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Notary News

Advantages of Remote Online Notarizations Over Mobile Notarizations

Technological advancements and the advantages of remote online notarizations continue to reshape the way we conduct business and legal transactions. And the fields of notarization and authentication are no exception. Traditional methods of notarization, often involving physical presence and paper based processes, are being challenged by innovative alternatives.

In recent years, both remote online notarizations and mobile notarizations have emerged as convenient options, but the former offers distinct advantages that position it as a superior choice.

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Inventory for Housing Highest This Year

While inventory on the housing market is still at historic lows, they have reached the highest they have been so far in 2023. While there are 10% less houses on the market compared to this time last year, current inventory is now 1% higher than it was just one week ago.

The Altos Rule

This arises in the face of still rising interest rates, which are expected to raise rates. This is according to the Altos rule.

To understand the future of housing inventory in this country remember the Altos Rule. The Altos rule says that the more available inventory of homes to buy is the result of higher mortgage rates. If rates climb, so does inventory. If rates fall, inventory will fall. 

Housing Wire

Summer is known for raising inventory, which usually peaks in August, but which is now expected to grow until September. There are now just under 500,000 single family homes on the open market. Houses on the open market is raising at a faster rate than it was at this time last year.

There are now just under 365,000 homes under contract. This flies in the face of interest rates that are the highest they’ve been in twenty years.

Inventory for Housing Highest This Year

Current Market Prices

Even in the face of rising interest rates, home prices are still rising. In fact, housing prices are still rising in 99 of the 100 biggest markets.

But, 35% of homes on the market have seen price reductions since being listed. So, even though prices are rising, in many cases they are not rising at the pace sellers hope they are.

And we can see it in the home price reduction data too. Price reductions are about to inch above 2018 and 2019 again. 35.5% of the homes on the market have had price reductions. Price cuts always tick up late in the summer, and this year’s seasonal increase is speeding up just a bit with the recent higher mortgage rates. Each week we have slightly fewer buyers, making slightly fewer offers, so slightly more sellers cut their asking prices. 

Housing Wire

First Time Home Buyers

So, as we stand in the face of rising interest rates, there are some positives. Negatively affected are younger, first time home buyers, who are increasingly being priced out of the market.

During the 2007 crash, many first time home buyers felt compelled to buy their home before prices rose even higher. This led to many foreclosures among that group. With record high home prices, it remains to be seen if that will happen again, or if potential first time home buyers will just stay out of the housing market.

Since, historically, real estate has been one of the best investments, the pressure of rising housing prices may negatively affect this group, and the larger market, in the long run.

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

GET STARTED

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000

How to have a Successful First Signing

Congratulations, you just got your first signing!

Now is when you set yourself up for success to ensure your first signing goes smoothly and provide your client(s) with a great experience. Positive feedback from signers, Title and Signing Services will be a crucial part of your self-advertising and using the following tips and tricks will practically guarantee your next job.

Read Your Instructions for a Successful First Signing

It cannot be said enough that reading your instructions will make or break your first signing. Do not skim the information provided. New policies and practices are introduced frequently in this industry and taking the time to confirm what is needed on each document(s) will only benefit you in the long run. Reading your instructions will also answer some of your most common questions: Print size, ink color, are witnesses needed, does your first signer need a copy, shipping instructions, etc.

Confirm with the Signer

First impressions matter and greatly influence the overall signing experience. Keep in mind, you are a stranger meeting them to notarize confidential documents. A professional conversation over the phone confirming the time, date and location of the signing gives you the opportunity to introduce yourself and go over any other important details. You have set the foundation for your signing relationship which will lead to a better overall signing experience for you and your first signer.

Your First Successful Signing

Review the Docs

This is your first closing or maybe it is a signing you have never done before. Either way, reviewing the docs before going to the table is always recommended. Taking this time to familiarize yourself with the signature and notarization requirements will limit the chances of something being missed during your first signing. You could even go so far as to tag the package with removable sticky notes to make the signing process simpler.

