I got a signing for tomorrow (day after Christmas). First packet I reviewed had ALL docs in the wrong name. New docs get uploaded, but not a complete packet. I would need to mix new docs with docs in first packet to make a complete packet AND, if I find wrong name docs, instructions are to just have signer sign anyway in legal name. I’m considering sending it back and saying “no”. To sit and combine two packets, and some might still be wrong anyway seems a bit much. I’m rather new and trying to feel out the system as a whole. Thanks.
3 Likes
You talking 30 page pkg. or 130+? If small, I might do it. If big, I wouldn’t. It’s their job to send a complete pkg; not yours to figure out what docs should be included & change name. It’s one thing to swap out an updated/corrected HUD & CD and quite another to sift thru every page looking to see if it should be SWAPPED or ‘cross out wrong name & have right name signed’. You aren’t paid enough, nor is it your job to do their clerical work.
13 Likes
Complete agree with Arichter.
4 Likes
Thank you. It’s 40 some pages, and after taking a little Christmas walk, I decided this was not handled well by the escrow company and the signing service. It’s one of those companies that send instructions about how much they will dock your pay if you drop a dot of black ink on the page, but then send me a crazy packet. I feel bad for the signer. She has been telling them all along that her name changed, and apparently they didn’t take care of business. Thanks for your response. You always have good advice 
5 Likes
There’s your answer. YOU can’t fix their stupid. I think you dodged a bullet.
4 Likes
This situation is unprofessional on the part of everyone involved except you as the notary. I would recommend either declining to correct their packet or charging an appropriate fee to do so, with the clear understanding that any errors in the final assembly are not your responsibility. “It’s just witnessing signatures”. LOL
3 Likes
I would decline to proceed. They need to provide a complete, accurate, signature ready package. That’s not our job and if you assume that responsibility you open the door for liability if there are errors.
2 Likes
So just a follow up: the title company called me (probably got my number from the signer). They were genuinely confused about why I cancelled. I told them, politely I hope, that asking me to put the packet together, as well as asking to have the signer sign a document with the wrong name printed, was the reason for my cancellation. I also pointed out that the signing service made it very clear that even the slightest irregularity would result in a reduction of my pay, so I felt the situation was setting up a signing that was ripe for error.
4 Likes
Yes, once again it seems sadly that we. the NSAs are ones with the most on the ball and paid the least. The LO didn’t QC their file before docs went out…the processor and underwriter missed it, the doc drawer didn’t QC it, the Escrow/Title company didn’t double check…but if the transaction was a Loan subject to TRID then the borrower executed a CD in advance with the wrong names and didn’t say anything… and you are out the time and money you could have applied to another signing…this same scenario plays out time and time again. we are the unsung HEROs but never get the credit…and rarely a thanks. My hat is off to you and every notary who has gone through the same thing and still keep their heads up and plug away….Happy New Year! one I hope brings a summer refi boom and we see a doubling of our fees, just for the asking, because the industry will never catch up when it happens, and just maybe show a little more respect if not just neediness for our quality services…
3 Likes
It’s also important to keep in mind that you are an officer of the state you live in. You’ve taken an oath to perform as prescribed by your state’s constitution (or whatever) and you have a responsibility to not only the lender/title/escrow and the signing service that engages you, but also to the citizens of your state who have the right to depend/rely on the services you provide.
When one of the entities sends you faulty/shoddy packages and then sloughs it off on you to fix it on their behalf, you have a judgment call to make. It appears you made the correct call, IMO.
Easy, obvious and simple fixes? Sure, I’ll help out. I’ve done enough of them that when I need a fix or some grace for one of my oversights, I usually get it, but, I’ve been doing this for a while. Most of my signing services know me and like me and work well with me. And they respond well when I get an “unruly” package. So, my advice is stick to your standards, both official and your own. Do the right thing and you should never get in trouble.
And, one last thing. . . keep clear, concise notes about problematic situations in your journal. There WILL be a time when those notes will save your reputation.
Happy New Year!
4 Likes
This is destined for disaster. Because if you just miss one page or swap out the wrong page, you’ve got to re-sign. Have the signing company tell the title company to organize and merge all the correct pages so you have one PDF.
2 Likes
I totally agree with everyone here except that before canceling I would have said to them “I’d be happy to continue, but I really need you to send me a full complete packet. I don’t really want to be responsible if there are errors on no part of my own”.
3 Likes
Completely agree with Arichter
1 Like
I have gotten to the point after23 yrs of letting Title correct the package. We’re not paid enough to correct their errors and if something is left out it will fall on you. It’s their responsibility to correct the documents.
Keep the job, but wait for correct package.
1 Like
“Unruly” package–I like that. Very descriptive.
Aren’t mistakes always the Notary’s? LOL
This topic was automatically closed 90 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.