Posted by JGamm/WA on 9/25/09 9:23pm
Msg #305090

any tips for faster signings?

I've been a signing agent for 6 years, but had the good fortune to work with local lenders til the down-turn. I did all my signings at the lender's offices, so I'm unfamiliar with SS's and in-home signings. (wow, I miss the good ol'days!)

I'm finding that my signings are taking an average of 1 hour and 15 mins at the table. The packages are about 130 - 150 pages, and there are a lot of affidavits from T.C. that take forever for the bo's to complete. Is this average, or am I doing something wrong? I present key docs first, and keep reminding them of the recission period...anything else I should be doing?

Thanks for your input!

Reply by Yoli/CA on 9/25/09 9:27pm
Msg #305091

Maybe complete notary verbiage (minus signature and stamp/seal) prior to signing....

Some signings just take a little longer than others -- large packages, borrower(s) inquiries, etc.

You'll get used to it and move it along.

Reply by JGamm/WA on 9/25/09 9:57pm
Msg #305108

Thanks for the suggestion!

I've been reprimanded for completing ANYthing in the notary section before the bo signs, and accused of "pre-notarizing" even though I did not sign or stamp, so I'm paranoid of doing that.

It seems like it's a lack of communication between the bo and the lo that causes the bo's confusion. They say they can't get in touch with them and haven't spoken to them in months.

During my confirmation call I explain my capacity as a signing agent, and that I don't prepare the docs or have knowledge of the specific terms they've worked out. Anything else I should add?

Reply by TRG_wy on 9/25/09 9:28pm
Msg #305092

Yep, packages are larger and there are more BS docs and more duplicates taboot.

Haste makes waste and errors. Just slow down take it easy and triple check everything. The days of in and out in 30-40 minutes are gone I fear.

Reply by Yoli/CA on 9/25/09 9:30pm
Msg #305093

Exactly right, TRG. Lots of duplicates and lots of junk docs.

Reply by MW/VA on 9/25/09 9:36pm
Msg #305094

I'm sure everyone has a different method. I put the docs in a stacking order: HUD, payment, Note, DOT, TIL, RTC, rest of lender docs, title docs usually last. I have a script that I use--a quick explanation of the document, pass to sign, and move on. I do the oath when we get to the first affidavit. The large packages take 40 minutes, smaller ones about 25. BTW, I use those rubber finger tips & can move paper pretty fast. They get their copy package when I'm finished with the signing.
I double check my work later (maybe another 10-15 minutes) before shipping.
This works well for me & the borrowers feel at ease. Many will comment that I'm really good at what I do. That's always nice.

Reply by JGamm/WA on 9/25/09 9:51pm
Msg #305102

Wow, I would LOVE a 40 minute signing! Do you keep the docs in the order they were sent to you, or return them in your order? You must have great explanations, or maybe I go into too much detail. The title docs seem to take forever and are very confusing for bo. Plus. there are a lot of duplicates, ie sig. cert/name aff - one from SS and one (the same form) from lender.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 9/25/09 9:55pm
Msg #305105

" I would LOVE a 40 minute signing"

Me too - but my signers are my "neighbors" so to speak (not to steal any words from Susan Fischer) - they're all down home country folk and like to chat and visit - my signings are a minimum hour if I'm lucky....most times 90 min to 2 hours if problems crop up

But I really don't mind and don't care to streamline - my signers are more comfortable with that so it's good with me..

Reply by MW/VA on 9/25/09 9:56pm
Msg #305106

Sent you a P/M.

Reply by JGamm/WA on 9/25/09 11:02pm
Msg #305114

Thank you all for your help and suggestions!

Not Rot is great - you all are so helpful. Thank you very much!

Reply by Susan Fischer on 9/26/09 2:25am
Msg #305118

Sometimes, we can talk too much. I'm more casual. When

I confirm, I make it a date/approximate time to do what they have been waiting a long time to do - sign the papers. If funds are due, I ask that they be prepared with a check for the amount. If there is a NBS, I make sure it's clear (s)he will be at the table. I get a cell-# if I'm calling a land line, and I make sure they have mine - I'm all about communication.

Some signers are first-timers, some are old hats; some are lawyers, some are farm hands. Gauge your audience, and always strive for simplicity and clarity.

Always find something to compliment -the children and/or pets, a picture, a color, the view - something. It's an ice-breaker, and establishes common interests.

One more thing: Lighten up! Let your personality out! Each signing is an opportunity to connect with your neighbors. I live in a small town, and I see my signees in the community growing, and enriching the mesh that binds us. Size up your borrowers, and present accordingly.

Be real. Know your stuff, do it well, and thrive.

Reply by MW/VA on 9/26/09 11:52am
Msg #305166

Re: Sometimes, we can talk too much. I'm more casual. When

Great advice, Susan. This is can be such an impersonal process. We're generally the only person the borrower is ever going to see face to face. To smile, be friendly & add a personal touch is really important.

Reply by JGamm/WA on 9/26/09 4:20pm
Msg #305197

Re: Sometimes, we can talk too much. I'm more casual. When

re: "lighten up, smile and be friendly"

The people are my favorite part of my job! I love meeting people and getting to know them if even slightly. I'm sure when I get more comfortable with the in-home situation as opposed to the lender's office, it will be fine...I just need to learn a different process/situation.

On a fun note - at my signer's house last night, they had HUGE turtles from South America in a giant fish tank! I told them about the painted turtles in the lake near where I live and showed them my turtle key chain. I talked to their kids about feeding the turltes live fish! I love that part of the job - the people are what make it fun!

Thank you all so much for your feedback! You're the best!