No matter how you feel about it, good, bad, or indifferent, and I have read a lot of comments saying what you have repeated.
Before the NSA business took off it was nothing for the LO to be present at the escrow office during the signing. My first broker requested all LOs attend their signings, and it was good to take the heat off the NSA when questions came about. Now, with NR and other training that's out here, more NSAs are able to answer more questions and more LOs feel comfortable not attending the signing. I think a lot of newer LOs have never experienced attending their signings so when one does, today's notary freaks out.
Personally, I never stuck with the same escrow company office but tried to get an office (perhaps the same company) nearby the customer for them to go in and sign. My goal is to make it convenient. I would still attend and I've had questions come up where the EO was very glad I was present.
Nowadays, I stay at my desk during the signing with my computer open to the same loan docs you have in your hand. I'm going through the closing on my own just about the same time as the notary. I get less calls these days which makes me feel comfortable. When I do get a call from the notary or the borrower, I'm able to answer any question quickly and accurately as I have the loan in front of me. I'm sure you would all love that.
I also get a copy of the signed docs immediately from title at the same time as underwriting. I can spot notary errors before I get hit by UW and can communicate with the EO to get the notary back out asap.
A good LO is a much bigger help to the notary and the whole process then you may imagine. I ask my customers how the signing went. I will request the EO use that notary over again if things went well. That is something that you would want isn't it? Why lose out on a perfect opportunity to show yourself off to a LO and do some direct marketing? LOs also recommend notaries to other LOs.
We can all learn from each other so take advantage of any opportunity to do so.
The End
From the Other Side |