You searched for initialing - Page 3 of 3 - Notary Blog - Signing Tips, Marketing Tips, General Notary Advice

October 21, 2013

Can you notarize someone’s initials?

Filed under: Legal Issues,Technical & Legal — Tags: Initialing, Initials of a Borrower, Initials of a Signer, Notarize a signature, Notarizing Initials — admin @ 7:20 am

Can you notarize someone’s initials?

It is fun to read all of the various notary questions that people have. But, a notary may only legally notarize a signature of a living person who appears before the notary public.

However, it is common for signers to be required (not required by the notary, but required by the document custodian or lender or other entity) to initial all of the pages of a Deed of Trust, Power of Attorney or perhaps a Note. There are other documents that are often initialed as well. It is never a legal requirement to initial a document, but it might be a business requirement for certain financial or business entities just to make sure that pages are not swapped after the notarization.

Initialing pages of a longer document is more of a “best practice” to deter fraud. It is harder to swap a page if there is an initial on it. However, Title companies are known to forge the initials of a signer just to save time — if the signer forgot to. Imagine that documents went to a borrower’s house, and the borrower signed the documents, and had them Fedexed back to the lender. If the borrower forgot an initial, it is a huge pain to bring those documents back. It is easier to commit forgery of an initial even though that is a serious crime!

Getting back to the main point of this article, no, a notary cannot notarize someone’s initials.

You might also like:

The 30 point course’s guide to initialing
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=14463

Why do I have to sign with my middle initial?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4452

Tutorial on initialing
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=14463

Comments (2)

October 18, 2013

Cross Out and Initial

Filed under: Best Practices — Tags: Cross Out & Initial, Cross out and initial, Cross Outs on Documents, Crossing out and initialing, Notary Cross Outs — admin @ 7:29 am

Cross out and initial

What if you are in the notary business and you just made a mistake, or someone else made a mistake in a document. Simple, just cross out and initial, right? Maybe not. Putting aside the questionability of the legitimacy of a document with cross-outs, the future document custodian might not like cross-outs.

Picture yourself as a lender. You are having a loan signed, so you can sell the loan to yet another bank. That other bank doesn’t like it when people cross out and initial information on their loan documents. It looks sloppy and unprofessional to them. So, as a notary, what do you do when there is a problem with a document? You ask your contact person what they want to do.

They can either redraw the document at great expense, coerce the borrower to sign the document “as is”, or have you cross out and initial. Let your contact person make the decision so they get in trouble — not you!

Redrawing documents means that you will have to wait for the new documents to be typed up, sent via email or FedEx, and then you need to make a new appointment with the borrower on a subsequent date.

You might also like:

The 30 point course section on cross-outs
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=14406

Signing agent best practices: 63 points
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4315

Cross-out happy; Not a good idea
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4449

Industry standards in the notary business (covers cross outs, initialing, and more)
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4370

Comments (0)

June 6, 2013

Industry Standards in the Notary Business

Filed under: Loan Signing 101,Ninja Theme Articles,Popular on Facebook (shares),Popular on Facebook (very) — Tags: Attorney States, Cross outs, Experienced Notaries, Fedexing Documents, Notary Industry Standards, What loan processors say about initialing — admin @ 1:53 am

Many notaries claim to understand the loan signing business well. But, there are many things that even experienced notaries don’t know. Here are some industry standards to think about.

(1) Cross outs
Some lenders allow them while others don’t. As a best practice, avoid crossing anything out unless you have gone through all other recourses without any luck. You should ask your contact person if they think it is okay to cross-out before doing so. If you can’t reach your contact person, see if that company allows cross outs. Remember, even if a company allows cross outs, it can compromise an entire loan and cause a redraw. So, don’t be “Cross-out-happy”.

(2) Initialing
This topic is not well taught, but really matters. I have received instructions that are identical from two unrelated parties. One was a processor, and the other was the owner of a signing company. Both instructed me that if a surname is spelled incorrectly in the signature section of a document, the initial goes UNDER the name. The processor noted that it should ideally go under the last several letters of the surname. Why? The processor or quality control people involved in the loan need to type in the corrected version of the name, and if you put initials where they are going to type, they will run out of space. This is a practical consideration and not a legal one. Initials go UNDER, so that retyped names can go to the RIGHT. This is a test question by the way.

(3) Order of documents
Most companies like documents returned in the same order they were submitted. Some are more flexible than others about this, but it is easier and more organized for them. That way they will know right away if they are missing something. Checks or notes should go on the TOP of the package and ideally attached to an 8.5 x 11 document so they don’t float away if unattended. Gusts of wind and careless coworkers walk by, bumping into things, and sending loose documents flying. I remember a client who lost a $20,000 check that I specifically remember putting in the package. Hmmm. Be careful — I am!

(4) Unsigned documents
If a borrower won’t sign a document, it should be returned at the TOP of the package. You don’t know who will open the package. Often it is a secretary, assistant, co-worker, or someone other than the contact person. If they don’t realize immediately that there is a problem, then there will be a delay fixing the problem. Remember — these folks are multitasking, and your loan is not the only one. Although you told them in a phone message that there is a problem, they still need the problem to be in their face.

(5) Hustling the borrowers
If a borrower doesn’t want to sign a document, don’t start off by pulling a “used car salesman” tactic. Call the contact person you have, i.e. Title, signing company, lender, etc. Leave a message, and allow 20 minutes for them to call you back. Call them once more if you don’t hear from them and wait another five minutes. If you still don’t hear from them, then you can tell the borrower about their three day right to cancel, and how if they don’t sign the document they might be facing a redraw. Remember, don’t start off by twisting the borrower’s arm — that is a last resort and is very rude and unprofessional to start off that way.

(6) Fedexing back the documents
If there is a problem communicating with the lender or other contact person, don’t delay Fedexing documents back unless instructed to. Many signers feel that it is “professional” to hold on to the documents until the next day until right before the Fedex deadline. Guess what, you might hear from the lender with instructions or you might not. But, what if you get busy and FORGET to dump the Fedex? What if you or a family member has a health emergency and you can’t drop the Fedex? Do you think of these things? Get rid fo the Fedex THAT NIGHT into the drop box at a staffed Fedex station if possible even if the staff are no longer there. It will get picked up. Remote drop boxes are sometimes risky, but boxes at Fedex stations are very safe. Think when handling time sensitive documents.

(7) Emailing documents back
If you get e-documents and have a question, don’t scan and email a document back. That is NOT secure. A hacker could do identity theft. Lenders are very uncomfortable with the idea that a notary would compromise their information. Use a phone or a fax, but not email for sharing information about the borrower. Remember, that when you received the documents, the portal was PASSWORD protected.

(8) Instructions
Many lenders have a letter of instructions when they assign a loan. The industry standard here is that there is no standard. Some lenders give written instructions while others don’t. Each one wants something different. Follow instructions to a tee, and you will be first on their list.

(9) Explaining things to the borrowers
If you are NOT in an attorney state, you can explain generic information about documents to the borrowers. But, do not give specific information about their loan, specific answers to questions about their loan, or commentary particular to their loan. Not allowed. Don’t even tell them their Rate. Just point and say, “Is this what you asked about?”. That way you are carefully refraining from telling them anything which they could accuse you of misstating after the fact.

(10) Confirm the completion of the signing with a tracking #
When you are done with a signing, leave a message with the Fedex tracking number.

(11) Title & Escrow prefer blue ink
I always used black unless specifically asked to use blue. But, many lenders nationwide prefer blue ink so that they can identify an original from a B&W copy immediately.

(12) Take the Fedex to a HUB.
Remote drop boxes are a recipe for disaster. Title will be all over you if the documents don’t get back on time. Find out where all of your local Fedex stations are. You could lose your best client if the documents don’t get back on time. Get a receipt too and save yourself a lot of problem. Not an industry standard, but it SHOULD BE.

(13) 40% of signing companies say: Don’t call the borrowers.
If you don’t call the borrowers, they won’t know that you are coming. Half the time, they won’t be ready for you either. So, unless you are absolutely sure that the company will pay you if the borrowers don’t sign, then think twice.

(14) Sign exactly as the name is printed
What if the identification doesn’t have the same name variation? Your Secretary of State might not take kindly to the fact that you notarized them under a name that is substantially different from what their ID reads. Proceed with caution and use a Signature Affidavit if necessary. Make sure that middle initials are clearly signed too so that the lender can sell the loan. If any part of the signature looks like it is omitted, reselling the loan will be a problem.

You might also like:

Notary Public 101 – a free notary course
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19493

Fraud and forgery related to the notary profession
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2294

Comments (5)

May 17, 2013

Why do I have to sign with my middle initial?

Filed under: SEO,Signing Tips — admin @ 11:03 pm

Do you get asked this question?

If your name on Title has your middle initial, is that the reason? I think so. But, what if your drivers license doesn’t have your middle initial? Then, you can not prudently be notarized with your middle initial. When signing loan documents, if you don’t sign exactly how your name is typed in the signature section, then you probably won’t get your loan. So, inconsistent middle initials can create an issue.

But, as notaries, you need to watch your signers carefully. Remember, you are there to babysit the signers. Unfortunately, most notaries are so unprofessional that they need to be babysat as well. But, you should know what you are doing.

At a signing, you should tell the borrowers exactly how they are to sign and have them practice on a piece of paper that is not part of their loan. Watch them. Make sure they don’t leave out any initials and make sure they sign using the applicable name variation.

Good luck

You might also like:

Initialing tutorial: Industry standards in the notary business
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4370

The man who wouldn’t use his middle initial
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4040

Cross out and initial, or use a fresh form?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19933

Notarizing multi-page documents
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=21423

What if the signature or notarization is in the middle of the document?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=20525

Notary Public 101 from 123notary
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19493

Comments (7)

February 15, 2013

Signing agent best practices: 63 points

Filed under: Best Practices,Comprehensive Guides,Loan Signing 101,Popular on Facebook (shares),Popular on Facebook (some),Popular on Twitter 2013,Posts With Many Comments — Tags: Notarization, Notarize, Notary, Notary best practices — admin @ 10:31 am

Here are a few tips about best practices. Maybe none of your clients will care, or maybe they will even adamantly dislike your best practices. But, if you have any self-respect, you will engage in best practices.

LEGAL & TECHNICAL BEST PRACTICES

(1) Hand written documents.
As a notary, it is not illegal to notarize a hand written document. The issue is if there are cross-outs, or blanks. Blanks make it illegal to notarize, but cross outs are a question mark. Personally, if you care about best practices, and not ending up in court for some stupidity that the signer did, then require typed documents with no cross-outs or blanks.

(2) Don’t pick the type of notarization for your signer
That is their job. Legally, you can not choose for them.

(3) Blanks in documents
Put a line through the blanks or refuse the notarize. (that was quick)

(4) Cross-outs
I would avoid notarizing anything with a cross-out. If you can do a cross out, you don’t know if it was there before the notarization or not. If there is one before, what prevents there from being more after. You can forge an initial without being detected, so cross outs are an indication that you need a redraw.

(5) Affixing your seal over wording
This is illegal in many states. The notary seal should be placed in an area of the paper where there is no wording, and do not sign or write over the stamp impression or you void it. If there is no space, then attach a loose notary certificate and make sure you document all pertinent facts on it.

(6) Loose certificates
NEVER send a loose certificate in the mail or hand it to a client. Always attach the loose certificate to the document, preferably before affixing your notary seal. Always document the name of the document, document date (if any), number of pages in the document, document description on the certificate in addition to filling in the standardized state wording, signing and sealing the form.

(7) Journals
Keep thumbprints in your journal. If your state doesn’t require journals, write them a letter about how poor their standards are and then go and buy a journal from the NNA. Also, there is a section called, “additional notes” in your journal (hopefully). Please use this to write down anything unusual about the signer during the signing, or anything unusual about the circumstances. Write it so thoroughly, that when you are in court five years later about that signing which could have involved fraud on the part of the signer, that you will have your evidence handy! Impressive!

(8) Oaths
If you do sworn Oaths, make sure to have the affiant (know this term) raise their right hand. Make sure to study up on formal Oath wording. Oaths are serious, and you are a state appointed official, so keep it official, okay?

