The settlement agent worked up the closing statement for a refinance and scheduled a mobile signing agent to meet with the borrower at her convenience. The loan officer was a good customer, and the borrower was her niece.

The settlement agent confirmed the notary appointment and ensured the notary had all the loan documents and closing statement. She passed the notary's name and contact information on to the loan officer.

The borrower showed up on time for her signing but was surprised to learn the notary sent her husband in her place. The gentleman introduced himself as Aaron Thetires and explained his wife had something else come up, but not to worry.

Thetires had all the documents for her to sign and nothing would be delayed. The signer was uncomfortable. He tried to convince her he was just as qualified and presented her with three of his business cards.

None of this made the borrower comfortable. She rushed through the documents, signing them as quickly as possible. She was even more concerned when she noticed the notary had already completed, signed and stamped the notarial certificates of the documents she was currently executing. The borrower left and immediately called her aunt, the loan officer, to report what happened.

First thing the next morning the loan officer called the settlement agent. The settlement agent was appalled! She immediately apologized to the loan officer and borrower. A new signing — with a different commissioned notary — was scheduled.

The settlement agent provided the borrower with a year of credit monitoring since the borrower was rightfully uncomfortable with the notary and her husband having access to her non-public information.

The settlement agent demanded the notary be removed permanently from her company's notary list, so no other customers would have such a terrible experience.

Article provided by contributing author:
Diana Hoffman, Corporate Escrow Administrator
Fidelity National Title Group
National Escrow Administration