INCOMPLETE OR MISSING NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: This can be a big problem, causing serious delays. Double check that you have completed your notary acknowledgements correctly and that your stamp is clear and legible. A document with an illegible stamp cannot be recorded. If you make a mistake while completing an acknowledgement, simply cross out and correct it, initialing the correction. If your stamp is unclear, STAMP IT AGAIN if there is room, or attach a Notary All Purpose Acknowledgement. You should ALWAYS carry spare acknowledgments with you at all times. If a document needs to be notarized and there is no room, or the space on the form has already been used, simply attach a separate completed acknowledgment. The notary can always pull the borrower's copy and replace with the document that is not correctly notarized. Borrowers don't mind that you replace the document, they still have a copy of what was printed on the document.
SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT: This is the most common document that is not notarized. This is missed because the lender either signs it first using the preprinted acknowledgment or there is no notary acknowledgment place on the form. In both of these cases, you MUST attach your own Notary All Purpose Acknowledgment to the Subordination Agreement.
NOTICE OF RIGHT TO CANCEL: Please be sure the correct dates are entered on this document: Notice of Right to Cancel (see Notary Rescission Calendar).
1) The date of the transaction – The day the documents are being signed.
2) The date the rescission expires – midnight, 3 business days from the day they sign, including Saturdays, but not including Sundays or Holidays.
3) The date next to their signatures – The day they are signing.
4) The date on the Notice of Non-Rescission or Confirmation Certificate – The day after the rescission expires.
If there are pre-printed dates that are incorrect, you can single line through them and write the correct dates. Make sure to have the borrowers initial the changes.
*** NEVER USE WHITEOUT ON ANY DOCUMENTS ***
To make a correction, single line through the incorrect information and replace with correct information. ALWAYS initial any corrections or authorized changes made except if it is in the Notary Acknowledgement where you notarize the document. Then ONLY You initial those changes. Example: The State or County is incorrect, one line through it and put the correct State or County in and Only You Initial.
ALWAYS check the dates on the documents. They can NEVER be signed before the date on the documents, after is ok, but not before.