(9) Embossers
If you don’t have a 2nd notary seal, get one. Embossers create a RAISED inkless impression. Use it as your secondary seal, and you can affix it to all pages of all documents you notarize for security. There are many frauds out there who do page swapping after the fact. To avoid page swapping (which could lend you in court for something they did after the fact) use an embosser. That way when you get a phone call 2 months later to notarize that separate page they are adding, tell them that you have to do the whole thing all over again. Sorry Charlie, that is a best practice!

(10) Learn the correct verbiage for power of attorney signings
But, there are four accepted verbiage variations. My favorite is Joe Doe, as attorney in fact for Mary Doe. Always call the lender to find out what type of verbiage they want at a signing. Remember, it is their loan, and just as long as you are not breaking the law — do it their way!

(11) Overseas documents
People overseas have bizarre standards. Some require the stamp to be on the document itself no matter what, but they didn’t put the verbiage in for your state. There is nothing LESS legal about attaching an acknowledgment form, but it is not about the law at this point. It is about whether or not THEY like it! So, find a legal way to handle their overseas the way they like. Once I manually wrote in the California Acknowledgment verbiage by hand and then sealed it. It was legal. Not exactly a best practice, but if they won’t accept best practices, then settle for “best practices under the circumstances”. Chinese are a tough crowd — you will find out!

(12) Initialing
Many Title companies don’t like suffixes such as Junior, or IV at the ends of names. But, if you are Louis Remy Martin IV, then the IV is part of your name, the 4th part of your name to be precise. Ronald R Rubin initials RRR. Get the initials to be correct and thorough. And if a lender doesn’t like it, should you break a best practice for their happiness? I don’t know of any laws about initialing, but making an initial of each part of the name is only logical, right?

(13) Signing for confused elderly people
If you sign for a person in a hospital, or someone who is just elderly. Make sure you have whomever calls you READ the identification over the phone to you including the expiration date. Have them read the name on the document too. Elderly people can never find their ID’s, and if they assure you that they have it, don’t believe it, they are lying. Trust me. I know! I am experienced and you are not! Otherwise you would be writing this blog. Do not notarize an elderly person if they can not move their arm on their own. Do not let their daughter drag their arm across a page that they are signing. You can use the daughter’s arm as a brace, but not a movement device. If the elderly person can not paraphrase what the document says, DO NOT NOTARIZE. And, by the way, the night daughter might be a con-artist who is pretending to help the elderly woman, only to be trying to cheat the old lady out of her money. Notaries beware!

(14) When in doubt, call your state notary division
Sometimes the handbook is just not enough. It doesn’t include all situations, and it is not written in English either. Legalese is not my mother tongue, what about you? Call them and bug them. Do it right or not at all. The NNA offers a good notary law hotline too, but get your information from the SOURCE and call your state notary division as your first choice!

(15) Safeguarding your seal and journal
Keeping it under lock & key is the rule of many states. A locking bag, a locking file cabinet. Keeping it in your car, etc. But, honestly, property DOES get stolen, and you need to protect yourself the best way. If your goodies are in your car, keep in in a place where it won’t get taken in a break-in. Keep it under the seat, or behind some large container in the trunk. I kept it in my trunk, but where the robbers could see it. Everything was in a little bag, and they probably thought it was a lap top and valuable. They were in a rush and didn’t inspect it before they took it. If it is at home, keep it in a locked file cabinet instead of hanging around in your locked bag. Go above and beyond the law for best practices. Keep your seal in a place where it is least likely to be “robbable”.

(16) Be an expert at your state notary laws.
Look them up in your state notary handbook. Keep this book with you. It is your bible when you are at work.

(17) Be an expert at credible witness procedure, and signing by X procedure in your state.

(18) Be an expert at all notary and signing related knowledge.
Don’t half know it or kind of know it. Be an expert, and it will show. You will be higher on people’s list if you are.

(19) Keep four phone numbers with you at signings.
In jail you get one phone call. But, as a notary you get many, and should have three phone numbers. The number of the signing company, the lender, the borrower, and the lenders’s wife. Just kidding about the last one. You need to call the lender half the time at a signing because they are such a careless bunch, that they will not have thoroughly prepped the borrower for the signing, plus there might be unexpected surprises on the documents as well. Be prepared!

(20) Using your seal on a blank piece of paper.
ILLEGAL. However, if you go to a jail, they require this for security. So, affix your seal, and then cross it out and write the words void. It is no longer illegal. It is the BEST way to clean up a WORST practice that the jail makes you do. I joked with them and told them that I thought it was funny that I was being forced to break the law by a guard at a jail. What is the world coming to?

(21) Check the signature on the identification
Does the signature on the identification match the one on the document? Did you check? Start checking.

(22) Bad identification?
Is the identification peeling? Is the signature above the lamination? Does it look like a fake identification document? Do you even have a reference guide to know if it is fake? It is your business to know. Get the NNA book on identification and drivers licenses. Also, take thumbprints. Standards for identification should be a government issued photo ID with a physical description, serial number, signature, and expiration date. Nothing else will do. Whether or not the government issuing the document need to be in the USA or not depends on what your state laws are!

(23) Thumbprints
Take thumbprints for all Deeds, recorded documents, power of attorney — as a minimum. Do this regardless of what your state requires. It could keep you out of court, and time is money. Get an inkless thumbprint pad from the NNA. Get this today. You should not be without it for one nanosecond. They can fake an ID, and fake a signature, but you can not fake a thumbprint.

(24) Don’t notarize for people who ask you to break the rules or who look suspicious.
Are you notarizing a kidnapper, or is the signer under duress? Stay away! It is not worth the money and you could get involved in a nightmare that just doesn’t end. What if someone asks you to notarize them under a different name variation than is what their identification says, and you tell them it is not legal. What if they say, “Oh, come on!!!”. What if they threaten to not pay your travel fee if you don’t? First of all your travel fee should be paid in cash at the door, or just leave. Avoid this type of people. They will make your life twisted.

(25) Don’t backdate
Signing companies will put you under pressure to do this if a borrower will lose their lock. Just say no. Tell them that their lock is their business and that your business is obeying the laws of your state which say, “No backdating“. Tell them that the security of your commission is not worth their convenience. Just leave. Don’t deal with these frauds.

(26) Don’t use white out
White out is a worst practice and will get you fired. Cross outs are a bad practice as well.

(27) Name changes the kosher way
A processor I used to work with instructed me not to cross anything out. Just have the borrower initial under the last several letters of their last name and then sign the way the new name will be typed in the document. After the fact, the processor can type in the new name. The cross-out simply doesn’t help. They just need the initial. The processor can cross it out in a way that they think is professional.

(28) Don’t explain the specifics of the loan or when the loan will fund
Just explain the basic definitions of loan terms such as APR, or rate if your state allows that. Specific information particular to their loan is for their lender to discuss with them. You can get in trouble if you make any explanations or commentary about information specific about their loan. On the other hand, you should be an expert at looking up specific pieces of information. APR is on the TIL and perhaps the Settlement Statement, so tell them that and show them where it is. The interpretation of what the information on the Settlement Statement is up to them and their lender, not you!

(29) Don’t notarize for someone who you can not communicate directly with
Some states allow the use of interpreters. I say you should not as a best practice. The interpreter could be lousy, and misinterpret something that you said. You are leaving yourself open to communication gaps. If you speak a little Spanish and can get by, and the signer understands you and vice versa, that works. Don’t create opportunities for communication gaps. I have traveled to enough foreign countries to know that people in different cultures communicate differently, they say yes when they mean no, they lie, they misrepresent, they save face, and fail to explain things thoroughly (especially asians who do the quickie explanations that leave out 95% of the meaning). I am not knocking foreigners — I just don’t believe half of what they say — and I don’t believe half of what Americans say either since Americans are a bunch of liars too! Speak directly to your signers! Learn oath verbiage in Spanish, or whatever your rusty foreign language is. Learn how to ask if you understand the document.

(30) Have a registered business name
We have notaries on the site who change their business name on our site every month. Each month it is the name of the month. This is illegal. If you have a registered business name that is registered with your county, then that is your business name, and you should have a bank account that takes checks paid to that name.

(31) Don’t draft documents
Unless you are an attorney, or authorized to draft documents, don’t get involved. You can get into bad trouble.

(32) Don’t give legal advice
If you are not an attorney, do not give legal advice. Interpreting laws, or suggesting that a person take a particular legal action might be construed as legal advice or the unauthorized practice of law.

(33) Consult an attorney before doing modifications
Although modifications could be legal in some states under some circumstances, they are often done in an illegal way, and YOU are not knowledgeable to know the difference, or to know what you can or can not do. Consult an attorney or stay away!

PRACTICAL BEST PRACTICES

(34) If you don’t get paid on time, contact the Title company.
They might fire or discipline the signing company in that case.

(35) Charging travel fee in cash upon arrival
It is ILLEGAL for a notary to have beneficial interest in the signing. However, many clients including Title companies will simply not pay the notary if the documents or loan packages don’t get signed, notarized, and funded properly. Unfortunately, that is illegal to put the notary in the position where they will only get paid if they notarize. It is actually a MISDEMEANOR in many states to ask the notary to do something illegal which could include having beneficial interest. If you don’t get your cash up front BEFORE you see the signers, documents or identification, you will be sorry. Get your cash, and THEN see the document. If it is incomplete, that is their problem. No identification, or the names don’t match? Their problem. Signer is in a coma and can not talk — their problem. Some situations will merit waiting time, and you will have no way to enforce your WAITING FEE if you don’t have your travel fee. You will not be in a bargaining situation as they will have the upper hand. If you have your $40 cash travel fee, you can say that you want waiting time when the clock strikes 20 minutes otherwise you are leaving. You have the power that way, and you DON’T have beneficial interest anymore (learn to define this term to be professional).

(36) Contracts with signing companies
Have your own contract that you make companies sign to get a better price with you. Make sure you indicate that if there is any ISSUE with the signing such as a last minute cancellation, no-sign, redraw, or anything unusual, that you get paid quickly. These are exactly the types of situations whre notaries typically get stiffed. So make them pay you faster in these situations so you don’t get stiffed. Even if you charge them a discounted fee. Make them pay within 10 days for these types of signings or charge them a penalty. No contract on your terms, then no discounts for you! Take the upper hand. You are a business person!

(37) Background check all companies who want to hire you
Check them on NR and the 123notary forum — OR ELSE… You will live to regret it if you don’t.

(38) Don’t put the Fedex in the drop box
Fedex is a great company, but they do hire human beings which is their downfall. Not recommended. If a driver changes routes, the new driver might goof (once in a long while) and that drop box in a remote area might not get picked up on time — or at all. Drop your Fedex at a staffed location. The deadlines are later, and it will be in the right hands 100%. Be safe.

(39) Printing on the road
This is a business best practice. If you can print on the road, you will be on time to more appointments, and can print last minute documents in a flash. You will be popular with lenders, plus gain people’s respect for being a prepared trooper. It is very expensive to have a comprehensive mobile office, so be ready to pay through the nose.

(40) Don’t go to houses that smell bad
You can end up in a hospital with a serious bacterial infection. If it is really filthy or smelly, tell them you will do the signing at Starbucks and that you have to leave at 5pm. Risking your lungs is not a best practice.

COMMUNICATION & ETIQUETTE BEST PRACTICES

(41) Don’t talk about the wrong things at signings
Don’t talk about politics or religion. Stick to the weather and traffic, but not in the context of complaining!

(42) Call back etiquette
Announce who you are when you call back. Don’t demand to know who they are until you are politely introduced yourself and explained that you received a missed call from that number. Also, don’t call people back only to tell them that you can’t talk. That is plain stupid and is a worst practice.

(43) Announce who you are when you answer the phone
Do you say, “This is Linda”, when you answer the phone? Or do you say, “Hullo?”. Be professional.

(44) When you confirm the signing, make sure all signers are there
If you do a signing where the wife is not on the loan, she might be on a few of the documents such as the Deed of Trust, Right to Cancel, and one or two others depending on what state you are in and who the lender is. Make sure you know where the wife will be during the signing, otherwise it might be a short signing. Remember, that you don’t know what is on the documents until you get the e-documents which is within minutes of the signing. Plan ahead and confirm the signing.

(45) Make sure your answering machine states your name!
Don’t make people guess if they dialed the correct number.

