Grow Your Notary Business with Loan Signings
How to Add Loan Signings to Your Notary Business
As a notary public, you're already providing an essential service to your community. But if you're looking to expand your business and increase your income potential, adding loan signing services could be the perfect next step. Becoming a loan signing agent can transform your notary business from an occasional side gig into a thriving full-time career. Let's explore how you can make this transition smoothly and set yourself up for success.
Understanding the Opportunity
Loan signing agents play a crucial role in the real estate transaction process. They're the professionals who walk borrowers through their closing documents, ensuring everything is properly signed, notarized, and executed according to legal requirements.
Here's what makes this opportunity special:
Higher Income Potential: Loan signing appointments typically pay $75-$200 per signing, compared to the $5-15 you might charge for basic notarizations.
Consistent Work: Even in a single real estate transaction, multiple signings may be required.
Flexible Schedule: You can choose when and how many signings you accept.
Embracing the Cyclical Nature of the Market
Before we dive into the steps, let's acknowledge something important: the real estate market is cyclical. There will be busy seasons and slower periods. During refinance booms, you might find yourself turning down appointments because you're so busy. During slower markets, you might need to hustle more for each signing.
This cyclical nature is actually a blessing in disguise. It gives you breathing room to improve your skills during slower periods and opportunities to maximize your income during busier times. The key is to prepare yourself for both scenarios and build a sustainable business model that can weather these natural cycles.
Steps to Become a Loan Signing Agent
1. Start with the Basics
If you're not already a notary public, that's your first step. Requirements vary by state, but generally involve:
Completing an application
Passing a background check
Taking a state-mandated education course (in some states)
Passing an exam (in some states)
Purchasing a surety bond
Filing your commission paperwork
2. Get Specialized Training
This is where many notaries hesitate, but proper training is absolutely crucial for success in loan signings.
Sign and Thrive Founded by Bill Soroka, Sign and Thrive offers comprehensive loan signing training that goes beyond just the mechanics of loan signings. Their courses cover:
Document understanding
Professional communication
Business development
Marketing strategies
What makes Sign and Thrive special is their focus on the entrepreneurial side of being a signing agent, helping you build a sustainable business.
3. Obtain Your Loan Signing Agent Certification
The National Notary Association (NNA) offers a Certified Loan Signing Agent designation that is widely recognized in the industry. This certification typically involves:
Completing their training course
Passing a background screening
Demonstrating knowledge of loan document procedures
Understanding federal lending regulations
This certification signals to title companies, escrow officers, and signing services that you're committed to professionalism and have the necessary knowledge to conduct loan signings properly.
4. Gather Your Equipment
Beyond your notary supplies, you'll need:
A Black and White laser printer that can handle both letter and legal size paper simultaneously (loan packages can be 100+ pages)
A professional-looking briefcase or portfolio
Multiple pens (blue ink is often preferred for loan documents)
A backup notary stamp/seal
A mobile scanner or scanning app
Reliable transportation
5. Obtain Errors and Omissions Insurance
E&O insurance protects you from financial liability for mistakes. Since loan documents often involve significant financial transactions, this insurance is crucial. Most title companies require a minimum coverage of $500,000, so be sure to obtain adequate protection for your business.
6. Register with Signing Services and Title Companies
Signing services act as intermediaries, connecting signing agents with companies that need them. Some popular options include:
Don't forget to also market directly to local title companies, lenders, and real estate attorneys. Building these direct relationships can lead to more consistent work and better pay.
7. Perfect Your Process
Develop a systematic approach to:
Preparing for signings
Reviewing documents before appointments
Guiding borrowers through the signing process
Following up after appointments
Returning documents promptly
A smooth, professional process will lead to repeat business and referrals.
Building Your Reputation
In the loan signing business, your reputation is everything. Each successful signing can lead to more opportunities if you:
Always arrive on time (or early)
Dress professionally
Communicate clearly
Know the documents thoroughly
Follow up promptly
Handle unexpected situations with grace
Remember that borrowers are often making the largest financial transaction of their lives. Your calm, knowledgeable presence can make a stressful experience much more manageable for them.
Weathering Market Changes
As we mentioned earlier, the real estate market fluctuates. Here's how to build a resilient business:
Diversify your services: Continue offering general notary work alongside loan signings.
Build relationships with multiple sources: Don't rely on just one signing service or title company.
Save during busy periods: Create a financial buffer for slower times.
Continue your education: Stay updated on changing regulations and document requirements.
Connect with other signing agents: Join professional groups to share leads and advice.
A Message of Encouragement
Adding loan signings to your notary business isn't just about increasing your income—it's about providing a valuable service during significant moments in people's lives. Yes, there will be challenges. Yes, the market will have ups and downs. But with proper training, certification, and a commitment to excellence, you can build a fulfilling career that adapts to these changes.
Every successful loan signing agent started exactly where you are now. Take that first step, invest in your education, and trust that your dedication will pay off. The real estate industry will always need professional, reliable signing agents—and with the right preparation, that can be you.
Remember, the journey of a thousand signings begins with a single step. Why not take that step today?
Are you already a loan signing agent? What advice would you share with those just starting out? Let us know in the comments below!
