"It's a tale as old as time... true as it can be... barely even friends... then somebody bends..." That's from Tale as Old as Time by London Music Works which was sung by Celine Dion for Beauty and the Beast by Disney. I'm out of breath giving credits here so no one sues us for quoting. If you got left out, please just let us know. The reason we started this blog article off with the theme of Beauty and the Beast is actually kind of perfect when discussing how to get more Notary Business Snapdocs.com. We actually recently took a tour of the online scheduling system with one of our partners and boy do we have some Tea for you! If you are looking for how to get more business using Snapdocs then we'll cover that too but please make sure read this entire article because you know we don't fluff things up for you here at Notary Stars. There are ways to get more business on Snapdocs but it's nowhere as easy as it is on its rival SigningOrder.com for Notaries to really get noticed. Lots of training companies have posted articles, videos, and podcasts about and with Snapdocs but we did some real research about the program itself and want to let you know what we really think. And of course, a lot of other sources are more fluffed up with what you want to hear verses containing all the facts. But if you've had problems getting signings on Snapdocs it's time someone tells you the truth: YOU AREN'T CRAZY, A BAD NOTARY, AND NOTHING IS WRONG WITH YOU! First things first, the back end of Snapdocs really dumbs down finding a Notary to basically a cattle call as it does not apparently display any pertinent or important information about the Notaries for the scheduling or assigning party. There are a lot of important factors about Notaries that Title Agencies and Signing Services should be able to see without having to dig for it when selecting a Notary for a signing- but Snapdocs just doesn't supply that information easily. Now, this may be because Snapdocs sales pitch seems to be all about "streamlining." Which we as Notary Loan Signing Agents know is the wrong approach to our careers or sector of the Loan Signing Business. You can only streamline customer service and find a great Notary so far until the entire process starts to suffer. It really made us wonder how they could be charging clients so much for this product. From what we were able to see is that the Title Agencies and Signing Services have to manually build their list and it really doesn't make it easy for them to discover new talent. So, if they aren't looking for talent at the moment- you might be out of luck. No matter what other articles might be telling you. With that said, you may be asking yourself how does one get more work from Snapdocs? And that's a great question! The key to getting more work from Snapdocs is no different than any other platform available today. You do the following and then you knock it out of the park every time you can: #1) Have a Profile Photo, not a Logo!- Please use your name and profile photo when signing up for Snapdocs because the onlookers are looking to hire one single Notary (not a company that might manage out their file). They also want to see who they are sending to their client's homes. #2) Write a Unique, Concise, Meaningful Bio- Please do not put the statement "I do not miss "initials, dates, signatures, etc," as anyone reading it knows that it's a lie. And, there are so many who put this in their profiles that it isn't unique anymore. Start with writing about what training you've taken (all of it because it's competitive out there). Then list companies you like to work with (but try to stick to big names like Amrock, Mortgage Connect, etc). Do not list local Signing Agencies as you might be accidentally warding off competing Signing Services. List how many closings you've realistically done and what type of transactions you are comfortable performing. Remember: There's more to this industry than Buyer's, Seller's, and Refinances. Notary Stars can help you with all the transactions btw! #2) Make Sure Your Credentials Are Up to Date!- You must keep all of your credentials up to date including your annual background check and W9 form. One of the biggest reasons Notaries miss out on business is not keeping their profiles up to date. When Title Agencies or Signing Services are scheduling orders, they don't have time for you to jump in and update your profile. They will just hope you have it updated the next time they send and order out. #3) Your Profile Needs to Be Verified by Snapdocs- You will have to be verified by Snapdocs before your profile shows to anyone. PS- when you enter your Social Security Number you are locking yourself in to any damage you do as a new Notary. You will not be able to deactivate and start a new profile so easily. Your information will come back, and your old profile will be tied to your new one! This is why you should also start out of the gate well-trained! #4) You Will Need to Get Likes and Keep Your Score Up! - You will need to ask for likes from companies who use you but you have to be careful not to look desperate. Banging on the door too loudly could get you unfavorited really quick. The best way to approach this is to work with a company a few times and mention to them you like working with them (if you are doing a good job) and let them know you hope to hear from them again. If you get to know schedulers with companies on Snapdocs they'll remember you if you are doing a good job. It only takes a few good signings. You should put most of your interest into companies that are sending offers in your area often. If they don't send a lot, don't take the risk of getting negative feedback for being too pushy to be their top Notary. Marketing can be a double edge sword. Now for the kicker... Snapdocs attends large conferences for Title and Escrow, not just for Notaries. That is because Title and Escrow are their ultimate clients. There is a feature within Snapdocs that allows you to invite your Direct Clients to use it. And you never should because if they ever switch you might be out of business really quick as you'd be introducing the entire pool of Notaries in your area to your client. The only real way to compete on or with Snapdocs is to educate Title and Escrow Companies about how you should be hired directly if they can (and lots of smaller companies still do). And if they are a large Title Company- start explaining to them how they should start investing in Notaries with the best training! You can start by supporting your local State's Escrow Association and/or the National Escrow Association. The National Notary Association and all other Notary Conventions should be secondary to your budget in 2023 unless you are brand new to the industry. This is the year to get involved and start making some noise to be heard! We are talking about a lot of these topics this year at Notary Stars Unlimited. If you think you don't have a voice, you are wrong! Together We Are Unlimited!

