Denise O'Dell ~ Realtor/Notary-Loan Signing Agent

This is one of the most interesting sites I have ever seen. Just put your mouse on a city and the newspaper headlines pop up. Double click and the page gets larger.

http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/flash/

Also, if you look at the European papers, the far left side of Germany will pop up as The Stars & Stripes (European edition, of course). AND, this site changes everyday with the publication of new editions of the paper. Hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

The Newseum displays these daily newspaper front pages in their original, unedited form. Some front pages may contain material that is objectionable to some visitors. Viewer discretion is advised.

As a notary signing agent, these are the steps I take in preparing for a loan signing:

When I get call for a signing, I call the borrower as soon as possible to confirm the appointment and verify how their names appear on their ID. I have learned by verifying the names prior to the appointment that I am able to avoid issues at the time of the signing pertaining to incorrect spellings, names not matching the documents, etc. I also verify the borrower's address as it may not always be available on MapQuest. I utilize a GPS device and keep written directions as a secondary option should the GPS malfunction or not be available.

If I have time, prior to the appointment, I thoroughly review the loan documents to make certain that everything is in order. I review any lender specifics that are provided and verify that an after-hours contact number is available; should there be any questions at the signing table.

Is there anything you would add to this? Your posts are welcome!

In addition to the $10 per signature a mobile notary charges to notarize a document at a California jail, prison or detention center, mobile notaries also charge additional fees for their services, such as travel fees, etc.

For instance, at the Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic, California, they allow notaries and attorneys only during the weekdays. If the inmate's original photo identification (such as a driver's license or passport) is available for the notary to examine, a notarization can be done during a weekday for a lot less because the notary can usually get in and out within an hour.

However, if the inmate's photo ID is NOT available, then two credible witnesses who have IDS and can positively identify the inmate can go into the facility with the notary on the weekend and wait in a long line for at least 3-4 hours. Of course, this will be more costly. Note: The two witnesses who may be used cannot have an interest in the transaction or be named in the document being notarized.

Using a notary who has years of experience, has performed numerous notarizations at prisons and detention centers, knows the best times to visit, and is familiar with notary laws, will save a lot of time, frustration and money in the long run.

It's better to get the job done right the first time rather than finding out later the document that was notarized is invalid and you have to pay another notary to go back and do it all over again.

Assuring a signer whose signature is being acknowledged understands the document and is signing the document willingly is an essential function of a notary taking an acknowledgment.

It was recommended by the American Society of Notaries that notaries should perform a verbal ceremony for either an ACKNOWLEDGMENT or oath/affirmation (JURAT). "Acknowledged" means a notary heard the client reply "yes" or "I do" (or other similar words) to questions posed during the notarization. "Sworn to or affirmed" means the notary "performed a verbal ceremony for an oath or affirmation and heard the client reply in the affirmative as to the truthfulness of the document.