(46) Don’t ramble, make long pauses, or give opinions
Nobody wants to hear your life story, especially not me or my staff. Nobody wants long answers to quick questions. Nobody likes it when you ask them a question and you pause for 45 seconds to think. Don’t criticize others or give opinions either. Your job is to be a notary. Notaries don’t have opinions — or at least shouldn’t.

(47) Leave enough time between appointments
There is no point being late because you were delayed at your last appointment

(48) Determine how long your signing session will be.
Charge based on time. When you go to a massage therapist, you pay for a 60 minute session. If you go over 60 minutes, the next victim is waiting and they have to stop. Notary signings should be no different. Agree ahead of time how much time they want, and make them commit to that, or don’t work with them. If they want 90 minutes or 120 minutes, that is fine. Have them agree to that up front, and pay accordingly. Your job is not to be delayed endlessly. After all, your next appointment has the right to see your face showing up on time, right?

(49) Don’t have noise in the background when you talk on the phone
If someone calls you and there is noise. Apologize for the noise, and then walk to a quieter location. Don’t let the background noise continue otherwise you are unprofessional in my book.

(50) Don’t park in the driveway.
Your job is not to notarize, don’t put the Fedex in the drop box, and don’t park in the driveway. These are my three golden rules for notaries. Notarize only if it is legal to do so. Bring Fedexes to staffed locations, and park on the street unless there is a good reason why you should call the borrowers and ask if you can park on their driveway.

(51) Know your hours of operation
Never say that you are flexible. Tell people when you are available. I am available from 11am to 2am seven days a week unless I am already engaged, on vacation, or dead. That is a quick and professional answer. Don’t say that it depends. Don’t say that you sign anytime. People who say anytime have such restrictive schedules that they won’t sign any time other than 9-6. Flexible means 9-5:30. These terms mean absolutely nothing. Act like a professional and give people hard numbers when they ask a question — and don’t keep them waiting.

(52) Use your notes section to describe your service thoroughly
Don’t use empty adjectives like thorough and professional. Describe what YOU are like at a signing which is unique to you, so people can get to know you through your notes rather than reading something that looks like you copied it from 3000 other boring notaries who use exactly the same adjectives in exactly the same order. Talk about how fast your laser printer is. Talk about your exact counties or cities that you cover. Give people real information in your notes section, not some empty sounding sales literature that tells them nothing.

MARKETING BEST PRACTICES

(53) Get certified by ALL listing agencies who you advertise with.
If you advertise with ten companies, do all of the certifications. You look like an idiot if you can’t even be a professional at your profession!

(54) Having reviews on your profile from esteemed Title Companies looks great.
It is not a crime to have reviews from “nobodies”, but it is a best practice to have the people who review you be as reputable as possible. Their reputation is your reputation when they write a review about you.

(55) E&O insurance looks professional
E&O insurance looks professional, but is it? It makes it attractive for a company to hire you. E&O doesn’t protect you that much though. You can still get sued if the lender makes a mistake and the borrowers sue all parties involved. This happened before. You will not be covered. It actually encourages lenders to make claims rather than reducing your liability! E&O insurance makes you look good, so get some! But, is it a best practice? Being covered is better than being not covered, so I will call it a “better than nothing practice”. Or, I can call it something that looks like a best practice to the uninformed.

(56) Background screening
If your state doesn’t screen notaries as well as California does with the FBI, DOJ and KGB, then there might be some merit in a background screening.

(57) Advertise on all major directories
Have a well filled out profile, amazing notes, and reviews if possible.

(58) Call all local title companies
Call them up and announce yourself. Call them every month to remind them that you are good, and that you want to work.

(59) Get on the list of all nationwide signing companies.
Fill out the paperwork each signing company requires ahead of time. Make it a best practice to be on as many company’s lists as possible.

(60) Read notary blogs
The more you know, the more impressive and knowledgeable you will be. Know as much as possible to be the best that you can be. 123notary has an interesting Facebook, Linked in and Twitter profile as well. The more you read, the more you know!

(61) Don’t lie about your number of signings
Keep a count. Look them up in your journal. When someone asks you how many signings you have done, don’t ramble about how many years you have been in business. Nobody wants to hear that. Tell them how many you did. 1012 signings, plus there will be another one tonight! Don’t tell them you did two yesterday and three the day before. Nobody has patience to hear you count. Don’t think — KNOW!

(62) Guarantee your work
If you goof, go back and do it again for free. Make this a policy.

(63) Send complete bills regularly.
You need to know exactly what information goes on the invoices you send out. Name of borrower, loan number, address, date of signing, name of lender, etc. Bill regularly and keep good records, including the CHECK # of incoming checks. Otherwise you won’t get paid.

Tweets:
(1) Is it legal to notarize a hand-written document? What if there are cross outs?
(2) Blanks in documents? Put a line through it buddy!
(3) It is illegal to use your seal on a blank piece of paper. Yet jails usually require this! (cross it out)
(4) Notary topics: Hand-written docs, Blanks in docs, seal over wording, loose certificates, overseas docs.
(5) Don’t go to houses that smell bad #mobilenotary
(6) Notary contracts, fees at the door, background screening signing co’s, call Title if not paid on time.

You might also like:

Notary Public 101 – a free notary course
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19493

The 30 Point Courses – a free loan signing course
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=14233

Notary Marketing 102 – a free marketing course for Notaries
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19774

Comments (11)

February 9, 2013

2013 Phoninar Quick Course

Filed under: Best Practices,Loan Signing 101,Posts With Many Comments — admin @ 11:26 pm

Here is the study guide for the phoninar!

The purpose of the phoninar is to help notaries learn some of the basics of signing without taking an actual course. Many notaries do not want to take a course, or they already took a course without mastering the material. My solution is to have a free quickie course to start them out with. If they can pass our over the phone test, we will keep them on the site. However, if they fail miserably, then we will most likely remove them from the site if they have a free listing.

Topic #1
The Right to Cancel
Most notaries have a rescission calendar that they refer to when calculating the last day to rescind. Few notaries know when all of the Federal holidays are. Many notaries also can not think clearly about how to calculate the last day to rescind mainly because they have never practiced calculating this date. If you want to come across as a professional, learn to give quick and accurate answers to simple everyday signing questions.

In a residential refinance, the borrower has (3) days to rescind not including Sundays and Federal Holidays. Be careful, Presidents day and Washington’s birthday are synonymous. Also, Flag day is not a Federal Holiday, but banks might be closed. Some lenders do not count SATURDAY as one of the (3) days to rescind, but formally, Saturday is considered a business day in terms of calculating rescission. Other lenders allow the Friday after Thanksgiving to be considered a holiday when legally it is not. Basically, each lender is different, but you have to know the basic laws effecting rescission instead of relying on what the handful of lenders you work with say.

Here is a list of Federal Holidays — memorize these for the test
(1) New Years Day, (2) Martin Luther King Day, (3) Washington’s Birthday, (4) Memorial Day, (5) Independence Day, (6) Labor Day, (7) Columbus Day, (8) Veteran’s Day, (9) Thanksgiving, (10) Christmas

Quick Facts
(a) There are two blanks for dates in the RTC which are generally filled in by the lender. Once in a while the notary needs to fill in these dates or correct them. The technical terms for these dates are the Transaction Date and the Rescission Date. Please memorize these terms for the test.
(b) The date of the signing is NOT included in the (3) days to cancel. If a loan is signed on Monday then Tuesday is day 1, Wednesday is day 2, and Thursday would be the 3rd or last day to cancel.
(c) Loans must be cancelled in writing by the deadline in writing by fax or mail, but not by email.

Pop Quiz
(1) Name all Federal holidays that come in January
(2) If a refinance is signed on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, when is the last day to rescind?
(3) If a refinance is signed on a Friday, when is the last day to rescind?

===================

Topic #2
The APR
Most notaries know a little something about the APR, but this topic is actually very critical for your success as a signing agent. Every borrower wants to know why their APR is higher than their Rate. How good is your explanation. Here is what we want you to know for the phone test. Sure, there is more to know than what we are telling you, so learn the basics from us, and learn more on your own.

Definition:The APR is the annual percentage relationship between the payments and the amount borrowed, minus the fees. This rate is often used to compare the different loans borrowers have to choose from. The APR is almost always higher than the rate. The rate, on the other hand, is a monthly percentage relationship between the payments and the total amount borrowed, including fees.

Quick Facts
(1) The APR is documented on the Truth in Lending Disclosure
(2) The APR is usually but not always higher than the Rate
(3) Your definition for the APR should include the fact that it could include loan origination fees, closing costs, appraisal fees, inspection fees, points, escrow fees, notary fees, and other costs of the loan — those are some of the big ones.
(4) If you mention that the APR is often used to compare loans, you get points on the phone test
(5) If you mention that the APR might be compounded, you get points.
(6) Several notaries have claimed that there is no government standard for computing the APR, it is up to each individual lender.
(7) You could also claim that the APR includes the interest rate, all fees and costs of the loan, and incorporates them all into a compounded Annual Percentage Rate.
(8) There are many ways to define the APR, the key is to mention all of the components in a clear and easy to understand way.

You might like:
Definitions of the APR
http://www.123notary.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=5844

Pop Quiz
(1) Which document contains the APR?
(2) What are some fees that might be incorporated into the APR
(3) Please create and rehearse your definition of the APR so that you will sound professional before your borrowers

===================

The Rate
The Rate or Interest Rate is more of a topic of confusion with the notaries than the APR although it is much simpler to understand and actually easier to find. Traditionally, the Rate is always documented in the Note. The note by definition discusses the Interest Rate, monthly payments, and prepayment penalties (if any). Once in a while there will be a Rider associated with the Note that might discuss these issues as well.

Inexperienced notaries typically claim that the best place to look for the Rate is on the Truth in Lending. Half of them say this because they are so uneducated that they can not distinguish between the APR and the Rate. The other half choose the Truth in Lending Disclosure because the Rate is actually documented there in many cases. But, let me ask you — if you are in front of the borrower and want to make a good impression — would you look for the Rate in a document where it sometimes is, or in a document like the Note where by definition it ALWAYS is? I vote for always because you will look like a fool if you go fumbling through the documents trying to find the right information in the wrong place.

Quick Facts:
(1) The Rate is always located in the Note
(2) In loans over the last few years the Rate is also generally documented in the HUD-1 Settlement Statement which comes later in the documents than the note unless it was sent separately.
(3) Some lenders include the Rate in the Truth in Lending, although this should NOT be the place you look for it first since it is not always there.

Pop Quiz
If you want to show the borrower the rate, which three documents would be where you would look, and in which order would you source those three documents?

=======================

Dealing with errors in signings

Errors on Notary Certificates
From time to time in a signing, there will be an error in the notary certificates. Please keep in mind that handling an error in a certificate might be handled very differently from an error in the actual documents, or in the body of the actual documents, so please make the distinction.

If there is an error in the notary certificate — such as an acknowledgment or jurat certificate to name examples, there are various ways to rectify the situations. The problem is that each method has an upside and a downside.

(1) Cross-out and initial
This is a messy way to solve a problem on a legally significant document such as an acknowledgment. If a person’s name is spelled incorrectly, crossing out an initialing could get the document rejected by a county recorder. One notary had to cross-out wording on an out of state certificate that claimed that she personally knew the signer when in fact she did not know the signer. She crossed that out, and the document custodian was very upset. I told her to consider adding a loose certificate.

REMEMBER, it is the notary who initials changes on notary certificates and NOT the signers.

(2) Add a loose certificate and start all over
Legally, you can always add a loose certificate. However, the person or entity to whom you are submitting the documents to might not like it. Please distinguish between what makes your work legally acceptable and popular as the standards often do not match. The loose certificate has the advantage of having whatever name and wording you want it to have so you don’t need to cross anything out.

(3) Notarize the document twice?
Not illegal. You can do two journal entries and notarize twice. Notarize the original acknowledgment embedded in the last page of the document with the cross outs, and add a fresh certificate as well assuming you have a 2nd journal entry to match that one. Document this well in your journal for your protection.

(4) Redraw?
Redrawing documents is time consuming and expensive. It involves making new appointments and risking not getting paid. But, for an out of state that needs to be worded in a particular way, you can have them word it however they want it to be worded, so that no cross outs or illegal claims or acts are necessary.

