Introduction
Hello there, real estate agents! As professionals in the world of real estate, you know that the closing process is a critical phase in helping your clients secure their dream homes. It's the culmination of weeks or even months of hard work. However, it’s no secret that this stage can sometimes be a bit of a roller coaster when it is time to sign. So, how do we make it smoother? One answer lies in partnering with the right Notary Signing Agent. 🏡
You might wonder, “I don’t understand, we, as Real Estate Agents, can choose the Notary?” Well YES, and in this article, we’ll explore the importance for real estate agents to have one preferred Notary Signing Agent, the benefits they bring to the table, and how to choose the right one to work alongside your real estate team.
What is a Notary Signing Agent?
You already know this one, but I believe it’s crucial to understand exactly what a Notary Signing Agent (NSA) is. We're all familiar with the role of a notary – they verify the identities of individuals signing documents, ensure that the signing is voluntary, and then notarize the paperwork.
But what sets a Notary Signing Agent apart? 🤔
A Notary Signing Agent is essentially a notary public with additional training and certification, specifically focused on handling and notarizing loan documents in real estate transactions. This extra training equips them with the knowledge and skills to efficiently manage the complex documents involved in real estate closings.
Now, let’s think about why this distinction is vital for real estate agents. You deal with a variety of documents that need to be signed and notarized during the closing process. A Notary Signing Agent is not only verifying the signatures but also ensuring that every aspect of the loan documents is accurately executed. That is why some call us, Real Estate Notaries.
In summary, while regular notaries are vital for legal document verification, Notary Signing Agents bring specialized knowledge in real estate transactions, which is incredibly beneficial in the closing process.
Really, can I choose the notary for my closings?
Yes, the Real Estate Agent can choose the notary for his closings. Sometimes escrow or title will say to you, "no, we pick the notaries here", but it is your choice.
Rocket Mortgage wrote about the topic in an article about Real Estate Notaries written for borrowers.
Your title company may have a real estate notary they usually work with, or they may choose someone from a pool of qualified candidates. But you also have the right to choose your own real estate notary.
Jamie Johnson / Rocket Mortgage
source: Rocket mortgage
You represent the borrower interests, you can choose the notary, unless the borrower wants to go with his own notary.
The Benefits of Choosing a Notary Signing Agent
Ok now let me tell you why I think it’s a great idea for you, as real estate agents, to have one preferred NSA to work with. 🤝
- Building Trust with Clients
- As real estate agents, establishing trust with your clients is essential. And guess what? Having a Notary Signing Agent on board can help with this. It's particularly impactful when you, the realtor, can introduce the NSA to your clients. Good NSAs are often open to meeting or even having a video conference with the clients beforehand if time permits. This personal touch can put clients at ease and demonstrate your commitment to a smooth and professional closing process. Furthermore, let’s think about this from the client’s perspective: When a notary they don't know comes into their home asking for IDs and getting them to sign on a 30-year loan, it can be quite daunting. Clients might feel on the defensive. However, if they’ve already been introduced to the Notary Signing Agent by you, they are likely to be more relaxed and receptive, meaning they are more likely to sign.
- Availability and Personalized Service
- Notary Signing Agents are known for their flexibility. This flexibility extends not only to scheduling but also to the services they offer. As realtors, we can set up meetings with NSAs and even attend them along with our clients. This collaboration ensures that everyone is on the same page, and our clients get the personalized attention they deserve.
It's clear that having a preferred Notary Signing Agent as part of our toolkit can really make a positive impact. They’re like a valuable extension of our team, ensuring our clients are comfortable and well-informed throughout the closing process.
Now that we understand the benefits of working with a Notary Signing Agent, let’s explore the crucial aspect of teamwork in real estate transactions.
The Preferred Notary: A Valuable Team Player in Real Estate Transactions
Now let't talk team work. Some people say teamwork makes the dream work. And one of the indispensable players in this team is the Notary Signing Agent. When you have a preferred NSA, it’s like having a star player on your side.
- Familiarity Breeds Efficiency
- When you work with a preferred Notary Signing Agent consistently, there is a sense of familiarity that develops. This familiarity allows the NSA to understand your working style, preferences, and expectations. It translates to smoother communication, quicker turnarounds, and ultimately, more efficient closings.
- Enhanced Communication
- The preferred NSA becomes an integral part of the communication chain. They are looped into important conversations and understand the nuances of the transaction. This means less time spent on explaining the specifics repeatedly, and more time focused on ensuring that everything runs like clockwork.
- Client Satisfaction
- We’ve already touched upon how a familiar Notary Signing Agent can put clients at ease. In addition to that, when the NSA is part of the team, they are invested in the client’s satisfaction as much as everybudy else. This shows in the way they handle the closing, addressing any concerns the clients might have with patience and professionalism.
When you have a preferred Notary Signing Agent, you don't just have a service provider; you have a partner, a collaborator, and a team player who’s ready to go the extra mile for a successful closing.
The Preferred Notary vs. Signing Services or Snapdocs
I wasn't sure if I wanted to publish this part of the article. I wrote it but feel insecure. I decided to publish it because I believe a fair compensation is part of any successful partnership.
Did you know that some Escrow offices use signing services for their closings? That, per se is not good or bad, but check this out:
Signing services sometimes offer quite low compensation to notaries, along with strict conditions.
For example, offers as low as $40 for a seller's package 40 miles from the notary home or $35 for a Heloc, with scan backs and even penalties for not meeting tight deadlines.
Let’s be honest: First, do you think you will find a good NSA for that kind of offer?
and second, sometimes people make mistakes. if a notary is not adequately compensated, how likely are they to go to correct an error?
It’s worth mentioning that the buyer or borrower usually pays something from $150 to $250 for notary services, the middleman is keeping a substantial portion of that.
It's essential to note that not all signing services operate this way (And one day I will be a signing service), and there are some reputable ones out there that provide real value to their clients and their notaries, that are available when the notary needs some help, that pay a fair fee to the notary. I am not against SSs, I am against those paying unfair fees.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for a Successful Closing
Ok, we talked about the advantages of having a preferred Notary Signing Agent (NSA), how they play an integral part in our real estate team and compared them with signing services like Snapdocs.
When it comes down to it, choosing to work with a preferred NSA is an investment in quality, consistency, and trust. It’s about building long-term relationships that benefit not just us as real estate professionals but, most importantly, our dear clients. They trust us to guide them through one of the most significant decisions of their lives - buying a home. And we owe it to them to ensure that every part of that journey is handled with care, professionalism, and a personal touch.
So, let's make the right choice. Let's opt for collaboration over convenience. Let's pick quality over quantity. And let's choose to work with a Notary Signing Agent who’s as committed to our clients' satisfaction as we are.
Thank you for taking the time to join me in this discussion. Let’s continue to work together in serving our clients to the best of our abilities.
As English is not my first language, I used Linguix to help me with the grammar. If you find any error, please send me a message to ac(at)notariando.com