Services

Our team of notary signing agents (NSAs) inspect loan documents to verify the identity of a signer by closely reviewing the documentation the signer presents. They also verify that borrowers are acting of their own free will and understand the nature of the documents they’re signing. NSAs are responsible for printing the loan documents, witnessing and verifying the loan signing, and then sending the signed documents to the lender, title company, or proper organization.

 

Signing agents are qualified to do this from extensive education and training they complete to be certified, all based on an industry standard. The signing agent’s signature assures that no fraud or duress occurred during the course of the transaction. Legal documents like those transferring title from seller to buyer won’t be accepted without a notary signing agent’s signature and stamp.

 

All signing agents must have an active notary commission, which is the certification they receive from the state they work in. This is a statewide appointment, so once an NSA receives their notary commission, they may notarize anywhere within that state.

 

Notary signing agents play an important role in the closing process. Often they are required to travel to the home of the seller or purchaser and must have a complete understanding of all the documents they’re reviewing with the client.

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The Real Estate Notarization Process

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Notary work involves a specific process that the NSA must follow. How long it takes to notarize real estate documents also depends on the type of loan, the borrower, and the number of pages, but most notary signing agents allow at least one hour for notary work. Here are the basic steps of the notarization process:

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• The notary will require that you appear in person. Banks and lenders cannot notarize their own loan documents, they typically rely on escrow or title offices to handle notary work.

• The notary will identify the signer. Before loan signing, the notary signing agent will confirm the identity of the signer. This is typically done by providing a government-issued ID. Other methods of identification include “personal knowledge” which means that the notary personally knows the signer or by using one or two credible identifying witnesses.

• Documentation is reviewed. The notary signing agent will review the documents to make sure everything is accurate. They will also make sure the name on the documents matches the name on your ID.

• Most notaries will create a record of the signing. Many states require that the notary keep a record of all notarizations. This may be helpful if a document or notarization is called into question.

• The notary signing agent will sign and seal the documents. Once everything has been reviewed and signed, the notary will sign and seal the documents. These are typically the mortgage note, mortgage, and affidavit of owner occupancy. Depending on the lender and your loan, a subordination agreement and signature affidavit may also need to be notarized.

 

Why A Real Estate Notary Is Important

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The primary function of the real estate notary is to prevent fraud. The notary’s signing services include verification of document accuracy and the identity of all borrowers signing the documents. If a real estate document isn’t notarized correctly, the document could be rejected. This can lead to a delay in the closing process or in the worst-case scenario, the transaction could fall through or the notary could face financial or legal liability.