Your Deal, Our Seal - Resource Guide

Resource Guide

Your questions answered, your concerns addressed, and your appointment experience simplified.

At Your Deal, Our Seal, we believe an informed client is a confident client. This resource guide was created to walk you through everything you need to know before, during, and after your appointment. You will find helpful tips, frequently asked questions, and detailed explanations of our services right here. We want every client to feel prepared, comfortable, and confident every step of the way.

What Is a Notary?

A notary (or notary public) is a state‑commissioned official authorized to verify identities, witness signatures, and perform notarial acts that help prevent fraud. A notary’s primary role is to ensure that documents are signed willingly, knowingly, and by the correct individual.

Notaries do this by:

Confirming your identity with valid, government‑issued ID

Ensuring you understand what you are signing

Witnessing your signature when required

Completing the appropriate notarial certificate (such as an acknowledgment or jurat)

Maintaining impartiality and following state laws

Notaries are essential for many legal, financial, and real estate transactions because their seal adds a layer of trust, authenticity, and legal protection to your documents.

What Is Remote Online Notarization (RON)?

Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows you to complete your notarization from anywhere using a secure, real time audio‑video session. No in‑person meeting is required. This method is fully legal in Texas and ideal for clients who are traveling, located out of state, have mobility limitations, or simply prefer the convenience of handling important documents from home. Your Deal, Our Seal is fully certified to perform RON services, ensuring a secure, compliant, and efficient online notarization experience.

What Is a Loan Signing Agent?

A Loan Signing Agent is a notary who is specially trained to handle and execute real estate loan documents. This includes mortgage closings, refinances, HELOCs, seller packages, and other lender related transactions.

Loan Signing Agents ensure that:

All documents are properly signed, initialed, and dated

Borrowers understand the purpose of each document (without providing legal advice)

Lenders and title companies receive complete, accurate, and error‑free packages

The signing process remains professional, compliant, and efficient

As a certified Loan Signing Agent, Your Deal, Our Seal provides reliable support for title companies, lenders, and borrowers, ensuring smooth and timely closings.

What Is a Field Inspection?

A Field Inspection is an on-site verification service where a trained inspector visits a property or location to document its condition, occupancy, or compliance on behalf of a lender, insurance company, or business. Field inspections often include taking photographs, confirming occupancy, verifying business operations, checking property maintenance, or gathering other required information.

These inspections help organizations make informed decisions, prevent fraud, and maintain accurate records. As an independent field inspector, Your Deal, Our Seal provides timely, reliable, and professionally documented reports to support lenders, insurers, and property managers.

What Is an I-9 Verification?

An I‑9 verification is the process of completing Form I‑9, a federal document required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Every employer must complete this form to verify a new employee’s identity and authorization to work in the United States.

The process includes:

Employee Section: The employee provides personal information and attests to their work eligibility.

Document Verification: The employee must present acceptable identification, such as a passport, or a combination of documents like a driver’s license and Social Security card.

Employer or Authorized Representative Section: The employer, or a designated representative like a notary acting as an employer’s agent, reviews the documents and completes the verification.

Notaries do not notarize the I‑9 form. Instead, they act as an authorized representative for the employer to visually inspect the documents and complete Section 2.

What Is Ink Fingerprinting?

COMING SOON

Ink fingerprinting is a traditional method of capturing fingerprints using black ink and a standard fingerprint card. During the process, each finger is carefully rolled in ink and then onto the card to create clear, accurate prints that meet agency or employer requirements.

Ink fingerprinting is commonly required for:

Background checks

Licensing and certification applications

Employment verification

Out‑of‑state or federal submissions

Professional registrations (healthcare, security, education, etc.)

Many government agencies, licensing boards, and employers still require inked fingerprint cards, especially the standard FD‑258 card. They provide a reliable, universally accepted format.

What to Bring to Your Notary Appointment?

Arriving fully prepared ensures your notarization is completed efficiently and without delays. To help your appointment go smoothly, please have the following items ready:

A valid, government‑issued photo ID

Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, state ID, passport, military ID, or other government‑issued identification that is current and unexpired. The ID must clearly display your photo, signature, and identifying information.

The documents requiring notarization

Bring the original, unsigned documents you need notarized. Please do not sign anything in advance. Your signature must be witnessed by the notary unless the document specifies otherwise.

Any required witnesses

Some documents, such as wills or certain affidavits, require one or more witnesses in addition to the notary. If witnesses are needed, please arrange for them to attend with you or confirm in advance whether witness services are available.

Supporting documentation (if applicable)

If you are signing on behalf of a business, trust, or another individual, bring any proof of authority such as a Power of Attorney, corporate resolution, or trust certification.

Payment for services

Be prepared with the appropriate payment method for notarization, travel fees, or additional services.

If you’re unsure about what you need, we encourage you to contact us before your appointment. We’ll review your situation and guide you step by step to ensure you arrive fully prepared and your notarization is completed without complications.

Why You Should Never Sign Your Document Before Your Appointment?

Signing too early is one of the most common issues that causes delays or rejected documents. Many notarizations, especially jurats, affidavits, and certain real estate documents, require you to sign in the physical or virtual presence of the notary.

If you sign beforehand:

The notary may be legally unable to complete the notarization

The document may be considered invalid by the receiving agency

You may need to reprint, resign, and restart the entire process

To avoid complications, always bring your documents unsigned, unless your notary has specifically instructed you otherwise. Your notary will guide you on when and where to sign during the appointment.

What Is the Difference Between an Acknowledgment and a Jurat?

