Update: After receiving some advice here, I called the borrower to confirm (without docs) but it ends up that the phone number listed was invalid. I checked the x marks the spot portal and there were two notes from 11/10 and 11/12 that listed the same issue with the phone number. Then, a few min later, the signing was cancelled because the borrower didn’t sign the prelim CD in time for the closing to take place today.
If the CD is required three days in advance, I’m wondering why they scheduled the signing this morning even though they (should have) been aware that the CD wasn’t signed in time for the closing to take place today? Oh well. Thank you to everyone who replied!
Hi,
My first signing ever is scheduled for this afternoon at 3pm. I received the assignment this morning, which was a bit last-minute, but I thought that I would have plenty of time to print the edocs and prepare beforehand.
It’s been two hours so far and the edocs still haven’t been sent, so now I’m getting anxious. I reached out to X marks the spot and they asked if I was able to confirm the appointment with the signer yet, but the NNA signing agent course instructs us to review the docs before calling to ensure that the name on the signer ID matches the docs exactly AND to confirm that they will have a check ready, if required. So, I can’t confirm with the signer until I get the docs. Right?
Or should I just call and confirm with the signer without checking the docs first? SOS!
They would NEVER upload documents until you confirm the appointment with borrowers. Sometimes the borrower want to change time, and you have to inform your contractor, so they can adjust time, and once everybody is in the same page they would upload the documents.
Really?! Why would the NNA course instruct us to cross check the name on the docs with the signer ID? I’m looking at the “borrower call checklist” in the NNA course right now and it says “Remember to match the name on the ID to the name on the documents.”
That’s when you’re with borrower, you check his/her name with the documents. You won’t have access to borrower’s ID until you meet with him/her… right!?
This is a prime example of why we old notaries shy away from that organization.
You can confirm with the borrowers that they’ll be available - just let them know you’re waiting for their docs to be released; confirm they have current valid photo ID plus one and let them know you’ll re-confirm when you receive documents. Ask them if they have flexibility in their schedule in case of an unforeseen delay. Also let them know you’ll keep them in the loop
How long will it take you to travel to the signing? How long will it take you to print two sets and set up the package to be signed? Take that time into account and advise your hiring party you need docs by XXX time or you’ll have to move the time of the signing; ask for authorization to move the time if necessary.
Usually the loan officer would tell the signer(s) to have a check ready for $$$ amount. You’ll find out if money (check) is due in the CD (Closing Disclosure)
I also took the NNA course, and I’m afraid you misunderstood. The course instructs us to contact the singer first thing after being assigned the closing. Yes, we are to match the signers name to the docs, but contacting the signer comes very first.
Thanks! I’ll definitely remember this going forward!
In an interesting turn of events, I went to call the borrower and the phone number provided was for an automated emergency physician answering service (they must be a doctor) but there was no way to speak directly with the borrower. I checked the x marks the spot portal, and it looks like there were two previous attempts to call the signer on 11/10 and 11/12 that noted the same exact issue with the phone number.
Then I refreshed the page and the signing has been cancelled.
It ends up that they didn’t have a valid phone # listed for the borrower AND the borrower didn’t sign the prelim CD in time so the closing can’t take place today after all.
I’m glad everything worked out for you in the end. I’m sure the next opportunity you get will go more smoothly. When I contact the borrow, I do ask if they know whether they have money due at the closing. Hopefully they have already seen the CD and will know. Good luck to you!
You MUST confirm the appointment immediately upon receiving an order. Documents also have been arriving very late or not at all right now. The market is super busy.
MUST CONFIRM AS SOON AS YOU GET THE ORDER!! Once you get the docs just see if they have to come in with any money at closing by looking at the closing statement. The order could have misspellings etc. They comes from the signing company. They don’t always have the correct spelling etc., DO NOT WAIT FOR DOCS TO CONFIRM APPT!!! I have been doing this for 29 years…very important.
Okay let’s just chalk this up to it being your first time.
1st- Always confirm the Date, Time, Location and that all (needed) signers will be present for the signing.
2nd- If you get a assignment in the morning and it’s for 3:00pm the same day, that’s really not last minute.
3rd- IF, you’re able to get the documents prior than 2 hours before your scheduled signing, please know that’s not the norm (depending or the company with whom you’r working with)
4th- Signing agencies don’t have control of the docs (in most cases, the docs are coming to them from a title company or the lender) so you’re going to have to wait sometimes.
5th- The NNA guidelines are just that, only guidelines. NNA or any organization for that matter can never fully prepare you for everything and anything that might happen during a signing. #ExperienceIsTheBestTeacher
So relax, it was your first signing and we’ve all been there. (and we’ve all improved since then and so will you.)
I do that and here’s why. If I show up not knowing that the names are different, you can’t go any further until you get someone on the phone from Title (good luck) to advise what to do with the signing. I made that mistake once - of not checking IDs before I arrive. I now have all of my clients send me a picture of their IDs ahead of time. I can sound the alarm 3 days prior with Title to get the docs corrected if they didn’t know.
If you have a non-working number, immediately let whoever gave you the assignment know so they can get it straightened out. Sometimes someone along the document route made a mistake.