==========================

Errors in the right to cancel
Notaries typically do not know how to fill in the dates of the right to cancel. From time to time a signing will be postponed a day, and you need to change the two dates in the right to cancel which are the transaction date (the date you sign), and the rescission date (the last day you can legally cancel). Please try to appear educated and don’t say the signing date, or the cancel date as these wordings are not educated sounding and are also not clear.

To fix the dates on the right to cancel you can:
(1) Cross out, right the correct dates and have both borrowers initial
(2) Pull a fresh copy from the borrowers copies and start all over. The borrower’s copies might or might not have the dates printed in the blanks. If you made a mistake correcting dates, then sourcing the borrower’s copies definately makes sense.

==========================

Fees on the HUD-1 Settlement Statement
If someone wants to know where their fees and closing costs are, please direct them to the HUD-1 Settlement Statement. But, which fees are on the HUD. There is a huge conglomeration of information on the HUD. Too much to teach. But, to impress us, you should be able to rattle off a handful of fees on the HUD without batting an eyelash. Here are a few fees typically on the HUD.

Services: Abstract of Title Search & Title Charges, Appraisal Fee, Attorney fees, Document preparation, Notary Fees
Transaction Costs: Assumption fees, Broker fees, Credit reporting fee, Escrow account deposits, Escrow Fees, Loan Origination fees, Points or commissions, Settlement or closing fees
Inspection Fees: Lead based paint inspection fee, Termite inspection Fee, Other Inspection fees
Insurance: Flood insurance Fee, Hazard insurance, Mortgage insurance application fee, Title insurance
Payments: Interest, Cash payments

================================================

Initialing
There are no legal standards for initialing. However, the purpose of an initial is to have an abbreviated way of writing your name in a document.

Andrew B Clay Sr.
His initials could be ABC, or ABC Sr. Which is better?

Some lenders don’t want a Jr., or Sr., on an initial.
However, if it is part of the signers name on Title, then it is part of their name.
The initials for Junior would be Jr. Therefor in my opinion, it should be part of the initial representing the forth word in the name.

What about Andrew Hooper III
I would have him initial AH III

There is no way to shorten the III part. But we don’t want to confuse him with his father and grandfather who might have been on title, so we will include the III unless asked by the lender not to. There are pros and cons in the different ways of initialing. Be thorough unless asked not to be by the lender.

=====================

Parties involved in a loan
Many notaries don’t realize how involved the loan process is, and how many parties there are involved. So, if you make a mistake signing a loan, you might be inconveniencing more parties than you think. Here are a few:

Lender
Notary Public
Borrower
Relatives of the Borrower
Signing Company
Settlement Agent
Escrow Agent
Broker
Insurance Companies
Title
Loan Servicing Companies
Loan Holding Companies who purchase the loan from your lender (at great risk)
Attorneys
Inspectors
Appraisers
County Recorders
Oh… I almost forgot — the pets of the borrower
======================================

If your stamp was smudgy
If your stamp (notary seal) isn’t clear on notary certificate forms, recorded documents might be rejected by the county recorder. If there are cross-outs, or anything that the recorder doesn’t like, they might reject the document as well which would mean that the notary would have to notarize the document all over again which is very time consuming and involves scheduling. Each county recorder is different and there are over 5000 different county recorders throughout the United States!

=========================================

Attorney in Fact wording
If Sam Smith is signing in his capacity of Attorney in Fact for Sharon Smedley, how would he sign? There are at least two ways: Here they are.

(1) Sam Smith, as attorney in fact for Sharon Smedley (I like this way best)
(2) Sharon Smedley by Sam Smith, her attorney in fact (ambiguous as to who you are in the signature)

Memorize the wording including the commas if you want to pass our phone test!

=========================================

Fraud & Journals
Not all states require you to keep a journal, but for your protection you need one regardless of what your state says. No state forbids you from having a journal. In your journal you record the date & time of notarization, type of notarization, document name, document date (if any), signers name and address, type of ID used, ADDITIONAL NOTES where you record anything unusual about the signing, or if you used credible witnesses, the signature of the signer, and a THUMBPRINT.

Quick Facts:
(1) If a signer is accused of committing fraud. OR, if a third party is accused of tricking a signer to sign something or of forging a signature, then the thumbprint in your journal could keep protect you.
(2) The thumbprint could stop an investigation in its tracks since you have evidence
(3) A thumbprint could drastically reduce the time involved in an investigation or court case. Imagine being stuck in court for 30 days with no income because you did a risky notarization for an elderly lady in the hospital who was on morphine and couldn’t think straight.
(4) Warning — beware of notarizing the elderly. Make sure they understand what they are signing and can paraphrase what is in the document for their protection and yours. You are not legally required to understand the contents of the document, but they can get into huge trouble, and drag you into the trouble if they are being tricked into signing something — especially a power of attorney or deed.

================================

Spouse not on loan?
This question is very state specific. New York deals with spousal issues differently.

As a general rule, if the spouse is not on the loan documents, they might need to sign any Deeds including the Deed of Trust, (Mortgage), Right to Cancel, Truth in Lending, Correction Agreement, HUD, and perhaps a few others.

==================================

Define beneficial interest
If a party is a beneficiary to a document being signed, they would have beneficial interest. But, who else might have beneficial interest too? If you are a relative of the signer such as a spouse or child, you might benefit from the document being signed. If you are a notary who won’t get paid unless the document is signed, then you have beneficial interest in the document being signed which is illegal. To keep it legal, make sure you get paid regardless of if a document gets signed to keep yourself impartial and above board. A notary’s job is not to notarize, but to say NO when necessary. Stand in front of the mirror and practice saying NO!

=====================================

What is the difference between e-documents, e-signings, and e-notarizations

e-documents are documents that are sent to the notary electronically via the internet. A password and various types of downloading software would be necessary for e-documents as well as a high speed internet connection and a fast printer with good ppm.

e-signings are signings typically signed on a laptop with a wireless card. Some of the documents are still physical, and the journal used is physical.

e-notarizations require a special eNotary commission. Only about (9) states have such a commission. The signer is still required to appear before the notary in all, or almost all cases (varies over time and state by state — AZ at one point had some exceptions to the personal appearance law). ENJOA or an eJournal is used for e-notarizations. Unfortunately, county clerks offices are not always able to fulfill their legal obligation to be the custodian of eJournals after a notary’s commission is over. An interesting twist on some new technology that has many serious issues.

You might also like:

Notary Public 101 from 123notary
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19493

Notary Marketing 102
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19774

Beginner Notaries 103
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=21112

Comments (16)

February 6, 2012

Fraud & Forgery related to the notary profession

Filed under: Drama & Tragedy — Tags: Initial forgery, notarial, Notarize, Notary Business, Notary Forgery, Notary Fraud, Notary Seal, Notary Seal Forgery, Seal forgery, Signature forgery — admin @ 9:45 am

Fraud and Forgery in the notary business

There are many types of fraud that a notary might run into in their notarial career, forgery being one of the more common types of fraud. But, let’s take a closer look at what specific types of things could happen.

(1) Someone could forge your seal and pretend to be you. It happened to me. Unfortunately for them, they didn’t forge my signature very well, and didn’t copy my style of embossing every page either. Putting technicalities aside, I bet they were not able to forge my quirky sense of humor either. Notary seal forgery is not common. In my case, I think they used a really good photocopier. BTW, a photocopier can NOT copy the RAISED impression of an inkless embossed seal which is why I used it on all of my notarizations.

(2) Page swapping — the old bait and switch routine. I got called to notarize many multi-page documents. I put my embossing seal through all of the pages leaving a raised impression on each page. I usually did these individually. Sometimes it is better to do all pages together so the seal goes through the same location in each page. However, the seal comes out more clearly if you go page by page. In any case, if you see a ten page document where all of the pages EXCEPT for page four are embossed, that would raise my eyebrows. I have had many situations, where the signer wants me to give them another acknowledgment certificate for a new page they are adding to the document. I tell them that I have to notarize their signature ALL OVER AGAIN, and that is the law no matter how many times you say, “Oh, come on”. With that attitude you might as well notarize your own signature as a non-notary!

(3) Title companies have a common practice of initialing for the borrower if the borrower misses an initial. It is “easier” than sending the documents back to the borrower. Whether it is signature forgery to forge initials is a matter for an attorney to decide, but it seems pretty illegal to me to engage in initial forgery. I don’t think that anyone audits loan documents to see if anyone is engaging in initial forgery, but perhaps they should — many Title companies might get busted or investigated at a minimum.

(4) Refusal to be thumbprinted? You must be up to something if you don’t want your thumbprint recorded. Maybe you have a fake identification card, right? You can fake an ID, but you can not fake a thumbprint.

(5) Signature forgery. If someone forged a signature on a document, they will have to have a fake ID and forge the same signature on the ID and in your journal. It would be a tough crime to pull off. I think that nobody in their right mind would attempt this. Normally, people try to do crimes of fraud in private, and wouldn’t be willing to let other parties see what they are doing, no matter what!

(6) Notarizing out of state? If you don’t have a commission in a particular state, you can not notarize there, with a few exceptions. Military notaries have special rules. A Virginia notary public may notarize out of the state of Virginia, but only for documents that are to be recorded within the state of Virginia. In any case, from time to time we will hear rumors that a notary public is operating illegally in a bordering state where they are not commissioned, and people want us to enforce the rule. I tell them to report the individual to the state notary division where the Notary in question is commissioned.

(7) Charging more than the state maximum notary fees is illegal, and charging more travel fee than your state allows (roughly eight states have restrictions for travel fees) can get you in trouble too.

(8) Filling out an Acknowledgment or Jurat form when you never saw the signer and never had the signer sign your journal is a really serious act of notarial misconduct. You can lose your commission and get fined or jailed for this.

You might also like:

Backdating from A to Z
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2424

Notarizing multi-page documents
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=21423

Penalties for notary misconduct, fraud and failure of duty
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=21315

Comments (5)

November 18, 2011

Notarizing multi-page documents

Filed under: Loan Signing 101,SEO,Signing Tips,Ultra-Popular — Tags: Documents with multiple pages, Forged Initials, How to notarize a multi-page document, Illegally Forged, Illegally Forging, Initials, Multi-page Document, Multipage Document, multiple pages, notarized document — admin @ 12:32 am

Issues with Notarizing Multipage Documents / Documents with multiple pages

Most notaries can barely function doing the simplest of simple notary jobs. When confronted with anything harder than doing a simple Acknowledgment or Jurat signing where the signer has acceptable identification and can easily sign — will throw most notaries off guard. There are many situations where you need credible witnesses, subscribing witnesses, have a power of attorney signing, attorney in fact signing, or other issue which can become a snag to many notaries. Multi-page documents (documents with multiple pages) seem easy to notarize, but are they really? There are issues, but is the notary you erroneously hired aware of these issues?

Page swapping after the fact
Most notaries think they are there to notarize signatures on documents, and that is it. The bigger function of a notary is fraud deterance, and to identify the signer. If a notary does the minimum of what their job description requires, they might be acting within the law, but are they really being helpful to their clients, or to society as a whole? If a notary notarizes a ten page document or multiple page document, and the document custodian (whomever is in charge of the document after it is signed) decides that page four needs to be edited, then what?

In some circumstances a corrupted signer or document custodian will substitute page four with a newly written page four. He/she/they will unstaple the document, hopefully as cleanly as possible, remove page four, and add another very similar looking page four, and hope nobody notices. If there are two signers to the document and both have a copy, then there is evidence of tampering, but what if you don’t have copies, or you lost your copies. There is no way to prove that the document was tampered with other than the faulty looking stapling job which would make any judge say, “hmmmm” and raise his eyebrows (judges often have bushy eyebrows by the way).

Should you have the notary come back?
One signer asked me to kindly give them a new notary certificate for the new page they were adding to an already notarized document. I told them that documents are notarized as a whole and that if you change even one word, that the whole thing needs to be re-notarized. They didn’t like that since they had already paid a travel fee. I made them redraw the signature page too, since I wanted fresh signatures which reflected the fact that they were signing in agreement to the whole document. All of my prudent behavior aroused tremendous resistance, “oh come on’s”, and other complaining. The law is the law. If you want to screw around, you shouldn’t be hiring a notary in the first place, right? So, I made them start all over again with a complete redraw despite their complaining, and we notarized everything, and it was kosher.

