Let's Talk About Notary Signing Agents

 

All notary signing agents (aka NSA, loan signing agents, or signing agents) are notaries, but not all notaries are signing agents. So, what's the difference and why should you care?

A notary signing agent has additional training and certification to handle real estate documents: purchase, sales, refinance, HELOC etc. They also carry higher E&O insurance policies. In essence, NSAs perform two functions:

1. The certified NSA guides the signer through the real estate document package making sure all the required forms are correctly signed and dated, boxes are checked, and is tasked to make sure the signing process goes as smoothly as possible. After docs are signed and double checked for errors, the NSA gets the documents back to escrow as quickly as possible.
   
2. The NSA also is performing her notarial duties by verifying that the signer is indeed who they present themselves to be, and to notarize and document in her journal all the required documents within a real estate package. 

The distinction between a notary signing agent and a general notary is the general notary does not have the additional training and qualifications for real estate document signings, and may not be familiar with the documents contained within a real estate package. A missed signature on a loan package, for instance, could upend the deal and cause a delay in closing, or worse case, kill the deal altogether if the signer was working to close before an interest rate expiration.

A seasoned notary signing agent can allay much of the anxiety a first time home buyer may have with
their momentous transaction by expertly guiding the buyer with confidence through the myriad of documents. It should be noted that signing agents may not answer any "why" questions (such as why is my interest rate this much?) but may field questions where the answer is in the document at hand. The NSA will point to the section on the document that answers the signer's question. Any other questions beyond what is readily available on the document is directed to the loan, or escrow officer as needed. In addition, a professional signing agent does not offer her opinion about the transaction at hand, even when asked by the signer. 

Further, an experienced NSA often preps the real estate documents prior to her appointment with the signers. In doing so, if there is any confusion, or obvious errors on the documents, she can call the title or escrow officer for clarification or correction. This can save time and aggravation for all concerned. Trust me, I've run into issues with documents during my prepping process that thankfully were corrected before I saw the signers.

By the time a real estate comes to the signing table, the transaction has passed through many stages. The signing and notarizing of these documents is no less important. Be sure to request a seasoned NSA, like myself!

Call me for more information on how I can assist you as your notary signing agent for your real estate transaction in Los Angeles and Orange counties. 

Weston Mobile Notary  562-786-5174