ASA-Accredited Signing Agent
Signing Agents
The basic definition of a "Signing Agent" is a Notary Public who handles the execution and notarization of mortgage, refinancing and real estate transactions in the Commonwealth of PA. This designation of "Signing Agent" is now being used widely. And it varies from state to state and unfortunately from Notary to Notary. Our course is an in depth training program in these real estate documents and how they are executed. There are many organizations that do this. But not all are the same. They vary in education; training and most are not consistent with PA law.
A "Signing Agent" may hold a designation such as a "Master Closer" or "Certified Closer" from other providers but in fact Signing Agents are never a "closer" in PA and this is a misleading designation. Notary Signing Agents in PA do not "close the loan".
They never handle "closing procedures" nor do they act as closers. A person who "closes" a loan in PA must be licensed by the insurance department, or work for a Title Agent. Unless the Notary Public also holds such licensure or is a practicing attorney this designation should not be used nor recognized. A "closing agent, settlement officer or escrow officer" will disburse funds, set up escrows and terms and will prepare the package for execution.
PA Notary Law and Signing Agents
The definition of a Notary Public according to the law is a "neutral" witness to the signature of documents and identification of the signers, nothing more ...nothing less. Therefore any further education is optional and must stay within PA law. The Commonwealth of PA approves and certifies their education providers on their "Mandatory Education Course" for Notaries Public in PA. They do not approve nor provide the "Signing Agent" course or designation. These courses are offered by numerous entities and vary in education and training. PA Notary Academy is the only PA based "Signing Agent" course and that teaches according to PA law.
PA Notary Law meets ASA Education
An "Accredited Signing Agent" or ASA is a Notary Public extensively trained by PA Notary Academy to handle real estate closings. Our certification course focuses only on PA law and is the only one of its kind in PA. We teach a Notary Public what they can and can not do during these types of transactions.
In PA the notary law prevents a Notary Public from giving advice or helping with the document completion. An ASA is taught to know how to handle the documents and issues involved in these transactions according to the law. If there is a question on the documents, a Notary Public can not provide the client the information. An ASA is trained to know where that information can be found in the document package and direct the client to that information. If this does not provide the information the client wants, the ASA is trained to direct the customer to call the proper person who can give them ALL the information they need on their loan.
An ASA does not "close the loan", disburse funds, nor do they set up escrows or terms.ASAs will not complete any document except for the notarization wording and informational documentation. All documents are sent via email or overnight delivery to the ASA completed and ready to be signed and notarized. They are an independent "neutral party" to the transaction. They will collect the funds required at the signing of the documents if needed, which they will return to the lender with the documents via overnight delivery. At NO time will they take cash or have a check made out to them personally.
With the differences in classes, education and designations a Signing Agent can get lost in the shuffle. Most settlement services who hire Signing Agents want them to have more than the average education in this field. This course was developed by them and us to focus on PA and its laws.
ASA Training
This extensive program is done in a classroom setting at various locations around the state or online. It teaches the information you need to execute the documents within the Commonwealths' laws for Notaries Public. All of our seminars and courses are taught by experienced providers in their fields. And this class is no different. Title agents, settlement officers and ASAs are the main sources for this course. Their experience and success in the business make this the best and most comprehensive course available for PA Notaries. They are successful as "Signing Agents" and share that knowledge and experience with you, unlike educators who only teach the subject. This is an excellent advanced Notary course.