Tips Before Closings: 5 Essential Steps to Streamline Notary Business Closings Efficiently

As a notary signing agent, your success often depends on what you do before you sit down at the signing table. Preparation is the key to professionalism, and the habits you build prior to each closing can make the difference between repeat business and costly mistakes. In this post, we’ll cover essential pre-closing tips that every notary should master in order to streamline their business, avoid errors, and build a stellar reputation.

Whether you’re just starting your journey or already taking multiple signings each week, these strategies will help you grow your notary business and stand out in a competitive market.

1. Confirm the Appointment

The moment you receive a new assignment, your first priority should be confirmation.

🔹Confirm quickly: Reach out immediately to verify the date, time, and location of the signing.

🔹Professional introduction: Politely introduce yourself as the assigned Notary Signing Agent.

🔹Verify key details: Ask the signer to have a valid ID ready and confirm any special requirements (like witnesses).

This proactive step eliminates uncertainty, shows professionalism, and reassures both your client and the signer that the closing will run smoothly.

Pro Tip: Title companies and signing services value notaries who confirm quickly. It gives them confidence that you’re reliable and ready.

2. Carefully Read and Follow Instructions

It may sound simple, but 99% of mistakes happen because notaries skim or ignore instructions.

🔹Review everything: Read the order details thoroughly before printing documents.

🔹Highlight special notes: Look for requirements such as ink color, witnesses, or specific signing order.

🔹Avoid assumptions: Every client has different preferences. Never assume “it’s the same as last time.”

By taking this seriously, you reduce errors that could cost you credibility and repeat business.

Remember: Notary Signing Agent training teaches you the basics, but ongoing mentorship and attention to detail are what set apart a “good” notary from a preferred notary.

3. Prepare the Documents Properly

Printing and preparing documents is one of the most overlooked steps. Yet, a mistake here can cause delays in funding or re-signs.

🔹Check the paper size: Many packages require letter and legal paper.

🔹Verify the file: Ensure all pages are printed; missing a page can be disastrous.

🔹Organize documents: Place them in the correct order to avoid confusion at the table.

Taking 10 extra minutes to prepare thoroughly demonstrates that you care about accuracy and efficiency.

4. Be on Time

Punctuality is not optional; it’s part of your reputation.

🔹Plan ahead: Map your route, check traffic, and allow extra time for unforeseen delays.

🔹Arrive early: Even arriving 5–10 minutes early can set the tone for a stress-free appointment.

🔹Respect everyone’s time: Borrowers, loan officers, and title companies are on deadlines. Respecting schedules builds trust.

Think of punctuality as a branding strategy: every time you arrive on time, you’re reinforcing your reliability.

5. Why These Habits Matter

By consistently confirming appointments, following instructions, preparing documents, and arriving on time, you will:

🔹Minimize errors and re-signs.

🔹Earn trust from signing services and title companies.

🔹Build a reputation that leads to preferred notary status.

Transform Your Notary Career with Proven Guidance

Becoming a successful notary signing agent isn’t about luck; it’s about systems, habits, and preparation. Following these essential pre-closing tips ensures you’re not just another notary but a trusted professional who clients want to hire again and again.

If you’re serious about growing your notary business and want step-by-step guidance from someone who has built a 7-figure signing service, my Notary Business Guidance Course is designed for you. Inside, you’ll learn insider tips, industry secrets, and proven strategies to transform your business.

👉 Enroll in the Notary Business Guidance Course today and start building the notary career you’ve always wanted!

📩 Schedule a Notary Now: The Closing Signing Service

📞 Want to Discuss a Long-Term Partnership? Call now!