What I’ve Learned as a New Loan Signing Agent
Why Mistakes Aren’t the End of the World
At The Nearby Notary, we believe in being transparent about the notary journey; the real lessons, challenges, and wins that come with the job. Whether you’re an experienced notary or just getting started, it’s important to understand that no one begins as an expert. Every notary has a “learning curve,” and that’s okay.
When I got my commission back in August, I was eager to dive into loan signings. With a background in scheduling and marketing for The Nearby Notary, I had already seen firsthand how much coordination and attention to detail go into every appointment. Still, stepping into the role of a signing agent myself was a whole new experience.
You Can Study All You Want… and Still Mess Up
I spent hours watching Loan Signing System and Notary Stars videos, practiced with real loan packets, and even rehearsed with my mentor, who has years of experience in the notary realm. I felt beyond prepared for anything.
Then came my first few signings.
And reality set in.
At first, it was minor mistakes, like writing the wrong commission expiration year: quick fixes, easy lessons. But then I had that one signing — the one every notary has that teaches you more than any course ever could.
It took nearly two hours. The client questioned almost every document, especially the tax forms, and I didn’t have clear answers for many of them. I texted and called the Nearby Notary, spoke with the title officer (it was an in-office signing), double-checked documents repeatedly, and even struggled with scanning afterward.
By the end, I was convinced I’d failed. I was sure my boss would never assign me another signing.
Turns out it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought.
The escrow officer reported no issues, and my mentor reminded me that mistakes happen, even to seasoned notaries. What matters most is how you handle them — with professionalism, honesty, and a willingness to learn.
Being a Loan Signing Agent Takes Time and Patience
One thing I’ve learned is that being a loan signing agent is not a “get-rich-quick” profession. It’s rewarding, yes — but it takes time, patience, and a lot of practice.
You can’t expect to start making big money right away or take on back-to-back signings without building confidence first. Each loan package, each borrower, and each title company has its own quirks. The best thing you can do early on is to focus on accuracy over speed. Take your time, review every document, and never rush the process.
Every signing teaches you something new, and those lessons are what make you better.
Why Identity Verification Matters More Than You Think
Another key responsibility we carry as notaries is identity verification. It might sound simple — check the ID, make sure it matches, and move on — but it’s actually one of the most important parts of the job.
Personally, I haven’t had any major issues verifying someone’s ID yet, but I’ve learned how big a problem
fraud can be. Some people use fake IDs, others try to sign on behalf of someone else, or they don’t even know their own wiring or bank information and need to “ask someone else.”
As a notary, it’s your job to be careful. Always take the time to make sure:
- The photo matches the person in front of you
- The signature on the ID matches the one they’re using to sign
- The ID is valid and not expired
- The format of the ID looks legitimate (especially if it’s from another state)
Having lived mostly in Arizona, I’ve realized I’m not familiar with every other state’s ID format — so if something looks off, I take an extra moment to double-check. You can never be too careful when notarizing important, life-changing documents.
And if you’re unsure — always ask questions. It’s better to clarify upfront than to make a mistake later.
Common Mistakes I’ve Seen (and Made)
Working as both a notary and scheduler for The Nearby Notary has given me a unique view of what happens behind the scenes. I’ve reviewed a few of scanbacks and noticed some common mistakes notaries make — including myself early on:
- Missing initials or signatures
- Signing in the wrong place
- Incorrect or pre-dated documents
- Overlooking specific lender or escrow instructions
The key is communication. Always reach out to your signing service, escrow officer, or lender if something doesn’t look right. Every company has slightly different procedures, and guessing is never worth it.
Supporting Notaries Every Step of the Way
At The Nearby Notary, we make it a point to support notaries — especially those who are new. We leave detailed notes on signings, highlight uncommon documents, and share helpful reminders about where signers need to initial or sign.
Our goal is to help notaries feel confident and prepared, so that clients receive the best possible experience.
If you’re a new signing agent, remember this: mistakes don’t mean failure — they mean growth. Every stressful signing, every confusing document, every question you have to ask… it all makes you better.
Stay curious. Stay cautious. And most importantly, stay committed to learning.