Originally posted 4/8/22

My Life as a Jail House Notary- First Quarter 2022 Edition

I have recently written about what I love about being a Notary and entrepreneur. To expand on that blog post, I want to start a series about my experiences as a California Notary. Any entrepreneur's journey often has days and weeks of new experiences, the fear of failure, and awakening to your purpose, and I am not immune to that. I feel like my experiences could shed some light on others’ entrepreneurial journeys.

If you are just now meeting me, let me introduce myself. My name is Jennifer Cooper, and I am a Notary Public in the Central Valley of California. I have been a commissioned Notary for just over a year, and my experiences have been broad and educational in that time frame.

I thought to start this series, “My Life As a Notary,” in quarterly editions because this last quarter was unlike any before. Having almost four full quarters of experience before this, I do not doubt that each quarter will offer something worth sharing. So then, let's get into it.

If you aren’t in the real estate business or aware of the real estate market, you might not know that loan signings have slowed down. Interest rates are rising due to both inflation and the government no longer buying real estate-backed securities. Refinances at 1-3% are no longer available, and the seller's market is already shifting back to a buyers' market. Overpricing properties will need to take a back seat as home buyers are now in the driver's seat. I haven’t been squeezing multiple loan signings into my schedule for those reasons.

Because of that, my first quarter was much slower than the previous quarter. At least with a significantly fewer number of loan signings. What did pick up, and for reasons I am not 100% sure of, is specialty signings. That's what this post is about—my life in Jail.

Over the later part of the first quarter, I spent significant time doing signings in jails. I have visited Fresno County, Madera County, and Kings County Jails- some more frequently than others. Last week, I spent most of my time in one or more of my local county jails. As a new notary, when I started my business, I advertised that I would do jail signings but had no clue how that would work. Now, having done many jail signings, I have to say - it's one of my favorite signings to perform. I know that sounds crazy, but it’s true.

I work very hard to withhold judgment about anyone, and this applies equally to the inmates I have performed notarization signings for. I don’t need to know why they are in jail; it's none of my business. My only concern is that they are treated like human beings during their time with me. I enjoy these specific types of signings because I am allowed to assist a family. A family who might be scared or worried, or hurt by the situation their loved one is in. I am given a unique chance to help make one part of their process as painless as possible.

I have met some interesting people throughout my experiences in these correctional facilities. One of my signers was already convicted and on his way to federal prison, except for his brief time with me, during which I was treated with care and respect. Do I think that's due to the handcuffs and the watchful officer? No. I believe these inmates treat me this way because of how I treat them. How I look at them, how I talk to them. Without fear, judgment, or ridicule. I am there to help them and their family. I am often given words to share with their waiting loved ones. One inmate asked me to hug his nieces, who were waiting outside. That's a gift I can give to them and their families. The act of notarizing a document is beside the point. Being kind to them and their families and having the chance to support them makes this job more than worth doing.

I try to learn everything I can from my life experiences and now my career even more so. What I have taken away from these most recent experiences is that when I open myself up to anyone who needs my services, I am often met with the most unique and memorable experiences. Do I still like being a Mobile Notary? Yes! Even more “Yes” today than yesterday.

Please don't hesitate to call if you need a document notarized in Fresno, Madera, Kings, or Tulare Counties of California. You can find all my information here.

If you'd like to check out my YouTube Channel all about this experience, Check it out here.

Thanks for hanging out with me -

Jennifer Cooper

JKC Mobile Notary