Keep your eyes on what is Important
I was a student pilot flying a little Cessna 150 single engine plane. My instructor believed in making me ready for any situation, As I approached Kobelt airport in upstate New York (a very short runway – under 3000 feet) was before me. I had landed there a few times and knew that a perfect approach, airspeed and elevation was essential; lest I have to call a “missed approach” apply full power and go around to try the approach again.

I spotted something in the middle of the runway – during a rather good approach. I could not make out what it was! My eyes fixed on it for about 2 seconds trying to determine what the obstruction was. Thankfully, I took a look at the bigger picture and noticed that a slight crosswind was directing the plane toward a rather large tree! Flaps up, full power, slightly lift the “nose” – over the trees I went, just above stall speed! The object was my instructor, teaching me to look where I was going….

I doubt you notarize for the fun of it. You want to earn money, the more the better. However just earning money can be somewhat pointless without there being Profit. Some might object to my use of the “P” word – but, even if I offend some – it’s central to this article; and I will use it.

Profit is the money left over after the costs of doing business are deducted from revenue. Many are the callers I speak to that offer revenue, but not profit. A 50 dollar edoc that takes an hour plus each way is a rejected offer – there is revenue; but no profit. We all know the components that go into our costs; no need for me to again enumerate them here. However, some will take any assignment hoping to “show their mettle” – with a higher rate on subsequent jobs. That has never worked – “they” remember the least you would accept and will offer not a penny more.

Keep your eyes on what is Important – Profit. Sure it’s virtually impossible to account for the= share of “overhead” expenses on a per job basis. However, it’s pretty easy to “feel” if you are at least earning what you feel you are worth. Some with a high degree of skill probably will want a higher rate per hour compared to those just starting out. But, for the vast majority of us we desire to earn, what’s the popular amount now? Hmmmm, are your efforts earning 15$ an hour?

Of course that 15$ amount is very low; but some take the bait and make less; how is that possible? Well, with eyes on the important, let us take two views. You decline the lowball and they say “there are lots of notaries who will take what we are offering” – that’s unfortunately true. But so is the flip side, there are lots of firms that are willing to offer more. Stand fast, don’t break ranks to the bottom fisher. Many posts here and on other sites tell you how to make the two most important actions. First, learn a lot about what you are authorized to do. Secondly, make yourself known widely; sure some will be lowballers – you just decline, best done with an “unsubscribe” one word reply.

As my little plane approached the trees I had a decision to make; with very little time to make it. I could have adjusted course and “attempted” to pull off a landing; but I knew my skills were not up to that level of flying. I chose to abort the missed approach – and lived to try again. But, it was a lesson well learned. When landing a plane look where the plane is going. When being a notary look at the “bottom line” and keep aware: will you profit properly or lose by accepting?

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I Bounced Trustee signing – Refunded – 15 Min after docs arrived
I asked the all purpose question – Is there anything else I will be asked to do other than print, go, legally notarize, ship, report completion. They said “that’s it”. They sent my standard PayPal fee in 5 minutes.

When the doc arrived there was a requirement to scan and email two of the pages; OK, I’ll live with it. Even though it requires finding a parking spot, scan, email, and back out to ship. But, as they paid so quickly – I just said to myself “such is life”. But, it gets worse, as usual with my telling a lot worse.

Postdate not Backdate.
Along with the scan and email was a statement from title that I could ignore the fact that the docs were dated for the day after the notarization was scheduled. That was on the Mortgage. Borrower was predated as (no changes) signing on the 5th, the witnesses (another surprise) date the actual 4th as do I. That sure would look strange. I check with American Society of Notaries – that’s prohibited. Strike One.

Notary notarize thy self
There were two documents for notary only signatures that called for venue, stamped and seal. The first had me swear to the validity of the attached borrower ID copy – also prohibited by ASN. The second asked me to “verify” that the correct person signed, again sworn by me. Strike Two.

The closing Affidavit
The borrower signed over the words “Minnie Mouse, Trustee” – but in the notary section after the before me was “Minnie Mouse, followed by a lengthy description of the trust details”. They did include a copy of the trust (to reassure me?). Thus I was providing the trust details that the affiant did not swear to! It was the same situation for several other documents. Strike Three.

Let me outta here
Fortunately they sent the docs on Tuesday, at 7PM with the task scheduled for Thursday at 3PM, about two days later. Of course nobody at title was there to answer the phone. How I wished I had asked for the person who gave me the assignment to provide their cell number. I sent emails only stating that I had issues with the documents and also processed a complete PayPal refund. I had not printed the docs as it is my custom to review the PDFs on screen to be sure I would be able to accept the task. I also sent screen images of the ASN site showing that the specifics mentioned above were prohibited notary functions.

Lessons Learned
During “first contact” I was given the choice of them emailing the doc to me or they would ship the package to the borrower. Always have the doc emailed to you – so you can take a look at it and not wind up in a situation where you must decline to proceed and also want a trip fee. That would make for everyone involved to be unhappy. Look carefully at those notary sections, they are your statement. The fact that they sent me the Trust is meaningless; the notarized document must be able to “stand on its own”. Years later if there is litigation would you have the Trust document? Has it been revoked? Are you qualified to determine if it is valid? I am only allowed in the notary section to have the name as on ID.

What to do
Run away from questionable jobs. Your defense attorney would cost you a lot more than the tiny notary fee. Don’t count on E&O to step in when your actions are clearly improper – Dump the illegal tasks!

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