Come Prepared

Make sure your docs are printed according to instructions and you have all the supplies you might need as a notary. This includes your notary journal, notary stamp, additional acknowledgements and jurats, extra pens in both black and blue. Additionally, make a note of the correct contact numbers for title or the lender to have any questions answered at the table as well as the contact information for the company or service who hired you to conduct the signing.

Be Presentable and Professional

Going back to first impressions, not many would consider their attire in these kinds of situations. But, if you think about it, you are representing the title company, lender and even the signing service when you arrive to location. All of which are professional businesses that the signer has been in contact with frequently. This means they will be expecting the same in the representative sent to conduct their signing. Business casual or business dress is highly recommended to portray that level of professionalism.

Shake their hand, provide your business card and reintroduce yoursel. Then confirm you are in fact the notary sent to them and the person they spoke with on the phone. This provides reassurance to the signer when letting a stranger into their home and reaffirms the professional setting.

Stay on topic as much as possible, but do not fear a little small talk. Providing a comfortable and easy notarizing environment is beneficial both to you as a new notary and your first signer. Help them increase their productivity.

Review for Your Successful First Signing

We are all human and we make mistakes, even veteran notaries make errors. Give yourself enough time in your schedule to double check your work at the table. Collect any missing signatures, initials or information while you are still at location. This way you don’t need to return for a correction.

Do not hesitate to review your portion of the docs again as well. Ensure all your notary blocks are properly filled out and notarized to decrease the likelihood of a correction coming back.

The goal of any notary is to provide an enjoyable notarization experience for their signer. And then return accurate documents back to title. Remember you want to set yourself apart and end up being their go to notary. These steps are just a few that can be taken. It is on you to assure your first signing completes without a hitch and boost your confidence going into the next one. Set yourself up for success.

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

GET STARTED

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000

The Importance of Credentials and Vetting

The demand for mobile notaries has increased drastically in recent years, and for good reason. Mobile notaries play an essential role in the signing of legal documents, offering convenient services by traveling to a signer’s location, providing the required notary services without the struggle of traveling to a notary or title office. 

Credentials are Important

However, with an increase in demand comes the need for diligent background checks and credentials to ensure your mobile notary is properly vetted. This article will address the importance of background checks and other necessary credentials a mobile notary should have in order to conduct your signing.

We all can see the significance that a mobile notary plays in our legal system today. They are not only responsible for verifying the signer’s identity but confirming the signer is entering the transaction willingly and knowingly, while ensuring all signatures, initials and notarizations are completed accurately. Wills, powers of attorney, real estate documents, could not progress without the knowledge and expertise provided by a notary.

Credentials and Vetting Your Mobile Notary

However, while a mobile notary is significant and convenient for your signer, there are risks to hiring just any mobile notary. Random hires lead to under qualified notaries who lack the basic training and credentials, let alone the experience, to perform their jobs efficiently and accurately. This puts not only your client, but your company at risk for receiving fraudulent services or having errors on legal documents. 

How Sunshine Protects Your Interests

The first thing we review here at Sunshine Signing is the notaries background check, which is easily the most critical credential a notary can provide. While most companies do a soft check on their notaries, we find that these can be lacking in critical areas and require annual background checks in order to stay up to date on our notaries and their eligibility to serve your clients.

A background check will reveal any criminal history, including motor vehicle and any listed offenders. You are already sending a stranger to your client’s home, the least we can do is ensure that notary is a standup citizen on paper. Any notary convicted or under suspicion of fraud, forgery, or identity theft should not be hired as they pose a significant risk to the client and the reputation of your company. By following industry standards for all notaries, regardless of states, we maintain a consistent level of expectations and service requirements for all notaries. 

Are They Insured?

Errors and Omissions Insurance. This is a staple credential in the mobile notary industry as it offers not only the notary financial protection against any errors but your company as well. Knowing that your notary is insured in case of any costly errors, while we always strive for none, offers a peace of mind and added layer of caution. We are all human and make mistakes, and in the legal world those mistakes can be layered in fees that stack up quickly. 

