Where to Get Loan Signing Agent Training
Are you interested in becoming a Loan Signing Agent? This lucrative field offers an invaluable service in facilitating the closing of real estate transactions. As a Loan Signing Agent, you will play a crucial role in witnessing and notarizing important documents like deeds and mortgages. However, to excel in this profession, it is essential to receive proper training and certification.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about Loan Signing Agent training. We have compiled information from various reputable sources to provide you with a holistic understanding of the subject. From the benefits of training to the cost and duration of courses, we will cover it all. So let’s dive in!
What is a Loan Signing Agent?
Very quickly a Loan Signing Agent, also known as a Notary Signing Agent, is a professional who specializes in handling loan signing procedures for real estate transactions. Their role is crucial in ensuring the smooth and secure execution of these transactions. Loan Signing Agents are responsible for witnessing and notarizing important documents, guaranteeing the authenticity and legality of the process. Check out this article where we dive deeper into this topic.
Table of Contents
Why is Training Essential for Loan Signing Agents?
While not mandatory in all states, receiving proper training as a Loan Signing Agent is highly recommended. Training equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform loan signings accurately and efficiently. It also instills confidence in potential clients, such as signing services, lenders, and title companies, who rely on trained professionals to handle loan documents.
Moreover, training helps you pass the Notary Signing Agent exam, which is often required by many companies in the mortgage finance industry. By obtaining certification, you demonstrate your competence, professionalism, and commitment to providing excellent customer service.
It is good to note that the Notary Signing Agent exam or certification serves two functions:
1. Sets Industry Standards
That eases the minds of mortgage industry professionals seeking to potentially contract you for their client’s next appointment.
2. Background Check
This is done yearly as part of the Notary Signing Agent Certification exam at least if you take the certification through the National Notary Association (NNA). It should be self-explanatory why a background check would be expected by mortgage industry professionals. Would you want a person with a dodgy background or criminal record presenting loan documents for a multi-million dollar property?
3. The Certification Exam is Not a Training Course
What the signing agent certification exam is not intended to do is train you for the exam. While with the NNA certification exam, you could purchase a Notary Signing Agent training course it is not beginner-focused. Thus, purchasing a loan signing agent training course will prepare not only for the exam but also for the profession. Furthermore, as is the case with the Loan Signing System Course I took, it comes with a community of Notary Signing Agents from beginners like yourself to 10, 15, 20+ year professionals.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Loan Signing Agent Training Course
Before embarking on your journey to become a Loan Signing Agent, it’s crucial to consider a few key factors when selecting a training course. These factors will help you make an informed decision and ensure that the course aligns with your goals and budget. Let’s explore these factors in detail:
1. Cost
The cost of Loan Signing Agent training courses can vary significantly. It’s important to determine your budget and find a course that offers comprehensive training within that range. While affordability is essential, it’s equally important to ensure that the course provides the necessary tools and resources for a successful career.
2. Certification Options
Some training courses offer certification exams as part of their program, while others require additional costs for the exam. Consider whether the course you choose provides a certification option and if it aligns with your career goals. Certification can enhance your credibility and increase your chances of securing assignments from reputable companies.
3. Training Type
Different training programs offer varying levels of quality and depth. Look for courses that not only cover the basics but also provide comprehensive training to equip you with the skills required for a successful career as a Loan Signing Agent. Some courses may offer additional benefits such as networking opportunities, coaching, and access to valuable resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to become a Loan Signing Agent?
The cost of becoming a Loan Signing Agent can vary depending on several factors, including your location and the course you choose. Generally, training courses can range from $50 to $500. Additionally, there may be fees associated with state requirements, course materials, and certification exams. Consider your budget and choose a course that offers the best value for your investment.
How long does it take to become a Loan Signing Agent?
The duration of becoming a Loan Signing Agent depends on your state’s requirements and the type of training course you undertake. While some courses can be completed within a few hours, others may require more extensive training. It’s important to research your state’s regulations and select a course that meets those requirements.
How much do Loan Signing Agents earn?
Loan Signing Agents are typically paid per transaction or on an hourly basis. The average earnings per loan signing can range from $100 to $200. However, the actual income may vary based on factors such as the number of assignments completed, the type of signing appointment, and the scale of your business. With dedication and a solid client base, some Loan Signing Agents can achieve a six-figure salary. I often compare the earning potential to turning on a light switch.
How do I become a mobile Loan Signing Agent?
To become a mobile Loan Signing Agent, you must first understand your state’s requirements. Most states mandate that you complete a notary training course and pass an exam. Additionally, you may need to fulfill other prerequisites such as a background check and obtaining an insurance policy.
