Common Notary Mistakes to Avoid When Signing Loan Docs

The Cost of a Signature

In a mortgage transaction, a "signing error" isn't just a typo—it's a funding condition. If a document is signed incorrectly, the lender will reject it. This means the document has to be re-printed, re-mailed, and re-signed. This can delay funding by days, potentially causing you to lose your rate lock or your closing date.

As expert Loan Signing Agents, our primary job is quality control. Here are the most common mistakes we see borrowers make (and how we stop them).

1. Name Variations

If the loan documents say "John A. Doe," you must sign "John A. Doe." You cannot sign "John Doe" or "J. Doe." The signature must match the printed name exactly. We guide you on the very first document to establish the correct signature for the whole package.

2. The Date Format

It sounds simple, but nervous signers often mess up the date. They write the wrong year (especially in January), or they write their birthdate instead of today's date. Worse, they might date a document that was supposed to be undated. We watch your pen like a hawk to catch this before the ink dries.

3. Missed Initials

Loan packages have hundreds of pages. Many require small initials at the bottom right corner. Missing just one initial on page 74 of the Note can cause a rejection. We "flip" every page before we leave to ensure no sticker is left behind.

4. Ink Color

Blue or Black? It matters. Some lenders strictly require blue (to distinguish original from copy), others require black (for scanning clarity). We carry both. Using the wrong color can void the entire package.

Trust a professional to guide your hand. It's the best insurance policy for your closing date.