Among other creds such as bond and commission, Sunshine takes the time to personally vet and interview each mobile notary. This gives us an opportunity to gauge their professional experience, reputation through business references, and verify any additional training they may have had that will benefit the quality of the signing. 

Credentials are crucial aspect of hiring a mobile notary. Notaries with proper credentials have undergone the training and meet the state’s requirements to become a notary public. Verified credentials provide clients and signers with the assurance that their mobile notary is knowledgeable and above all else, safe. 

Our goal here at Sunshine is to provide a trustworthy, qualified and experience mobile notary each and every time. 

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

GET STARTED

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000

Avoiding Document Errors

No matter your profession or standing in a company, errors are things we all try to avoid.

Our goal as notaries is to send back a completed package with no errors so the transaction is approved with no delays. There are many reasons a document can be rejected by title including: Missing signatures, unclear stamp, incomplete notary block, etc… Here are a few steps to take to reduce the likelihood of errors or catch them before submitting to title.

TAKE YOUR TIME

This is going to be your most important step in reducing errors. To often we see notaries rush a signing to move on to their next closing causing signatures to be missed or items forgotten. Go over each document carefully, ensure there are no blank lines, and all signatures and notary requirements are met before moving on.

CHECK YOUR WORK

Avoiding Document Errors

Take the time to review the package once completed before you leave location. This way any missed items can be corrected there at the table verses having to schedule another appointment and delaying funding or closing.

MAKE SURE YOUR STAMP IS CLEAR AND NOTARY SECTION IS COMPLETE

A document can be executed perfectly, but still rejected due to an unclear stamp. If your stamp is distorted or faded in any section where your information can be deemed illegible, strike a single line through that stamp, initial the correction, and re-stamp the document. All stamps must be legible on a scan and the original to be approved.

Ensure your notary section is filled out completely. There should be no blank lines on a document for the signer, the same goes for your notary section. We see many notaries who assume that their stamp is sufficient for the notary block but that is not the case for most title companies. To save yourself a possible rejection later, fill out the notary section in full.

INITIAL CORRECTIONS

Documents can be rejected for something as simple as a missing initial on a correction. No matter who makes the correction on the document, signer or notary, that party must initial the correction to verify that they were in fact the one who corrected it. This includes corrections to state/county in the notary section.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

One of the best suggestions we can give you is practice.

Try to complete a few sample packages with a friend or family member so you can practice not only your table side manner, but signature placement and filling out notary acknowledgments. The more signings you conduct, the better you will be at executing a signing with little to no errors.

CONTACT YOUR SIGNING COMPANY

The signing company is a resource, not just the company that hires you.

Communication is key to understanding and solving problems at the table. Do not hesitate to contact your signing company so they can assist you with getting questions answered or going over a document you are not familiar with. It is better to ask questions than assume and have a correction later down the road.

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

GET STARTED

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000

How to Conduct a Signing with an Impolite Customer

The hope and goal for any signing is a smooth transaction and a likeable signer. We all love these types of signings and cross our fingers for this kind of outcome every time.

But…. this is not always the case.

This article will address how to handle a rude or impolite signer properly and professionally.

First and Foremost, Stay Calm.

Keep in mind that they are more than likely not even upset with you as the notary and more with the situation. Real estate transactions can be a long and tedious process that can take anywhere from a few weeks to almost a year depending on the signer’s circumstances.

They are having to deal with multiple people from the lender to title all the way down to you, the notary. It is easily frustrating, and the smallest thing could be a trigger for impolite behavior.

Empathize with your signers.

We all want to feel heard, and our problems validated. A little empathy goes a long way to diffusing an upset client or atmosphere. You understand their position and why this is frustrating, lets find a solution or explanation for the problem.

Dealing with an impolite signer

Loop in Title or the Lender.