Safeguards against fraud
In the case of multipage documents, the most effective way to safeguard against fraud (page-switching) is to emboss all pages of every document notarize. If someone protests your embossing, tell them that you don’t have TIME to go to court after they do something fraudulent with their document, therefor, you take precautions against any tampering by embossing every page. It is hard to forge an embosser, and hard to use it in the same way a notary uses it. It might be easy to spot a false notarization which is important to get you out of court fast. Imagine how many hundreds you would lose every day you were hijacked by a court case!

Initialing changes?
Initialing is a technology that I don’t like much. If someone adds a new page to a multipage document, the initials “prove” that all signers agree to it, and safeguard against page-switching after the fact. But, initials lack the same characteristics as a well established signature. People don’t initial that much, and it is easy to forge them without detection. I think that initialing is better than nothing, but a poor safeguard against fraud. I feel that if a signer gives a thumbprint on all pages of a document, that is much harder to forge. I see no harm in signing all pages of a document. That is better than initialing since a signature is usually consistant (more or less) each time you sign. Initials might not be, and it is yet another mark with it’s own characteristics.

Notarizing multiple pages without initials?
Not all multiple page documents require initials. It is up to the company who drew the documents if they want initials or not. There is no law requiring that documents have initials, but Deeds of Trusts and Mortgages normally have places for the borrowers to initial at the bottom of all pages.

Forging initials
It is common for Title companies to forge someone’s initials on Deeds if the signer forgets to initial. Forged initials on date changes are common as well. Illegally forging someone’s initials on a name change happens all the time. It is very hard to know for sure if an initial is forged, but the people who illegally forge signatures, are usually overworked clerks in large companies who have very little time — and they are sloppy how they forge initials. The forged initials don’t look at all like the real ones. These workers need to know that they might have to go to jail for a crime like forgery, so they should refuse to do it!

You might also like:

Signing agent best practices
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4315

Sending loose certificates is illegal
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2470

Fraud and Forgery related to the notary profession
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2294

Loan signing process and pitfalls
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2780

Comments (8)

April 15, 2011

Leave a few spaces open in your journal?

Filed under: Just Say No! — Tags: notarial journal, notary commission, notary journal, Official journal of notarial acts — admin @ 3:35 am

Leave a few spaces open in your journal

Have you ever heard this phrase before? These are the words a lender will tell you when they want you to backdate. If you leave a blank page in your journal a day before the signing, then it will look like you really did notarize their loan documents on the date that you claimed you did. This is completely illegal, but this is what many lenders will ask from you when they are in a pinch.

The lock
Lenders can offer their borrowers a particular rate, but there are expiration dates. If a loan has a lock that expires on the 28th at midnight, and the loan documents were not ready to be compiled, sent, printed, etc., on the 27th or 28th, then the lender is in a bind. They will have to redraw all of the loan documents all over again and have a slightly higher rate, and an irate borrower. To save themselves this nightmare, they will often ask the notary to fudge a date when in this situation.

It’s your notary commission
If you get involved in this type of fraud, you could get fined by your state notary division, lose your notary commission, or perhaps even be looking at jail time. Since there is no intent to harm anyone, jail time doesn’t seem probable, but laws differ from state to state, and the laws are always changing.

Lose the client?
I was asked to do this a few times. I said no, and lost the client. Maybe I’m better off. Lenders love notaries who will lie, cheat, and steal on their behalf. They will love you if you can look at a loan which is an obvious rip off and say nothing while the borrower is signing it. Of course, its not your job or entitlement to make commentary about someone else’s loan. You will be making someone lose thousands by butting in, and its not your right. Lenders also love someone who will forge an initial or put yesterday’s date on a Jurat certificate upon request. You would not believe how many Title company staff members have forged omitted initials on Deeds of Trust, and other documents that require initialing. Few of them would dare forge a signature as that would involve jail time, but some feel that its open season on initials.

Just say no
Don’t get involved in this nonsense. Its your life, your karma, and your commission. If you get armtwisted once, you could easily get in the habit, not to mention feel ashamed for the rest of your life. Additionally, it is recommended that you avoid screwy companies like the plague. These are exactly the same companies who will have no qualms about cheating a notary out of their pay for little or no reasons at all.

You might also like:

Index of posts about journals
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=20272

Notary Public 101 – Journals
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19511

Everything you need to know about journals

Signing agent best practices

Comments (0)

March 25, 2010

Popular 2010 to end of Sept 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — admin @ 11:46 am

—————————————–
2010
—————————————–

(1) Welcome to the 123notary.com Blog!
Find out who we are!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=1 #notary

(2) Saving on gas
Ethanol, Good driving habits & getting a hybrid!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=33 #driving

(3) Everything you need to know about #notary #advertising
Being listed on 123notary isn’t enough, you need to make your profile attractive

Everything you need to know about advertising

(4) Getting paid, the ins and outs
Do you background check the companies that call you? You should!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=27 #backgroundcheck #notary

(5) Saving money on toner, paper, E&O and more!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=25 #insurance #notaries

(6) The art of confirming the signing & going over the numbers

Confirming the signing

#mortgage #notary

(7) I’m a #notary, but what do I do now?
What to do when your training wasn’t enough!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=60
#notarize #notarization

(8) Typical things #notaries do wrong!

Typical things notaries do wrong

#notarizing #notarized #notarization

(9) Funniest things that happen to signing agents!

Funniest things that happen to Signing Agents

#notary #notarized #notarization
#notaries #mortgage

(10) #Notary #Business Cards

Business Cards

#advertising #marketing

(11) Pricing formulas for #notary work
What to charge for a basic signing + edocs

Pricing formulas for mobile notary work

#notarize #mortgage

(12) Hospital #notary job tips from A to Z

Hospital notary job tips from A to Z

#notarization

(13) Everything you need to know about #notary journals

Everything you need to know about journals

#notarypublic #notarizing #notarized

(14) #Advertising strategies for mobile #notaries
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=147 #startup #notary

(15) Stories of notaries that fail and what they did wrong!

Stories of notaries that fail and what they did wrong.

#notary #notarization

(16) Typical things #notaries do wrong!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=94
#notary #mortgage

(17) Which signing agents are getting the work on 123notary?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=89
#mortgage #realestate #notary

(18) Credible Witnesses: When ID & docs have different names!

CW’s When ID and Docs Have Different Names

#mortgage #notary #witness

(19) 12 points on e-notarizations

12 Points On e-Notarizations

#enotary #enotarization #notary

(20) Just say no #2
When to say no as a #notary when given illegal requests!

Just Say No Article #2

(21) e-notarization & e-signing definitions

e-notarization definition

#notary #notarypublic #notarization

(22) How to make your notary crazy!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=209
#notarization #notarized #notarizing

(23) Everything you need to know about signature by X

Signature By X

#notary #notarizing #notarized

(24) What are notaries saying about E&O insurance?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=195
#insurance #lawsuits #notary

(25) Notaries in the crisis
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=184
#notary #notarization

(26) Loan Modifications, what you need to know!
Should you claim you “represent” the company? Is it legal?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=174

(27) Jail notary jobs from A to Z

Jail Notary Jobs from A to Z

#notarization #notarized

(28) Should I take the call?
Do you answer your phone when you are at a signing?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=443

(29) Just say no #3
When to decline illegal notary requests

Notary Public: Just Say No #3

#notarized

(30) Your old vital records are often useless!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=372
#notary #notarizing #birthcertificate

(31) Names on notary listings
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=313
#notary #mortgage #notarizing

(32) Notary etiquette from A to Z

Notary Etiquette from A to Z

#notarized #notarization

(33) Best older discussions on our notary forum!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=276
#notarization #mortgage

(34) Meeting #notary clients at a jail!

Meeting Clients at a Jail

#notarization #notarized #prison

(35) Reverse Mortgages General Information
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=265
#mortgage #realestate #notary #notarize

(36) Pets at signings!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=245
#notary #notarization #mortgage

————————————
2011
————————————–

(1) A tale of four notaries in hospitals
Different approaches to typical problems

A tale of four notaries in hospitals

#notary

(2) Just say no #4
What if someone wants to use your notary seal?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=459

(3) Credible witnesses from A to Z

Credible Witnesses from A to Z

#notary #mortgage

(4) Networking with notaries
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=494
#notary #notarization #smallbiz

(5) Interesting and uncommon #notary acts
Ever heard of a Marine Protest?

Interesting and uncommon notary acts

#jurat #notarization

(6) Things that get notaries complaints
Rudeness & not showing up top the list

Things that get notaries complaints

(7) What to say and what not to say as a signing agent

What to say and what not to say.

#etiquette #notary

(8) One lady kept me waiting 45 minutes and then asked me, “Do you like your job?”

Do you like your job?

#hospital #notary

(9) Dragging the person’s arm
A tale about a #notary hospital signing gone wrong!

Dragging the person’s arm

#notarization

(10) How to lose half of your #notary clients while on #vacation!

Going on vacation?

(11) Pricing formulas and time spent for notary signing agents!

Pricing Formulas & Time Spent

#mortgage #realestate #notarization

(12) Don’t park in the driveway
A guide to parking #etiquette for notaries

Don’t park in the driveway?

(13) Mobile Offices from A to Z

Mobile Offices from A to Z

#notary #notarization #notarized

(14) Price fixing, what is it really all about?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=520
#notaryfee #notarizing #mortgage

(15) Sticky situations for notaries from A to Z
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=759
#notary #notarized

(16) Immigration documents for a large family
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=751
#notary #legal #notarization

(17) Low ball signing companies

Low Ball Signing Companies

#mortgage #realestate

(18) The check is in the mail?
Dealing with signing companies who pay late or not at all.
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=739
#payment

(19) Protect yourself from shoddy #notarizations
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=729
#notary

(20) Seal #forgery, it happened to me

Seal Forgery – it happened to me!

#notary #notarized

(21) Leave a few spaces open in your journal?

Leave a few spaces open in your journal?

#notary #fraud

(22) The story of 123notary.com
It was late on a Friday night in 1999….

The Story of 123notary.com

#notary #notarypublic

(23) A few testimonials about 123notary.com

A few testimonials on 123notary

#notary #mortgage

(24) Pricing for notary work: different strokes for different folks

Pricing for notary work: different strokes for different folks

#notaryfee #notaryprice

(25) Notarizing a kidnapper

Notarizing a kidnapper

#notarization #notary

(26) Notarizing a potential scam!
Fingerprints kept me out of court!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=661
#notary #fraud

(27) Notarizing an arsonist who blew his fingers off!

Notarizing an arsonist who blew his fingers off

#notary #notarized #notarization #jail

(28) Kidnapping case #2, the convict refused to sign!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=905
#notary #notarization

(29) Just say no #5
Were you asked to skip the thumbprint? Think again!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=646
#notary #notarization

(30) Same document different day!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=897

(31) NNA certified signers who failed our test
Many couldn’t answer simple questions without a long pause

NNA Certified Signers who failed our test!

(32) Notarizing with fluffy the cat!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=884
#notarization #notary

(33) The notary and the asylum
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=877
#notarized #notarizing

(34) Notarizing two sex offenders
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=872
#notary #notaryjob

(35) Notary witness information
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=850
#notarizgion #witnessing

(36) Fax backs are a pain

Fax Backs are a Pain!

#mortgage #notary #notarization

(37) Get reviews or perish!
Being listed on 123notary isn’t enough, you need reviews!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=811

(38) A doc-jacker who took a loan hostage!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=785
#mortgage #signingagent #notary

(39) The signing from hell!

The signing from hell

#notary #notarization #mortgage

(40) Notary in Louisiana murdered in home invasion

Notary in Louisiana murdered in home invasion

#notarization #notarize

(41) Tantrums of a borrower
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=920
#mortgage #realestate #notary

(42) Phone etiquette examined
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=918
#notary #notaries #notarized

(43) Notarization on a movie set!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=913
#notary #notarizing

(44) Call back etiquette examined!
Do you call people back and refused to announce yourself?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=973

(45) Good companies gone bad!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=968
#signingcompanies #notary #mortgage

(46) Answering machine etiquette
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=955
#mortgage #notary

(47) Threatening for payment!

Threatening for payment?

#notary #mortgage

(48) Two notaries assigned the same job?

Two notaries assigned the same job?

