1.  Know your state's regulations on notarization using Signature by Mark.  This is used when the borrower cannot sign her/his name but can only make a mark.  (One gal I worked with held the pen with her teeth.)  Most title companies are not familiar with Signature by Mark so I always enclose a copy of my state's regulation in the signed return package to them.

2.  Know your state's regulations regarding the recording of Power of Attorney.  My state requires that any Power of Attorney to be used for real estate papers must be recorded at the courthouse before the date of the final loan doc signing.  The states my LO's lender and title companies are in do not require this so there was no one but me to warn my LO to be certain the POA was recorded before she ordered final docs.  This type of infomation is a big help to your LO and will strengthen her loyalty to using your notary services.

3. Keep an arthritis-friendly pen in your briefcase.  I researched several and think the one made by Pen Again is the most comfortable and easiest use.  See picture below.  You can get blue refills for Pen Again models.  My state is a Blue Ink state so this is important.  I get mine for around $5 each from the mom and pop stationery store downtown.  You can find a retail location near you at http://www.penagain.com/

Happy signing, Laura   http://www.ProfessionalNotary.com