Posted by Lori Griffin on 10/25/10 4:03pm
Msg #358145

TPLs.................

I'm pretty new at this signing agent stuff and wanted to get some input...............
I've done about 5 signings in the past 6 months. Some were refinancing packages, some were other types. this week I received a call from an out-of-state company that asked me if I had a TPL. I don't. They said it was required for their signings. Ok, fine, sorry. Today I received another call from Statewide and they asked the same question. They also said it was required. Is a TPL required nationwide or per state or per company preference...or what?
LAter today I received another call and a TPL wasn't required for them. They are located in VA. I'm thinking about taking the online course to get it, if it is a requirement. Any input/suggestions on a good affordable class to take????

Reply by CopperheadVA on 10/25/10 4:19pm
Msg #358151

My understanding is that you CANNOT close loans in MD if you do not have a TPL. However, since I'm not located in MD, I would invite a MD notary to chime in here with all the specifics.

Reply by Lori Griffin on 10/25/10 4:26pm
Msg #358154

Any Maryland notaries willing to chime in???

Reply by MW/VA on 10/25/10 4:37pm
Msg #358158

Lori, you sound like a newby to this biz. You might want to

do some research here, beginning with msg. 33325. From what you've said, you've done 5 signings in 6 months, got stuck for $65, and don't know that you have to have a TPL lic. to do signings in MD. You're also looking for some training, and I would stear you away from the NNA.
There is a good training manual available here on NR, and one of the members is running a training website. Maybe one of the other posters will p/m you with that info. I don't think I have it. I would suggest you don't take any more signings until you know you are prepared & legal.

Reply by MW/VA on 10/25/10 4:42pm
Msg #358159

Also, be warned that there are posters who will attack

newbies. I think you've already experienced some of that. This forum has a rep for some nastiness.

Reply by Lori Griffin on 10/25/10 5:05pm
Msg #358164

Re: Also, be warned that there are posters who will attack

Funny you should say that...however, I am also a process server and I get verbally assaulted all the time!!!!!

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 10/25/10 5:24pm
Msg #358165

just clean fun...well, okay... sometimes...lol. n/m

Reply by Lori Griffin on 10/25/10 5:34pm
Msg #358167

Re: just clean fun...well, okay... sometimes...lol.

I've been reading you guys and gals for weeks now. A few ofya are a little fiesty!! I DO, however, appreciate any & all guidance!

Reply by SheilaSJCA on 10/25/10 6:54pm
Msg #358185

Re: just clean fun...well, okay... sometimes...lol.

Lori- Welcome aboard. Just curious, how did you find out about this site?

Reply by Ilene C. Seidel on 10/25/10 9:31pm
Msg #358211

Re: Also, be warned that there are posters who will attack

Forget that newbie stuff Marilynn. When someone wants to start in a business do you go into it blindly, NO. Homework needs to be done to see what your getting into you don't run by the seat of your pants.

Reply by desktopfull on 10/26/10 7:26am
Msg #358244

Re: Also, be warned that there are posters who will attack

WOW! Now we're attacking someone when we tell them they should have done research concerning how to LEGALLY conduct the business they want to start and have a business plan when they start a business. Your right Ilene, you don't run a business by the seat of your pants and hope for the best or that your competition will run to your rescue because you didn't comply with your state laws.

Reply by Lori Griffin on 10/27/10 6:46am
Msg #358394

Re: Also, be warned that there are posters who will attack

I understand everyone's frustration. However, some of you are jumping to conclusions that I just decided to start a business with out doing homework! I already have a business that requires alot of notarizations. However, I will admit that I should have looked into exactly what is required for me to sign loan docs. I signed up on this site for general notary work I haven't referred to my handbook in years because I have been doing general notary work. I was never asked about a TPL or certification in the beginning. I haven't been doing ""signings" on a regualr basis, just one package and a few docs that were missing from another agent's package. Now that I read the handbook and discussed the issue on the forum, I get it. My ignorance is no excuse, but really, I just made a mistake and I'll have to deal with it. The company is going out of business and I never got paid. So, that's probably a good thing.
I've never accused anyone of attacking me on here; however, some of the nastiness on the forum and the p/ms I got was a bit unnecessary.
Thanks for al the input, suggestions and guidance.