Often, the signer is upset over incorrect information or figures on their docs. Docs they have been negotiating and working with their LO on for months! Incorrect numbers when they finally see the light at the end of the tunnel can lead to a quick decline in the signer’s demeanor.

Offer to let them speak to their LO or title contact so any questions or incorrect information can be resolved quickly. Providing solutions to their problems and contacting the correct individual quickly goes a long way in decreasing tension at the signing table.

Do not force yourself to stay in a potentially dangerous environment.

An upset or rude customer comes in a variety of levels. While most can be diffused and the signing put back on track, there will be those few who are unwilling to work with you. Your safety should always come first, meaning if a situation continues to escalate and your attempts to help them or find a solution have not produced the desired result, excuse yourself and offer to reschedule at a later date. Contact title or the signing company who contracted you to explain the situation so they can address the signer directly.

These kinds of situations can be unpleasant, and they are never the types of signings we want at the end of the day. However, by using the above tips and trying to keep in mind their side of the story, practically any situation can be resolved where everyone leaves the table with a smile.

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

GET STARTED

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000

Tips and Tricks for Staying Safe on a Mobile Signing

What are two factors that we all share in our job as a mobile notary?

Travel and meeting New People

While these two things are par for the course for all notaries, our goal in this post is to provide a few tips and tricks to help you stay safe on the road and encountering new people in their home.

There is always a risk in going to a new location, but in following these few steps we are hoping to provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to keep you safe during your signings.

  1. If you are able, always let someone know where your assignment is taking place and the general time it will take you to return
  2. Make sure your phone is charged so you have the ability to contact someone in an emergency
  3. We know this line of work can mean back-to-back signings with minimal opportunities to go home, so bring a mobile phone charger with you just in case
  4. Share minimal details of your schedule with anyone you do not fully trust or know
  5. All though a great concern for safety, we know it is frowned upon to keep your phone in Ring mode vs Silent or Vibration mode. We suggest one of the latter, only so you can make a quick emergency call if needed.
  6. Make sure your car has routine maintenance to reduce possible breaks downs
  7. Invest in a reliable GPS system or app for your smartphone so you are limiting the risk of getting lost
  8. Make sure you are calling the signer to confirm- introduce yourself by full name, include a description of your car. This ensures the signer knows who and what to expect upon your arrival to location and decrease any potentially hostile encounters since you’re a stranger coming to their home
  9. There is always the potential for a client to get upset. Handling the situation calmly and offering them the option to reach out to their title contact, or us, can go a long way in diffusing the tension and regaining control of the signing. Keep the contact on the phone till the signer is calm and a resolution or decision has been reached.
  10. Your safety is priority number one, never keep yourself in a potentially dangerous or uncomfortable situation for a signing
Tips and Tricks for Staying Safe on a Mobile Signing

Setting the Stage

While these few points do not cover all the potential situations you may encounter on the job, they lay a foundation for risk prevention and increase your awareness of possible situations to prepare for.

Sunshine has always put the safety and well being of our notaries first and we encourage all notaries to contact us with any potential safety issues or concerns so we can be another added safety measure.

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

GET STARTED

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000

Why are Notaries so Important in Today’s Legal System?

While we have all undoubtedly heard about notary work at one point or another, what really makes a
notary so vital for a legal transaction to take place?

The role and responsibilities of a notary have evolved over the years since their origin, which can
be traced back to ancient Egypt. Back then, the main tasks performed by a notary were transcribing and recording public and legal proceedings. And while these duties have changed over time, the role a
notary serves are no less significant in today’s day and age.

The primary service offered by a notary is acting as an unbiased third-party witness to legal
transactions. By validating a signer’s identity and the documents being signed, they are offering a layer
of protection that would not be available otherwise.

Let’s be honest, fraud is a very real concern in our current society and the role played by our
notaries is a significant deterrent. They are also valuable in preventing contract disputes and possible
litigation, as all signers would have to be present and acknowledge the documents being signed in front of a notary.

