Posted by GOLDGIRL/CA on 10/6/12 11:42am
Msg #437423

Here's my new phrase!

"I'm strictly the notary." Try it, it works! Note the word "strictly." No more, "I'm only the notary, or "I'm just the notary."

Pair it with: " ... and I am not authorized to speak for your lender, blah blah blah ... "

It's worked great the last few times I've used it. They don't sigh and give me those pathetic looks anymore while thinking "why they'd send this bimbo, I wanted a real live LO or a real live escrow officer here... somebody who knows something about my loan." (Yeah, sure, dream on).

Anyway, that said, 99% of the time I dive into the HUD with them and find the offending items and things usually get cleared up. But it really seems to clarify my role at the signing table without any negative results.

Reply by Roger_OH on 10/6/12 12:05pm
Msg #437424

Except you're only the notary for...

those handful of docs that require it; for the rest of the package you're a signing agent.

Reply by BrendaTx on 10/6/12 5:11pm
Msg #437435

Agree, Roger. n/m

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 10/6/12 5:25pm
Msg #437436

We're there because we are notaries.

No other reason. If lenders didn't HAVE to use us ...well, it's kinda fun to think how the whole loan signing process would work today if they sent in their own boys (and girls). As far as I know, there's really no such thing as a "signing agent," occupationwise, at least. It's a term somebody came up with to describe what we do at the signing table. The only people I ever hear call us loan signers are notaries themselves. And as you pointed out, the two are distinctly different.

Reply by JS_MD on 10/6/12 11:36pm
Msg #437468

Re: We're there because we are notaries.

Totally agree.......it would be nice if our part in this process garnered some respect.

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 10/7/12 6:08am
Msg #437491

Total agreement here, too. n/m

Reply by HSH/WA on 10/6/12 12:45pm
Msg #437427

I like it, from now on I will use it. Thanks.

Reply by LindaD/NJ on 10/6/12 3:37pm
Msg #437433

I like it too! Because "strickly" we are.

Reply by NVLSlady/VA on 10/6/12 5:36pm
Msg #437439

Yes, using "agent" can get tricky because borrowers think we're a Title rep. Had one borrower the other day, look at HUD-1 and ask if the over $3k escrow agent fee was to Me! Uhh . . . I told them I'd "retire" from closings 'til year-end if it was (:

Reply by WINotary on 10/6/12 10:26pm
Msg #437456

I too like the phase - thanks for sharing - I will use it

Reply by Karla/OR on 10/6/12 10:41pm
Msg #437460

I like and will use it too! Thank you! n/m

Reply by Roger_OH on 10/7/12 12:28pm
Msg #437520

All signing agents are notaries, but...

not all notaries are signing agents.

Presenting the payment letter (or note, privacy policies, RTC, TIL), collecting the check, printing/mailing docs, etc are not notarial acts.

The role of notary in a loan signing is limited to those docs that require it. If you don't think so, see what your E&O insurance covers.

Reply by NVLSlady/VA on 10/8/12 3:12pm
Msg #437689

Re: All signing agents are notaries, but...

Good point, Roger . . . may call for some "selective" advertising (: