notary public certified signing agent: New CA Thumbprint Law - 09/13/12 12:08 AM
A new law recently enacted by Governor Jerry Brown will now require all California notaries to collect a thumbprint for any persons needing a notarization. This new law becomes effective on January 1, 2013. It also prohibits Notaries from performing a proof of execution by subscribing witness on any document that effects real property.
The only other state at this time requiring a thumbprint is Illinois. But I am sure other states will soon follow. I strongly recommend obtaining thumbprints for all notarization's no matter what your state laws are at this time. The added security has proven to deter fraud … (1 comments)

notary public certified signing agent: Mechanics Liens Being Challenged - 09/05/12 11:58 PM
Two states (Rhode Island and Connecticut) recently invalidated mechanics liens against commercial properties because they were improperly notarized. An Acknowledgement was used instead of a Jurat. A Jurat requires the signer to give an oath or affirmation attesting to the truthfulness of the document.
Notarizations are essential for mechanics lien statements across the United States but whether a mechanics lien does or does not need notarization varies from state to state. We must keep up with state laws and be aware of when an Acknowledgement is needed or a Jurat.

Sincerely,
Lisa Scanlon, CSA
941-447-7130
www.scanlonsigningservices.com
… (0 comments)

notary public certified signing agent: Federal Agency seeking comments on new mortgage proposals - 09/01/12 09:38 PM
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is seeking comments on a set of proposed rules designed to protect consumers from "robo-signing" and the foreclosures it caused. The federal agency states these new rules are a result of the foreclosure crisis and will effect how mortgage servicers do business.

The proposals would create new rules under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) and the Truth and Lending Act (TILA) that requires extensive record keeping and mandates to offer consumers alternatives to foreclosure.

Members of the public have until October 9th 2012 to comment on the rules.
Lisa Scanlon, CSA
941-447-7130 … (1 comments)

notary public certified signing agent: Huge FHA announcement in June. - 07/25/12 10:08 PM
Starting June 11, 2012 FHA will lower its Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP) for certain FHA borrowers with a drop to just .01%. The past rate of PMI on FHA loans made the streamline almost impossible due to the lack of benefit to the homeowner. Borrowers will now be able to get into a streamline FHA loan that they were previously unable to get. To qualify borrower must: *be current on your existing FHA mortgage. *your current FHA mortgage must have been endorsed by 5-31-09 Also employment and income verification is not needed and no credit report or appraisal is required. … (0 comments)

notary public certified signing agent: The National Mortgage Settlement - 05/15/12 01:16 AM
The recent $25 billion National Mortgage Settlement is likely to have a significant impact on the entire mortgage industry as well as law firms, document processing companies and notaries. For companies, the terms target the kinds of policies and practices that created the "robo-signing" assembly lines. For notaries and there supervisors, the settlement terms focus on the need to comply with state notary laws and obtain adequate training to carry out there duties. In October 2010, a coalition of state attorneys general and federal agencies launched an investigation of the financial industry following revelations the "robo-signing" affidavits were being used in … (3 comments)