Posted by Ocean Pacific Notary Services, Inc. on 1/5/10 12:40pm
Msg #316730

"I am just a notary" - I really don't like this phrase!

Then don't do loan signings --PLEASE.

If you are just a notary, then just do local notary work assignments. But if you want the bucks for the assignment of conducting a loan signing appointment, then you are more than just a notary. You have made the effort to get special training and are aware of more than just your State's notary laws. No one has asked you to explain loan terms, etc. But you should KNOW more than a "just a notary".

I am just not a happy camper - as you can tell. Thank you for letting me vent!

Reply by Robert/FL on 1/5/10 12:47pm
Msg #316732

Sorry but, this forum is for all notaries - whether they are "just notaries", or "notaries who are also signing agents/paralegals/attorneys/circuit judges/whatever".

Reply by Robert/FL on 1/5/10 12:48pm
Msg #316733

And for the record - I do not "do" loan signings. I only notarize loan documents, and they certainly do not represent the large majority of my notarizations.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 1/5/10 2:38pm
Msg #316768

You have contradicted yourself

I think some of this discussion may have come from some comments you made in a thread yesterday from a new person who said they had done their first "signing".

Here is part of my reply, along with your reply to me:

Janet said:

<<I might add to the Original Poster (OP): That may have been your first notarization, but like you said in the first sentence, it wasn't a loan signing - therefore, it wasn't a signing - just a notarization. Doing a loan package is a whole 'nother animal. If that isn't clear, you need to do a bunch of studying up and lots more reading here and elsewhere.”>>

Robert replied:

<<*** it wasn't a loan signing - therefore, it wasn't a signing - just a notarization. Doing a loan package is a whole 'nother animal ***


Loan signings do not need to be a "whole 'nother animal". Personally, I know nothing about loan documents, and all I do at loan signings is notarize signatures. You do not have to understand loan documents to be able to notarize them. If you want to wear a "signing agent" hat, where you are a signing agent who just happens to also be a notary, *THAT* is the "whole 'nother animal".>>

So, are you now backing off from this statement? I have no problem (like others here have stated) with someone doing a qualified job as a notary for documents that happen to be found in a loan package. What I DO have a problem with - especially as directed to a person new to our field - is implying that this bears any resemblance to doing a loan signing. I stand by my statement that it is a "whole 'nother animal" - and I suspect that was Gina's point here, as well.

Reply by Robert/FL on 1/5/10 2:45pm
Msg #316770

Re: You have contradicted yourself

Loan signings only become a "whole 'nother animal" when the notary takes on the "signing agent" role. I do not get involved in explanation of loan documents as a matter of principle. I do not have any expertise with those kinds of documents. I wanted to make it clear to that poster that you do NOT have to be a "signing agent" to notarize loan documents, and "general notary work" holds no less prestige than "loan signing" work. IMO, notarizing loan documents can be general notary work unless the notary chooses to go above and beyond their role as an officer of the state.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 1/5/10 6:02pm
Msg #316819

Re: You have contradicted yourself

But when someone accepts a loan signing assignment, by inference, they are taking on the signing agent role. THAT'S the difference. And they shouldn't advertise themselves as doing loan signings unless they are competent in more than notary work.

When a hiring party is looking for someone to handle a loan package, they are very, very rarely looking for someone who will expertly handle the notarizations only. They are looking for someone to take care of the entire thing. That's the point I've been trying to make. I have no problem with you choosing to specialize in whatever area of business you want to or dispute your assumption that you couldn't handle notarizing loan docs for someone who doesn't need any more than that. But let's not lead people who have a notary commission and no knowledge of loan documents into believing that they are capable of handling a signing!

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 1/5/10 12:49pm
Msg #316735

Robert...I believe this post was made because

Gina's run into a problem with someone who did a signing for her...at least that's what I believe led to this vent. And she's right - when you do loan signings you're more than "just a notary" and need to treat each and every file with that frame of mind....you DON'T just notarize...

