I recently came across an article published on the MSN website, and it has prompted me to express my concerns regarding how the overall mortgage lending volume, with a particular emphasis on loans that are supported by government agencies, could be affecting the current environment for notaries and signing agents. The article’s analysis suggests that we may potentially face a temporary decrease in the processing of FHA, VA, and USDA loans, which could have broader implications for our industry. MSN
Given the potential ramifications of a government shutdown on the mortgage lending sector, specifically the possible reduction in activity related to FHA, VA, and USDA loans, I strongly urge all notaries and signing agents to proactively develop alternative business plans and strategies. These plans should be strategically crafted to mitigate any potential negative financial impacts that could result from these possible shifts in the lending market and help ensure the long-term stability and success of our businesses.
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I don’t know I’ve done multiple VA loans in the last week.
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Since the government shutdown just occurred on 10/01/2025, there are probably loans of those agencies still in their pipeline for processing.
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This month has started out busier than last month which was the best month of the year for me so far. Guess we’ll see more as the month goes on. Overall I do a lot of VA loans so it will be interesting to see how it plays out.
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I have noticed websites in general do not edit for current changes. Cell phone social media apps are better but also not always accurate. AI seems to create a whole new mess. Technology is heading for major collision with tech companies accelerating collision. US Government is so out dated they don’t know how to prevent this mess. People need to find employment NOT controlled by AI and at the mercy of technology ~ good luck with that. My hair stylist can’t be controlled by AI (yet). 
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I doubt if the current government shutdown will last long enough to have any significant effect on our business. All I know is that I’m getting tired of living in a world that’s dominated by political squabbling. Then again, that’s another story for another time and place.
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@steves11 I concur with your comment. “All I know is that I’m getting tired of living in a world that’s dominated by political squabbling.”
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I am glad somebody is busy. It has been terribly slow around East Tennessee, at least for me. I haven’t seen 10 text blast go out in the past week. Most of the ones that I am seeing are 1 hour or more away from me and they aren’t paying enough to take those. My wife works in the commerical lending side and she said commerical stuff has picked up a lot in the last few weeks. Maybe it will start to hit the comsumer side.
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It’s been slow around here. I completed an FHA Partial Claim at the end of September. Nothing else since then.
Last week, I had a refi that ended up cancelling, a field inspection for Aspen, and another similar job for another company. So far this week all I have scheduled is an Auto loan signing through MavSign.
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I had the same experience. September was great. So far this month, things have slowed down. I am seeing a spike in walk in traffic for general notary work. My competition seems to be unavailable a lot lately. Good for me 
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I tried to report a constant barrage of phone calls that I keep getting from Royal Caribbean cruise lines who I told to take me off their call list several times. The FTC is closed due to the shutdown so I’m going to have to wait for that one.
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I feel like it might affect us maybe in November or December (depending on how long it lasts) in a positive way. We can use notary to our advantage by looking into other niches that’s separate from government affairs.
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Yes, of course we are all thinking of it. Very concerning. But if the government shutdown becomes an issue, title companies and lenders will no doubt produce another “Affidavit of Understanding and Indemnity and Hold Harmless Agreement Due to (insert reason here)” for their borrowers to sign, much like they did during COVID19 pandemic to absolve them of any delayed recordings with county land records.
P.S. I am not personally concerned as it relates to my notary business, because whether the government is shut down or reopened is completely out of my hands.
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I’m in NM and have definitely seen a decrease in businesses this past week as well. The orders that I am getting are very low paying and the farther locations aren’t even worth picking up for the amount they are offering. Hopefully it’ll pick up for everyone here soon! Good luck to you!
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August was super busy out here in Eastern Massachusetts, as was the first half of September. Then things trailed off around mid September and haven’t really picked up since then. I’ve barely gotten any text blasts and most of them have been for jobs 40 to 60 miles away for low pay. I usually average 10-12 loan signings per week, but this week I barley did four. Luckily, I also do tax work and I have a few tax returns to carry me into next week for clients who filed extensions. But, if weren’t for those, I might have been up the creek without a paddle. It was like this last year around this time as well.
I’m in Calinutia and except for one week in September when it was dead, I’ve been pretty busy. Are any of you seeing what I’m seeing: the rebirth of refi’s? If the Fed drops the rate again in a few weeks, I’m buying 3 cases of paper and a bunch of toner cartridges.
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VA loans are up. HELOC is up. But on refi’s - personally I think paying over twenty grand in closing costs is insane.
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