Acknowledgments and jurats are the two most common notarial acts, and each serves a distinct legal purpose. Understanding the difference helps ensure your document is completed correctly and prevents delays during your appointment.

Acknowledgment

An acknowledgment is used when you have already signed, or will sign, a document, and you appear before the notary to confirm that the signature is yours and that you signed the document voluntarily.

The notary verifies your identity, but you do not have to sign in front of the notary. This act is commonly used for deeds, contracts, and other documents involving property or authority.

Jurat

A jurat requires you to sign the document in the notary’s presence and to take an oath or affirmation stating that the information in the document is true.

This act is typically used for affidavits, sworn statements, and documents that require a declaration of truthfulness.

Knowing which act your document requires ahead of time ensures the notary can perform the correct procedure and helps your appointment move smoothly and efficiently.

What Is a Power of Attorney and When Do You Need One?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows one person (the principal) to grant another person (the agent or attorney‑in‑fact) the authority to act on their behalf. The level of authority can be broad or limited, depending on the type of POA.

You may need a Power of Attorney when:

You want someone to handle financial matters for you

You are unavailable or unable to sign important documents

You need someone to manage real estate transactions, banking, or business affairs

You want to designate a trusted person to make decisions if you become incapacitated (for certain types of POA)

Common types include General POA, Durable POA, Limited/Special POA, and Medical POA. Each serves a different purpose, and requirements vary depending on the situation.

A notary’s role is to verify your identity, witness your signature, and ensure you are signing willingly and knowingly. We are not to provide legal advice. If you’re unsure which type of POA you need, it’s best to consult an attorney before your appointment.

What Are Advance Directives and Why Do They Matter?

Advance Directives are legal documents that outline your medical preferences in the event that you become unable to communicate your wishes yourself. These documents typically include Living Wills, which specify the types of medical treatment you do or do not want, and Medical Powers of Attorney, which designate a trusted person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf.

Having your Advance Directives properly notarized ensures that your instructions are legally recognized and can be followed by healthcare providers, hospitals, and loved ones. These documents provide clarity during critical moments, reduce confusion, and help ensure that your personal values and medical choices are honored with confidence and respect.

How to Prepare for a Real Estate Closing?

A real estate closing is an important milestone, and being well‑prepared helps ensure the process is smooth, efficient, and stress‑free. Before your appointment, make sure you have the following:

A valid, government‑issued photo ID

Your lender or title company will require proper identification. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or other government‑issued ID that is current and unexpired.

All documents requested by your title company or lender

This may include closing disclosures, settlement statements, payoff information, or any additional forms they have provided. Bring the original documents and keep them organized for easy review.

Certified funds or wire transfer confirmation (if applicable)

If funds are required at closing, confirm the exact amount with your title company and bring a certified check or proof of a completed wire transfer. Never initiate a wire without verifying instructions directly with the title company to avoid fraud.

Time to review your documents in advance

While your signing agent will guide you through each page, reviewing your documents beforehand helps you understand what you’re signing and allows the appointment to move quickly and efficiently.

Your signing agent will walk you through the entire package, ensure all signatures and initials are completed correctly, and answer general questions about the signing process (without providing legal or financial advice). Arriving prepared helps ensure a smooth, timely, and successful closing.

Can a Notary Help With Travel Consent for a Child?

Yes. When a child is traveling domestically or internationally without one or both parents, many airlines, border authorities, and foreign countries require a notarized travel consent letter. This document confirms that the non‑traveling parent or legal guardian has granted permission for the trip, helping prevent delays, questioning, or denied entry.

A notarized consent letter provides:

Proof of parental authorization

Added security for the child and accompanying adult

Compliance with airline and international travel requirements

Peace of mind during your travel process

Your Deal, Our Seal can notarize your travel consent letter quickly and professionally, ensuring you have the proper documentation before your child’s trip.

What Happens if I Have the Wrong ID at My Notary Appointment?

A notary is legally required to verify your identity before completing any notarization. This protects you, the transaction, and the integrity of the document. To meet state requirements, you must present a current, government‑issued photo ID that clearly shows your name, photograph, and identifying information.

Acceptable forms of identification typically include:

A state‑issued driver’s license

A state identification card

A U.S. or foreign passport

A military ID or other government‑issued photo ID (if permitted by state law)

If your ID is expired, damaged, unreadable, or does not match the name on your document, the notary may be unable to proceed. In these cases, your appointment may need to be rescheduled or credible witness identification may need to be discussed.

To avoid delays, always double check your ID before your appointment to ensure it is valid, unexpired, and matches the name on your documents.

Why Hiring a Certified Notary Protects You?

Not all notaries offer the same level of training, professionalism, or accountability. Working with a certified and background‑screened notary ensures that your documents are handled with accuracy, confidentiality, and full compliance with state laws and industry standards.

A certified notary provides:

Higher accuracy and fewer errors

Mistakes on notarized documents, especially loan packages, real estate forms, or legal paperwork, can lead to delays, rejected filings, or costly corrections. Certification demonstrates advanced training and a commitment to precision.

Enhanced professionalism and security

Background screening and ongoing education help ensure that your notary is trustworthy, knowledgeable, and equipped to manage sensitive information responsibly.

Compliance with lender and title company requirements

Many financial institutions require certified notaries or certified loan signing agents to ensure documents are executed correctly the first time.

Confidence and peace of mind

When you choose a certified professional like Your Deal, Our Seal, you can trust that your documents are completed accurately, securely, and in accordance with all legal requirements.

Hiring a certified notary is an investment in protecting your time, your documents, and your peace of mind.

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