Whenever a person is signing loan documents with a Power of Attorney, it is usually requested that the original Power of Attorney document be included with the loan package. For the closing I had last week there were no instructions from the title company regarding this, so I asked to be sure. I got the response I expected:
There is something else that I expect: the person who has to surrender their Power of Attorney document may want to have a copy of it -- a copy that is just as valid as the original. A certified copy.
It will give them peace of mind knowing that they have it. I recall an incident a couple of years ago when the borrower's spouse became very distraught about having to surrender her original Power of Attorney. Her husband was in a nursing home, and she had to handle all of their affairs. I provided her with a certified copy of the Power of Attorney, and it really put her at ease.
How much did I charge her?
Although it is a notary service for which I am entitled to collect a fee, I charged her absolutely nothing. And ever since then, whenever a spouse is asked to surrender their original Power of Attorney at a closing, I will certify a copy of it (if requested) -- pro bono.
Pro Bono and the notary signing agent
There is no mandate that notary signing agents provide pro bono services. Loan signings is an area in which we charge significantly more than the typical fee for notarizations. After all, it's how we make a living.
Nevertheless I offer certain services at no charge, including certified copies of Power of Attorney, if it is done in conjunction with a loan closing.
Put people before profits.
Good luck.
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