Becoming a Loan Document Signing Agent: A Complete Guide

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a loan document signing agent? This in-demand career offers flexible hours, great pay, and the chance to play a crucial role in the home buying process.

As a loan signing agent, you’ll meet with borrowers to notarize the stacks of paperwork required to close on a mortgage This includes verifying identities, going over documents, collecting signatures, and ensuring the accuracy of each transaction Without diligent signing agents, many real estate deals would fall through.

So if you’re interested in becoming a signing agent, you’ve come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of getting certified building your business and launching a rewarding career.

An Overview of Loan Signing Agents

Let’s start with the basics. What exactly does a signing agent do?

• Meet with borrowers to facilitate loan closings and signings
• Review all documents to ensure completeness and accuracy
• Verify identities and collect signatures from borrowers
• Complete notarizations on closing documents
• Maintain security of sensitive borrower information
• Return completed packages to lender in a timely manner

Signing agents act as impartial third-party witnesses to mortgage closings. They ensure all I’s are dotted and T’s crossed before money changes hands.

As you can see, attention to detail and organization are must-have skills for the job. You’ll also need to be professional, personable, and able to put clients at ease during an often stressful process.

Now that you understand a signing agent’s responsibilities, let’s look at why this career makes such an attractive opportunity.

The Benefits of Becoming a Signing Agent

Here are some of the biggest advantages to entering the loan signing industry:

• Earn a great income: Signing agents are typically paid per package, earning anywhere from $75 to over $200 per assignment. It’s possible to make $25-$50 per hour.

• Set your own schedule: As an independent contractor, you choose when and how much you want to work. You can fit signings around your other commitments.

• Help people: Guiding borrowers through closings is extremely fulfilling. Homebuying marks a major life milestone.

• Low startup costs: The main investments are training, certification, a printer, supplies, and insurance. Expect to spend $200-$500 upfront.

• Be your own boss: Signing agents enjoy autonomy. You work for yourself and choose your own clients and assignments.

• Gain transferable skills: You’ll sharpen communication, organization, attention to detail, and customer service skills. These are valued in any industry.

• No experience required: Completing the certification process gives you the education needed for success. Many agents start out in unrelated fields.

Step 1: Become a Notary Public

Before applying for signing agent positions, you must have an active notary commission in your state.

Here are the typical requirements to become a notary:

• Be at least 18 years old (21 in some states)
• Pass a background check
• Have no felony convictions
• Be a legal resident of the state
• Purchase a notary bond
• Complete a notary application
• Pay application fees
• Take a notary education course (in some states)
• Pass a notary exam (in some states)

This process varies by state, but usually takes 1-2 months. To get started, search “[your state] notary requirements” and review materials from your Secretary of State website.

Once approved, you’ll receive your notary commission, which allows you to notarize documents. This is renewed every 4-10 years depending on your state.

Step 2: Take a Signing Agent Training Course

While not technically required, taking a course specifically designed for signing agents can make an enormous difference in your success and confidence.

Look for a curriculum that includes:

• An overview of loan packages and common documents
• Step-by-step processes for loan signings
• Laws and regulations relating to notarization
• Handling errors and omissions
• Best practices for notarizing and paperwork handling
• Pro tips for providing excellent service

Reputable training programs will also prepare you for the signing agent certification exam.

The National Notary Association offers a respected self-paced online course and exam to get you up to speed.

Step 3: Get Certified

Though not required by law, certification shows signing services, title companies, and lenders that you’re a qualified professional.

Many only hire agents who have passed a certification exam and criminal background check from an approved vendor.

Certification involves:

• Passing an exam proving your expertise (typically with a score of 80% or higher)
• Undergoing an industry-standard background screening
• Providing any state licenses or notary documentation

Reputable vendors will issue you documentation showing you’re certified compliant under industry standards. The NNA is one trusted provider of signing agent certification services.

Step 4: Obtain Insurance & Bonds

Notary errors and omissions insurance protects you in the event you make a mistake that causes financial harm. Most signing services require agents to carry E&O policies of at least $25,000.

You may also need:

• General business liability insurance
• Surety bond (required in some states)
• Workers’ compensation (if you’ll have employees)

When starting out, an E&O policy is the priority. Shop around to compare rates from providers experienced with notaries.

Step 5: Invest in Signing Agent Equipment

A signing agent’s toolkit contains everything needed to professionally handle loan documents:

• Printer and scanner: Print any last-minute forms. Scan completed documents as PDFs. Consider an all-in-one printer/scanner/copier combo.

• Laptop: Use it to access loan files, print documents, communicate with clients, and transfer paperwork.

• Secure paper shredder: Safely destroy any documents containing borrowers’ personal information.

• Signing agent stamp: This customized stamp identifies documents you witnessed. Order from a notary supply store.

• Notary journal: Record every notarization you perform. Hardcover bound journals are most secure.

• Signing kit or carrying case: Keep pens, seals, IDs, business cards, and other tools organized.

While not mandatory, these tools will make your job much easier. Invest in quality to impress clients.

Step 6: Set Your Signing Agent Fees

As an independent contractor, you decide what to charge clients for your services. Fees often range from $75-$200 per package, depending on your experience.

Factors to consider when setting rates:

• Your state’s average signing fees
• Operating costs like insurance, transportation, and supplies
• Desired hourly income or profit margin
• Amount of time required per signing
• Your experience level
• Distance traveled to signing appointments

Many new agents start on the lower end around $75 and increase rates as they gain positive reviews and demand grows.

Be sure to clearly communicate your rates to new clients upfront to avoid payment issues down the road.

Step 7: Market Your Signing Agent Business

When first launching, focus on letting loan officers, escrow companies, title companies, and signing services know about your services.

Promote yourself by:

• Creating a professional website with your signing niche, services, and contact info
• Designing business cards, flyers, and brochures
• Joining signing agent directories to get referrals
• Introducing yourself in person to local lenders and companies
• Attending real estate networking events
• Asking for referrals from your notary network

Providing exceptional service and being easy to work with will naturally lead to referrals.

Step 8: Continue Your Signing Agent Education

The mortgage industry changes rapidly. Stay current through:

• Reading the National Notary Association’s Notary Bulletin
• Taking supplemental signing agent training courses
• Attending industry conferences and conventions
• Joining Facebook groups for signing professionals
• Completing your annual certification renewal

Make a habit of regularly reading industry news and updates as well.

Get Started as a Signing Agent Today!

Becoming a signing agent allows you to enjoy flexible hours, meaningful work, and control over your income. Though certification and training are essential, the process is very manageable.

If you’re organized, professional, detail-oriented, and passionate about helping homebuyers, this could be the perfect home-based business for you. With low startup costs and no experience required, it’s easy to get started and begin earning income quickly.