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Why Notarizing Estate Planning Documents Is More Important Than You Think

  Title: Why Notarizing Estate Planning Documents Is More Important Than You Think Protecting Your Wishes Starts with Proper Paperwork If you’ve ever helped a loved one with a will, power of attorney, or healthcare directive, you know these aren’t just legal documents—they’re peace of mind. But what many people don’t realize is that notarization is often the final step that makes these documents valid and enforceable . As a mobile notary in Joplin , I’ve met families at kitchen tables, hospital rooms, and attorney offices—each one wanting to make sure their wishes are clear, their rights are protected, and their paperwork is done right. Here’s why notarizing estate planning documents matters, and how to approach it with confidence. 📝 What Estate Planning Documents Need to Be Notarized? Depending on your state’s laws (and Missouri's in particular), the following estate planning documents often require a notary to be legally recognized: Last Will and Testament (often not...

5 Common Loan Signing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

  5 Common Loan Signing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them) From a Certified Loan Signing Agent’s Perspective Real estate closings are exciting—but they also involve a mountain of paperwork. As a Loan Signing Agent in Joplin, I’ve seen it all: smooth signings, last-minute changes, and yes, some avoidable mistakes that cost people time and money. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, refinancing, or involved in a property sale, here are five of the most common signing mistakes —and how to make sure you don’t make them. 1. Missing Signatures or Initials This is probably the most frequent error I come across—and it’s often the most stressful. Why it happens: Loan documents are long, repetitive, and full of fine print. It’s easy to overlook a tiny initial box or a signature line. How to avoid it: Use a trained Loan Signing Agent who knows where every signature, date, and initial goes. I always do a final scan with clients before leaving the table to ensure everything is complete. 2. ...

More Than a Stamp: My Journey as a Loan Signing Agent & Why It Matters to You

My Journey as a Loan Signing Agent & Why It Matters to You  I’ll never forget one of my very first signings. It was a rainy Tuesday evening in Joplin, and I had just arrived at a retired couple’s home to help them close on their mortgage refinance. The husband answered the door in his socks, the wife had fresh cookies in the oven, and both looked nervous but hopeful. After I introduced myself and we sat down at their kitchen table, I noticed their hands were slightly shaking. They told me they’d been burned by paperwork mistakes in the past—one wrong signature that cost them weeks in processing delays. They were hoping this time would be different. That moment stuck with me, because it reminded me what this job is really about: trust. What Does a Loan Signing Agent Actually Do? Most people think of a notary as someone who just stamps a paper—but when it comes to real estate closings, there’s a whole lot more going on behind the scenes. As a Loan Signing Agent , I’ve been ...