Good Neighbor Podcast with Herbert Willis

Herbert Willis, President of Sunshine Signing, joined host Mike Sedita on the Good Neighbor Podcast to talk about innovations in notarizations and sealing the deal. The Good Neighbor Podcast is known for speaking with successful business owners in the Tampa area.

The Podcast

Topics

In a twenty minute podcast Herbert and Mike had an opportunity to chat about a lot of things, including:

Out of State Transactions
Empowering Realtor and Title Companies
The Diverse Needs of Clients
Adapting to Change and Overcoming Challenges
Evolution of the Notary Industry

Among the diverse offerings, Sunshine Signing’s brick and mortar office in Hudson, Florida provides notarizations for local residents, while other offerings are nationwide, like mobile and online notarizations.

Mike and Herbert discuss title companies and their prominent role in the industry.

In just 20 minutes, you can learn more about the industry, learn more about Sunshine Signing, and more about how Sunshine Signing can help you.

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Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

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In the News, Notary News and Advice, What a Signing Service Can do for You

Louisiana Notary Exam Goes Digital

2025 will see notary accreditation head online. In spring, it will have sprung on all aspiring notaries.

The test may only be done at one location. It will be held at the Louisiana State University campus in Baton Rouge. It will be held multiple times each month and will replace the paper exam.

Notaries will be given additional time for each exam question. The exams will also be available more times each month than they are currently.

“We are very excited by this development. The new format will provide more opportunities to pass the examination, significantly shorten the wait-time for re-taking it, and allow for scores to be released faster. It is our hope that eventually we can make the examination available at other testing sites around the state,” Secretary Landry said.

Other testing sites would be a welcome addition for notaries. We’d imagine it is difficult for some to make the trip to Baton Rouge.

The final paper exam will be towards the end of January 2025. The 2025 edition of the notary study guide will be available in January on the Secretary of State’s website.

To find more information about the change please visit this page.

In the News – November 2024

Recording a Notary Commission Just Got Simpler in Philadelphia

We all love when things get easier.

For Notaries in Philadelphia, an important step was removed from the notary commission process. Previously, the commission had to be double recorded, first with the Philadelphia Department of Records, then again with the Office of Judicial Records.

The recording with the Office of Judicial Records has been removed. Notaries only need to file with the Department of Records now.

It is streamlined, more efficient and time saving. And who doesn’t like that.

Notary Called to the Stand During Medical Cannabis Trial

So, they are trying to get medical cannabis on the ballot in Nebraska. A Hall County man was charged with submitting fraudulent signatures.

Besides the circulator himself, as well as a forensic examiner, the notary had to testify at the trial.

It didn’t look good for the notary.

During examination, the notary was “advised to invoke his fifth amendment, against self-incrimination” on nearly all questions asked by the plaintiff attorney Justin Hall, requiring Judge Susan Strong to weigh in on each instance of pleading the fifth.

While there were a few questions where the fifth amendment was not invoked, overall it did not look good for the notary.

Questions included the notary’s involvement with the ballot initiative, as well as text interactions with organizers of the petition.

A simple reminder we do not post notary names and always give them the benefit of the doubt.

Revolutionizing Real Estate: How Mobile Notary Services and Online Notarizations are Transforming Title Companies

In the fast-paced world of real estate, efficiency, convenience, and security are paramount. Title companies, the linchpins of property transactions, are constantly seeking ways to streamline processes and enhance client satisfaction. Enter mobile notary services and remote online notarization (RON)—innovations that are not just modernizing the notarization process but are revolutionizing the entire real estate industry.

The Rise of Mobile Notary Services

Mobile notary services have emerged as a game-changer for title companies. Here’s why:

1. Unparalleled Convenience and Flexibility

Mobile notaries bring their services directly to clients, whether they’re at home, in the office, or even at a coffee shop. This eliminates the need for clients to travel to a title company’s office, saving time and reducing hassle.

“The essential role of mobile notary services for title companies lies in their ability to offer unparalleled convenience and flexibility to clients.”

2. Time Efficiency

In an industry where timing can make or break a deal, mobile notaries accommodate urgent requests and handle time-sensitive transactions with ease. They help title companies meet tight deadlines, ensuring deals close faster and more efficiently.

