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What is mobile notary? Learn what a mobile notary does and how using one can streamline the home closing process.
A notary is a person who is certified and authorized by the state to attest to signatures, and serve as an impartial witness in the execution of documents. In the real estate industry, mobile notaries are often used to simplify the final stage of a home closing.
A mobile notary travels to meet a homebuyer or seller in order to execute the signing of the loan documents. A typical day for a mobile notary starts with printing closing documents before heading to their signing appointments. The mobile notary may or may not have pre-booked appointments, or they may receive appointment requests throughout the day. In either case, they should plan to spend a lot of time in the car driving from one location to the next.
Due to the fluctuating and last-minute nature of the role, being a mobile notary is not an ideal job for everyone. The job is often fast-paced with a constantly changing schedule. However, because mobile notaries are independent contractors, they do have the flexibility to set their own working schedules. For example, a notary can decide which days, times, and geographic radius they’d like to service. But the downside of that flexibility is that their income and schedule is not set in stone and can be more unpredictable than holding a full time position.
If you’re interested in becoming a notary loan signing agent, you must be licensed by the state, will need to complete background checks, and be both insured and bonded before conducting signings.
The requirements to become a notary vary by state, so you’ll want to visit the National Notary Association website to understand the specifics for your state. Once licensed, you’ll be able to start booking signing appointments immediately.
A notary license is valid for about four years on average, with some states requiring continuing education courses for renewal, but this can also vary by state.
Using a mobile notary service provides convenience for buyers, sellers, and real estate agents. A mobile notary will drive to a home, office, business, or other public location to meet the signing party, wherever is convenient. As a result of this flexibility, buyers and sellers won't need to take time away from their work or families to sign closing papers.
Title and escrow companies, like Endpoint, often contract with mobile notaries to streamline the closing process. This is especially beneficial for those who are buying or selling a home in a state they do not currently reside in. This most often applies to investment homes, vacation homes, or those moving from one state to another.
The notary application process requires that they take an oath to protect confidential information, and are background screened, licensed, and bonded. This means that home buyers and sellers can be at ease when working with a mobile notary.
While mobile notaries provide convenience and flexibility, it’s important to note that some states known as “attorney states” do not allow a notary to complete the signing and require a real estate attorney to conduct the signing instead.
Being a mobile notary can be an interesting and exciting career that provides flexibility and offers variety. It’s a career path that involves helping people in one of the most important transactions of their lives while making what is often a difficult process a little bit easier.
For buyers and sellers, the home closing process can be complex with many milestones along the way. However, by using a mobile notary service, the signing step can be simplified for all parties involved.
Curious to learn more about having a convenient closing process? Speak with an Endpoint team member today.