Reply by Robert/FL on 1/5/10 12:51pm
Msg #316737

Re: Robert...I believe this post was made because

IMO - people who "do" loan signings are acting as signing agents, not as notaries, and they should advertise themsleves as signing agents, not as notaries. As stated in my profile, I advertise myself as "just a notary", because I do not "do" loan signings and am therefore not a "signing agent".

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 1/5/10 12:51pm
Msg #316738

Should add (yes Jim, didn't ya miss that??..<G>)

And if you DO just "notarize loan documents" - no..you notarize signatures IN loan documents and you're NOT conducting a loan signing - and if you're being paid a signing fee and DON'T conduct a proper "loan signing" you're cheating your clients - the TC's and SS's who hire you.

Reply by Ocean Pacific Notary Services, Inc. on 1/5/10 12:55pm
Msg #316743

Re: Robert...I believe this post was made because

Thank you Linda - that is what I meant, sorry for any confusion.

I certainly realize that (I am a notary too) that we walk a line as we are a notary first. But that is not even in the picture at this point. If you are doing loan signings to begin with, you are a notary and a professionally trained loan-signing agent. You know more than the notary at the bank or the doctor's office, etc. If that was not the case, then I would send all our local closings to the bank and pay signficantly less in fees. So let me know up front that you are only a notary and we will look for a loan signing agent instead.

Reply by MW/VA on 1/5/10 12:53pm
Msg #316740

I can't believe you're starting this up again, Robert. While the forum is open to all notaries, the majority are Notary Signing Agents. In the loan signing process, we are required to do more than notarize. We verify the identity of the signers & witness their signatures (notarial act). We also need to make sure they know what it is their signing (willingness & awareness). As Gina said, no one who thinks they are "just a notary" should be doing loan signings.

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/5/10 3:18pm
Msg #316782

*As Gina said, no one who thinks they are "just a notary" should be doing loan signings.*

I agree 100% and also think that she should not be hiring them and like most companies, they need to screen better and pay for the expertise they want above and beyond being "just a notary".

Some of the fault is that of the hiring entity.

You'd think after awhile you'd get the idea of how those "just notaries" present themselves and figure it out when your talking to a stinker. I also know that in the past couple of years they have made some pretty low offers to my friends. That could be part of the problem.

Reply by Jim/AL on 1/5/10 3:31pm
Msg #316787

Are you saying that Robert is a stinker Brenda?

"those "just notaries" present themselves and figure it out when your talking to a stinker."

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/5/10 3:36pm
Msg #316791

By Gina's standards, yes...if he is

saying "just a notary".

FWIW. I think people should let bygones be bygones on Robert. He likes being a notary and not a signing agent. I don't understand what's wrong with that.

What am I missing.

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 1/5/10 3:51pm
Msg #316794

A Question Mark in Your Last Sentence...

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/5/10 5:49pm
Msg #316814

Re: A Question Mark in Your Last Sentence...--YEAH!

I knowticed that as sun as I poested ?

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 1/5/10 12:54pm
Msg #316742

I have to commend you, Robert ...

You are one of the few who completely embrace the role of Notary Public, do not profess to have skills or interests in being a Signing Agent, NOR do you ADVERTISE any. You're a pretty straight shooter, as far as I've seen - unless I've missed some drama?! =)

Reply by Robert/FL on 1/5/10 1:02pm
Msg #316747

Re: I have to commend you, Robert ...

You've hit it spot on. I am a member of this forum because I am passionate about being a notary public and want to be able to exchange knowledge with others. However, many members on this board consider themselves "signing agents" first and notaries second. To each his own.

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/5/10 3:02pm
Msg #316775

Not me...notary first...

Long time before signing agent.

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 1/5/10 1:20pm
Msg #316753

If I might elaborate a little ...

I do agree with Robert - and KEY to my agreement is that nowhere (that I've seen, and I've checked various profiles, his website, all the things a client would look at) does he make ANY claims whatsoever in being a Signing Agent. He doesn't list loan signings anywhere on his website, he is not holding himself out to anyone as anything other than a notary public (and a wedding officiant). I'm really not sure what else he could do to make his point clear to clients - add in that he doesn't accept e-docs, either.

