Real Estate Agent + Notary = Knowledgeable Signing Agent

I used to be a signing agent, before getting my real estate license.  My notary has expired, and I was thinking about renewing it!  Thanks for your insight.

I am guessing that having a notary do "signings" is probably a regional thing.  I have worked in three major markets, and in over 30 years I have never had a notary do a signing.  It's interesting how things can vary from area to area.

Trent:  I see this is your first post on Active Rain... so... Welcome to Active Rain.  I am glad you are here.  Also... an FYI... a post must have a minimum of 50 words in it to qualify for "points" on Active Rain.  It looks like you just made it.  Good for you!

Trent, wow good to know that, Great information and thanks for sharing!

Trent, yes they are notaries, but they are employees of the title companies.  I use Alamo Title, Stewart Title or Old Republic Title Companies.  The sign-up person/notary's title is that of "escrow officer..." and they do much more than a simple sign-up as notaries.  It is also considered normal that, with the seller almost always paying for the title policy, that the seller picks the title company.

The closings are always done IN their offices, and are done with the buyer, their Realtor agent and the escrow officer, or the seller, their Realtor agent and the escrow officer.  No attorneys, no lenders/loan officers... really nobody else but the three I mentioned.

We do not have "round table closings" where seller and buyer are there at the same time, either.  It is very possible that the seller and buyer never even meet each other. 

I am sure every state has their own way of doing things... some fairly similar to others, and some fairly different and/or unique.