Guide

How Does a Loan Signing Appointment Work?

A step-by-step look at what happens during a refinance or real estate loan signing.

Loan signings are more involved than a typical single-document notarization — they usually involve a large package from a lender or title company, and a Notary Signing Agent (NSA) trained specifically to handle them. Here's what to expect.

Before the Appointment

1. Scheduling — the signing is typically arranged through a title company, escrow officer, or signing service (though borrowers can also book independently for certain document types).
2. Document delivery — the loan package is sent to the notary ahead of time, often the same day or the day before.
3. Print & review — the notary prints the full package and reviews it for completeness before arriving.

During the Appointment

1. ID verification — every signer presents a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID.
2. Signing walkthrough — the notary guides signers through each document, pointing out where signatures, initials, and dates are required. (Note: a notary cannot give legal or financial advice about the loan terms themselves.)
3. Notarization — documents requiring notarization are signed in front of the notary and properly acknowledged with a notary seal.
4. Final review — the notary checks the package for any missed signatures or dates before wrapping up.

After the Appointment

The notary returns the completed package to the title company or lender, typically via overnight shipping or a secure drop-off, depending on their instructions.

How Long Does It Take?

Most loan signings take 45–90 minutes, depending on the size of the package and the number of signers.

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