I have no clue what a Commissioner of Deeds is, nor can I find the Assoc. you're claiming to be president of, Robert ...but that's a whole other conversation.

The point being - about being "just" a notary and NOT a signing agent, I agree with his actions. I imagine in fact that Florida probably has a lot of notaries public who stick to weddings - and why would we not welcome their conversation here? Why would we care if they had profiles here (assuming of course they weren't claiming to be experienced/knowledgeable at things they are not).

Most of us here do happen to be Signing Agents ...but that doesn't mean anything more than his NOT being one - we're all still notaries public, and that's plenty to form a community around, no? I'm just not seeing the drama on this particular point.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 1/5/10 2:42pm
Msg #316769

Renee, see my post above: Msg #316768 n/m

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/5/10 2:55pm
Msg #316774

I agree, Renee'...like that he understands

that a notary is a notary (and I mean nothing condescending by that remark!).

Reply by LKT/CA on 1/5/10 1:44pm
Msg #316759

I agree with you Robert....the title of this forum is "The Premier Web Site for Professional Notaries". It does NOT say "The Premier Web Site for Signing Agents". While I happen to be a SA too, I became a Notary to "just be a Notary". The SA business is just icing on the cake. While many weigh their options as to whether they will renew their commission due to the SA business drying up, it does not matter to me if the loan signing business disappears althogether. I did not become a Notary to become a SA, which means regardless of the economy, I will be renewing my commission forever. I prefer general notary work to loan signings and complete 3x the general notary work than loan signings. So, in one sense, I agree with what you've stated in your posts. Though, you are unique as you've made a conscious choice to not be a SA and that's perfectly okay.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 1/5/10 12:53pm
Msg #316739

I am with you. I would go further than loans. Anyone with that attitude should not be a notary public. Any profession or job requires continuing education and a certain amount of professionalism. Keep learning, keep sharp.

To me when someone uses the phrase "I am just a Notary", or for that matter anyone who talks about their work that way, ie "I am just a clerk" or "I am just a paper pusher" has low self-esteem and does not want to take responsibility for their actions. I almost used another phrase that set off red lights when I first heard it, but it belongs in "politics".

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 1/5/10 12:54pm
Msg #316741

BINGO!!!

"does not want to take responsibility for their actions"

Reply by Ocean Pacific Notary Services, Inc. on 1/5/10 12:58pm
Msg #316745

Re: BINGO!!!

I think I just tossed the dogs and cats together and caused a rumble, my apologies all.
I was just venting....as I have heard the I am just a notary phrase for the last two weeks and I wanted to <<scream>>.

So again please forgive me. I really don't mean to cause all difficulties.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 1/5/10 1:28pm
Msg #316754

No apology necessary.

It's good to wake the forum up once and a while. I think by the posts, there are many of us tired of hearing the phrase "I am just a _______________" uttered by people of all professions. You were just the first to say it in a while.

This definitely confirms your feelings, and others.

Reply by Les_CO on 1/5/10 12:59pm
Msg #316746

Sounds to me like the NNA just struck again!

Reply by John_NorCal on 1/5/10 1:13pm
Msg #316752

Much ado about nothing......

When a client comes to me to notarize a document, then I am THE notary. It doesn't matter what the document is, or if it's part of a loan package. I abide my state's laws and notarize that document accordingly.

If a hiring party engages me to present a loan package, then I wear two hats, one as THE notary and one as a signing agent. I present the documents, explain their purpose and notarize documents; again according to my state's laws. If a document cannot be notarized due to some conflict, then it isn't notarized; no matter what the loan commitment is it takes 2nd place to a proper notarization.

This forum has invaluable advice for all notaries as well as signing agents.

