn't sound kosher at all.

Reply by lindetteh_PA on 1/24/08 6:07pm
Msg #232230

Sounds like they may be trying to use the old form because they want the dates to match the other docs however if you are witnessing the borrower's signature then yes it should be your stamp

Reply by JanetK_CA on 1/24/08 6:22pm
Msg #232231

I imagine by now that Becca has helped you figure this out, but I thought I'd add my two cents, mostly for any other newbies lurking here. First of all, good for you for asking. This is the kind of question that is very appropriate to be brought to this board.

What might help in this kind of situation is to go back to the basics. With an Acknowledgement, what you are essentially doing is certifying that an individual who you have properly ID'd per the laws of your state, has personally appeared before you on this date and acknowledged that he or she signed the document to be notarized of his/her own free will. Period. Personally, I wouldn't want to touch the certificate of another notary. If I'm understanding the situation correctly, I think I would just do the Acknowledgement attaching my own certificate and leave the rest alone. The person who told you about this is NOT the one who is putting his signature and seal on the page. You are! When it comes to the notary page, you are the only one who can decide what to do. His agenda may be different and may be in conflict with what is the right thing to do. (BTW, if Becca told you something different from this, after having seen the doc, go with what she said.)

Lastly, I recommend that you go back to whatever kind of handbook MD offers and re-study the basics of notarizing. If you are a commissioned notary there (and I hope you have a Title Producer's License if you're doing loan docs there...) you shouldn't have to be asking someone for an all-purpose acknowledgement form for your own state. We can't stress often enough that it is imperative for any person doing loan docs to know their notary laws and procedures inside out before attempting to do loan signings!

Reply by Becca_FL on 1/24/08 8:22pm
Msg #232256

Aisha, I got your email and have responded.

Sorry, it took so long. My docs finally came in and I had to go.

You did the right thing asking this question, but I think you already knew the answer.

Reply by Aisha Miller on 1/24/08 8:30pm
Msg #232257

Re: Aisha, I got your email and have responded.

Thank you, good lookin out.