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What is a Notary Signing Agent?

A Notary Signing Agent (NSA) is a Notary Public who is specially trained to handle and notarize real estate transactions and mortgage loan documents. For lenders, Notary Signing Agents are the critical final link to complete the loan. A Notary Signing Agent is hired as an independent contractor to ensure that real estate documents are executed by the borrower, notarized, and returned for processing on time. Completing this critical part of the mortgage process enables the loan to be funded. 

 

An NSA oversees the signing of documents for the following real estate transactions: Residential Home Purchase (Mortgages & Cash Deals), Residential Home Sale, Residential Refinance and HELOC, Reverse Mortgages, Commercial Transactions (Purchase and Sale), Commercial Refinance, and Construction Loans. 

 

 

2 Forms of I.D. to Bring to Your Closing

Acceptable forms of Primary IDs (government issued with photo) that all signers must bring to the closing table.

 

Choose one:

• State Issued Driver License 
• State Issued ID Card
• Military ID Card
• Passport 

 

Acceptable forms of Secondary IDs (non-photo) that all signers must also bring to the closing table.

 

Choose one:

• Social Security Card
• Health Insurance Card 
• Auto Insurance Card 
• Government Issued Visa 
• Employer ID 

Your lender may provide a similar or longer list of approved items. 

 

 

Tips For Your Real Estate Title Closing

 

Closing Tip #1 - Identification

Bring proper identification with you to your closing, you'll need two forms - one Primary ID and one Secondary ID (see list above). It is the notary signing agent's responsibility to properly identify each signer, and to verify each ID. An expired ID is not acceptable. 

 

 

Closing Tip #2 - Signatures

Sign all documents exactly as you see them.  If your name on the document is printed as First name Middle initial Last name (ex: John H. Smith), then you must sign in such a way that you can see a first name, a middle initial, and a last name. The popular "letter with a squiggly line" type of signature isn't allowed in this case. You basically are signing in script/cursive, which is legible. So if you're not use to signing your name in this manner, then practice writing your signature a few times in this way before going to your loan closing. The more legible your signature, the less potential for a delay in processing.  Also, use the pen that the notary signing agent provides you as many title companies are picky with the color ink used. 

 

 

Closing Tip #3 - The Closing Disclosure aka CD

Review your Closing Disclosure (contains the loan terms, fees & expenses) thoroughly before you arrive to the closing table. You should receive a copy of this document at least 3 days prior to your closing. During that time you should look to identify any issues on the CD, and to clear them up with your loan officer or attorney. When the notary signing agent reviews the CD with you during the closing, it should be all "old news" and no surprises. The better your understanding of the terms on your CD, the faster the closing will be. 

 

 

 

For articles on real estate topics, click Here.

 

  

 

Title Insurance Terms

 

Title - The evidence of right which a person has to the ownership and possession of land. Commonly considered as a history of rights. 

 

Owner's Title Policy -  A policy of title insurance, which insures a named owner against loss by reason of defects, liens and encumbrances not excepted to in the policy or unmarketability of the title. The company also agrees to defend covered claims made against the title.

 

 

 

*Both Notary Signing Agents and Licensed Title Insurance Producers by law are not permitted to give any legal advice, nor any opinions / recommendations on loan terms or conditions.

All legal and mortgage - related questions must be directed to your real estate attorney or mortgage loan officer.

 

 

*The opinions expressed are solely those of Michael A. Malleo and not those of any of our affiliates.