As a notary, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of juggling multiple signings, especially when last-minute requests start rolling in. But here’s the thing I’ve learned: sometimes, it’s better to step back and assess the situation rather than say “yes” to everything.
I’ve encountered a few situations now where I accepted a signing request without fully considering the drive time or the amount of document printing required. Completing loans through Signing Services not only means you have to print documents, but you typically have to respond to requests immediately. The competition is fierce right now and there is no time between the getting the request and accepting it before it rolls to the next person.
Sometimes immediately accepting gives a rush followed by an overwhelming panic. The location and the requirements have to make sense. Immediate acceptance may be necessary, but it can lead to rushing through important details—like reading through lender requirements thoroughly or ensuring the right acknowledgment is attached to the right document. Skipping over these steps, even unintentionally, can create unnecessary delays or mistakes that could easily be avoided.
I’ve learned to be more mindful about how long printing takes, especially when documents come in last minute. It’s crucial to give myself enough time to double-check everything, ensuring the acknowledgment is correct and that the lender’s specific instructions are followed. Taking the time upfront saves a lot of potential headaches later.
When it comes to late-night or mobile notary requests, I remind myself of one important thing: I don’t have to take every deal. Sometimes, the drive time or printing process is just too tight to ensure a quality signing, and that’s okay. Giving myself grace, and allowing the space to turn down an offer when the timing doesn’t align, has been a valuable lesson in balancing both professionalism and practicality.
Ultimately, it’s about being prepared, understanding the logistics of each appointment, and giving ourselves the grace to know when to step back. Mistakes happen, but with each one, we learn, grow, and get better at what we do. Ultimately, my nuggets of knowledge consist of:
Prioritizing Accuracy Over Speed: Focus on conducting thorough notarizations with attention to detail, accuracy, and adherence to legal requirements, even if it means taking additional time to complete the process.
Staying Educated and Informed: Invest in comprehensive notary training programs, stay updated on notary laws and regulations, and seek continuous education to enhance your knowledge and skills as a notary agent. You do not want to get to a signing and realize you are not prepared.
Knowing When to Accept: Plan for the drive and don't accept every job if you are not 100% sure you have the time or resources to meet all the requirements for it.
If I could go back in time and change things would I? Probably not. Otherwise, I would not be equipped to prepare for any challenges ahead. By learning from mistakes and implementing proactive measures to avoid them, new notary agents can enhance their professionalism, build trust with clients, and establish a solid foundation for a successful career in notarization.
Remember, each mistake is an opportunity for growth and improvement, so embrace the learning curve and strive for excellence in your role as a notary agent. Give yourself some grace if you are new. It takes time to get it perfect.
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