Title Companies and Mobile Notaries
The question that sparked the most discussion at our recent Notary2Pro monthly roundtable wasn’t just about notarial procedures or document requirements—it was about business stability: “Is it possible to be a mobile notary on retainage with a title company?” This question resonates with both new and experienced notaries across the country who are seeking to transform unpredictable, one-off assignments into reliable income streams. While many mobile notaries chase individual signing opportunities, the professionals who build sustainable businesses understand the power of consistent relationships with title companies.
Can Mobile Notaries Work on Retainer with Title Companies?
During our most recent monthly roundtable discussion, an attendee posed this exact question, seeking insights into how to develop more stable working relationships in the industry. Our faculty expert, Tamika Harris, provided valuable guidance that we wanted to share with our broader community.
According to Tamika: “While it’s not common for title companies to keep mobile notaries on formal retainage, some do maintain a preferred notary list or work with notaries on a consistent basis. This usually depends on the company’s volume of closings and whether they prefer to work with familiar, reliable notaries.”
This insight highlights an important distinction in the industry. Rather than formal retainer agreements, most title companies operate with a network of trusted notaries they can call upon when needed. Getting on these preferred lists can be the key to establishing a more predictable workflow.
Strategies for Building Lasting Relationships with Title Companies
Building relationships with title companies doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right approach, you can position yourself as a go-to professional for their notary needs. Tamika outlined several effective strategies during our roundtable:
1. Direct Marketing to Decision Makers
Taking a proactive approach to marketing yourself directly to title companies and escrow officers can set you apart from the competition. This might include:
- Creating professional marketing materials specifically tailored to title companies
- Scheduling brief introduction meetings with escrow officers or closing departments
- Following up with thank you notes after initial meetings
- Providing clear information about your availability, service area, and specializations
Remember that title companies are looking for reliable professionals who can represent them well in front of their clients. Your marketing should emphasize your professionalism, reliability, and understanding of the closing process.
2. Demonstrating Reliability and Flexibility
In the fast-paced world of real estate transactions, timing can be everything. As Tamika emphasized, “being available for last-minute signings can set you apart.”
Title companies often face unexpected scheduling changes or urgent closing needs. The notary who can accommodate these requests becomes incredibly valuable to them. Consider:
- Having clear systems for handling urgent requests
- Being honest about your availability while maintaining healthy boundaries
- Creating contingency plans for high-volume periods
- Communicating promptly about your availability
Graduates of our Updated Elite Loan Signing Agent Course understand that flexibility doesn’t mean being available 24/7, but rather having efficient systems that allow you to respond quickly when opportunities arise.
3. Delivering Consistent, Error-Free Work
Perhaps the most crucial factor in building lasting relationships with title companies is the quality of your work. Tamika highlights the importance of providing “consistent, error-free work to establish trust and credibility.”
At Notary2Pro, we emphasize attention to detail throughout our training programs. Our Updated Elite Loan Signing Agent Course specifically focuses on:
- Understanding complex loan documents and their proper execution
- Implementing quality control procedures to catch common errors
- Professional presentation of documents
- Clear communication with signers to ensure understanding
- Proper notarial procedures that protect all parties involved
Title companies that know they can count on your thoroughness and accuracy will return to you again and again, as each error-free closing builds their confidence in your services.
4. Maintaining Regular Communication
The final strategy Tamika recommends is to “follow up periodically to stay top-of-mind for future assignments.”
Staying visible without being intrusive requires a delicate balance. Some effective follow-up strategies include:
- Quarterly check-in emails or calls
- Sharing relevant industry updates or changes in notary law
- Announcing expanded service areas or hours
- Sending holiday or seasonal greetings
- Providing testimonials or success stories from mutual clients
Building these relationships requires consistency and professionalism at every touchpoint.
Creating a Sustainable Notary Business
While formal retainer arrangements may be rare, establishing yourself as a preferred notary for multiple title companies can create a steady flow of assignments that resembles being on retainer.
As Tamika advised during our roundtable: “If you’re looking for a steady flow of work, it may be worth discussing options with local title companies to see if they’d be open to an ongoing working relationship.”
Some notaries have successfully negotiated arrangements where they block specific days or times for particular title companies, ensuring they’re available when those companies typically need services. Others have developed relationships where they’re the first call for certain types of transactions or locations.
At Notary2Pro, our Updated Elite Loan Signing Agent Course prepares notaries not just for the technical aspects of loan signings but also for the business development strategies that lead to sustainable success. We teach notaries how to position themselves as valuable partners to title companies rather than interchangeable service providers.
Taking the Next Step
Building strong relationships with title companies requires a combination of technical expertise, professional reliability, and strategic business practices. While formal retainer arrangements may not be the norm, becoming a preferred notary can provide many of the same benefits in terms of consistent work and income.
If you’re looking to strengthen your relationships with title companies or expand your notary business, consider enrolling in our Updated Elite Loan Signing Agent Course. We provide comprehensive training on both the technical and business aspects of being a successful mobile notary across the USA.
Our monthly roundtable discussions, like the one where Tamika shared these insights, are just one of the many ways we support our community of professionals in building thriving notary businesses.
Remember, in the words of our expert faculty member Tamika Harris, success in this industry comes from “marketing yourself directly,” offering “reliability and flexibility,” providing “consistent, error-free work,” and following up “periodically to stay top-of-mind.” With these principles and proper training, you can build the steady relationships that form the foundation of a successful mobile notary career.
Want to learn more about building a thriving mobile notary business? Visit Notary2Pro.com to explore our Updated Elite Loan Signing Agent Course and join our community of successful notary professionals across the USA.