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 signer 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 signing.

Read Your Instructions

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 signing 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 the 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 sign 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 signer.

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 the 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, meaning 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 yourself, 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 signing environment is beneficial both to you as a new notary and your signer.

Review

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, so you do not 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 signing experience for their signer and return accurate documents back to title. These steps are just a few that can be taken to assure your signing completes without a hitch and boost your confidence going into the next one.