Thursday, December 13, 2012

New Thumbprint Requirements For Real Estate Documents

New Thumbprint Requirements For Real Estate Documents: In the wake of the robo-signing scandal and National Mortgage Settlement, states have been tightening laws to better prevent fraud and abuse of real estate documents. A new law in California, effective January 1, 2013, requires Notaries to obtain a signer’s thumbprint for their journals for any document affecting real property.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Disaster Preparedness For Self-Employed Notaries And NSAs

Disaster Preparedness For Self-Employed Notaries And NSAs: As the East Coast learned recently, disaster can strike quickly with little warning. Everyone tries to prepare for emergencies, but self-employed Notaries and NSAs also need to safeguard their business for such an event. Although you may not be able to save your home in a natural disaster, you can protect your livelihood. Following are some tips from FEMAand the Small Business Administration that can help:

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Lewis Notary Services Inc. is sponsoring a "Free" Notary Workshop on


Saturday, December 1, 2012
 9:30am - 11:30am

at

Lake City Bank
West 96th Street
Indianapoolis, IN

Topics cover will be

Networking
Marketing
Social Media
Filing Taxes, etc.

Notary Supplies will be on hand for sale.  Refreshments will be available also.
 
Hope to see you there.
 
Join us on Saturday, November 17, 2012 for the first
Maryland Notary Public Day!
Prince George's Community College
301 Largo Road
Largo, Maryland 20774
Room - Marlboro Hall 1097
FREE to all Notaries Public
8:30 a.m. - Check-in
9:00 a.m. - General Session
11:30 a.m. - Classes
1:00 p.m. - Close
fiftydollars
Jeopardy Contestants - $50 Gift Certificate for
Each Contestant on the Winning Team!!
Click here for more information.
Click here to print class flyer. Click here to print class registration form. Click here to print PGCC campus map. Click here to print directions to PGCC.
The first Notary Public Day in Maryland will be held on November 17, 2012 at Prince George's Community College. There will be a special video presentation from Secretary of State, The Honorable John P. McDonough. Guest speakers include Deputy Secretary of State, The Honorable Peter Fosselman, the 2010 National Notary Association Notary of the Year, Daniel Lewis from Carmel Indiana, and the Immediate Past President of Maryland Land Title Association, Nancy Gusman, Esq.
Six free workshops will be presented on Notary Public and Notary Signing Agent procedures and related fields for prospective (you do not have to be a Notary Public), new, and seasoned Notaries Public and Notary Signing Agents.

There will be an opportunity to:
  • Receive highlights of the 2012 National Notary Association Conference
  • Refresh Notary skills through America’s favorite quiz show, Jeopardy!
  • Meet other industry leaders in the field
  • Attend 2 out of 6 workshops after the general session
    Check back for a list of the class topics.
To register for Maryland First Notary Public Day (GEN365[Syn#56741]):
1. Click here to print class registration form or register online at www.pgcc.edu
2.Fax registration form to:
Mary Jane Shearer
c/o Workforce Development Continuing Education (WDCE)
301-386-7502
or
3.Mail to:
Records and Registration
c/o Prince George's Community College
301 Largo Road
Largo, Maryland 20774
Sec of State
John P. McDonough
The Honorable Secretary of State

DepSecofStatePeter Fosselman
The Honorable Deputy Secretary of State

National Notary Association 2010 Notary of The Year
Daniel Lewis, from Carmel, Indiana, will join us and share tips on being a Notary Signing Agent and other Income Opportunities for Notaries
When Daniel Lewis of Carmel, Indiana, was named the National Notary Association’s 2010 Notary of the Year, he was already a successful Notary Signing Agent and Notary educator. But since receiving the honor, business has really taken off.
“I’m having a record year,” Lewis said in a recent interview. Specifically, he has expanded his business from taking mobile Notary assignments and teaching continuing education classes for other Signing Agents to offering a national scheduling service for other mobile Notaries.
“Being Notary of the Year helped me establish the scheduling service,” he said. “It’s a very strong appeal for potential clients.”
Part of Lewis’ business success stems from the fact that he has never limited himself to just mortgage- and real estate-related assignments. When the market slumped, he started performing business inspections for insurance companies. And he takes that same approach with his scheduling service.
To view this article in its entirety, visit http://nationalnotary.org/bulletin/Bulletin_Articles/celebrating_the_2010_notary_of_the_year_daniel_lewis.html.
Daniel Lewis
Daniel Lewis
2010 NNA Notary of the Year
Nancy Gusman
President, Maryland Land Title Association
Message on The State of the Real Estate/Mortgage Industry
Nancy Gusman is the Immediate Past President of Maryland Land Title Association and has chaired the Education Committee for many years. Since 1986, Nancy Gusman has developed her career in law, first as a general practitioner and then developing an expertise and specializing in real estate law and mortgage financing. She has worked in general practice law firms, managed offices for several title companies and sat as underwriting counsel for a national title insurance company. She is the Owner of Brick House Title, LLC and GusmanLegal, LLC.
Nancy GusmanNancy Gusman
Immediate Past President
Maryland Land Title Association
Jeopardy Contestants - $50 Gift Certificate for Each Winner!!

