Working as a Signing Agent
A signing agent must have a thorough knowledge and understanding of mortgage loan documents, and be able to present and explain loan documents to the borrower.
Some companies will have you believe that you’ll be making $150 per signing as soon as you become a signing agent. Unfortunately, this is simply not true. You need to gain working experience as a signing agent before earning higher pay contracts.
Working with Signing Services (estimated earnings: $50-$100 per signing)
Signing services will usually send you a contract for you to complete and sign. This contract should describe the fee scale for each signing, and the terms and conditions of your services and relationship with the signing service. Pay attention for any special clauses; for instance, some signing services will not pay you for no-shows or no-signs. Below is an example pay scale for different types of loan signings that a Notary Signing Agent may perform:
- Single loan document package: $50-$75 (within 10-25 miles)
- Two loan document packages: $75-$100 (within 10-25 miles)
- Email or online documents: $25-$35 (includes borrower copies)
- Out of area signing: $25 and up additional fee
- Copies: $10-$25 see Note (must obtain prior approval)
- No-Show: $25-$30
- No-Sign: $25-$30
Note: For an out-of-pocket expense, you must obtain prior approval to guarantee reimbursement.
Contracted work is always negotiable. Sometimes a signing agent will be asked to perform a loan signing far outside of their preferred area of operations. Even if the signing agent is under contract, they can likely negotiate for more money.
Escrow and Title Companies (estimated earnings: $125-150 per signing)
The person in charge of loan processing will only be interested in professional notary signing agents. Experience in working for signing services is absolutely necessary before trying to acquire these clients directly.
Working Directly with Lenders and Banks (estimated earnings: $150-175 per signing)
Usually, when working with direct lenders, title companies, escrow companies, mortgage companies, banks, and credit unions, a signing agent has fewer clients than they would if they were working with signing services. In order to increase your client base, a notary signing agent must establish a good reputation and image within their working area and use every opportunity to advertise their services.
A notary signing agent and their clients usually define their legal and fiscal responsibilities to each other in a document called an independent contractor agreement. The agreement must be in written form. Before signing an independent contractor agreement, read the whole document carefully.