One of the most beautiful things about being in the Notary Business is that you aren’t bound to just working as a Notary Public or Loan Signing Agent. Now, many of you out there may already understand this but whether you get it or not, keep reading! You might just pick up a new skill, new service, or another side hustle to fill in your calendar time that can help you increase revenue as a business owner. You already know that you don’t want to work for “the man” but that doesn’t mean that you have to live in fear if there’s a bad day, month, or period in the Notary Industry- which has always been feast or famine. I (Ronnie) remember when Lyft first opened in California shortly after I had started my career as a Mobile Notary and Loan Signing Agent. Back then I didn’t own a Nationwide Signing Agency and I lived in fear that the business I was building would struggle because I didn't know half of what I know now. I had the same fears many of you probably have about making a mistake, getting blacklisted, or a slowdown in the industry. However, when Lyft opened up and I figured out that I could make extra money in between appointments my whole world started to change as a business owner. Very quickly actually. At that time, I only knew about General Notary Work and Loan Signings. And the gig economy was just starting to flourish. I didn’t know about much more than Refinance files in those days or how to market myself for different types of transactions such as Buyers, Sellers, HELOCS, Reverse Mortgages, Construction Loans, Hard Money Loans, Trust Signings, or Apostilles (just a few of the things we teach on at Notary Stars). I didn't know I wasn't getting those types of files because they generally wanted more well-seasoned or trained Signing Agents for them since there's less room for errors. And it would be a while before I figured that out. Again, not that much different from everyone else's journey. So having a side hustle like Lyft helped me make ends meet as I learned to navigate this industry like I do today. Along the way, I also started walking dogs with Wag and Rover. And to-date I can say even though I own a successful Signing Agency, I am still registered as a Lyft Driver, Rover Walker, Amazon Flex Driver, Door Dasher, and I am an Ordained Minister and can conduct wedding ceremonies (if I had the time to do them). Even from where I sit now, I am not ashamed to say I like to know that I’m protected financially if it* hits the fan. The thing we want you to know most this month is: Just because you are a Notary Public and/or Loan Signing Agent doesn’t mean your revenue has to come just from being a Notary Public and or Loan Signing Agent! Our industry uses the term Notary Business very often. So much that it's become one of the most popular hashtags on Instagram and Google because of it. But don't let that make you forget that you aren't just a Notary Business Owner- you are a BUSINESS OWNER. Which means you are self-employed and that you can do anything you want to fill in your calendar with revenue generating ideas. Just before Unlimited Ink Notary got off the ground, I sometime miss the days I would shop at Goodwill, Walmart, and Target for discounted items in between appointments for things I would resale on Amazon. It was really fun actually. Now if you do have multiple streams of income make sure to also checkout this month’s tax tip about multiple streams of revenue from Notary Assist and Glen Hill, The Tax Lady. This month we’ve reached out to a lot of our Notary Stars Community to collect some side-hustles that you may want to consider. You don’t have to like them all, do them all, or sign up with them all. We just want you to consider having that one or two things in your back pocket that can help you as you grow your Notary Business. Services You Can AddSide Hustles To ConsiderGeneral Notary WorkUber / LyftFamily Planning (Trust) SigningsWag/RoverPersonal Injury Attorney SigningsAmazon Flex DriverApostillesDoor DashingFingerprintingCredit RepairWedding OfficiantNarrate books on AudibleField Services InspectorTake Surveys for money (BrandedSurvey.com or SurveyJunkie.com)Process ServerVirtual Assistant (Upwork)Courier ServicesContent writer (writers.work.com)I-9 VerificationsBookkeeperBecome the After Hours for UPS Stores Make a Sign / Flyers Get to Know ThemProofreader/Copy Editor (Flexjobs.com)Take Up Jail NotarizationsBecome a Realtor If Only For Realtor Referral ChecksNotarize Documents for Car Dealerships or Maverick SigningsSelling Life/Health Insurance Website Design & SEO Consultation Narrate books on Audible Become a Tax Preparer Amazon Seller Interpreter or Document Translator Online Court Reporting Become a Travel Agent Open a Print on Demand Store on Etsy Caregiving Airbnb Renting Resume Writer

FHA is an acronym that stands for Federal Housing Administration, and they are home loans that are backed by the Federal Government. When we look at loan products, there are 3 primary products you will come across as a Notary Signing Agent: FHA (Federal Housing Administration), VA (Veterans Affairs), and your standard Conventional Loan Product. Both the FHA and VA loans are backed by the federal government which means in the event of a default (or non-payment of the loan) the US government covers the lender up to a percentage of the loss if the borrower cannot repay the debt. Conventional loans are not insured by the US government and pose much more risk to the lender. To help the reader understand some of the terms in the article below, LTV (Loan to Value Ratio) will be discussed. What LTV means, is it’s the amount of money owed against your loan amount or appraised value, whichever is greater. For example, if you take out a loan for $200,000 and you pay off the loan by $40,000, your loan to value ratio is 80%. Advantages of an FHA Loan Many first-time homebuyers will take advantage of a FHA loan because they can qualify for this product with a low credit score, high debt to income ratio, and low-down payment. They also offer buyers the option to participate in a downpayment assistance program as well. To put this into perspective, imagine buying your first home, most people will not have the cash on hand to put a 20% down payment on their home as that can be a substantial amount of money when a home is being purchased for several hundred thousand dollars. These loans are a great product for individuals venturing into owning a home for the first time so they can build equity by paying down their loan and the property value rising over time. Many people will then transition to a conventional loan when they purchase a new property as they can use their equity for a larger down payment on a new home purchase and meet that 80% Loan to Value Ratio on a Conventional Loan Product so Private Mortgage Insurance does not need to be paid as the PMI sticks on a FHA loan regardless of the LTV amount. But FHA loans are not just for first time homebuyers, anyone may apply for this kind of loan however, they are popular when buying a home for the first time because of the loose credit profile requirements. The lender’s advantage to a borrower taking out an FHA loan is they take on less risk with these loans because the Federal Government backs them and, in the event, there is a default as financial loss issues will be minimal. Disadvantages of an FHA Loan There are a few drawbacks when purchasing a home with this product. Yes, you do have great advantages with the low down payments and a subpar income, asset, or credit profile. However typically with this product your interest rate will be higher when compared to a Conventional Loan. This will greatly impact the amount of money you pay in interest over the life of the loan. PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) sticks on your payment permanently and the only way it will be removed is if the home is refinanced under a different loan product (Conventional or VA) or the home is sold. Typically with a Conventional loan, the private mortgage insurance does not need to be paid if the LTV (Loan to Value Ration) is 80% or less at the time of purchase, refinance, or paying down your existing loan. Individuals making an offer on a home that will be using an FHA loan can be at a disadvantage when competing with other buyers in a hot sellers’ market. Think of yourself as a seller getting multiple offers on your home, wouldn’t you want your close of escrow to go as seamless as possible? Individuals with a lower credit profile have a much higher risk of being declined by their lender in the closing process and the seller wants to run the least amount of risk of their transaction bottoming out and having to start all over again. Plus, there are more extensive property requirements and inspections the FHA requires on the property being purchased which can tack on a lot of extra time for the home to close. While the FHA loans has great benefits to the buyer and the lender, they don’t have many benefits to a seller in a hot sellers’ market. How is this relative to the Notary Signing Agent. All NSA’s should be aware of the loan products lenders offer as these will be the documents you will be showing up to the closing table with. The information communicated in this article does not contain any information you would need to communicate with the borrowers as that would be the responsibility of the lender. However, with any job or career that is pursued, the more knowledge you have, whether it is relative to your specific job duty or not, will give you more confidence when executing your role as a NSA. For instance, having the knowledge that an FHA product allows borrowers to participate in a down payment assistance program would give you the reason as to why there is a 2nd Deed of Trust/Mortgage and Note, in a closing package. Knowledge builds confidence, and as a self-employed NSA, you are responsible for your own training and knowledge base to enhance your career, so learn as much as you possibly can! Written by Travis Myers Did You Know Notary Stars Goes Over FHA Loans in Their Training Course?