#mortgage #notary

(49) No shows, ways that notaries get into trouble!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=1054
#notary #notarize #notarization

(50) Notarizing someone who did check fraud
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=1049
#notary #notarization

(51) Excerpts from great notes sections

Excerpts from Great Notes Sections

#notary #advertising

(52) e-signings: faster or shorter than paper signings?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=1022
#esigning #enotarization

(53) How many reviews makes the difference?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=1148
#notary #marketing

(54) It’s easier to get a review from an individual than a signing company!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=1132
#notary #marketing

(55) Erica’s mobile office story

Erica’s Mobile Office Story

#notary #laserprinter #notarization

(56) Notary pushed off stairs by borrower!

Notary is pushed off stairs by borrower!

#notarization #mortgage

(57) Deceptive identities: companies that change their names!

Deceptive Identities – Companies that change their names

#fraud #notary

(58) Notarization in the ‘Hood
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=1085
#notary #notarization

(59) Notarizing celebrities
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=1081
#notary #notarization

(60) What goes where in your notes?

What goes WHERE in your notes?

#notary #advertising #marketing

(61) Problems with credible witnesses
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=1284
#notary #notarization

(62) Can a notary be a witness?

Can a notary be a witness?

#notarization #notarized

(63) My first loan signing
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=1255
#notary #notarize #notarized #notarization

(64) Fixing botched signings

Fixing Botched Signings

#mortgage #realestate #notary

(65) Best notary suppliers

Best Notary Supplies

#notarization #notarize

(66) Notary Acknowledgment Information
Everything you need to know about this notary act

Notary Acknowledgment Information

#notarization

(67) Going the extra mile
A guide to standing out as a mobile notary
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=1186
#notarization #notarized

(68) I was accused of price gouging!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=1183
#notary #notarization #mortgage

(69) Can a notary perform a wedding or a marriage?

Can a notary perform a wedding or marriage?

#weddingofficiant #notarize

(70) How do I find a notary public?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=1860
#notarization #mortgage #realestate

(71) General Notary Q&A Topics
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=1844
#notarization #notarized

(72) Notary certificates, Notary wording & Notary verbiage

Notary Certificates, Notary Wording & Notary Verbiage

#notarization #jurat #acknowledgment

(73) Payment terms set by the buyer or seller in notary signings?

Payment terms – set by the Buyer or Seller?

#notary #marketing

(74) How do I get an #Apostille or #Authentication?

How do I get an Apostille or Authentication?

#notary #secretaryofstate

(75) go straight to 123notary.com/s mobile search to look up signing companies
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=1780
#mortgage #notary

(76) Make your own notary certificate forms!

Make your own notary certificate forms!

#notarization #legal

(77) Can a notary get in trouble? By doing what?

Can a notary get in trouble?

#notarylaw #notarization #notarized

(78) Pitfalls in the notary loan signing process

The Notary Signing Agent Loan Signing Process & Pitfalls

#notary #mortgage

(79) How do I fill out a notary journal entry?

How do I fill out a Notary Journal Entry?

#notarylaw #notarization

(80) Uses for notaries (other than notarizing)
Process serving, witnessing, inspections, etc.
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=1719
#notary #notarypublic

(81) Notarizing multi-page documents

Notarizing multi-page documents

#notary #notarized

(82) Thumbprint taking – step by step

Thumbprint Taking – Step by Step

#fingerprinting #notary

(83) Everything a notary needs to know about Power of Attorney signings

Power of Attorney Signings

#legal #legaldocument

(84) Can a notary witness a will or notarize one?

Can a notary witness a will or notarize one?

#witnessing #notarize

(85) Notary journal thumbprints – they can save your neck!

Notary Journal Thumbprints – they can save your neck!

#legal #notarylaw #notarization

(86) Notary procedure for Affidavit of Support documents

Notary Procedure for Affidavit of Support Documents

#legaldocument #legal #notarized

(87) Guns and Pit Bulls at signings!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=1311
#mortgage #realestate

(88) Beneficial interest and notary law
If you lose money if the document doesn’t get signed, you have beneficial interest.
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2169

(89) Notary pushed off stairs by borrower part 2

Notary pushed off stairs PART 2

#mortgage #notarizing

(90) When is it permissible to use a Credible Witness?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2105
#notary #mortgage #realestate #notarizing

(91) Penalties for notary misdeeds & misconduct!

Penalties for notary misdeeds & misconduct!

#notarylaw #notarization

(92) Is a Living Will or Living Trust the same as a Will?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2056
#powerofattorney #notary #advancedhealthcaredirective

(93) Can a notary help draft documents?

Can a notary help draft documents?

#notarylaw #notarized #legal

(94) Notary’s name on the Settlement Statement?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2018
#loan #mortgage #notarization

(95) Can a notary assist in filling out an I-9?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2016
#notarization #notarize

(96) Scary results when a notary uses our letter from hell to collect from a deadbeat signing co.

Scary results when a notary uses our letter from hell

#collectionletter #mortgage #notarize

(97) Contact info for all notary divisions

Contact information for state notary divisions 2011 & 2012

#notarypublic #secretaryofstate

———————————————-
2012
———————————————-

(1) Can a notary serve bordering states?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2272
#notarylaw #notarypublic

(2) When can I use 2 credible witnesses?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2258
#notarylaw #notarypublic #notarized

(3) Rules for notarizing a bedridden person

Rules for notarizing a bedridden person

#notary #hospital #notarization

(4) Do I need to know English to get notarized?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2238
#notary #notarization #notarizing

(5) How to fix notary mistakes
Most mistakes would be in the journal or certificate area.

How to fix notary mistakes

(6) How to be a thorough mobile notary
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2225
#notarization #notarized #notarizing

(7) A New Jersey Notary gets locked in someone’s house!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2574
#notarized #notarization

(8) The husband and the stolen license!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2217
#notary #notarized #mortgage

(9) Borrowers and their filthy homes. A notary gets sick from visiting a house with dangerous bacteria!

Borrowers and their filthy homes

#mortgage #notaries

(10) Backdating from A to Z

Backdating from A to Z

#notary #mortgage #realestate

(11) Here are some things that the rudest notaries on 123notary have done

Rude notaries?

#notary #notarizing

(12) Notary victim of hit and run accident!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2173
#notarization #notarize

(13) Does (name of) signing company pay their notaries?
How do I find out?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2364
#mortgage

(14) Rules for notarizing minors

Rules for Notarizing Minors

#notarylaw #notarypublic #notary

(15) Being ready to jump as a mobile notary public.
Deciding ahead of time when you are going to be available
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2350

(16) A list of bad #identification for #notary jobs
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2342
#passport #notarization

(17) Which gets the work? Skills or Certification?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2332
#mortgage #notary #notaries

(18) Immigration documents for gay lovers
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2334
#affidavitofsupport #legal #notary

(19) What does it really mean to be “certified?”

Certified Signing Agent – what does it mean?

#mortgage #notary

(20) Power of Attorney at a nursing home

Power of Attorney at a nursing home

#hospital #notary

(21) Can a notary notarize a birth certificate?

Can a notary notarize a birth certificate?

#vitalrecord #notarization

(22) Background checking notaries and signing companies
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2297
#backgroundscreening #notary

(23) Fraud & Forgery in the Notary Profession

Fraud & Forgery related to the notary profession

#notarize #notarization

(24) Do I notarize every page of a document?

Do I notarize every page of a document?

#notarylaw #legal #notary

(25) How much E&O is normal or practical?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2429
#insurance #notary #notaries

(26) Notarization Dates, Document Dates & Signature Dates!

Notarization Dates, Document Dates & Signature Dates!

#notarylaw #legal #documents #notary

(27) Electronic #Notary #Journal Information

Electronic Notary Journal Information

#enotary #esigning #notarization

(28) How to get low ballers to stop calling you!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2797
#mortgage #notary

(29) Death and the #Notary
I’ve heard that it is best to get some things done sooner than later…
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2643
#notarization

(30) The signing from heaven

The Signing from Heaven

#mortgage #realestate

(31) Notary dragged into court!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2635
#legal #notarization

(32) Sending loose certificates is #illegal.
Yet this is a very common request!

Sending loose certificates is illegal

#notary

(33) Do #notary journals need to be kept under lock and key?

Do notary journals need to be kept under lock and key?

#notarylaw #notarypublic #notarization

(34) Can a notary sign on a different day?

Can a notary sign on a different day?

#notarylaw #legal #notarization

(35) Don’t put the Fedex in the drop box?
If there is a cashier’s check in the package – be careful!

Don’t put the Fedex in the drop box!

#notary

(36) Your purpose is NOT to notarize?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2763
#notary #notaries

(37) How much should a notary charge for swearing in a …

How much should a notary charge for swearing in a…

#notaryfee #notary

(38) Where do credible witnesses sign the notary journal book?

Where do credible witnesses sign the notary journal book

#crediblewitness #notarization

(39) 123notary behind the scenes!

123notary behind the scenes

#mortgage #notary #smallbiz

(40) Notarizing your foreign language document

Notarizing your foreign language document!

#notary #notarization

(41) There was a bear blocking us in the driveway!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2742
#mortgage #notary

(42) How many notaries does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2961
#mortgage #notary

(43) Dr. Jeckle & Dr. Hyde
An emotionally charged signing with people who you thought you knew!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2958
#mortgage #realestate

(44) Which states allow e-notarizations?

Which states allow e-notarizations?

#enotary #enotarization #esigning

(45) 20 stories about animals at signings

20 stories about animals at signings

#mortgage #notary

(46) How many witnesses do you need when signing a Will?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2523
#notary #legal

(47) Got notes?
Tips for writing a great notes section in your 123notary profile!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2517
#mortgage #notary

(48) The technique — for getting notary reviews!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2625
#notary #advertising #marketing

(49) I would need a new notary journal every week!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2605
#notarylaw #legal #notarization

(50) The Attorney General is the place to report bad signing companies!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2602
#mortgage #notary

(51) I got beaten up by Spiderman at a closing!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3722
#mortgage #realestate

(52) Protecting yourself with a contract!
Companies use contracts, why shouldn’t notaries?

Protecting yourself with a contract

(53) Don’t call until the documents are ready?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2590
#mortgage #loan #notary #notarized

(54) An unreasonable client!
Some people just don’t understand how difficult parking can be in NYC!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3120

(55) Do criminals deserve to be notarized?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2586
#notary #notarization

(56) Who answers your phone?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2584
#notary #marketing

(57) The borrower and the fallen book shelf
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3162
#mortgage #notary

(58) The chicken & egg: Birth certificate problem solved

The chicken & egg: Birth certificate problem solved

(59) The missing stamp
A story about a forgetful notary!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2686
#legal

(60) Notarizing documents for the elderly

Notarizing Documents for the Elderly

#notary #notarization

(61) Borrowers with guns
If the borrowers have them, maybe notaries should too
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3329
#mortgage

(62) Ask, but don’t beg for a review?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3322
#notary #marketing

(63) Overseas companies hiring notaries in America
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3295
#international #business #notary

(64) Stealing a business name!
A notary was accused of stealing a client’s biz name right before he registered it!

Stealing a Business Name

(65) What are your hours?
Do you have to think for a while to answer this question?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2656

(66) The signer had a dark & dirty energy about him.
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3178
#mortgage #notary

(67) Power of Attorney and verifying capacity!

Power of Attorney and Verifying Capacity

#legaldocument #notary

(68) There was a person in the basement
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3425
#mortgage #notary

(69) Two crazy situations that lead to non-payment
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3315
#mortgage #notary

(70) Can you do the 3rd signing for free?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3305
#mortgage #notary

(71) The dog ate my journal
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3368
#notarylaw #legal #notary

(72) Prison signings
Notarizing bank robbers & pornographers
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3365

(73) Double booking notary appointments
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2691
#notary #scheduling #smallbiz

(74) Attacked by an octogenarian lady with Dimentia!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2812

(75) Over my dead body: a signing that was one person’s last!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3727

(76) How to gain experience as a notary!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2920
#notarizing #mortgage #startup

(77) Hostage situation on the way to a signing!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2808
#notary #notarization

(78) Top 5 books every notary should own (and read)

Top 5 books every notary should own (and read)

(79) 3 notaries walk into a bar
The notaries wanted to ID the bartender.

