The real heros of the loan process

It is time to take up the cause of the Notary/Signing agent. These are the people who close your loan outside of the title company location. They often are driving many miles at all hours to get these loans (as few as there are now) closed. They are busting their butts off to make sure they make the Fed Ex on time, all the
motorization's are correct, and that all docs are signed . The mortgage industry has NEVER respected what these ethical, detailed and hard working people do. Along with all the other STUPIDITY of the mortgage industry going on, things have only gotten worse for the Notary/Signing Agent.
The first injustice is the absurd size of packages. They have gone from an average of 35 pages in the '90's to an average of 120 pages now. Has the compensation gone up for the Signing Agent? NO. It often costs over $15 in paper and toner costs and that does not include the time to print/collate. Yet most title companies and signing agent schedule services/title companies have not only not increased payment for packages printed by the Notary/Signing Agent, but some have even reduced the fee! In addition to the size increase is the ridiculous complexity of the closing packages. Every second rate lawyer employed by the lenders is adding disclosures that not only do NOT add to the understanding for borrower, but add redundancy and confusion. The idiot lawyers are killing this industry as much as the incompetent spineless underwriting!
Next is the overall payment to these Agents. Costs of gas have gone up over 33% in the past two years but the payment to these people has gone down about 20%. The blame lies with both the lenders and the hiring title companies. Neither one will admit that while their fees have gone up over 25% to the borrower, they have screwed over the very people who finish the job-the Signing Agent/Notary! Some title companies even now hire unqualified simple Notaries rather than certified Signing Agents (certified by the National Notary Association). Signing Agents have to past a comprehensive test, background check and carry errors/omissions insurance. They are just as qualified (and in many cases MORE qualified) than your typical closer at a title company location
Somebody has to say enough is enough. These qualified good people are being screwed over as are the borrowers in a process of asinine, corrupt, incompetent lenders. The quality of service is going town the toilet and every lender is to blame. I feel sorry for these dedicated people who are in the trenches daily making up for the incompetent lenders and helping borrowers finish a frustrating process.