Hi. I’m doing my first loan signing tonight (my first job was a notary only gig). Do I also have the customer sign her copy that she keeps, or do I just give her the blank copy? Also, I have a nice "copy’ stamp. Is it okay to use that? Thanks so much you guys. Every one has been really helpful.
You just give them the blank copy. No need to have them sign 2 sets. Personally, I would not use a “copy” stamp as it would be too time consuming. No need to do extra work when it really doesn’t make much of a difference overall.
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Thank you so much!!!
Give 'em unsigned copy. Once I had a signer WANT me to watch 'em sign and also then NOTARIZE their copy. Sorry, no can do as that would create TWO ‘originals’.
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Oh, good point!!! Thank you.
@joanbys Good question. Blank Copy of the document package goes to the Signers for their files.
@Arichter I’ve had direct experience with that situation of the signer requesting BOTH copies be executed & notarized. I managed the situation in an identical manner to the one you’ve identified above - for the same reason of declining their request.
Don’t stamp the copy. If you make an error on a page you can switch it out with a clean copy page.
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The primary rule to remember is that the notary holds all the authority. Once that control is lost, the signing process can quickly go awry. Approximately ten years ago, due to health concerns, I had to alter my approach to presenting loan packages. I no longer simply pass documents across the table (a practice known as “spinning” in car dealerships) and keep copies nearby or in my briefcase.
Instead, I now hand over all the documents to the signers and provide instructions for them to sign each one. I closely follow along with their copies, often needing to slow them down to keep pace. Upon completion, we exchange stacks, and I meticulously review the signed documents for errors, notarize the necessary ones, and collect their signatures and fingerprints in my journal.
This method has proven to be the most effective way to ensure even the largest loan packages are signed correctly. Even during the COVID pandemic, I was able to maintain a safe distance of 10 feet without any issues.
It is crucial to remember that signers are paying a significant amount for your services, and they rightfully expect you to conduct yourself as the professional representative of the title company.
I would never hand the stack to the signer. They almost always want to move and read ahead. That’s no control at all.
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Reply to Peggy Sue: That’s the point Peggy, after you explain the procedure, they will sign and move along quickly, which leaves you more time to notarize the legals. Your job description is to extract signatures, notarize the legals and scan (check) for mistakes. Not to educate. Nowadays most of your clients are smart, have already signed their docs online, have thoroughly read through their closing disclosure, and probably have made a mental note of your $250 notary fee.
I wish they would get away from legal paper , its more expensive aqnd we dont wear white wigs on our heads any more.
Some have tried…with less than stellar results. A notary cert ends up on 2 pages, 1 line ends up on a 2nd letter size page, they shrink it down to unreadable without a magnifying glass, 3 pages for what should have been 1 legal size. I know it can be done on all letter AND LOOK GOOD, but it takes some WORK.
20+ years ago we had to have a plain paper fax and an efax account.