3 Notaries walk into a bar

(80) The well, Chlorine, and diarrhea!
The pipes had broken and her well water was no longer pure!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2991

(81) “You will be all alone with me”
Attn. women signers: don’t sign for this guy!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3430

(82) Is it safe? Do I need an escort to this notary job?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3623
#notarization #mortgage

(83) What is that god awful smell?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2952
#mortgage #realestate #notary

(84) A notary steals oxicotton from a borrower’s house!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2955
#theft #notarization

(85) Are they crazy? $70 for e-docs with fax backs?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2949
#notary #mortgage #notarization #notarized

(86) They won’t pay me, so whose responsibility is it?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2946
#mortgage #notary

(87) Notary needed, but the signer is in a coma!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2943
#notarylaw #legal #notarization

(88) Borrower etiquette from A to Z

Borrower etiquette from A to Z

#mortgage #notary

(89) The reluctant husband
A story about a signing where the husband wanted to watch TV
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3061

(90) When to dump a signing!
We all have to draw the line somewhere
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3491

(91) OMG, there was alcohol on her breath
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3633
#mortgage #loan #notary

(92) She brought her children to the signing and thought nothing of it!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3630
#mortgage #notary

———————————————–
2013
————————————————-

(1) I saw who, I saw when, I say where!
Signing companies that have too many demands
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4030

(2) 12 tips for notaries
How do you get the job done!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3685
#notary #marketing

(3) Time management for notaries
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3497
#notary #scheduling

(4) From 3 jobs per week to 3 jobs per day!

From 3 jobs per week to 3 jobs per day!

#notary #marketing

(5) No street lights
A story about a notary trying to find an address in the dark
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3636

(6) Hold harmless: good idea or not?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3657
#notary #notarization #mortgage

(7) Moonshine and catfish at a signing
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3417
#notary #notarization

(8) The 1099 was too high!
One notary got the shock of their life when they say their 1099
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=2993

(9) No place to sit
There was junk all over the place, but not a single chair
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3535

(10) Two faced — duplexed
The notary got blamed for the mistake of the lender

Two-Faced… Duplexed

(11) Do you ramble? What do your clients think?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4122
#notary #communication

(12) 2013 analytics: which notaries are getting more business?

2013 analytics: which notaries are getting more business?

#notary #marketing

(13) Which tasks can you do which are worth $1000 per minute?

What tasks can you do which are worth $1000 per minute?

#notary #marketing

(14) Notarizing for an adoption

Notarizing for an adoption

#notary #notarization

(15) The notary called me back to tell me she couldn’t talk
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4098
#notaries #communication

(16) Notarizing a child who was abducted
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3239
#kidnapping #notary

(17) Identification requirements for being notarized

Identification requirements for being notarized

(18) Vampire notaries: 24 hour service
2 seemingly normal men were at the door…

Vampire Notaries: 24 hour service

(19) Why notaries don’t last

Why Notaries Don’t Last

#notary #notarizing

(20) Signing agent best practices: 63 points

Signing agent best practices: 63 points

#mortgage #realestate #notary

(21) The brothel notary
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4091
#notarization #notarized

(22) Bartender notary: a reverse mortgage on the rocks!

Bartender Notary: A reverse mortgage on the rocks!

(23) Do signing reviews get companies to pay?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3227

(24) Feb 2013 Phoninar quick course

2013 Phoninar Quick Course

#mortgage #notary

(25) Why do they lie?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3168
#mortgage #notaries

(26) Top 12 things to do when you are on hold!

Top 12 things to do when you are on hold

#notary #marketing

(27) Sexagenarian’s revenge: Put that lender away!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3466

(28) Signing at a 14-room Victorian house
The notary didn’t have a ghost of a chance
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3464

(29) Free printing service: hire a notary on 123notary.com
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4198

(30) March Phoninar
When NOT to call the lender
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4390

(31) How to write a notes section if you have ho experience

How to write a notes section if you have no experience

(32) The top 1% and the 99% on 123notary.com
Why do particular notaries get more work?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4168

(33) They always accepted this in the past
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4162
#mortgage #notary

(34) Meao notary service!
No strings attached, otherwise I’d chase them!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4147

(35) Crayons and dog treats at a signing

Crayons and dog treats at the signing

#mortgage #notary #notarization

(36) Notes sections gone bad
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4126
#notary #marketing

(37) Help, I’m being sued, and E&O won’t help!

Help, I’m being sued, and E&O won’t help

#insurance #notary #notarization

(38) When is it legal to notarize a document twice?

Best Practices: When it is legal to notarize a document twice?

#notarization #notary #attorney

(39) What about notaries who work at mail box places?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4419

(40) Are you too factual or too personal in your notary notes section?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4415
#notaries #marketing

(41) Mistakes notaries make with Title Companies that cost them!

Mistakes notaries make w/ Title Companies

#mortgage #notary #notarized

(42) Types of witnesses in the notary profession

Types of witnesses in the notary profession

#legal #mortgage #notarization

(43) A detailed look at the Ninja notary signing agent course!

A detailed look at the NINJA course

#notary #notarycourse

(44) Phone interaction tutorial
What to say and what not to say on the phone if you’re a notary!

Phone interaction tutorial

(45) Personality and expressing your uniqueness in your notes section
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4352
#notary #marketing

(46) I now carry a weapon in my car!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3439
#notary #notarization

(47) Swat team notarization
I arrived at the notary job, and guess who was outside the house with guns?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4349

(48) How do I purchase a #notary #bond?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=5322
#notarization #notarized

(49) Minimum competency guide to be a signing agent.
ID’s, when to call the LO, communication, more…

Minimum Competency Test Study Guide

(50) Late documents = more money?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4239
#notarypublic #mortgage #loan

(51) Getting what is due: a clever plan!
One notary finds an unusual way to collect!

Getting what is due! A clever plan!

(52) Does Elite Certification help on 123notary?
Is it worth it?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4229
#notary #signingagent

(53) A client tries to blackmail a very seasoned notary
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4223
#mortgage #notaries

(54) I am dependable reliable and accurate, yeah right!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4218
#notary #marketing

(55) How to get something notarized that doesn’t have a signature

How to get something notarized that doesn’t have a signature

#legal #notarylaw #notary

(56) The Starbucks notary wises up after allowing a client to save on travel fee
by coming to him (& keeping him waiting forever)

The Starbucks notary wises up!

(57) How many years is a notary commission good for? (in your state)

How many years is a notary commission good for?

#notarylaw #legal #notarized

(58) Make them do the waiting if they do the driving
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4203
#notaryfee #notary

(59) April Phoninar
The legals, Administering Oaths, The APR, Revoked Commissions
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4382

(60) Our fees seem to go into other people’s pockets
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3216

(61) My date with Jeremy
The date ends being dropped off at a Fedex drop box

My date with Jeremy

(62) What to explain and what not to explain at a loan signing
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4366

(63) Is a p#20 really superior to a lower ranked notary?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4458
#notary #123notary

(64) How do you explain the APR to a non-borrowing spouse?

How do you explain the APR to a non-borrowing spouse?

#mortgage #mortgageterm #notary

(65) Why do I have to sign with my middle initial?

Why do I have to sign with my middle initial?

#mortgage #notary

(66) A 2am Signing
We all met for a transfer or a car title. But, the buyer had some words to say…
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3566

(67) Cross out happy, not a good idea

Cross-out happy; Not a good idea

#mortgage #notary #notarized

(68) The carrot, the stick, the notary and the bag

The carrot, the stick, the notary, and the bag

#notarization

(69) What is a notary public?
Identification, journals, certificates & more explained!

What is a notary public?

(70) One person, many names, quite legal
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3933
#notary #identification

(71) The prepayment penalty
Which document do you look for it first?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4429

(72) Which documents are recorded?
Maybe a few that you never heard of before
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4426

(73) Notaries should be setting the fees, not the other way around

We should be setting the fees, not the other way around!

#notary #notaryfee #notariztion #mortgage

(74) The notary and the tragedy
The signer seemed nervous. A few weeks later the boyfriend shot himself.
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4042

(75) Clarifying vague claims in your notes section
A step by step guide

Clarifying vague claims in your notes section

(76) Optional information on notary certificates
Why it’s important and how to fill it out

Optional info on Acknowledgment Certificate

(77) The lady and the handwritten will

The lady and the handwritten will

#notary #notarized #notarization

(78) The signer won’t sign the disclosure?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4484
#notary #mortgage #notarization

(79) She ran through the house like a mad woman
A story about a signing gone crazy!

She ran through the house like a mad woman…

(80) Industry standards in the notary business
Cross outs, initialing, unsigned docs, instructions, more.

Industry Standards in the Notary Business

(81) Getting respect as a notary part 2
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3749
#notarization #mortgage

(82) A tough act to follow!
Administering a presidential oath of office!

A Tough Act to Follow

(83) Tomorrow’s notary publics
Kids dream of becoming firemen and superheros, but notary publics?

Tomorrow’s Notary Publics

(84) Health care power of attorney
Same as a living will?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6673

(85) Having Emmy’s for notaries!

The Notaries! Having Emmys for Notaries!

#notarized #notarization #notary

(86) Notarizing an ax-murderer in San Ysidro
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6448
#notary #notarization

(87) Interview with Jennifer
A mobile notary who started out with a bang!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6442

(88) Interview with a Title company
Learn why those documents sometimes come late!

Interview with a Title Company

(89) Protecting ourselves and our notary commissions
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3717

(90) 6 free things 123notary does for its clients

6 FREE things 123notary does for its clients

(91) The power of attorney was rejected by a bank!

The Power of Attorney was rejected by a bank

#legal #notarization

(92) How to get something notarized if you don’t have ID

How to get something notarized if you don’t have ID

#notary #notarization #notarize #identification

(93) A notary was accused of tricking the borrowers
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6479

(94) The police wanted to know about e-notary documents
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6397
#notary #notarypublic #notarization

(95) What is a Jurat?
When is it used and what does it entail?

What is a Jurat?

#notary #notarization

(96) Her magesty’s secret notary service
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6781

(97) Do not resuscitate?
If you sign advanced health care directives, you might deal with this issue
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6395

(98) Know-taries in Heaven and Hell
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3775

(99) Notary fines & penalties
Find out what happens if you overcharge or worse!

Notary Fines & Notary Penalties (gulp)

(100) He took out his gun because he wanted you to stay!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3768
#notary #signing

(101) Types of powers of attorney

Power of Attorney: Types Often Created

#legaldocs #legaldocuments #notary

(102) A notary public cures lying

Notary Public Cures Lying!

#comedy #comedian #notaries

(103) Sign-Feld and the Notary Nazi
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6854
#notaries #notarization

(104) Has the notary industry slowed down again?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6590

(105) The Notary, the Mafia, and the Fedex Drop Box.

The Notary, The Mafia & The Fedex Drop Box

#notaries #notarization

(106) The Alaska Notary wanted to get paid in Salmon!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6623

(107) The Anti-Notary
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3756

(108) Get your will notarized, in a coma!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6770
#notary #notarization

(109) The Real Estate Agent and the evil girl scouts
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6620

(110) How to get notarized
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4699
#notary #notarypublic #notarization

(111) Notary license to kill
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6775
#notaries #notarization

(112) Notary asked NOT to thumbprint?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6430
#legal #notarylaw #notaries

(113) Getting Acupuncture for notorial schlerosis
Repetetive use of your stamp can cause this rare but serious condition
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=7160

(114) Reasons why notaries won’t lower their fees
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=7140
#notary #marketing

(115) $10,000 a month on a bad month

$10,000 per month on a bad month

#notary #marketing

(116) Notary accidentally gets arrested for robbing a bank
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6541
#notaries #notarization

(117) A great attitude gets the most jobs!

A great attitude gets the most jobs

#notary #notarized #marketing

(118) Companies that hire NEW signers!

Companies that will hire NEW signers!

#mortgage #realestate

(119) Don’t get volume sucker punched as a #notary
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6544
#notarization #mortgage

(120) Marijuana at the table during a notary signing!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3809

(121) Notary fines relating to advertising and fraud
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6909

(122) How to notarize a copy of a passport

How to Notarize a Copy of a Passport

#notary #notarization

(123) $35,000 a month his first year in business?

He made $35,000 a month his first year in business?

#notary #smallbiz #startup

(124) What makes a mobile notary a mobile notary?

What makes a mobile notary a mobile notary?