We all hear of this wonderful aspect of online notarization and international signings; however, what we don’t hear often are the limitations set by each state law. Here are the top 5 myths about doing it all online: I can sign for anyone, even if they are not a USA Citizen. False, most (almost all) RON notaries must have an unknown signer complete a quiz to prove that they are really who they state they are. It is a fact that NO Platform can pull this quiz data from any other country than the United States of America due to privacy laws. With that being said, if your signer has never lived in the USA, they will not be eligible to perform this ID Proofing requirement. I’m on Vacation, and I still want to earn my income – I can, right? False, Even though we are doing this all virtually – the physical location of the Notary matters! In almost every RON state, the notary cannot be outside the borders of their physical commissioned area when performing a RON notarization (and yes, we platforms can tell, so don’t try to “hack it”, it’s not worth it!). The ONLY state which has a bit of a different spin on this is Virginia. If you are a Virginia RON – Read your laws, you have LIMITED extended powers over the rest of us! The signer can be located anywhere in the world, or even on the Moon! Partially true. If your signer can validate through your required ID Proofing requirements, they can technically meet with you and sign. However, if the signer is physically located OUTSIDE of the USA at the time of signing there are other factors that come into play!!! If your signer is physically outside of the USA, then the document matters! The Document must have been Created, pertaining to, or Going to be filed and used in the USA. i. Example One: The signer is in New Zealand; they are a US Citizen on vacation. They let a family member drive their car, and it was impounded for a parking violation in Las Vegas. While we are hoping the driver won big, they are losing money every day at the impound lot. To get this car out of the impound lot they need a notarized letter from the owner who is physically in New Zealand. A. This is LEGALLY PERMITTED because the document is going to be turned into and used at the Impound Lot who is physically located within the USA. ii. Example Two: The same signer, a US Citizen, is on vacation in New Zealand and they found out a distant family member passed away in Spain. Yes, sometimes those inheritance emails are real! However, to obtain this inheritance this US Citizen needs to have document notarized and have it filed in Spain right away. A. This is NOT LEGALLY PERMITTED because the Signer is physically outside of the USA and the document is not pertaining to the USA. We as a RON Notary cannot perform this notarization. The Signer will have to consult a Notary within the country of New Zealand iii. Example Three: A new Zealand resident is on vacation in Orlando, they find out that they have a legal issue back in New Zealand. They connect to a Florida Notary (who can legally validate a non-us citizen) and get the document signed. This is LEGALLY PERMITTED because the signer was physically within the borders of the USA at the time of signing! Every agency MUST accept a document which was notarized online! False, while every STATE must recognize that a document notarized in a different state is legal, NOT ALL agencies or businesses must accept this alternative form of notarization. It is highly possible that a business will reject a notarization done online and tell the signer to get it done the old-fashioned way. While this is irritating, there is nothing we can do about it except spread awareness over the increased safety of online notarization process. It doesn’t matter what you need done, we can do it online (so long as the other 4 myths don’t interfere) False! While many states don’t limit the notary act online – quite a few of them do. If the notary law doesn’t sometime even the probate laws do! Always refer to your own state laws before performing an online notary act! i. Example: Ohio – No RON Depositions Maryland – No RON Trusts Alabama – No RIN Election Documents Louisiana – I’m not even touching the list of restricted notary acts!!! North Carolina – Even worse than Louisiana!!!! There are more limits than this by state, refer to your state laws for exact details. In closing, we all believe that this online notarization aspect opens the doors to every corridor in the business market; however, the harsh reality is IT DOES NOT! Do not “ass-u-me” that you can just do it online. Protect yourself, protect your client, and be the best Online Notary you can be by doing your own research to know where you stand with each of these myths of the market!

