As an underwriter for a real estate closing, they have a lot on their plate. Their job is to evaluate and assess the risks associated with a mortgage or loan and make sure everything is in order before approving the loan. One important aspect of the closing process is the notarization of legal documents. And when it comes to notarization, having a state-specific notary can make all the difference. A state-specific notary is someone who is authorized to notarize documents within a particular state. They have passed the necessary exams and have been certified to perform notarial acts in that state. Here are some reasons why they may want to have a state-specific notary for their real estate closing(s): Compliance with State Laws: Each state has its own set of laws governing notarial acts. Having a notary who is certified in that state ensures that all documents are properly notarized in compliance with that specific state’s laws. Knowledge of Local Procedures: A state-specific notary is familiar with the local procedures and regulations, which can help to expedite the closing process. They know the specific requirements for notarizing documents in their state, which can help avoid potential mistakes or delays. Mitigate Risks: A state-specific notary can help mitigate the risks associated with a real estate closing. They can identify potential issues and help to ensure that all parties are protected. Avoid Rejections: When documents are notarized by a notary who is not certified in the state for which the property is located, then there is a high risk of rejection. This can cause delays and may even result in the need for a new closing. By having a state-specific notary, you can avoid these issues and ensure that your documents are notarized correctly. This rejection aspect has a major impact when you are looking at closings online, as many underwriters will not fund a loan on a property if the online notary is commissioned in a different state than where it is physically located. While we all know we can “cross” these physical borders virtually, by doing so it has a significant, and long-term effect on the documents which are completed. Moving the legal “venue” to that of the notary; should anything every be contested, this now moves the applicable laws for this property the state which the notary is commissioned in. And that could affect the way the underwriter moves forward should the applicant on the loan stop paying the monthly installments or declares bankruptcy. Just like with Notary Laws, every state sets their own standards and rules. We see it every day, some notaries can do copy certification, while other cannot. Some notaries can perform officiant services, while others cannot. This also falls into how debts are paid on property. Florida’s laws for collection of debts on a property, probably, are different than that of Alaska! Should this applicant stop payment on their home loan for a property in Florida, and an Alaska Notary performed the closing, now they must add in Alaska property laws into their case. This is why, while important to advertise nationally, we as RON notaries should be blanketing ads to all our local and state title agencies to ensure that the work in our state – stays in our state, for their own peace of mind and protection! In summary, having a state-specific notary for a real estate closing can help ensure compliance with state laws, expedite the closing process, mitigate risks, avoid rejections, and headaches!

Winter may be coming to a close, so why not start planting the seeds now to give your Remote Online Notary (RON) business a boost? If you're struggling to attract new clients, don't worry - here are some fresh ideas and strategies that are sure to bring in more customers. Work on this in March and you will have April showers that will make your May flower! Embrace the Warmth of Social Media Social media is a great way to promote your Remote Online Notary business and reach a wider audience and it’s cheap (or it’s cheep, cheep like Easter chicks). You can create a business page on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn and showcase all the amazing services you offer. Use eye-catching images and videos to highlight your expertise and show potential clients what makes you stand out. Next, spread the word to your friends, family, and followers on social media. Encourage them to share your business page with their network, and don't forget to use hashtags to boost your visibility and attract more clients. Even if you think your friends and family know what you do for a living, tell them again. Don’t assume your friends know all the services you offer. You should tell them, then tell them again in a different way, then tell them again in another way. Remember, we are sowing seeds and nurturing our Notary garden. Reviews are like Sunshine Online reviews are super important when it comes to attracting new clients. Positive reviews on Yelp, Google, or Facebook can greatly boost your credibility and help you stand out from the competition. So, don't be shy - ask your clients to leave a review after their appointment. As most notaries are painfully aware, our fees are fixed by the State, so when you go above and beyond for your client, there is no shame in asking for a little something in return. You can follow up with an email thanking them for their business and including a link to your business page on Yelp, Google, or Facebook. And, if you really want to sweeten the deal, consider offering a small incentive like a discount on their next notarization. Bring a Little Spring into Their Step with Discounts Everyone loves a good deal, and offering discounts to repeat clients is a great way to encourage them to come back again and again. Maybe you want to consider offering a loyalty program where clients can earn a free notarization after a certain number of appointments? Or you could also offer a discount to clients who refer new business to you. These incentives show your clients that you value their business and want to reward them for their loyalty. Remember, you are a business owner. There is a reason that stores offer sales and promotions. Warm Them Up with Your Availability As a remote online notary, you have the advantage of being available at any time and from anywhere. This means you can attract clients who need notarization outside of regular business hours or who can't travel to a physical location. To make the most of this advantage, make sure to advertise your availability outside of regular business hours. This could include offering appointments on weekends or evenings or even offering 24/7 availability for emergency notarizations. By making yourself available when others won't, you can attract more clients who are looking for convenience and flexibility. Don’t be left in the cold. Spring into Action!! As we approach the end of winter and transition into spring, now is the perfect time to give your RON business a burst of new life. By using social media to promote your services, asking for reviews, offering discounts to repeat clients, and making yourself available at all hours, you can attract more clients and grow your business. Embrace the warmth of spring and bring new energy to your business as you step out of the winter chill. With these strategies, you're sure to see your Remote Online Notary business flourish in the months ahead. Bring a little bit of spring into your business and watch it blossom!

