Posted by Pierces Notary Services on 11/16/09 6:49pm
Msg #311196

Equity National Abstract

Has anyone ever forgot to have borrower initial every page they did not sign and get a fee reduction? I am normally very careful reading instructions but I missed that one and when I went over the package at home I caught it. Sent the package back anyway.

Reply by Jim/AL on 11/16/09 7:16pm
Msg #311201

Not sure about this company, but others have that same instruction and I make sure that any pages that have an initial line are initialed and if the "all initial if not signed" rule is their then I would make sure they initial the Mortgage and Note, beyond that it is usually not needed.

You sent the package back, so do not sweat it. If they reduce your fee, lesson learned. If they do not reduce fee then a better lesson learned, because you know that next time it is not necessary IMO.

Keep it simple.

Reply by MW/VA on 11/17/09 8:49am
Msg #311223

I'm with you, Jim. I don't take the "initial every page" literally. There is a change on the HUD/VA Addendum apps. though, and the pages that don't require sigs not have a place for initials. Dang--I keep missing those.

Reply by Jim/AL on 11/17/09 6:01pm
Msg #311301

I hear you Marilyn, the HUD/VA addendum sometimes requires initials on page one and three, but not all lenders have gone to this. The ones I have seen it on they were very hard to see.

Reply by Carole Breckbill on 11/17/09 9:53am
Msg #311232

Re: Equity National Abstract - a more global question

I have a few SS that require all pages to be signed or initialed. Some give NO instruction - and some of these expect you to "know" that of course the mtg needs to be initialed every page.... What is the downside of a notary just adopting a policy that docs are either signed or initialed?

Reply by MW/VA on 11/17/09 5:01pm
Msg #311287

Re: Equity National Abstract - a more global question

I think it's there to make sure the notary is going over every page w/the borrower. I've heard of some notaries who only deal with the signature pages, and pretty much skip the rest. Unbelievable.

Reply by Jim/AL on 11/17/09 5:59pm
Msg #311300

Carole, downside would be much more time spent initialing

and time is $$$.