fiftydollars
Looking for 16 Contestants to play Notaries' favorite game, Jeopardy. Each contestant on the winning team (4 contestants) will receive a $50 gift certificate redeemable for any Notary class/classes.
If you are interested in becoming a contestant, e-mail Elaine Wright at thedeskofelainewright@comcast.net with subject line: Jeopardy.
Contestants Needed for
Notaries Favorite Game
JEOPARDY
!
Jeopardy
1.Click here to print class registration form or register online at www.pgcc.edu
2.Fax registration form to:
Mary Jane Shearer
c/o Workforce Development Continuing Education (WDCE)
301-386-7502
3.Mail to:
Records and Registration
c/o Prince George's Community College
301 Largo Road
Largo, Maryland 20774

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Full Compliance Deadline For U.S. Mortgage Settlement Standards Now In Effect

Full Compliance Deadline For U.S. Mortgage Settlement Standards Now In Effect: All five major lenders involved in the National Mortgage Settlement now must be in full compliance with the agreement’s rules to prevent “robo-signing”— the widespread improper notarization and document signing abuses that caused the national foreclosure crisis — and more banks are negotiating settlements to resolve claims of wrongdoing.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Safety Tips for Notaries while driving

Feds Charge Hundreds In Nationwide Crackdown On Mortgage Fraud

Feds Charge Hundreds In Nationwide Crackdown On Mortgage Fraud: The U.S. Department of Justice is charging hundreds of people following a year-long investigation of mortgage fraud cases across the country, including “loan modification” scams that often try to recruit unwitting Notaries as accomplices.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Lewis Training Services is offering a workshops this Saturday, September 8, 2012 on

"How to Present Loan Documents(Legally)"

9:00am - 11:00am
or
1:00pm - 3:00pm

at

Indy Coz
7960 Castleway Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46250

We will be covering topics like:

Notary Basics
 Acknowledgements and Jurats
Oaths and Affirmations
Loan Document Presentation
 Marketing your Business
and much more.....

For your convenience, we are offering these workshops at two different times.  Come in the morning or the afternoon session. 



 Cost of these workshops are just $29.00 and is tax deductable.  Seating is limited so pre-registration is required. 

We hope to see you there! 



Monday, August 13, 2012

Notary Workshops

Saturday, August 18, 2012, Michigan City, IN

"Ethics, Bonds and E&O Insurance"
 9:00am - 12:00pm
3 hours CE Approved

"Closing Basics"
12:00pm - 4:00pm
4 hours CE Approved

Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa
777 Blue Chip Drive
Michigan City, IN 46360

Speaker:  NNA 2010 National Notary of the Year, Daniel C. Lewis

$179.00 wth Lunch inclueded.  Pre-registration is required.

Training


Saturday, September 8, 2012, Indianapolis, IN

"Ethics, Bonds and E&O Insurance"
9:00am -12:00pm
3 hours CE Approved

"Closing Basics"
12:00pm - 4:00pm
4 Hoours CE Approved

Indy Coz
7960 Castleway Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46250

Speaker:  NNA 2010 National Notary of the Year, Daniel C. Lewis

$179 Lunch is Included.  Pre-registration required.



August CE Classes

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

August 2012 CE Workshops

Saturday, August 4, 2012, Indianapolis, IN

"Ethics, Bonds and E&O Insurance" - 9:00am - 12:00pm
3 hours of CE Approved

"Closing Basics" - 12:00pm - 4:00pm
4 hours of CE Approved

Indy Coz
7960 Castleway Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46250

Speaker: NNA 2010 National Notary of the Year, Daniel C. Lewis

$179.00 Lunch is included. Pre-registration required.

August CE Classes


Saturday, August 18, 2012, Michigan City, IN

"Ethics, Bonds and E&O Insurance" - 9:00am - 12:00pm
3 hours of CE Approved

"Closing Basics" - 12:00pm - 4:00pm
4 hours of CE Approved

Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa
777 Blue Chip Drive
Michigan City, IN 46360

Speaker: NNA 2010 National Notary of the Year, Daniel C. Lewis

$179.00 Lunch is included. Pre-registration required.

August CE Classes


Daniel C. Lewis is the Managing Partner of Lewis Notary Services Inc. He has been honored by the National Notary Association in 2010 as the 2010 Notary of the Year This is the highest honor a North American Notary can achieve. Mr. Lewis has also been named an Honorary Secretary of State by the Indiana Secretary of State because his community service programs he has organized. A portion of our profits will be donated to local Indiana charities to help build a stronger community.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

How do I become a Notary Public?

