I was given a signing by a new company i had never heard of. They wanted me to sign with 4 people list documents for $85. I called to confirm the appointment and the signer could not speak english. Since I had 4 people to confirm I called the next person. They said don’t call any of the others as they don’t speak english. I called the signing company and they advised me that it was okay to complete the signing that she was a notary and did it all the time. Still feeling uncomfortable I called NNA and was advised to turn down. I refused the appointment. They got upset asking me to find out what language they spoke and how many people did not speak English? That’s not my job right!? Doesn’t the signing company figure that out before I get the order?
Question first:
Where are you located?
We should not notarize for someone whom we cannot communicate with.
Agree - but I asked location because some states allow interpretors. Wish OP would answer, although hopefully she got busy with beaucoup signings and is really busy.. 
Im in Oregon. Even if they allowed interpretors why would the notary be responsible for finding an interpretor? I still believe that is not my job. Im just glad I didn’t take the order.
I usually agree completely with Linda, but in this case, I see it a little differently. Unless I bring my own interpreter, how can I be certain about what is being translated - in either direction - me-to-them or them-to-me? I know that sounds distrustful but if anything is misinterpreted or misspoken, we’ve got a problem that probably cannot be resolved. With all the trap doors in our profession, why step on ones we don’t need to?
Nope, I wouldn’t conduct a signing if we are unable to clearly and accurately communicate with one another. Throw in a couple of yappy dogs and some unruly kids running around and the whole thing tips over. JMHO.
@ENDLESSJOYS You shouldn’t be…it should be up to the signers to do this. Does hiring party really want to pay TWO people to attend and conduct their full signing??
@Bobby-CA we are allowed to use them in FL but I would never use one for a full loan signing. A page or two..okay, maybe (my HS Spanish does kick in every now and then). Full loan signing?? Heck no
Back in the George W Bush era I witness closed a few loans that had 4 signers, four loan applications, 4 sets of junk docs, etc. all the incomes cobbled together qualify to purchase one property. That was okay by me because it was BSS (before signing services) and I was paid the full notary fee.
Sounds like you were just doin’ your job, Joe. Ain’t nuthin’ wrong with that.
I think you may be assuming they spoke Spanish. They spoke Farsi. In the USA alone, this language accounts for only 0.71% of the population, significantly below the 14.1% of Spanish speakers. Finding a translator who spoke Farsi was going to be very difficult.
No, was not assuming that at all. Was just recounting my own experiences, which were mostly in Spanish with both the signing agent work and working with the census bureau
no that is not your job from here. The SS can step up and figure that out so they can find a notary that speaks their language and English if possible.
Hi Joy, arranging for interpreters is 100% NOT YOUR JOB. That hiring company dropped the ball. If it was a loan document, then I’d say the loan officer dropped the ball as well. Getting details about the signers is their job. I would have refused this signing too. I do not provide interpreters or witnesses - no matter how many times they ask no matter how nicely LOL. And for that person to tell you hey, it’s OK because I am also a notary and I do this all the time? Well people steal cars every day too. Just because someone else is willing to break the law doesn’t mean we are obligated to follow suit. So that was a pretty stupid thing for her to say in an attempt to coerce you into doing it.
Bottom line: YOU FOLLOWED OREGON STATE NOTARY RULES. Thankfully, when you called NNA they also recommended turning it down. NNA cannot always be relied upon for providing correct advice. When it doubt, call your state notary division (503) 986-2200 rather than NNA. (see p.77 of the handbook:)
Just saying, in my years of practice, I have never met a person who spoke Farsi who wasn’t bilingual. Nevertheless, your only legal purpose for being chosen to witness the closing of any loan is to notarize the legal documents, so the notary must be able to converse with the signer. Then the non-lawyer notary translating legal documents, and then leaving copies in English is almost laughable.
A lot of signing services are taking advantage of notaries who accept low fees — like $85 per signing. Before you say yes, take a look at the Notary Fee/Closing Fee listed on one of your Settlement Statements from a prior appointment (if you haven’t deleted it). You’ll often find the actual fee is two or three times higher than what’s being offered.
Remember: value your work. You’re the one footing the real costs — printer, toner, paper, time, vehicle, gas, insurance, and most importantly, your experience. Travel adds up fast too — mileage, wear and tear, even a quick snack on the road all eat into your profit.
Work smart. You’re running a business, not a charity. Don’t give your time and effort away for less than they’re worth.
As has been discussed here often, that fee on the CD or Settlement Statement includes more than just the signing agent’s fee. Looking at that number will only get you aggravated for nothing. If you quote a fee acceptable to you and they agree to pay you that. then that should be sufficient.
Okay, Linda, then why is my name printed next to the notary fee when I’m working directly? Shouldn’t there be a full disclosure breakdown of the fee on the borrower’s settlement statement if there’s a split with the notary? Why doesn’t anyone complain about that! Doesn’t anyone know a state attorney general interested in Mortgage fraud?
Okay, Joe, now it sounds like you’re getting angry with me and all I did was state “as has been discussed here often…” - and honestly?? If your name is printed on the HUD/CD/Settlement Statement, then THAT is the amount of money you are supposed to be paid…if they don’t it’s a RESPA violation…and it’s fraud on the settlement agent’s part…very serious charges.
Don’t you remember notaries insisting they be named on the HUD with their fee so they make sure they’re paid?? And the opposite of that is if the loan never closes nobody gets paid, including the notary?
I get so tired of talk about fees.
Honey first of all, I will never accept a signing with 4 people for only $85. As for the language you did the right thing. If you can not communicate with the signer it’s best if you don’t do it.