Stop & Assess: Your Assignment Acceptance Checklist (LSA Peer-to-Peer Guide)

When your phone dings with a new signing offer, the impulse is to hit “Accept” immediately. But a savvy Loan Signing Agent (LSA) knows that a bad assignment can cost you time and profit. Before you commit, pause and run through this essential S.C.O.P.E. Review!

S: Scope of Work & Logistics

You must understand the complexity and the physical demands of the job before you can price it accurately.

• What is the Order Type? (Refinance, Purchase/Sale, Equity/HELOC, Auto Loan, General Notary Work, Reverse Mortgage).
  • Why Ask: Reverse mortgages and purchases/sales are typically larger packages and need more time/skill than a simple Refinance.
• Location & Travel Time:
  • Get the full address, not just the ZIP code.What is the round-trip distance?
  
  
  • Will traffic add significant time to the drive?
  
  
  • Is parking an issue?

  Pro-Tip: Subtract your IRS mileage deduction amount from the fee to find your actual net profit before labor.

• Time Needed:
  • Document Prep: Factor in printing time for a double-tray package (30-60 min).
  • Signing: Estimate the signing time based on the package type (HELOCs are fast; Purchases are longer).

C: Compensation & Payout Terms

This is your business—you must protect your bottom line. Never accept a fee until you confirm the details below.

• What is the Total Fee? Is this negotiable? (Always try!)
• Is it a Gross Fee or a Split Fee? If the company is sub-contracting, confirm what you are getting, not what the client is paying them.
• Net Payout Calculation:
  • Net Payout = Fee – (Print Cost + Toner + Gas/Mileage
• Is the resulting hourly rate worth your time and effort?
• Payment Terms: Crucial! When will you be paid? (e.g., Net 30, Net 45, or Paid at the table/same day via PayPal?).
• Trip/Refusal Fee: What is the policy if the signer refuses to sign or cancels last-minute? Make sure you have a guaranteed non-signing fee.

O: Obligations & Operating Requirements

These requirements dictate how much work you must do after the signing ends.

• Scan-Backs Required? If yes, factor in the time and toner/electricity cost for scanning a 100+ page package promptly after the signing.
• Witnesses Needed? Who is responsible for giving them (you, the title company, or the signer)? This is an immediate fee increase if you need to give one.
• Drop-Off Logistics:
  • When is the Carrier Cut-off Time (FedEx/UPS)? Can you realistically make the drop before the last pickup?
  • If you have to drive an extra 10 miles to a later drop box, factor that into your travel time. Also, consider the extra cost.

P: Parties & Payer Reputation

Protect yourself from non-paying companies. This step is about risk management.

• Who is the Payer? Is it the Title Company, the Escrow Officer, or a Signing Service?
• Do Your Research: If it’s a new company, check reputable industry forums. Look at places like Notary Rotary or Notary Cafe for recent reviews.
• Red Flag Check: Is their offered fee way higher or lower than the local average for that loan type? Extreme outliers are often a sign of issues.

E: Estimated Net Value

Pull it all together. Only accept the assignment if the Estimated Net Value (your money and time) outweighs the calculated effort and risk.

If you can’t quickly answer all these questions, you shouldn’t accept the assignment yet!

🚀 Final Thought: Run Your Business, Don’t Let It Run You

As notaries, we often want to say “yes” to every opportunity. But remember that you are an independent business owner, not just an employee.

By implementing the S.C.O.P.E. Review before accepting any assignment, you are taking control of your profitability. You reduce unnecessary risk. You make sure that every hour you spend on the road and at the table is properly compensated.

Choose wisely, negotiate confidently, and focus on your business efficiency!