In today's digital age, the process of closing on a mortgage or a deed of trust has become more convenient and efficient thanks to the use of Remote Online Notarization (RON). This virtual notary method allows all necessary participants, including the borrower(s), non-borrowing title holders, witnesses, and signing agents to be present for the signing process without having to be in the same physical location. However, despite the benefits of this technology, there are certain situations where a signing may need to be re-signed or invalidated, meaning a delay in closing on a property and/or potentially negative consequences for all parties involved. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why a closing may need to be signed again and the impact it has on the client experience and the company. The first reason why a RON may need to be resigned is if the execution of the documents is not captured on video. This means that if the video or audio is not working properly during the session, the closing may have to be redone. To avoid this, it is important that signing agents take the proper action when issues begin to arise during the closing session. In many instances, this can be fixed by simply clicking the browser refresh button. In other situations, the session may have to be restarted. If a new session is begun, it is important to start again as if it were a brand-new signing; KBA and credential analysis likely won’t have to be repeated, but all other steps like the scripted beginning of the session and displaying of the IDs should be repeated, as most sites will only retain the final video of a session and not the interrupted attempts. It is also best practice to re-perform any actions, such as the placement of any signatures, that were taken before the disruption. Another reason why a closing may need to be resigned is if necessary, participants are not present on camera for the entire duration of the signing. Necessary participants include the borrower(s), non-borrowing title holders, witnesses, and signing agents. While witnesses do not need to remain in camera for the entire signing, it is important that they are instructed to stand behind the signer on camera while witnessed documents are being signed. It is also important to verbally verify with the witness that they watched the signer affix their digital signature. If any of these individuals are not present on camera during the entire session during the times in which they are signing, the closing may have to be redone, as someone could question the validity of the closing in the future. Participants executing documents on behalf of other participant(s) is also a common reason why a closing may need to be resigned (keep in mind, this is not referencing someone with a Power of Attorney allowing them to sign on behalf of another person, but rather active participants). Bottom line, the active signer should always be in full view of the camera as their signatures are being applied. The impact of having to repeat a closing can be significant. When a company has to inform their clients that a resign must occur due to an audio/video failure causes a poor client experience. It can cause the client you are working for to incur additional costs, can put the notary at greater liability, and can delay or even invalidate a closing. This can lead to negative feedback and potentially harm yours and the reputation as a company. While there is the potential for video failure to happen that is not apparent to the notary or the clients, notaries who fail to take the appropriate action to mitigate audio/video failures when they are knowingly happening are putting themselves, their client, the signers and many other parties at risk. This is why it is crucial that signing agents take the necessary steps to ensure that the closing process goes smoothly and that all necessary participants are present on camera for the entire duration of the signing. When in doubt, start again. In conclusion, while the use of Remote Online Notarization has made the process of closing on a mortgage, a deed of trust or any other notarized document more convenient and efficient, there are certain situations where a closing may need to be performed again. These situations include the execution of the documents not being captured on video, necessary participants not being present on camera for the entire duration of the signing, participants executing documents on behalf of other participant(s), and/or documents that were signed while audio/video issues were occurring. The impact of an unrecorded closing can be significant, and it is important for Remote Notaries to take the necessary steps to ensure that the closing process goes smoothly.

What is meant by the terms - Wet state or Dry state? In this case, it doesn't have anything to do with alcohol. We are talking about real estate and property loan funding and closings. As Notary Loan Singing Agents, we probably have heard the terms before but never really understood what it meant. Technically, in our role, we really don't need to know what it is because we rarely have to deal with it at the loan signing table. But I am the forever curious nerd and need to know as much as I can about something as it could make my loan signing appointment go smoother at the table. In looking at the loan process, we know that when we meet with the consumer, all the loan and title search process has already taken place and our job is to just collect signatures, sometimes cash to close, and get the documents back to the Attorney or Title/Escrow company. Once those documents are reviewed and accepted (Quality control) the process of closing begins. Funding varies by state and refers to when a mortgage is considered 'Officially" closed, mortgage funds are disbursed and the new owner can take possession of the property. For the buyer, it is literally getting the keys and garage door opener at the table or waiting a few days. For the Seller, it is the difference between getting their proceeds at the table or waiting a few days. What is the difference between a Wet funding and a Dry funding? In 'wet' funding, (sometimes called Table Funding) the lender will fund the loan (transfer money to the Title/Escrow/Attorney) immediately after approval of all the signed documents on the day of the loan signing (shown as closing date on the CD & Settlement Statement). Wet funding wires are typically ordered a day or two in advance and are sitting in the escrow account the day the documents are signed. Commonly the mortgage and title documents are signed, the loan funds are distributed, and ownership is transferred (Recorded) from the seller to the buyer. This scenario is referred to as a 'wet' closing because it is official - before the ink dries. It is much stricter than dry funding and it happens much quicker. The Seller can receive their proceeds on the day the documents are signed and the Buyer can take possession of the property. This is 100% done on closing day. For a 'dry' funding, on the closing date, all parties sign the mortgage documents, the lender requirements are met...but the funds are not immediately disbursed. The funding package needs to go back to the lender so that it can be reviewed. No funds are distributed to the Seller on that date and the Buyer cannot take possession of the property quite yet. It takes a few days before the lender funds the loan (wires the money to Title/Escrow/Attorney) and the conveyance document is recorded transferring ownership to the new buyer. By this time the - ink will have dried. Dry funding slows things down and is intended as a consumer protection to ensure there aren't any added issues that need to be addressed before funds are distributed. I know I've certainly been at the table on a Seller package and I'm giving the signer my "Exit" speech and the question comes "But where is my check? Didn't you bring my money?" I immediately correlated that this Seller's past experience has been with property located in a "wet funding" state. Dry funding rules vary from state to state. Which states are 'Wet' or 'Dry' Funding states? Dry Funding States AlaskaHawaiiNew MexicoArizonaIdahoOregonCaliforniaNevadaWashington Wet Funding States AlabamaIndianaMinnesotaNorth DakotaVermontArkansasIowaMississippiOhioVirginiaColoradoKansasMissouriOklahomaWest VirginiaConnecticutKentuckyMontanaPennsylvaniaWisconsinDelawareLouisianaNebraskaRhode IslandWyomingDCMaineNew HampshireSouth CarolinaFloridaMarylandNew JerseyTennesseeGeorgiaMassachusettsNew YorkTexasIllinoisMichiganNorth CarolinaUtah Whether a particular state is 'wet' or 'dry' is strictly based upon that state's RE laws. But surprisingly there are two states that allow for both; California and Alaska. For Real Estate Agents, a wet closing is preferred and will allow them to get their commission a little faster. A lender may prefer a Dry Closing if they are having issues with funding, technology issues, a backlog of applications, or a misplaced form or even waiting on specific repairs to be made to the property. Dry closing would give them a little more time to resolve those issues. For the Buyer, a 'dry closing' just means it will be a few more days until they can post that key-dangling, big-grin selfie on Facebook.