3. Enhanced Customer Experience

By providing a service that fits into the client’s schedule and location, mobile notaries significantly boost client satisfaction. A seamless and convenient signing experience can lead to repeat business and valuable referrals for title companies.

4. Reduced Errors and Increased Compliance

Mobile notaries specializing in real estate are well-versed in complex documents and legal procedures. Their expertise minimizes errors, ensures legal validity, and helps maintain compliance with varying state laws.

“Legal requirements, licensing laws, and filing needs differ from state to state. The mobile notary offers the local knowledge and expertise necessary.”
— A Notary Signing Service & 4 Reasons Title Companies Use Them

5. Geographic Flexibility

With the ability to travel to various locations, mobile notaries facilitate transactions involving parties from different areas. They can adapt to last-minute changes, making them invaluable in dynamic real estate environments.

The Advantages of Remote Online Notarization (RON)

While mobile notary services offer substantial benefits, Remote Online Notarization takes convenience and efficiency to the next level.

1. Ultimate Convenience and Accessibility

RON allows notarizations to occur anytime and anywhere with internet access. Clients no longer need to coordinate schedules or travel, making the process accessible to those with mobility challenges or busy agendas.

2. Real-Time Efficiency

With real-time video interactions, RON significantly reduces delays associated with scheduling and travel. Title companies can expedite the closing process, benefiting all parties involved.

3. Enhanced Security Measures

RON employs advanced security features such as biometric data verification, multi-factor authentication, and tamper-evident technology. These measures exceed traditional notarization security, minimizing the risk of fraud.

4. Comprehensive Digital Records

RON platforms create detailed digital trails, including video recordings and timestamps. This transparency provides strong legal evidence in case of disputes and enhances overall trust in the transaction process.

5. Cost Savings

By eliminating the need for physical travel, RON reduces expenses for both clients and notaries. Title companies can also save on overhead costs associated with in-person notarizations.

The Value of Partnering with Notary Signing Services

To fully leverage the benefits of mobile notaries and RON, title companies are turning to professional notary signing services.

1. Single Point of Contact

Notary signing services act as a central hub, connecting title companies with a vast network of qualified notaries. This simplifies logistics and communication, making the process more efficient.

2. Scalability and Flexibility

Services like Sunshine Signing adapt to the fluctuating demands of the real estate market. Whether handling a surge in transactions or managing multiple closings across different locations, they scale their services to meet your needs.

“Sunshine scales with your business, leaving you to focus on your core operations and KPIs.”
— A Notary Signing Service & 4 Reasons Title Companies Use Them

3. Cost-Effectiveness

Outsourcing notary needs eliminates the overhead of hiring and training in-house staff to manage signings. Title companies can allocate resources more efficiently, focusing on their core competencies.

4. Nationwide Coverage

Reputable signing services offer extensive networks that cover multiple states. This nationwide reach ensures that title companies can facilitate transactions regardless of where the clients are located.

“Over the past few years, we have come to view Sunshine Signing as a part of our company. They are our virtual scheduling department. The interaction is seamless and reliable.”
— A Notary Signing Service & 4 Reasons Title Companies Use Them

Embracing the Future: A Hybrid Approach

The real estate industry’s future lies in embracing both mobile notary services and RON. This hybrid approach ensures that all client needs and preferences are met, providing options for those who prefer traditional in-person signings and those eager to adopt digital solutions.

Virtual Partnerships and Technological Advancements

The rise of virtual partnerships and online platforms is reshaping real estate transactions. Title companies that leverage technology position themselves as forward-thinking and client-centric.

Conclusion

Mobile notary services and remote online notarizations are not mere trends—they are transformative forces redefining the real estate landscape. Title companies that embrace these innovations stand to gain through increased efficiency, enhanced client satisfaction, and a competitive edge in the market.

By partnering with reputable notary signing services like Sunshine Signing, title companies can navigate this evolution seamlessly. They can focus on their core business, knowing that their notarization needs are handled with professionalism and expertise.

Ready to Transform Your Title Company Operations?

Embrace the future of notarization and elevate your services. Contact Sunshine Signing today to discover how we can support your growth and success in this dynamic industry.