#notaries #notarization

(125) The notarization afterlife
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6628
#notarized

(126) A Seinfeld episode about a notary!

A Seinfeld Episode about a Notary

#notaries #comedy #notarization

(127) Can a Resident Alien card or permanent resident card be used for notarization?

Can a resident alien card or permanent resident card be used for being notarized?

#notary #identification

(128) Using expired identification cards.
Is it legal?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8278
#notarypublic #notary #notarization

(129) Cross out and initial

Cross Out and Initial

#mortgage #notary #notarized

(130) Can you notarize someone’s initials?

Can you notarize someone’s initials?

#notarized #notarylaw #legal

(131) The Notary, the Realtor and the half bathroom
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6609

(132) Using an automated notary machine at CVS
“Did you say representative?”
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6456

(133) Fedex moved the drop box, but where are the contents?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6593
#mortgage

(134) Clever Florida Notary commended by the FBI
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4000
#notaries

(135) Don’t hate the playa, hate the notary game
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3997
#notaries

(136) Does Real Estate experience help as a notary?

Does Real Estate experience help as a notary?

#mortgage

(137) Sworn Oath information
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6724
#notarypublic #notarylaw #notaryact

(138) Are you a point and sign notary?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4557
#mortgage #notarization #loandocs

(139) Ahoy mate, I have the docs!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6721
#mortgage #loansigning

(140) Interview with Timios Title

Interview with Timios title

#mortgage #notary

(141) 10 quick changes to your notes that could double your calls!

10 quick changes to your notes that double your calls!

#notary 3marketing

(142) Common mistakes with the 1003, RTC, TIL & APR

Common Mistakes with: 1003, Crossing out, RTC, TIL & APR

#mortgage #notary

(143) First number loses
Don’t bid first when negotiating prices for mobile notary work.
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6689

(144) Affidavits, what you need to know!

Affidavits — What do you need to know?

#legaldocuments #jurat #notary

(145) Rich Man Poor Man: #Marketing your notary services to the wealthy

Rich man poor man: Market Yourself to the Wealthy

#notary #notaries

(146) How much can a California Notary charge?

How much can a California Notary Public Charge?

#notaryprice #notaryfee

(147) Notary journals from A to Z

Notary Journals from A to Z

#notarypublic #notaries

(148) Notary seal information from A to Z

Notary Seal Information from A to Z

#notaries #notarypublic

(149) Notarize This!
A satire on a movie about a mafia boss notary and a shrink!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6992

(150) How often do you update your # of signings?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4655

(151) Notary suicide hotline!

Notary Suicide Hotline

#comedy #notaries #notarization

(152) I get paid enough to get something on the value menu at McDonalds.
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4625
#notaryfee #settlementstatement

(153) People shopping for notaries want to know the same things as guys looking for a date
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4628
#notary

(154) Speed notarizing and speed dating
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=7007
#notary #notaries

(155) Many banks prefer to hire someone who is a notary
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4616
#banknotary #notaries

(156) Jeremy loses at Notary Monopoly
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6695
#notaries #humor #comedy

(157) A veteran notary interviewed gives advice to new notaries!

Advice to new notaries: Interview with a Veteran Notary

#notarization #notarized

(158) If your boss pays for your notary commission, it still belongs to you!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4613
#notarycommission

(159) General vs. specific information in notes sections
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=4602
#notary #marketing

(160) The man with the golden seal
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6841
#notary #notaries #notarization

(161) How to get paid by out of business signing companies!

How to get paid by out of biz signing companies!

#notary #collection #mortgage

—————————————————–
2014: Jan to Sept 30th
—————————————————–

(1) If your name is everywhere then people will find you
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6358
#notary #marketing

(2) When the phone does not ring.
There are marketing & maintenance tasks notaries can do!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=7117
#notary

(3) No money callers
What to do with people who want to talk, but not pay!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=7109
#notary

(4) Superman found out he needed a notarized affidavit at the last minute and didn’t know who to turn to.
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6356

(5) Affidavit of Support and direct communication with the signer

Affidavit of Support and direct communication with the signer

#notarylaw #legal

(6) You could get sued if you don’t have a business license

You could get sued if you don’t have a business license

#legal #notary

(7) Honey I notarized the kids!
Don’t try this at home

Honey, I notarized the kids (don’t try this at home)

#comedy

(8) I go over the HUD first
Learn what pro loan signers do!

I go over the HUD-1 first

#notary

(9) 10 ways to find the perfect notary!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=7019
#notaries #notarized

(10) Can I notarize a Will or a Living Will?

Can a Notary notarize a Will or Living Will?

#legal #notarylaws

(11) Fear of retaliation in the Notary business
Sherry was accused of misusing her notary commission!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=7015

(12) Reverse Blackmail at a notary signing

Reverse Blackmail at a Notary Signing

#mortgage #notaries #notarization

(13) A social media site for notaries — affiant

A social media site for Notaries — Affiant

#comedy #notary #notarization

(14) A 2nd date with Jeremy
“We know each other so well, we complete each other’s Jurat verbiage”

A 2nd Date With jeremy

(15) The Notary Olympics
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6407
#notaries #comedy #notarization

(16) Notary insults
The customer wanted a quantity discount and ignored the hour Ken spent in transit!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=7135
#notaries

(17) Witnessing the Star’s signatures at Mann’s Chinese Theater
Notarizing VIP’s!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8754

(18) Ken’s list of bad things that notaries do
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8735
#notary #notarypublic #notarization

(19) The notary who loved me.
1 notary kept calling to see if he needed anything!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6847

(20) Notarizing affidavits of support
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=7081
#legal #notarylaw #notary

(21) The homeless notary
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6825
#notaries #notarization

(22) Get the job specifications
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8729
#mortgage #notary

(23) Help, I’m getting married, my husband is in jail, and I need a #notary!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8417

(24) Playing the cancer card after you made a blunder
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=6403
#notary #mortgage

(25) She learned more from our blog than any course she ever took
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=7169
#mortgage #notary #notaries

(26) We require notaries to be registered on our approved list

We require notaries to be registered on our approved list

#notary #titlecompany

(27) Welcome to the Notary Hotel
It’s so comfortable, many notaries stay there their entire commission

Welcome to the Notary Hotel

(28) Double and Nothing
Offering to do double the work for the same price!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8415

(29) Notary reviews vs. movie reviews
“I didn’t like the ending of the signing — too predictable”

Notary Reviews vs. Movie Reviews

(30) What to write in your notes section

What to Write in Your Notes Section

#notary #marketing

(31) Many of the borrowers say, “That was painless!”
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8801
#mortgage #notary

(32) Administering an #Oath to an athiest
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8784
#legal #comedy #notary

(33) Who really needs who in the notary business.
Do notaries need signing companies or vice versa?

Who really needs who?

(34) The signing and the mistress
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8377
#notary #comedy

(35) Notarymingle.com – a dating site for notaries!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8772
#socialmedia #notary

(36) Perhaps I should have titled this notary blog “A Recipe for Disaster”.
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8618

(37) Most notaries would rather die than go back to the 9-5 routine.
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8866

(38) Doing a signing with a gun sitting at the table
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8863
#mortgage #notary

(39) The acunotary: an #acupuncturist becomes a #notary!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8850

(40) The flip side of your business card.
Ken’s guide to notary marketing
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8602

(41) Notaries who make more than Attorneys
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8836
#notary #smallbiz

(42) Witnessing intake forms for Notary Heaven

Witnessing the intake forms for Notary Heaven

#comedy #notaries

(43) A signing in the freezing rain
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8431
#mortgage #notary

(44) Going to a signing with your girlfriend can put the pressure on the signer to get on with it and sign!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=9256

(45) How my high school yearbook predicted I’d be a Notary Public
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8678

(46) Notarizing a female accessory to murder!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8667
#notary #notarization

(47) If you are a VIP notary, read this!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=9235
#notaries #notarization

(48) Dress British, Think Yiddish

Dress British, Think Yiddish

#notary #marketing

(49) Signs you’re a notary workaholic
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8935
#notaries #notarization

(50) An easy collection remedy!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8920
#notary #collections

(51) Do you have to be a CSS to get work these days?

Do you have to be a CSS to get work these days?

(52) Elite signers
Who are these lucky notary customers?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8628

(53) Preparation, the key to notary success
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8884
#notaries #notarized

(54) Thank you excuse me, I’m sorry.
A guide to Notarial manners.

Thank You – Excuse Me – I’m Sorry

(55) The 24 hour icon and those who need their sleep
Do you mind being called at 3am?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=9336

(56) A Russian lady lists on 123notary and says, “It is terrible, I get called day and night. Make it stop!”
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8727

(57) Why do I have to pay when I went to the Title Office?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=9479

(58) Unprofitable requests.
How do you figure out which notary jobs are worth it?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=9775

(59) Notary Cheers: Sammy gets a name change #notarized

Notary Cheers: Sammy gets a name change form notarized

(60) She was dying of cancer and needed to get #notarized
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=9462

(61) The Towles Booth — pronounced “Tolls”
Some come to pay a toll, others come for advice

The Towles Booth (pronounced “tolls”)

(62) Should 123notary accept other certifications?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=9319

(63) Notarymatch.com — a dating site for #notaries!

NotaryMatch.com — a dating site for notaries!

#notary

(64) When you goof as a notary public
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=9291
#notaries #notarylaw

(65) The customers can tell if you don’t login to your profile on 123notary regularly
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=9286

(66) If a pizza can get there in 30 minutes, why not a notary?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8699

(67) Poo picking, getting the best notary jobs

Poo Picking – getting the best notary jobs

(68) Signing loans isn’t rocket science!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=9265
#notary #notaries #mortgage

(69) Teens forced to get notarized parental consent for STD tests
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=10165

(70) Did you get chumped in a double booking?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=9312

(71) The Seinfeld episode about a Notary

The Seinfeld Episode About a Notary

#notaries #comedy

(72) Two and a half Notaries
What’s the difference between a Notary and a Notary experience?

Two and a half notaries! A Notarization Experience

(73) She took all my business away!
A signing company gets listed on 123notary & gets a monopoly!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8969

(74) I didn’t notarize that!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=9779
#notary #notarized #notarization

(75) 123notary can change your county or state in a snap. It’s easy!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=9339

(76) An unhappy client pays again (family of Italians)
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8740

(77) I’ll stay here all day until I get paid!
A notary went to a signing company and raised hell.
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=9471

(78) Put up or shut up!
A guide to dealing with Title companies!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=9810

(79) New Notary apps that you really need!
Lookup signing co reviews, find cheap gas, road conditions…

New Notary Apps that you really need!

(80) A frustrating four hour signing!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=9598

(81) Is this man a Notary?

Is this man a notary?

(82) Signing services take a portion of the notary fee

Signing Services take a portion of the notary fee

(83) Loan signing at a high school reunion
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=9591

(84) I-9 verification requests for $20?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=10467

(85) A closing on my boat!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=9975
#notary #notaries #mortgage

(86) Cattle Call Notary Offers
Ken’s rant on how offensive and demeaning this is to notaries

Cattle call Notary offers

(87) Welcome to Notary Jail — don’t drop the embosser!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=9917

(88) How to become a successful mobile #notary from scratch!

How to become a successful mobile notary from scratch

#mortgage #notarization

(89) Wanted: Notary Punching Bags
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=9833

(90) New Notary apps for the iPhone7 that you’ve never dreamed of!

New Notary Apps for the iPhone 7 that you’ve never dreamed of!

(91) Notary Hotel 2:
Even the notepad comes with Jurat wording!

Notary Hotel 2 — the sequel

(92) Become a process server to make additional income!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=10459

(93) Don’t die trying when your schedule is tight!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=9819
#notary #scheduling

(94) Why can’t a notary host their own late night talk show?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=9823
#comedy #notaries

(95) $30 loan signings. Is it even worth it under the best of circumstances?

$30 loan signings. Is it worth it even in the best of circumstances?

() More than half of notaries on 123notary.com are female. So much for the old boys club!
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=7128

Comments (0)

« Newer Posts

Notary Blog – Signing Tips, Marketing Tips, General Notary Advice – 123notary.com Control Panel

October 21, 2013

October 18, 2013

June 6, 2013

May 17, 2013

February 15, 2013

February 9, 2013

February 6, 2012

November 18, 2011

April 15, 2011

March 25, 2010