Sign me; Just a Notary Signing Agent

Reply by LKT/CA on 1/5/10 1:45pm
Msg #316760

Agree with you, John n/m

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/5/10 3:11pm
Msg #316778

I'm sorry Gina...but I would respectfully suggest that if you don't like that phrase, please make sure that you hire people who will not use it.

I know people here think your service is a real gem and that you're great and wonderful, but I think that if you really screen your notaries you'll get people who won't tell you that.

Reply by Ocean Pacific Notary Services, Inc. on 1/5/10 3:40pm
Msg #316792

Thank you Brenda - I am being more proactive on that issue.

Unfortunately, the ones that used that phrase are notaries we have been using for some time.

Reply by Les_CO on 1/5/10 4:03pm
Msg #316797

I hear you OP

Just My Opinion…but I think you will find very few NSA wannabe’s that will state in their first call that they have never done a signing, never even seen many of the loan documents, and have not a clue of what the documents say, or mean, or what the consequences of signing them are. Also if the schedulers are busy they seldom, have time to screen applicants before assigning a job. The SS usually only finds out when they get the package back or more often when they hear back from Title…..too late then. When they call the NSA assigned, and say the borrowers didn’t sign this or that, the notary then whines and says “I’m just a notary” not a lawyer…I know nothing about (take your pick) applications, affidavits, ‘quick’ claim deeds, surveys, DOT’s, etc.. It’s just the nature of the beast, “Signing Agents” that have done thousands of signings in the last month.

Reply by Jim/AL on 1/5/10 4:03pm
Msg #316798

Re: "I am just a notary" NOW, I think I have the picture

What she is saying is that NSA's she has hired (thinking they were true NSA's) were either disclosing to borrowers that "I am just a Notary" or that they were unable to explain common loan documents and were actually "just a Notary" at the table vs. a knowledgeable NSA.

I hope that is what she means anyway, lol.

Reply by Jim/AL on 1/5/10 4:05pm
Msg #316799

Did we get it yet Gina? n/m

Reply by Ocean Pacific Notary Services, Inc. on 1/5/10 4:20pm
Msg #316803

Re: Did we get it yet Gina?

LOL

Yes and no. We only use NSA to start with and try and use the same ones on our assignments. These issues stem from notaries that have loan signing exp.
Had notaries return RTC blank to lender, stating that they are just the notary and cannot complete because they are just a notary.
Had notary hang up on me because it is not their job to collect requested items, like POA or death cert because they are just the notary.
Had notary have borrower sign date-sensitive set of docs (wrong date) and knew it, but said they are just the notary.

The list is too much to go into here, but it happens when errors are made, I hear "I am just a notary". When I do a loan signing, I am more than just a notary. The lender or title co expects me to know my states requirements: is this is comm prop state, is this a homestead state? Do we need witnesses, how much money is owed to whom on the HUD, etc.

I just feel strongly, that as a profession, we are more than just a notary, much is asked and much is expected. There is a great crew here that really understands what it means to be a NSA and how many times they have saved a LOAN, saved an escrow officer, saved a loan officer. Sorry - I am mouthing off again - But I am proud to say I am MORE THAN A JUST NOTARY, I am specially trained, duly backgound-checked, and present a professional appearance to my clients and my borrowers. So I just expect the same from those who say they do loan signings..... and apparently do not, bcause they are just a notary.

Reply by jba/fl on 1/5/10 4:21pm
Msg #316804

Re: Did we get it yet Gina?

No, she is saying, I hired a notary, that notary botched the job and when I talked to that notary about the botched job, the notary then said "but, I'm just a notary." She also said it have happened many times over the past 2 weeks and she is tired of hearing it.
(#316745 - as I have heard the I am just a notary phrase for the last two weeks and I wanted to <<scream>>. )

"I certainly realize that (I am a notary too) that we walk a line as we are a notary first. But that is not even in the picture at this point. If you are doing loan signings to begin with, you are a notary and a professionally trained loan-signing agent. You know more than the notary at the bank or the doctor's office, etc. If that was not the case, then I would send all our local closings to the bank and pay signficantly less in fees. So let me know up front that you are only a notary and we will look for a loan signing agent instead." (#316743)

"Unfortunately, the ones that used that phrase are notaries we have been using for some time." (#316792)

Every post, other than OP's, is commentary and/or conjecture. OP really did say it all.