It seems like not one day goes by without someone asking the question "How can I become a Notary Public in my area?"  I know other notaries that said they get this same question asked.  For awhile, I would just direct them to the Secretary of State Office in their area.  Now, however, I think there is an easier solution for people who want to become a Notary Public.

Here is a short video that explains:

http://youtu.be/C5tw2Tmw-UE

Being a Notary Public in my area has been very fulfilling.  Whether you want to be a Notary Public in Indiana, California, Florida, New York, Oregon, etc., this video can help you get started.

http://youtu.be/C5tw2Tmw-UE

I hope this helps to get you on your way to becoming a Notary Public in your area. 

After all.....we are all in this together.

Daniel C. Lewis, Managing Partner
Lewis Notary Services Inc.
http://www.lewisnotary.com/
317 403 1282 ofc
317 815 4869 fax

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Indiana does not require Notary Signing Agents to use a Journal of Notarial Acts.  Most notaries in our state don't use a Notary Journal.  As a business professional, I think that not using a Notary Journal is a big mistake. 

This video outlines reasons why you should use a Notary Journal:

http://youtu.be/yuRx0-rtPT4

Several years ago I received a Summons for Notarial Acts I conducted two years prior.  Between the actual time of the Notarial Acts and the Summons I conducted hundreds of other Notarial Acts.  I was very fortunate to have my Journal of Notarial Acts with me the day of the hearing.

For more information on how a Journal of Notarial Acts can help you as a business professional go to:

http://youtu.be/yuRx0-rtPT4

After all......we are all in this together.

Daniel C. Lewis, Managing Partner
Lewis Notary Services Inc.
http://www.lewisnotary.com/
317 403 1282 ofc
317 815 4869 fax

Friday, May 18, 2012

Considering becoming a Notary Public?

Are you a Notary and want to make more money?

Ever have questions about notarizing a certain document?

Questions about what type of ID is acceptable?

What are the laws on how a Notary Public can advertise his/her services?

As a Notary Public, can I be held personally liable for transactions I notarize?

I work for a corporation as a Notary Employee. Can I be held financially responsible for documents I notarize on the job?

These are just a few questions that we have received over the years from people just like you.

This is why Lewis Notary Services Inc. is now offering a Notary Public Class for

A) people who want to become a Notary Public,

B) have recently become a Notary Public or

C) have been a Notary Public for years and want to sharpen their skill set.

The class is called "Notary Basics" and for your convenience classes will be held on

Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 9:30am - 11:00am and on
Saturday, July 7, 2012 at 9:30am - 11:00am - a

Lake City Bank
100 West 96th Street (Corner of 96th and Meridian Street)
Indianapolis, IN 46260

The cost of the class is only $29.00 dollars and will cover topics like

1. How to do I become a Notary Public?
2. What are the Guidelines for Notary Publics in Indiana?
3. How do I renew my commision?
4. What are the Best Practices for Notary Publics?
5. What are the criteria for Notary Publics to conduct Real Estate Closings?
and much more.......

As a Notary Public, you are open to unlimited liability. "Notary Basics" is designed to increase your knowledge while lowering your liability during transactions.

If you are currently doing or considering doing Notary Public work on a regular basis, I would highly recommend this class.
By Daniel C. Lewis, National Notary Association 2010 Notary of the Year

This class in most cases is tax deductable. Seating is limited. Pre-registration is required. Register below today.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Notary Basics

Considering becoming a Notary Public?

Ever have questions about notarizing a certain document?

Questions about what type of ID is acceptable?

What are the laws on how a Notary Public can advertise his/her services?

As a Notary Public, can I be held personally liable for transactions I notarize?

I work for a corporation as a Notary Employee.  Can I be held financially responsible for documents I notarize on the job?

These are just a few questions that we have received over the years from people just like you. 

This is why Lewis Notary Services Inc. is now offering a Notary Public Class for

A) people who want to become a Notary Public, 

B)  have recently become a Notary Public or

C)  have been a Notary Public for years and want to sharpen their skill set. 

The class is called "Notary Basics" and will be held Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 9:30am - 11:00am at:

Lake City Bank
100 West 96th Street (Corner of 96th and Meridian Street)
Indianapolis, IN 46260

The cost of the class is only $29.00 dollars and will cover topics like

1.  How to do I become a Notary Public?
2.  What are the Guidelines for Notary Publics in Indiana?
3.  How do I renew my commision?
4.  What are the Best Practices for Notary Publics?
5.  What are the criteria for Notary Publics to conduct Real Estate Closings?
  and much more.......

As a Notary Public, you are open to unlimited liability.  "Notary Basics" is designed to increase your knowledge while lowering your liability during transactions.

If you are currently doing or considering doing Notary Public work on a regular basis, I would highly recommend this class. 
 By Daniel C. Lewis, National Notary Association 2010 Notary of the Year


This class in most cases is tax deductable.  Seating is limited.  Pre-registration is required.  Register below today.