Reply by MobileZ71 on 10/25/10 4:50pm
Msg #358161

Re: Lori, you sound like a newby to this biz. You might want to

Go to http://www.mdlta.org and get your lic. and go to the Pre Lic. section. When recording the Deed of Trust, the title company will need the TPL of the closer to record it. You are in volation to Maryland law if you are closing loans in Maryland with out the Title Insurance Producer lic. After you spend the time and money getting you Title Lic, Bonded, and contining Education, you will find that doing loan closings for $65 will make you broke and you will have to charge higher fees.

Reply by Roadie_MD on 10/25/10 7:21pm
Msg #358188

you could lose your commission and face serious fines.

if you read your manual it specifically says that you cannot perform real estate closings without a title producer license. There is no ' oh my! I didn't know' It has been a requirement since 10/1/06, but only just recently has been strictly enforced.


Hopefully nobody here will report you.

Reply by Lori Griffin on 10/25/10 7:56pm
Msg #358193

Re: you could lose your commission and face serious fines.

I should clarify my original statement. i used the word "signing" too loosely. Most of my wor khas been Notary work that was not loan affiliated. I have been handling Notarizations at the hospital near my house: POAs, wills, etc. Signing Pro called me and offered me the job. i told them I would do it before I knew what it was. I haven't accepted any other Loan signing work since that job. I am, however, looking to enhance my resume and take a class and join you guys as an official Loan Signing Agent. On that note, any guidance is greatly appreciated and I know that you guys just play around alot on this forum. no hurt feelings. I"m just glad I had you to educate me in the right direction! Thanks!
P.S. I will never ever charge 65 bucks ever again!!!!!!!

Reply by CopperheadVA on 10/25/10 8:03pm
Msg #358197

Re: you could lose your commission and face serious fines.

Lori, by all means you should pursue getting your TPL if you want to do loan closings, but just be aware that it does cost some bucks, and I'm pretty sure you also have to take an exam, and then maintain a bond.

Do a search on this forum (orange button at top of Notary Talk page) and look up MD TPL or Maryland TPL and you should find some good info.

Good luck to you!

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 10/25/10 8:06pm
Msg #358199

Re: you could lose your commission and face serious fines.

Lori...you said "I've done about 5 signings in the past 6 months. Some were refinancing packages"....you then proceeded to ask about two title companies...

You've done loan packages...stop backpedaling...you're not kidding anyone here...

I just hope for your sake no one reports you AND for your own sake you get the necessary education, licenses and ongoing education you need to be able to do signings in MD. It's more than "taking a class" - contact the MD Insurance Department and follow their guidance ... but do it right before you do any more wrong. I'd also suggest you revisit your own state's handbook.

MHO and good luck.

Reply by Ilene C. Seidel on 10/25/10 9:13pm
Msg #358209

Re: you could lose your commission and face serious fines.

Thanks Linda, this really pixxes me off.

Reply by Ilene C. Seidel on 10/25/10 9:12pm
Msg #358208

Lori you are breaking the law and if ever discovered will NEVER get a TPL. You have to go to school earn about 30 credits take a state test. If you want further information call Maryland Insurance Commissioner or JUST READ your notary handbook!!!
Any company in state or out of state should be asking for a copy of your TPL. This has been discussed on this site and you did not do your homework.
I suggest you stop closing loans til you get your TPL or do general notary work.

Reply by Mary Ellen Elmore on 10/26/10 10:44am
Msg #358276

It is my limited understanding that you are required in MD to have a TPL to do signings.

You might want to check into that further.

Reply by Prosperity on 10/29/10 6:47pm
Msg #358854

I think you and someone else (whoever hired you) are in a lot of trouble. By posting, you already got yourself reported. I'm so sure of that.