Reply by Richard Ingram on 1/5/10 4:24pm
Msg #316805

Re: "I am just a notary" NOW, I think I have the picture

Jim,
You really did hit the nail on the head. I have recently had two signings where the "I'm just a notary only", made resigning the only viable alternative. However, it does feel nice when the borrower praises you for a job well done and being able to tell them what each document is.

Reply by Jim/AL on 1/5/10 5:50pm
Msg #316815

Very true Richard, even nicer when I hear "that was the best

most informative, quickest closing I have ever had, much better than an attorney".

Had that happen recently and he then followed me out to the car and he tried two types of whiskey from my trunk ( Jack Daniels and Crown Royal knock offs) he was just as pleased with those. He had offered me a beer at the table, which of course I refussed and that started the whiskey conversation and as a former yankee, I am always prepared with the anti-freeze in the trunk for getting stranded or other fun times, lol.

It was the kind of closing you drive away from saying, hell yeah...I nailed that one!

Reply by John Schenk on 1/5/10 7:30pm
Msg #316835

Re: Very true Richard, even nicer when I hear "that was the best

I need one of those anti-freeze signings! I'm freezin my azz off in Texas! LOL I always keep a bottle of Jaegermeister in my vehicle. My German neighbor got me into that in that it's a tradition in Germany that when you harvest game, you always conclude the hunt with a shot, or two, of Jaegermeister. It ought to be the same for harvesting a closing. LOL J/K of course.

Nice to be appreciated. Wells Fargo always sent out a LO on many of their RMs and she always liked the way I handled the closings. Makes you feel good when the LO is there and likes the way you conduct it. I'm always happy too when the borrowers tell me that their closing with me, even if they had more docs than they did before, was the fastest they have ever done and how much they appreciated that. A little kudo once in a while feels good.

JJ

Reply by OR on 1/5/10 6:05pm
Msg #316821

Re: Gina, Don't people take pride in their work any more?

That kind of stuff would get old fast no matter who you are. Did you ask if you could pay for "just the notarizing" that was done by "just by the Notary" ? You could tell them that you wont need their service any more because you will be send out a Signing Agent that also Notarizes. :o) LOL ok just joking. Have a great day.

Reply by Ocean Pacific Notary Services, Inc. on 1/5/10 6:14pm
Msg #316823

Re: Gina, Don't people take pride in their work any more?

thank you.

I think the one that really upset me was a notary with over 10 years loan signing exp. went to signing with no Note or DOT. They had the docs the day before and did not call me to tell me critical docs missing or did not call me from the table. When I asked them why, I got that THEY ARE JUST A NOTARY, not their job. See I really hate the phrase.....

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 1/5/10 6:19pm
Msg #316825

No excuse for that... n/m

Reply by John Schenk on 1/5/10 7:48pm
Msg #316837

Re: Gina, Don't people take pride in their work any more?

As the first set of docs are coming off the printer I fill in everything that I can in advance of the signing that I can, short of my stamp, siggy, and filling in identifying info that I don't yet have. I don't care how late those docs come, I'm going to do the same thing every time. Often, during that full review of the docs, I spot an issue and immediately call title or the SS. Something missing, a NBS that is absolutely not named anywhere on the lender docs but shows up on title docs, etc., etc.. I just like looking them over in advance of the closing. I always let the borrowers know when the docs come in late and that once I get them I will fill everything I can out in advance that I can as I am going through them to be sure there isn't something obvious that is missing or something that we might have a problem with at closing so I can address that before I ever come to their home and start taking up their time. I find they're always very receptive to that, and it ultimately ends up being a much quicker closing, which I have found that none of them were opposed to, especially on VA loans where they may have been through refis and closings quite a number of times.