As a notary, you may be familiar with the traditional in-person notarization process. However, with the rise of technology, notaries can now offer remote online notarization (RON) and remote ink notarization (RIN) services. And, with the right software platform, you can also offer in-person electronic notarization (IPEN) services, giving you the flexibility to serve clients both in-person and remotely. RON allows you to notarize documents remotely using video conferencing technology. RIN, on the other hand, allows you to notarize documents that have been signed in ink by your client, but not in your physical presence. By using a software platform that offers both RON and RIN capabilities, you can expand your business and cater to clients who are unable to physically come to your office. IPEN, which involves notarizing digital documents in person, is another service that notaries can offer using the same software platform. With IPEN, you can notarize digital documents in person, providing clients with a convenient and secure way to notarize their documents. Using a software platform that offers all three capabilities can help you streamline your notarization business and make it easier for you to manage your notarization services. By having one platform for all your notarization needs, you can easily switch between RON, RIN, and IPEN as needed, without having to switch between multiple software programs. This is completely possible if you already have a RON Software subscription! In the notarization world, it is ok to do more – just not less than. Simply override the ID Proofing requirement as personally known, this is valid because the id verification will be done in person. Then use the electronic aspect to tag, and have each signer apply their elements and signatures while you are standing physically together. If your RON provider requires a video, not a problem! While you don’t legally need a video for IPEN; it does not violate any laws to HAVE a video for these. When doing a RIN transaction, simply upload a blank document. Once in the session use the video stream to validate the tangible document is the one the client previously signed and apply your ink signature and stamp to the session. You can then log that a notarization took place (because it did, just not electronically). Using the same software for all three aspects will also allow you to consolidate your electronic journal into one place, for easy access and reporting! In summary, by using a software platform that offers RON, RIN, and IPEN capabilities, you can expand your notarization business and provide your clients with a range of convenient and secure notarization options. Whether your clients prefer in-person or remote notarization services, you can offer them a complete suite of options to suit their needs.

As a Notary Public we are all human and can make a mistake on a notarial certificate. Anything from forgetting to place our signature or stamp on the certificate, to dating it incorrectly, or just a spelling error. But just because we say, 'that's human error', we shouldn't be minimizing this because notarial certificate errors can have serious consequences. It is always best to avoid them in the first place. Most of the time we catch those before we finish with our duties. To mitigate the risk of an error, it is important to review all your certificates BEFORE they are signed to make sure they are minimally compliant with your state regulations and then make sure all information is complete and accurate. Sometimes, we get that dreaded call from the title company or Signing Service that lets us know that we need to provide a corrected certificate because of an error. Surprisingly, sometimes it will have been many months before we find out that our certificate has an error. That can happen for a variety of reasons that my crystal ball has a very narrow and limited vison, so we won't go into those reasons here. Depending upon the severity of the error, the steps to correct it will depend on the type of document, the amount of time that has passed, the receiving parties requirements as well as the laws and regulations of the jurisdiction where the notarization was performed. Each state has their own set of guidelines on what procedure the Notary is to follow to make those types of corrections. But, what if that error occurs on a high-powered or formidable document like a Power of Attorney? Or a recordable document like a Deed of Trust or Mortgage? The key to correcting these errors might be subject to how much time has passed since the signing occurred. Or if the document has already been recorded before the error was discovered. Often times, it involves more than just having the notary provide a loose certificate as a replacement for the flawed certificate. Sometimes these errors fall into a category known as Scriveners' Errors. A "Scrivener's Error" - also called a clerical error, is a mistake made on a legal document or contract. It can include misspelled words, incorrect dates, incorrect dollar amounts or numbers, the omission (or inclusion) of words, statements, or phrases. Errors on legal documents (Scrivener's Error) may render the document invalid and may require legal intervention to correct. Sometimes if the error is in the document itself, (lets use a Deed as an example) then maybe only a Corrective Deed can be filed and recorded to clarify something in the prior Deed. That corrective Deed must also contain a Scriveners Affidavit made the by preparer of the document giving a description of the omission or error and the corrected information. The same would be true for the notarial certificate. Something is wrong with the certificate and some time has passed since it was completed. Adding a corrected loose certificate to the already employed document may not be an option. The only other recourse is to use a Scrivener's Affidavit. The Affidavit is a statement (on paper) made by the original notary and must contain; 1) the date of the original document/notarization 2) the names of all persons who signed the original document 3)Name of the Document 4) A description of the omission or error and 5) the corrected information. Of course this statement needs to be signed in the presence of another Notary who then will administer an Oath to this signer and complete a Jurat/Verification Upon Oath. I have been a Notary and Loan Signing Agent for 22-years. I have been called only twice to assist with a Scriveners Affidavit in my career. Not so funny was how embarrassed the Notaries were when faced with meeting with a fellow notary and owning up to their errors. At the same time they both were grateful that it didn't escalate into a full scale lawsuit against them. One particularly touched my heart as her error was made early in her career as a Notary. Perhaps when she wasn't quite as confident in her education and skills. Her error was made 8-years before this on a Healthcare Power of Attorney for a gentleman who had recently been diagnosed with dementia. Now, in order for his Agent to use this, the certificate had to be corrected. The certificate had pretty standard verbiage and said "Acknowledged before me on this __day of _____,2008 by ______________________..." That long blank line should have contained the name of the signer. This is our "By line" we talk about so much in our live classes. Instead, she put her own name on that line and the certificate did not contain the name of the person that came before her and signed the document. This is a requirement in nearly every certificate that we complete as Notaries Public. She was a new notary at the time and just didn't know what she knows now. It could have cost her more than her commission all those years later. Education is important starting out in this career. Continuing education is also important as you make your way through all the regulation changes. Education can open the eyes of a new notary and remind a seasoned notary to keep their eyes open.