Now that’s a Head scratcher! It’s strange that scratching your head is a widely understood sign that you’re puzzling over something. No one’s exactly sure why we do that. Definition: something that is confusing, mysterious, or hard to understand As a Notary, we have probably run into head scratchers more than once in our career. Sometimes it’s just because we are trying to figure out what our client wants in a notarization. But mostly we find ourselves asking; Can I notarize that? Sometimes we have to put on our detective hats and look at all the evidence one piece at a time remembering our state laws at the same time. Let’s take a look at a few strange, head scratching scenarios here; Can I notarize a copy of a birth certificate for a horse? (actual scenario presented at a 2019 Texas Notary conference) First let’s parse out the state notarial law for copy certification and let's say this is in Texas. State regulations say that notaries cannot copy certify Vital records and a birth certificate is a vital record. But does that law apply to birth records for horses? Some things are not so cut and dried because Texas says that the regulation does not extend to horses. So YES, you can perform a copy certification on a birth certificate for a horse…in Texas. Check your own state regulations for unusual specifics for a notarization. If it is determined that you cannot so this notarization in your state, perhaps you can have your client write out a statement about the birth certificate and you can notarize their statement instead. A friend of mine died 2 weeks ago and left her horse trailer to another friend. He signed the title but did not have it notarized. They have the Death Certificate and want to transfer title now. Can I notarize that title since I know both of them? Again, we need to parse out state law for performing a notarization. Every state has a regulation that says the signer must appear in front of you either by ‘Physical presence’ or by means of ‘audio-video technology’. This person has already crossed over. I don’t believe we have yet developed the technology that can communicate with the dead…convincingly. Usually, an Acknowledgement certificate is what we find on vehicle titles. An Acknowledgement (in all 50-states) does not have to be signed in your presence. It could have been signed beforehand, like this scenario. But the signer would have to appear before you and ‘acknowledge’ that the signature is theirs and they signed of their own free will before you could notarize the trailer title. This person could not possibly do that last piece. NO, you cannot notarize this after the signer has passed away, so this will have to be distributed through the appointed Executor for the estate. Son Johnny has POA for mother Carol. Johnny wants to use POA to put his name on the title to mom Carols’ home. During the signing Johnny states he’s really glad that you could meet him at his home because there is just so much to take care of now that Mom Carol has passed. First let’s talk about the POA and decide if this Power of Attorney allows him to use it for this purpose. If it’s a Limited Power of Attorney, it may not give him the power over Real Estate or if it’s a Financial POA, that would only apply to bank accounts and investments. But let’s assume he has a General POA or a Durable POA. He could use that type of POA to add himself to her home title. But there is another little problem. Mom has passed away and that makes the Power of Attorney null and void. NOPE – you cannot perform a notarization in this scenario. A POA cannot be used after the principal passes. The powers it gives to another person comes to an end at the death of the principal. The property will have to be distributed through probate or a Trust Estate Executor. When faced with a tricky notarization, always fall back on your training and take it step by step. If a requirement is not met along the way, then you know you likely cannot do the notarization.

Are you tired of the hassle and inconvenience of in-person notarization? Does putting on pants really get you down? Is the thought of listening to another True Crime Podcast as you drive between signings making you sympathize with those serial killers a little more each time? Are you ready to join the 21st century and get with the times? Look no further, my friend, because Remote Online Notarization (RON) is here to save the day! But before you can start notarizing documents from the comfort of your own home, you have to set up your RON system. And let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. While it may feel like trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle blindfolded with one hand tied behind your back, don't worry, we're here at Notary Stars to guide you through the process and make it as painless as possible. Or at least, as painless as getting a root canal. First up, you'll have to choose a RON platform. This can be a challenging task as there are many options available in the market. It's important to compare different RON platforms, evaluate their features and capabilities, and select the one(s) that best suit(s) your organization's needs and requirements (In many instances, it will be necessary to have several at your disposal as your business grows). When comparing different platforms, consider factors such as e-signature and document management capabilities, video conferencing and identity verification features, compliance and security measures, and ease of use for both the signers and the Notary. Additionally, you should also evaluate the pricing, user reviews and ratings, and support and customer service availability of the different platforms. By thoroughly vetting the options (sussing out the duds) and selecting the best platform(s) for your organization, you can go a long way toward ensuring a smooth and efficient process when conducting notarial transactions remotely. Once you've chosen your platform, it's time to gather all the necessary equipment and technology to set up your RON system. This includes a computer, webcam, microphone, and internet connection. Basically, all the things you likely already have. While you can do Remote Notary from your laptop, you will find it’s much more efficient and simpler to do with a desktop computer, monitors (dual monitors are a definite plus, but not a necessity), mouse, keyboard, and a good working headset with a boom mic is nice, but not an absolute must-have. Finally, you'll need to create a secure and professional online workspace, both physically and electronically. A quiet room without extraneous noise and interruptions is the best choice. Somewhere away from kids, loud TVs, or needy fur babies. Electronically, you want to be sure that your WiFi is secure, your computer is password protected and each of the sites you use is also password protected (preferably with 2-step authentication). And make sure your online environment (the space behind you that the camera sees) is professional and efficient because no one wants to work with a slob. Now, you might be thinking, "But wait, what about compliance and legal requirements for RON?" Don't worry, we have a whole website, weekly classes, and instructors on Notary Stars that are experts in the field to cover you on that front. Just make sure to follow the regulations of your state and you'll be good to go. And if you're ever unsure, just remember the golden rule of RON: When in doubt, consult a lawyer. Or if you have TONS of free time on your hands, contact your Secretary of State. In conclusion, setting up a RON system can be a bit of a pain, but with the right tools and guidance, you'll be able to notarize documents online like a pro. Or at least, like a person who can follow instructions. So go forth and conquer the world of RON, and never again will you have to put on real pants and leave your house for a notarization. Happy notarizing! Get listed on Online Notaries Public to draw in more Remote Online Notary Clients:

The selection of a Remote Online Notarization (RON) platform is daunting, and more in-depth than what many New RON Notaries really understand as they strike out into this new venture. We all see the posts on social media “Which RON Platform is the Best”, and you get a wide variety of answers. I'm here to tell you right now ALL RON platforms work to complete the session in a legal manner. However, not all platforms will work with your business goals. This is where they are all very different. Now you are reading this, and if you know who I am you are thinking “she is going to sell her platform”; but I am NOT going to do that. This article was not written to make any sales, but to empower you to really start your foundation with online notarization off on a better foot than I had when I started my path. In fact, as I built my platform, I found out many different things about software systems (yes even I didn't know it all when I started this) and this different perspective is something that you will only hear from those Ronnie's that have been in the industry and failed many times. Before I get into the “extra” things you need to think about, I want to cover the legal aspects of picking a platform. If your state (and not every state does this) requires you to use a pre-approved platform; limit your search to those on this list. However, if your state does not limit your choice, you should review a state which does have an approved list and has the same RON Laws as you as a guide. There are currently over 60 RON Platforms operating in the USA today, tomorrow there might be more. This will be very overwhelming if you don’t have a short list to start with up front! These are the top ten questions I wish I had asked myself before spending $7,000 for a RON Platform, which I only used for 3 months!!!! Yes, you read that correctly – I was paying a monthly fee, and credit fees for my work which totaled $7K for the first three months of 2021! Now the devil is in the details: Do you plan to use RON for Real Estate work? If yes, you want a MISMO Certified Platform Will you be working with clients who may not have access to a USA Based Smart Phone? Google Voice or other VOIP phone numbers will not work If yes, then you want to make sure the RON Platform doesn’t require this for transmission of the ID verification links. Will you be working with clients who may not have a social security number? If yes, then you want a platform that pulls the Knowledge Based Authentication (KBA) questions another way and does not require the clients to have a social security number. Will you be working with clients who will be in different locations? If yes, then you want a platform that supports this type of connection. Will your clients have limited understanding of the English language? If yes, then you want a platform that will translate their KBA Questions to their primary language. i. No, I am not saying it translates the documents, but if you click on the internet browser and have that translate the page – does it translate the quiz questions of this process, because if it doesn’t then your client runs a higher risk of failing just because they may not understand the question they are reading. Will your clients have other impairments? Does the platform work with those that are blind? If yes (or maybe), Can the automated system read the page to them? Will your clients have both a Laptop and a Smart Phone? Some platforms require both devices. If you think they may only have a Smart Phone, then you need to pick a platform which supports this. Are you able to use a Credible Witness via RON (not all states can), if so, will your platform allow you to enter the required legal statement for the reason of not performing the automatic verification of your signer? Many platforms only allow you to select “personally known” in this instance, the signer is NOT personally known to you! When using a credible witness your journal should reflect a statement of “Oath of Credible Witness Jane Doe”. Now, we get into the aspects for YOU the notary in the question line up! These are the questions you do see every day on Facebook. Which type of platform do you want to have? Independent – you bring all the customers in, and the platform gives you no work. Dependent – the platform supplies all the clients; you cannot do your own work on their system. Hybrid – You can bring your own, and you might be able to work from the platform too. Will you be performing transactions in “off hours”? Most RON notaries work at night – does your prospective platform offer “off hours” support? If you are still reading you will see there is a lot more than your financial investment that goes into the selection of a RON Platform. You may be limiting your future income if you are unable to service your client base due to the limitations of the platform which you selected. After you have determined the technology needed to focus on your specific client base, this is when you start looking at what the cost is. Initial investment, Monthly payments, and Transaction fees to determine exactly which platform will provide you with the best return on your investment. Finally, now you look at your state laws for your ID Proofing methods. Are you able to use biometrics or digital certificate verification of a signer as a means of ID Proofing? If so, then you should use a platform which gives you the most options to validate your client. When you have narrowed your business plan with the area where you plan to advertise to obtain clients, and you have found the software that gives you the most for your money you will find that every single RON notary will have a different platform which is the “best”. Therefore, I say Selecting a RON platform is like buying shoes. I might have a pair that is perfect! Provides the right arch support, plenty of room for my toes, and after 8 hours on my feet – they don’t hurt! But I tell you that these shoes are the bomb, and you purchase the same brand only to find out that your toes are pinched, and the arch support is too high and causes you to feel pain within just a couple of hours. Everyone is different, your business goals are only known to you. Don’t just select a platform based on what others say – do your own research!