It always makes me proud to know I'm walking in that house knowing what I have in my hands and prepared to make things move along just as fast as a borrower wants them to move along with no hitches.

JJ

Reply by Les_CO on 1/5/10 8:46pm
Msg #316842

John

If you're giving advise....may I say it's great advise?
Thanks for the post.

Reply by John Schenk on 1/5/10 9:31pm
Msg #316849

Re: John...You're welcome, Les.

Just in my lay opinions, of course.

JJ

Reply by Les_CO on 1/5/10 9:51pm
Msg #316851

Re: John...You're welcome, Les.

Just to be clear…In one of my previous posts a stated… “or what the consequences of signing them are”…. I, in no way meant that we were to interpret the document for the borrower. More like: “If you sign this you are swearing that the statements made herein are true”. Not…. “Man… if you sign this note, with these terms they’ll have to dig you up after you die, and get you a part time job to pay this sucker off!!” I too don’t do UPL.

Reply by John Schenk on 1/5/10 9:54pm
Msg #316852

Re: John...You're welcome, Les.

LMAO, didn't mean to imply that, if in any way I did. :-)

JJ

Reply by Les_CO on 1/5/10 10:04pm
Msg #316853

Re: John...You're welcome, Les.

No John I did not mean you implied anything of the sort. Actually I read your next post, and got to thinking my post may have been misinterpreted, and I was just trying to clarify.
Your post:
“MY JOB is NOT to explain the legal ramifications of ANY document they sign. MY JOB is to show them the docs that answer their questions, when they ask them, and to watch them sign, fill out any info needed, and notarize their sigs.”

I agree! And my opinion hasn’t changed..your post was/is GREAT advise to us all.

Reply by John Schenk on 1/5/10 10:21pm
Msg #316854

Thanks, Les..time for bed for me. :-)

Love this forum, but I really don't know how to figure out if you don't follow every post how to know if someone responded to a post you made, unless you go through Linear, so I probably fail to respond to a lot of posts. Not intentional, but but I don't read every post on here. Do my best to go back and respond to posts made to me, but I certainly miss some, I'm sure. Again, not intentional, but I don't look back too far. My PM is always available for anyone that really wants to talk to me. I DO try to respond to posts, but I'm not going to look for them too hard if they fall off the first page, and sometimes I don't even have time to search all those posts on the first page as I can't follow them, and most of the time have a hard time figuring out who's responding to what, but glad to be a member here. Maybe I'll figure it out one day.

JJ

Reply by John_NorCal on 1/6/10 11:11am
Msg #316900

Les ---

It's advice! Not advise!

You may give someone advice

Or


You advise someone

Reply by Les_CO on 1/6/10 4:30pm
Msg #317009

Re: Les ---

Thanks John!!!

I stand humbly corrected!

Reply by Yoli/CA on 1/5/10 8:57pm
Msg #316843

Re: Gina, Don't people take pride in their work any more?

Absolutely, John. I do the same. As you say, makes for a quicker signing and you can feel more at ease knowing you've done all you can to make the borrower(s) feel confident in your professionalism.

Reply by John Schenk on 1/5/10 9:28pm
Msg #316848

It lets you TOTALLY CONCENTRATE on the SIGNING!

That's what I like about it. It relieves me from having problems, that I should have already seen before I go out to a borrowers house, and it puts them at ease knowing that I have done my homework...filled out all I can in advance...saving their precious time, and that I've already reviewed the docs to find errors that I should have found..missing docs, weird stuff they haven't addressed on a NBS,etc., etc., etc....not an exhaustive list by any means, nor meant to be.

If they ask me where's this or where's that, MY JOB is to show them where that is. MY JOB is NOT to explain the legal ramifications of ANY document they sign. MY JOB is to show them the docs that answer their questions, when they ask them, and to watch them sign, fill out any info needed, and notarize their sigs.