Notaries in Today's Legal System

Remember, having a document notarized makes it legally binding and holds all signing parties accountable for any terms or transactions listed in the document, so long as they were verified and credentialed by a notary.

So, while hiring a notary may seem like an unnecessary step in an already long process for a
signer, they are obtaining a layer of safety and credibility that will ensure a smooth transaction for all
parties involved.

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

GET STARTED

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000

Why Use Sunshine Signing

Why Choose Sunshine?

We provide you with a mobile notary anytime or anywhere, even rural areas, within four hours. Our notaries are the most professional in the industry, are courteous and prompt, as well as dependable. Sunshine stands behind our work and helps you through the process every step of the way.

Don’t let your client’s time or location be an issue as to why you close. Time is money, so getting the job done right, on schedule, is key to customer happiness, as well as keeping things in order and simplified on your end. Oh, yeah, did we mention time is money and Sunshine Signing can save you a significant amount of time.

Sunshine can save you money. No more searching for a notary. No more scheduling. No more hassle. Our mobile notaries are scheduled by us, overseen by use and guaranteed by us.

It may be a routine closing for you, but for your buyer, it may be the most important day of their life. Sunshine’s notaries treat every signing like it is.

If you are in our area, our notaries can sign your document in our beautiful office located in Hudson, FL at 13939 Lakeshore Blvd. Hudson, FL 34667.

Don’t forget you are always mobile and always online with Sunshine.

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

GET STARTED

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000

Three Reasons Neighbors Use a Notary

It might sound a little weird, but here are just a couple of reasons neighbors might use a notary. Notaries aren’t just for business, they are for individuals as well. And there are some pretty good reasons two neighbors might need a notary, or a mobile notary to protect themselves.

Hold Harmless Agreements

They sound harmless, but they keep everyone protected in a case of liability regarding a neighbor’s activities.

A hold harmless agreement is a legal agreement between parties that states that one party will not hold the other liable for risk. Hold harmless agreements typically apply to physical damage or risk.

ContractsCounsel

Okay, a couple of quick examples.

Hold Harmless for Potential Work on Areas That Cover Both Properties.

I want to do some work on some trees that just happen to be on my property line. I don’t plan to go on my neighbor’s property, but it is possible I will. Or maybe I know I will go onto their property.

Should my neighbor’s, and their home insurance company, have to take the risk that I will get hurt on their property?

No.

When working on anything on the property line it is best to get a hold harmless agreement, notarized by a notary like one from Sunshine. This way we can protect ourselves not just against injury, but also our personal property. There will be no disputes during or after this job.

Both sides have come to agreement and know what is expected.

Why Neighbors Need a Notary

Hold Yourself Harmless Because of Kids Toys

Or let’s posit another hypothetical scenario. You just built the most awesome skate ramp for your children, and of course every other kid in the neighborhood wants in on the action. Who wouldn’t.

But, injuries happen, from cuts and scrapes all the way to full on broken bones. And forbid one sneaks on without proper safety equipment, like a helmet.

Your kids won’t think it is cool, but it only protects you. Instead of a looming disaster it becomes ride at your own risk. Your neighbor takes on the liability.

The Party of End All Parties

This is all me.

Maybe your neighbor throws a huge party, maybe for a real big football game. And you give him access to use your street, maybe a little grass before the sidewalk.

Then someone runs over your flowers, another hits a decorative fence, while a third razes some of your grass to bare ground.

Brutal.

A Hold Harmless is for both parties. You can give someone right to park, without giving up the right to protect your personal property. If people fall outside this agreement, your rights are protected, just like your neighbors are by letting them park there in the beginning.

I know some of these seem insignificant, but anything becomes significant when it involves legal ramifications.

Don’t leave things to chance.

Please remember we are not lawyers. None of this is meant as legal advice. We recommend you speak to an Attorney in your are to determine laws in your area.

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

GET STARTED

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000