There is a lot of talk lately about Notary embossers. Can I use an embosser in addition to my ink stamp to prevent fraud? Can I use it apart from or instead of my ink stamp? And many more questions. Originally, Notaries used wax seals with symbols stamped into them in lieu of signatures - now we often see the term 'seal' on signature lines. In later centuries, ribbons were woven into holes placed in the margins of multi-page documents to tie the pages together. And then those wax seals were placed over the ribbon knots to ensure no page swapping occurred. Wax seals were eventually replaced with the embosser. Embossers were heavy-duty desk equipment and couldn't be easily carried around like we do today. It is a round seal made to crimp paper so that a raised imprint of the Notary's name appears. Those embossers were used to mark all the pages of a document at the same time...10-pages placed in between the plates and a colossal feat of strength was needed to complete the embossment. Embossers used to be the only official type of seal in use until it became important to be able to see the actual seal on a photo copy or scanned version of the document. So the imprint was darkened by shading with a pencil or a special ink pad that is lightly pressed against the impression. Some states still use embossers as long as the impression has been darkened or is accompanied by an ink seal. Washington DC comes to mind as they require an inked embosser. Today approximately 30-states can use embossers along with a rubber ink stamp. Having an embosser in your tool kit can be a smart business decision for any Notary as some foreign recipients will reject documents from the US when only an ink-stamp is used. Foreign recipients may believe that the documents have not been properly notarized unless they have that raised imprint. And we are not even talking about the Apostille process here. Just a variety of documents that need to be notarized to be used abroad without the Apostille requirement. The countries that come to mind are Canada, India, and the Virgin Islands. Some even like the really official looking gold seal under the embossment. Some states do not require seals at all (your signature is your seal) - Connecticut, Not required but may choose to use one. New York, not required but will be required to print certain information on every notarial certificate. Kentucky, optional. Louisiana, optional. Vermont, optional or print additional information on certificates. Maine, optional but recommended on documents that leave the state. Michigan, optional. It is important to note that if the Notary is working as a loan signing agent, they will be required to use a stamp or seal that is photographically reproduceable. Some states give the either - or - option - A few of the states that give you this either-or-option have regulations that you cannot use them both at the same time, and others advise you to use both for extra fraud protection. Please make certain to check your state regulations for additional information; Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. And at least one state has a unique use of the notary embosser to 'secure a loose certificate'...Oregon Notary Public Guide says "An embosser is especially useful to affix the impression so that it rests half on the certificate and half on the signer's page. Make sure that the whole impression is also on the certificate so that an auditor can compare the divided impression to the whole". Other states, like California say "Your official seal must be placed in its entirety on the same page as the notarial certificate. Do not place an impression of the seal on every page of a document or fan the pages of the document and place an impression of the seal across all pages. California notaries may use an embosser as long as the impression is photographically reproduceable. Here's what you need to know before you start using an embosser as a Notary Public. Check your state regulations to see if you can use an embosser. If your state says "either-or" then you may have to choose between one or the other and cannot use both. If your regulations say you must have an ink seal but can use an embosser in addition to your ink seal, make sure you are clear how you can use that embosser. It can be very useful to mark all the pages of a multi-page document, like a Last Will and Testament to prevent page swapping after Grandma dies, but only in states where the embosser is not an official seal of office. Some states authorize you to emboss the original document together with a loose certificate. NNA recommends that you write "original Document Has Embossment". This will let the receiving party know that they should find an embossment on the original document and if it isn't there, then it is not the document that was notarized. DOWNLOAD THE NOTARY SEAL / EMBOSSER REQUIREMENTS BY STATE BY CLICKING HERE (UPDATED 2023). Just be certain that you understand your state regulations regarding the use of an embosser alone or in conjunction with your ink seal. I have included a link with some information about seals and embossers for all 50-states. But please realize that this information is subject to change at any time, so always double check you state regulations. You also may need additional clarifying information from your licensing agency on how you can incorporate an embosser in your work as a Notary Public.

WHY ARE SO MANY NOTAIRES TALKING ABOUT IPEN LATELY? The downturn on the Real Estate Market has left many Notaries looking for alternative solutions to keep their revenue up. It has also left many organizations and trainers with needs to fill the hearts of Notary Signing Agents with hope for their businesses! Don't get us wrong of the bat, there is still a lot of hope for Signing Agents as a downturned market only really means there may need to be some adjustments made in your business model. However, proceeding with caution on pricey business decisions is needed even more. For those who aren't as connected or involved as they should be in the Notary and Signing Agent circuits, this means costly mistakes can be made in searching for ways to increase revenue. And, we have composed this article to help you keep from making knee-jerk reactions that could ruin your marketing budget for the entire year. What is worrisome is there will be conferences throughout this year for Notaries and Loan Signing Agents who invite vendors from around the country to introduce products and services that will make you feel like they can raise your revenue. And, because they are presented at conferences in trusted circles with loads of other eager Notary entrepreneurs also hearing out the sale’s pitches- it may seem like a good fit even though it won’t be. This year at Notary Stars we are actually advising Notaries to forgo larger conferences, and extensive travel, to network the other Notaries and attend at least their local Escrow Association Conference so you can network with Escrow Officers in your State who can actually provide you work! Nearly every State, if not all of them, have a Local Escrow Assocation and that is where you should be networking by getting on their site as a sponsor and showing up to their events. And learning, what they need from you! One of the products we have seen running amuck since last year is the appearance of IPEN companies popping up at conferences and taking between $1000 to $1500 from Notaries to sell them equipment on which they can conduct IPEN Signings. IPEN Signings are in-person Electronic Notarizations when a signer and a Notary are in the same location and the Notary Public notarized the document without any paper involved. And after they make the purchase, the product rarely, if ever, gets used. And of course, then the Notary is told they just don’t know how to market it. When the truth is the technology, itself, is “iffy” in the first place when it comes to electronic Notarizations. The Warning: Unless IPEN companies can provide you business or you specifically have a client who wants you to have this technology and can provide you enough business to recover your cost, you should not buy this technology. As of the moment it seems to either be traditional paper or all-in RON. And anyone who does accept IPEN is currently providing that technology to the Notary. The only exception we see at the moment is if your affordable RON Platform also provides IPEN as an add-on or it comes with the platform. HERE IS WHAT WE KNOW At this time, you will never just be able to upload documents from a Lender or Title Company and notarize them electronically unless it is approved in advance. Most Title Companies and Lenders are still not conducting even RON Closings (Remote Online Notarization) for Loans because they have a hard time insuring the Deed if Notarized Electronically. And the only real customers we see doing RON Closings at the moment are lenders who do not sell their Notes after closing to servicers. Rocket Mortgage, formerly known as Quicken Loans, is a great example of this. And although