I'm GLAD to show them the doc that answers their question, line & page. IF showing them the line & page that answers their question doesn't answer it for them, then I gotta make a call as I'm NOT going to try to interpret any Line or Page of docs for them. I can't legally do it anyway, in Texas. I have no desire to do it as that's above and beyond my official capacity, as a Notary Public, and also above and beyond my legal abilities, as a layman. Normally, and pretty much always, they ask a question, I show them the answer written in the docs...they read it, and we're back off to the races. That's MY only LEGAL response that I can give them, at least in Texas. If we need to make a call, we make it, and I'm certainly ALWAYS happy to make the call, or have the borrowers make the call, or we BOTH make the calls trying to get someone to answer a legal question that I have no right to answer.

The difference between a Notary and a NSA is CAN YOU, when asked a question about where something is in the docs, SHOW THEM WHERE IT IS? IF you CAN'T, then you're a NOTARY, and you need to school yourself some more. We're NOT hired JUST to be Notaries. We are expected to conduct that closing with absolute professionalism, and we ARE expected to point the borrowers to exactly where they need to look IN THE DOCS to answer their questions, and not give legal advice. IF SHOWING the answer to them in the docs doesn't answer their question, then my job is to call someone with the authority to explain it to them, and that's what I have done in the past, AND will do in the future. UPOL charge would TOTALLY destroy my life, as I am in the legal field. It would do the same for anyone that is a notary that counts on doing this for a living.

KNOW THE DOCS! KNOW where to point the borrowers to in order to answer their questions. The docs are all the same, but different in some respects, but once you know them, it's a piece of cake. There are few gray areas that arise. Close the loan, and hopefully you get paid.

JJ

Reply by PAW on 1/5/10 9:16pm
Msg #316845

If you want "Signing Agents" then ...

... state that's what you want. Signing Agent Service Agencies (aka Signing Services aka Signing Agencies) advertise that they are looking for notaries to do loan closings. But it sounds like that's not what you want. You want signing agents, who are duly commissioned notaries, to do loan closings.

Your website states: [quote] Ocean Pacific Notary Services is always looking for professional notary agents from all over the country to help us improve our standard of being one of the leading loan signing specialists in the nation. [end quote]

Maybe it should be reworded somewhat by replacing the word "notary" with "signing" resulting in the following:

Ocean Pacific Notary Services is always looking for professional SIGNING agents from all over the country to help us improve our standard of being one of the leading loan signing specialists in the nation.

(Not sure what a "notary agent" is. )

Reply by John Schenk on 1/5/10 9:35pm
Msg #316850

Re: If you want "Signing Agents" then ...

I would guess that the general term would include rural areas where they need to get what they can. It's not a perfect world for soliciting Notaries or SA's, but probably rather just a NEED to get a list of people to call if a SA isn't available, and they just get stuck calling anyone that's available because that's all there is.

Just a thought.

JJ

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 1/6/10 5:13am
Msg #316864

Agree in theory, Paul, but would love to see "NSA" replaced

with "Mobile Closer" or "Independant Loan Closer" or something far more accurate than this "notary signing agent" term that WE made up. (Well, due credit to Ms. Pence, but still ...)

I contend ...and maybe I'm wrong, but won't be the first or last time ...that those who are afraid of getting anywhere near the word "closer" were taught to feel that way, and for a very good reason.

Reply by PAW on 1/6/10 7:24am
Msg #316870

Re: Agree in theory, Paul, but would love to see "NSA" replaced

>>> I contend ...and maybe I'm wrong, but won't be the first or last time ...that those who are afraid of getting anywhere near the word "closer" were taught to feel that way, and for a very good reason. <<<

I personally try to avoid the term 'closer' (as in "remote closer" or "independent loan closer" because of confusion with a "Title Closer" (in respect to real estate) which is a term used by the Florida Department of Financial Services to describe a licensed person with specific and documented duties. Title Closers are not only regulated by the state, they are also certified by the Florida Land Title Association. Thus my avoidance of the term as much as possible.

If there were documented and accepted definitions of "remote closer", "independent loan closer", "signing agent", etc., then it would be a lot easier to put a label on what we are, what we do and the limitations of the position.