As the founder of our signing company, I want to take a moment to explain our policy on the verification fee. This fee is not just a simple cost; it represents our commitment to maintaining a high standard of professionalism and reliability within our network of notaries.
We only work with verified notaries who are dedicated to this business. Each notary in our system goes through a thorough verification process, which helps us avoid mass submissions and ensures that we are collaborating with only the most qualified professionals. This small one-time verification fee is essential for us to maintain this high level of service.
I often hear the sentiment, “I don’t pay to get work.” However, it’s crucial to remember that being a loan signing agent is not merely a job; it’s a business. Just as any business incurs costs to maintain its operations and uphold standards, so too must signing agents recognize the value of investing in their professional credibility.
Unlike many companies that boast large networks of notaries—sometimes numbering in the tens of thousands—we take a different approach. We work exclusively with direct clients who value quality over quantity. Other companies may sign up anyone with a notary public commission and a pulse, only to take a significant portion of the fee, leaving notaries with little to show for their efforts.
Our business model is built on the principle of transparency and fairness. We charge our clients for each signing, ensuring that notaries receive the full fee listed on the loan statement. We don’t take a penny from notary fees. This means that when our clients pay a competitive rate for a signing, the notary gets the full benefit of that payment.
In my early years as a signing agent, while working as an escrow officer assistant, I had the advantage of receiving signing orders directly from my office. I was able to keep my full fee, which was often undercut by signing companies that offered low payments to their notaries while charging clients significantly more. This experience taught me the value of fair compensation for hard work.
As I moved up to the position of escrow officer, I recognized the importance of ensuring that notaries received adequate pay. I insisted that signing companies provide at least 75% of the fee we paid for their services. Now that I’ve established my own company, I continue that commitment. Our clients are informed that they should expect to pay at least $150 for a signing, and in return, notaries receive what is rightfully theirs.
Some potential clients may be reluctant to work with us because of our fees. However, we firmly believe that those extra dollars are an investment worth making. Our notaries are trained professionals who ensure that loans close successfully the first time, minimizing the risk of delays caused by missing signatures or incorrect documentation.
If a notary is unwilling to pay for verification, our company may not be the right fit for them. We aim to create a network of committed professionals who understand the importance of quality and reliability.
In summary, our verification fee is a crucial part of our commitment to excellence in the signing industry. We prioritize quality over quantity and believe that by investing in our notaries, we are investing in the integrity of our service. It’s a choice: you can try our company, where your expertise is valued, or you can continue with free signing services that may not prioritize your hard work. The decision is yours, but we firmly believe that choosing quality leads to long-term success for everyone involved.
By Hannah Chen