Rocket Mortgage does offer RON and IPEN closings, it is done through their platform that they offer to the Notary Loan Signing Agents. Another thing to consider with IPEN is that General Notary Work often will not be accepted for most of the documents presented. You will still need to ask your client if they will accept the electronically notarized document before you proceed and have them scan and email it to you to upload to your platform (or you’ll need to scan it). For the most sensitive documents, even though RON is approved they are not yet being accepted. Remember: all of this is still very new technology. And if the clients receiving party can accept them, the signer or you will still have to most likely print out the document anyway. So the technology wouldn't really be helping you at this point in General Notary Work. Notary Stars has invited many platforms to interview with our RON Training Program through 2022 and will continue inviting new companies within 2023 so you can compare them. We never specifically endorse any of the companies outright and want to help the Notaries make specific decisions based on what is right for them. In the case of the crazy IPEN craze we want you to rest assured this year with the economy slowing down you are going to see more and more advertisements and presentations for IPEN products. This is because their customers (Title Companies and Lenders) are slowing down at the moment and just like any business they need a profit. If you know someone who is interested in purchasing IPEN products, please share this article with them before they waste $1000 to $1500. There are a few reasons why a notary might consider becoming a Remote Online Notary (RON) rather than focusing on in-person electronic notarization (IPEN). First, RON allows for greater flexibility and convenience for both the notary and the client. With RON, notarizations can be conducted remotely, which means that the notary does not have to be physically present with the client. This can be especially beneficial for clients who live in remote areas or who have difficulty traveling. RON also allows for notarizations to be completed outside of normal business hours, which can be convenient for clients who have busy schedules. Second, RON may be more cost-effective for the notary in the long run. IPEN still requires specific resources that can be costly to the notary (gas, vehicle wear, travel time, printing, paper, specialized equipment, etc). RON, on the other hand, only requires the internet and a home computer, both of which most notaries already have. Another added benefit is that RON may allow the notary to serve a wider range of clients, which can increase their potential revenue. Rather than being tethered to just Escrow, the RON notary has the ability to branch out to a HUGE pool of potential clients. Third, don't forget the price you place on your time, which is the most valuable commodity any of us has. IPEN still involves travel time between clients, which means you are not earning as you go from appointment to appointment. RON involves zero travel time, so an effective RON Notary can line up appointments back-to-back all day long. And when there is downtime between appointments, that time saved by not traveling can be utilized more effectively to continue marketing for more clients and prepping for other signings. Remember, Time is money, but it's also your most valuable commodity. Spend it wisely, or you'll end up broke and empty-handed.

As the New Year approaches, it's a perfect time to reflect on the past year and think about how you can make the most of the year ahead. If you're running a RON (Remote Online Notarization) business, there are plenty of exciting opportunities to seize in the coming year. Suit up! First and foremost, now is the time to set your goals for the year ahead. What do you want to achieve with your RON business in the next 12 months? Do you want to increase your revenue, expand your client base, or streamline your processes? Whatever your goals may be, it's important to have a clear plan in place to help you achieve them. One way to set yourself up for success in the New Year is to review and update your business plan. Take a look at your current operations and identify areas where you can improve efficiency or increase profitability. Maybe you want to invest in a new RON Platform, apply to work with more signing services or hire additional staff (This doesn’t have to be an employee. Think about sites like Fiverr or Upwork to help with the workload.). Whatever your plans may be, make sure you have a clear roadmap in place to help guide you along the way. It’s Game Time! Making a business plan for your RON (Remote Online Notarization) business doesn't have to be a tedious task. In fact, you can turn the process into a fun and interactive game to make it more enjoyable and engaging. Here's how: Set the stage: To start, set the stage by creating a comfortable and inspiring workspace. This could be a cozy corner of your home or a quiet conference room at your office. Make sure you have all the necessary materials, such as a laptop, pen and paper, and any reference materials you might need. Divide and conquer: Next, divide the process of creating a business plan into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example, you might tackle the market analysis one day, and work on the financial plan the next. This will help you stay focused and make progress without feeling overwhelmed. Make it a team effort: Invite a few friends or colleagues to join you in the business planning process (Hint: They don’t have to be RON Notaries). Working with others can make the process more fun and interactive, and you might even come up with some great ideas that you wouldn't have thought of on your own. Reward yourself: As you complete each task or milestone in your business plan, reward yourself with a small treat or activity. This could be something simple, like taking a short walk or indulging in a favorite snack (wine and chocolate are fun picks). This will help keep you motivated and encourage you to stay on track. Celebrate your progress: Finally, don't forget to celebrate your progress as you complete your business plan. Whether you throw a small party or simply take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments, it's important to recognize the hard work and effort you've put into creating your business plan. Check In With Your Teammates! In addition to setting goals and reviewing your business plan, it's also important to focus on building and maintaining strong relationships with your clients. As a RON business, you likely rely on strong partnerships with clients to keep your business running smoothly. Make sure you're regularly checking in with your clients and addressing any concerns or issues they may have. It's also a good idea to find ways to show appreciation for their business, whether it's through small gestures like sending personalized thank you notes or offering special discounts or promotions. Study The Playbook Another key to success in the New Year is staying up to date on industry trends and developments. As you already know, Notary Stars is an EXCELLENT resource, but you can always Google topics like “remote online notary” and click the News tab to see if there have been changes. The world of RON is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay on top of the latest news and developments to ensure that you're providing the best service possible to your clients. This could involve attending industry conferences, joining professional organizations, or simply keeping an eye on industry news and updates. Practice, Practice, Practice!! In addition to staying current on industry trends, it's also important to continually improve your skills and knowledge. As a RON professional, you likely have a wealth of experience and expertise (or you are knocking on the door of getting that experience), but there's always more to learn. Consider taking online courses or earning additional certifications to stay ahead of the curve and enhance your credibility as a RON business. Again, Notary Stars is an invaluable resource for courses and interactions with working professionals that are here to help you. We are not your competitors. We are your teammates!! Celebrate Your Victories! Finally, don't forget to have fun and enjoy the journey as you work to achieve your goals in the New Year. Running a business can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Take time to celebrate your accomplishments and enjoy the journey as you work towards a successful and fulfilling year ahead. As you start the New Year with your RON business, remember to set clear goals, review and update your business plan, focus on building strong relationships with clients, stay up to date on industry trends and developments, and continue to improve your skills and knowledge. With a clear plan in place and a positive attitude, you can make the most of the year ahead and achieve great things with your RON business.