"Pour myself a cup of ambition..." - Dolly Parton's iconic lyrics in "9 to 5" perfectly capture the daily grind of the average American worker. But for notaries, the traditional "9 to 5" routine is only the tip of the iceberg. As inflation rises, state mandated rates can have a negative effect on the notary industry. However, a new solution has emerged in the form of Remote Online Notary services (RON). By adapting to this changing landscape, notaries can break free from the limitations of time and location and offer a more efficient and convenient service to clients. So, let's pour ourselves a cup of ambition and explore the benefits of Remote Online Notary in the face of rising inflation. "They let you dream just to watch 'em shatter You're just a step on the boss-man's ladder But you got dreams he'll never take away" As a notary, you work hard to provide an essential service to your clients. But when your earnings are capped by state mandated rates, it can be frustrating and demotivating. With rising inflation, it becomes even harder to make ends meet. But fear not, there's a way to combat these challenges and take your notary career to the next level. By becoming a Remote Online Notary, you can break free by expanding your client base beyond your immediate geographic area. This means you can work from anywhere (within your State’s boundaries, of course), whether it's your home office or a beachside resort. Just imagine not having to deal with rush hour traffic or a noisy office environment. You can have the flexibility to work at a time and place of your choosing. But becoming a Remote Online Notary isn't just about location independence. It's also about taking advantage of the latest technology and delivering a convenient and efficient service to your clients. With video conferencing and digital document signing, Remote Online Notarization has become a game-changer for the industry. And with the COVID-19 pandemic having forced many businesses to adapt to remote services and the work from home (WFH) mentality, remote online notarization has become more in demand than ever. "You're in the same boat with a lotta your friends Waitin' for the day your ship'll come in An' the tide's gonna turn and it's all gonna roll your way" Now is the time to jump ship! Becoming a Remote Online Notary does come with its own set of challenges, but lucky for you, not all of your counterparts are willing to adjust and adapt to their changing environment. There are a few extra requirements, albeit minimal and easily overcome. You will need to have the necessary technology and software to conduct video conferencing, as well as a reliable internet connection. You will likely need to take additional coursework with your State and you still need to comply with the laws and regulations of the states. You will need to carve out your own niche and do a little more self-promotion. But don't let these challenges hold you back. By taking the leap and becoming a remote online notary, you can potentially earn more money and have a more fulfilling career. You can also enjoy the benefits of being your own boss and having the flexibility to work on your own terms. And who knows, you might just find that you're happier and more productive when you have the freedom to work from a location of your choosing. Especially a location that doesn’t require you to put $4 a gallon gas in your car and doesn’t cost $7+ per ream of paper you have to print your assignments on for signing. "9 to 5, yeah they got you where they want you There's a better life, and you dream about it, don't you?" Of course, becoming a remote online notary isn't the right choice for everyone. If you prefer the traditional in-person notarization process, that's perfectly fine. The important thing is to stay informed about the latest developments and adapt to the changing landscape of the industry. But if you're looking to break free from the geographical limitations and take your notary career to the next level, becoming a remote online notary might just be the key. So what are you waiting for? It's time to channel your inner Dolly Parton and take charge of your notary career. Whether you choose to become a traditional notary or a Remote Online Notary, it's important to stay informed, adapt to change, and enjoy the journey. After all, "9 to 5" might have been a way to make a living in the past, but the notary industry has evolved, and with it, new opportunities and challenges have emerged. By becoming a RON, you can potentially break free from these limitations and expand your client base while delivering a convenient and efficient service. It's not without its challenges, but with the right mindset and tools, you can take your notary career to the next level. So go ahead, sing along with Dolly, and let her iconic lyrics inspire you to take action. Whether it's "9 to 5" or working as a Remote Online Notary, the key is to stay informed, adapt to change, and never give up on your dreams. After all, as Dolly once said, "If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one."

"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.