How do I become a certified Loan Signing Agent?
To become a certified Loan Signing Agent, you must first become a notary public in your state. While notary training courses and certifications are not always mandatory, they are highly recommended for comprehensive knowledge of loan signing procedures. Additionally, a background check and insurance policy may be required to gain certification.
Top Loan Signing Agent Training Courses
Now that we have covered the essential information, let’s explore some of the best Loan Signing Agent training courses available in the market. Please note that these recommendations are based on our research and are not endorsed or ranked in any particular order.
Loan Signing System
I’m not going to bury the lead here. The Loan Signing System is the course that I bought, trained under, and continued my loan signing education with. Back in late July/Early August of 2019, I did not have the luxury of time to explore the different courses that were available at that time. I learned about this career by listening to The Rideshare Dojo Podcast with Jay Cradeur episode #2: Nathan Daulton’s Plan B Mobile Notary Agent. After verifying the information through various sources including The Bigger Pockets Podcast Episode #74 and typing in a few keywords on YouTube.
What made me choose The Loan Signing System?
I chose Mark Wills’ course because the education from the course extends beyond the modules of the online course. The course comes with a community of Notary Public Loan Signing Agents from beginners to veterans. Mark brings in mortgage lenders, title officers, escrow officers, real estate agents, and notaries who have built a greater business with their notary commissions beyond real estate loan signings. I wrote a review about the Loan Signing System here.
The course offers a certification that holds weight in the industry. At the present day, the training continues for those who wish to have ongoing education with the “Complete Notary Mentorship” for a recurring monthly subscription.
Lastly, it offered different pricing tiers titled the Fundamental Course ($297), Professional Course ($497), and Six Figure Course ($797). The latter two tiers have a monthly payment plan option. After doing some simple math the course pays for itself if you follow the system and complete between four to eleven signings at $70 per appointment or between two and five signings at $150 per appointment.
Notary Stars
Currently, the next big Notary Signing Agent training is Notary Stars. I learned about Notary Stars after becoming a loan signing agent and started receiving signing appointment notifications from a company called Unlimited Notary Ink which referenced that they valued the training from Notary Stars.
Notary Stars has a different business model instead of paying for a course with a subscription community for ongoing mentorship, they offer two tiers of monthly subscription starting at $39.95/ month for Notary Star which allows to list your business and access 150+ hours of training. The next tier is “Notary Star + Marketing” which as of Jan 2024 is priced at $69.95/month. “Notary Star + Marketing” is comparable to the Six Figure Course in the Loan Signing System. Lastly, the also offer a Listing Only membership for $29.95 per year with very minimal access to the platforms offerings in all categories.
Learn more about Notary Stars and their free training for Notaries and Loan Signing Agents here.
National Notary Association
The National Notary Association (NNA) is where I chose to prepare for the Notary Public Commission exam and where I take the signing agent exam/background screening for $79 that is required each year. Now the signing agent certification they offer is geared more towards seasoned professionals as opposed to beginners. This is why I got my “newbie” training with the Loan Signing System. Basic Notary Signing Agent Certification starts at $208.
The NNA also offers an essential training course for Notaries which is highly educational and comes with a certification exam that gets listed in your profile with the SigningAgent.com aka the Notary Public and Notary Signing Agent listing database recognized as a premier authority.
Notary Learning Center
The Notary Learning Center offers training classes and or education resources to become a Notary or renew your Notary Commission as well as an a-la-carte style loan signing agent training. They have two tiers of Loan Signing Agent Training.
The Essential Education and Training program has a home study option priced at $309 and a Live Class options priced at $487 both include a certification test, background screening, and telephone/e-mail supoort.
The Professional NSA Education which is promoted as an advanced education option with a home study program priced at $518 and a “Book & Pack” option priced at $245.
If I can be frank, I would turn to the Notary Learning Center if I was looking at options to prepare for the Notary Public Commission exam. Click here to check out their drop down menu for the education and training materials for your state.
Other Loan Signing Agent Training Options
Udemy has quite a few a-la-carte online courses and courses that focus in on other revenue streams to tailor your Notary Public offerings beyond loan signings. Just head over to Udemy.com and type notary business in the search bar.
Conclusion
Becoming a Loan Signing Agent can open doors to a rewarding career in the real estate industry. Through proper training and certification, you can establish yourself as a trusted professional in facilitating real estate transactions. Consider the factors discussed in this guide when choosing a training course that aligns with your goals and budget.
Remember, training is not only about passing exams but also about acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in your role. Invest in your education, build your reputation, and seize the opportunities that await you as a certified Loan Signing Agent. Good luck on your journey!
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.