What a loan signing agent does
A loan signing agent is a notary public who specializes in real estate loan documents. When a title or escrow company has a loan package ready, a signing agent meets the borrowers or sellers, guides them through each page in order, makes sure every signature, initial and date is where it belongs, notarizes the documents that require it and gets the package back to the company on time.
I'm Teigh Wade. I've been a notary public serving the Surprise area since 2010, and I completed the National Notary Association (NNA) certified signing agent program. I have hands-on experience with mortgage and loan documents, and I hold an FBI background clearance card. I'm based in Surprise and offer statewide service.
Signings I handle
- Purchase packages. The buyer's loan documents for a home purchase, signed in the order the lender and title company need them.
- Refinance packages. Rate-and-term and cash-out refinances, where the borrowers already own the home and are signing a new loan.
- HELOC packages. Home equity line of credit documents, which are often shorter but still need the same care with signatures and notarizations.
- Seller packages. Deeds, affidavits and closing documents for sellers, including sellers who can't make it to the title office.
I also notarize a wide range of non-loan documents. See my mobile notary page for the full list.
Working with title and escrow companies
Title and escrow officers need three things from a signing agent: show up, get it right and get it back. Here's what you can expect from me:
- Confirmation ahead of time. I confirm the appointment time and location with the signers and make sure they know to have their ID ready.
- A careful review. Before the signing I review the package so I know where every signature, initial, date and notarization goes.
- A clean package. I check every page before I leave the table so you aren't chasing a missed initial later.
- Prompt return. Documents go back the way you instruct, on the timeline you set.
- Clear communication. If something comes up at the table, I let you know right away.
Borrowers sometimes ask questions about loan terms, rates or fees during a signing. Signing agents can't answer those, so I point borrowers back to their lender or escrow officer, and I'm happy to wait while they call.
Backup signing agent when another agent cancels
Cancellations happen. A signing agent gets sick, double-books or simply doesn't show, and suddenly a closing is at risk. I'm available to step in as a backup signing agent, including on short notice, and I take last-minute and emergency calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call 480-550-2871 with the signing location, the time, the type of package and how many signers there are. I'll tell you honestly whether I can make it, and if I can, I'll get the documents and get moving.
Signings at your home, office or another location
Because I'm a mobile notary, I come to the borrowers or sellers. That could mean their kitchen table, their office on a lunch break, a hospital or care facility, or a public meeting spot. I'm based in Surprise and work all over the West Valley, including Peoria, Glendale, Goodyear, Buckeye and Phoenix, and I travel statewide.
Signing agent rates
Loan signing rates vary with the package, the location and the timing, so I quote each signing individually. Call 480-550-2871 and tell me the details, and you'll have a quote before anything is booked.
How this connects to my work as a REALTOR®
I'm also a REALTOR® with HomeSmart Elite Group, HomeSmart. My mission, in my own words: "“Getting The Sale” is NOT my mission. Helping people navigate through every process of Real Estate is." Closing day is one of those processes, and knowing how the loan documents work helps me help my buyers and sellers get ready for it.
If you're one of my real estate clients, I'll make sure you know what to expect at the closing table and that you have your ID and questions ready for your lender or escrow officer. When the title company assigns your signing, it may or may not be me, and that's their call. Either way, you'll have a REALTOR® who understands the paperwork. Learn more about how I help sellers and buyers.
I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in this state, and as a signing agent I can't give legal, tax or lending advice. For those questions, talk with your lender, attorney or tax professional.
Frequently asked questions
What is a loan signing agent?
A loan signing agent is a notary public who specializes in real estate loan documents. Title and escrow companies hire signing agents to meet borrowers or sellers, guide them through the package page by page, notarize the documents that require it and return the signed package. I'm an NNA-certified signing agent based in Surprise, AZ, with experience handling mortgage and loan documents.
Can you explain my loan terms at the signing?
No. A signing agent can tell you what each document is called and where to sign, but can't explain or advise you on your loan's terms, rate, fees or whether the loan is right for you. Those questions belong to your lender or escrow officer. If something doesn't look right, we can pause while you call them before you sign.
Do you work with title and escrow companies?
Yes. I work with title and escrow companies on purchase, refinance, HELOC and seller packages across the West Valley and statewide. I confirm appointments with signers, review the package before the signing, check every page before I leave and return documents the way you instruct. Call 480-550-2871 to set up a signing or request a quote.
Can you step in if our signing agent cancels?
Yes. I can step in as a backup signing agent when another agent cancels or doesn't show, including on short notice. I take last-minute and emergency calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 480-550-2871 with the location, time, package type and number of signers, and I'll tell you right away whether I can make it.
How much does a loan signing cost?
Loan signing rates vary with the type of package, the location and the timing, so I quote each signing individually. Call 480-550-2871 with the details and you'll have a quote before the appointment is booked. For general notary work that isn't a loan signing, see my mobile notary page for standard pricing.
What should borrowers have ready for a loan signing?
Each signer should have a valid, unexpired government photo ID, and every person signing must be there in person. Have any items your lender or escrow officer asked you to bring, and write down questions about your loan so you can ask them directly. Plan for a quiet table where we can work through the package without rushing.
Will you come to my home or office for the signing?
Yes. I'm a mobile signing agent, so I come to your home, office, a hospital or care facility, or a public meeting spot. I'm based in Surprise and work all over the West Valley and statewide. The title or escrow company usually schedules the signing, so let them know where you'd like to meet.