Sharing information for WA State. New travel advisory posted today by State of WA stating those coming into state from another state must self quarantine for 14 days. I had a signing booked for 11/20 and when I confirmed order, Signer advised he and his wife were going to OR until 11/16. Have to cancel appointment because they need to self quarantine for 14 days according to new advisory.
After I originally posted this item, received a call from First American. Travel Advisory posted is same for WA, OR, CA and not a mandate. Up to Notary to ask questions regarding travel and make decision on how to proceed or not.
Great. Confirmation call 2020: “Hello! This is Jane’s Notary Service, calling to confirm an appointment. May I speak with Mr Doe? Mr Doe, before I confirm a date and time to meet with you, please tell me if… A, you or anyone in your household is coughing, has a fever, or feels fatigued; B, if anyone in your household has traveled outside the US in the past 14 days; C, if anyone in your household has been exposed to anyone diagnosed with Covid-19; or D, if you are in self quarantine after traveling to any other state? What’s that? A cousin of one of your co-workers whom you rarely see because you work different shifts got Covid? Sorry… I’m afraid I’ll have to report back to the lender that you are at high risk. Please reschedule a different signing time!”
RON is looking better every day.
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Agree a lot with what you stated. We are working in the world of crazy circumstances and bottom line is everyone has to make choices. Notaries may be considered financial essential workers but we are also considered an expendable number. I still have issues with RON and legal ramifications could be on Notary. Would like to see universal Notary laws between all the states but also don’t see that happening in the near future. Lenders that are pushing for RON should also push for legal uniformity first. Working on my new list of questions when confirming appointments since it is my choice.
So glad someone sees this - instead of all those who feel they can’t do without us - this is the reality. IMO I have never considered a notary as an essential worker - firemen, police, medical personnel, food workers/suppliers, yes - notaries? Not so much
I agree Linda with your statement. When COVID began, WA State posted a bunch of information online and one document stated Notaries were essential financial workers. When First American representative called me, he also made the same statement. Financial world appears to have their own conception of an essential worker. If we are so essential, then Contractors best quit offering those insulting low ball fees and not complain at the fare wage fee offered. It’s our behinds on the line.
I think we ARE essential. Finance in the form of real estate transactions are one of the only strong portions of our tattered economy that remain. The bug will end. How well our economy will recover depends a great deal upon those parts that continue to generate revenue. We play an important role.
At this time in particular, offering lowball fees is insulting. That signing company may as well say, “We have this much respect for you - not only as professionals, but as human beings. Thanks for doing the dangerous part of our transactions for pennies!”
