It's a way to ensure notary knows her role in the closing - especially in Title license-driven States. Most times when advertising my services to TCs I use the "notary witness closer or agent" to avoid any confusion as to what I'm there to do. I witness & notarize signatures; I don't have the authority, bond or capacity to do anything else. No free rein here, like in some States.
It's really a Cover your "rear" terminology, so NSA doesn't evolve into the "notario publico" in clients' or consumers' minds! |