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Refinancing Your Home? Here's What to Expect at the Signing Table

December 19, 2024
7 min read
American Notary Services

You've locked in your rate, submitted piles of paperwork, and been "Cleared to Close." Now what? Here's exactly what happens at your refinance signing appointment with a mobile notary.

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Congratulations! You've locked in your rate, submitted piles of pay stubs to the lender, and you've finally been "Cleared to Close."

The only thing standing between you and your new mortgage is the Signing Appointment.

For many homeowners, this part is a bit of a mystery. Do you go to a bank? A law firm? What happens if you have questions?

As a commissioned Loan Signing Agent, I guide homeowners through this process every week. Whether you're cashing out equity to pay off holiday bills or just lowering your monthly payment, here's exactly what you can expect when we meet to sign your papers.

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1. The Location: Your Kitchen Table

Unlike when you bought your home, you typically do not need to go to a Title Company office for a refinance. In fact, most lenders prefer to send a Mobile Notary (that's me!) directly to you.

Where We Meet

We can meet at your home, your office, or even a coffee shop. All we need is:

  • A flat table
  • About 45–60 minutes of uninterrupted time
  • A quiet environment to review documents
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2. The "Big Three" Documents

A refinance package can be 100+ pages long. While every page is important, there are three key documents you'll want to pay special attention to:

1

The Closing Disclosure (CD)

This is the receipt for your loan. It breaks down:

  • Your new interest rate
  • Your monthly payment
  • Exactly how much cash you're getting back (or paying) at closing
2

The Note

This is your "IOU." It's the legal promise that you will pay the money back. This document contains the terms of repayment, interest rate, and what happens if you default.

3

The Deed of Trust

This is the document that puts the house up as collateral for the loan. This is what gets recorded with the County Recorder.

This document legally secures the lender's interest in your property

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3. The "Right to Rescission" (The 3-Day Wait)

This is the #1 Thing That Confuses Borrowers

You will NOT receive your cash-out funds the day we sign!

If you're refinancing your primary residence, federal law gives you a "cooling-off" period. You have 3 business days after signing to change your mind and cancel the loan.

What This Means for You:

You will not receive your cash-out funds the day we sign

The lender cannot release the money until the 4th business day

Example Timeline

1

Monday: We sign your documents

2

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: Your rescission period

Friday: The loan funds!

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4. My Role vs. Your Loan Officer's Role

This is Crucial

As a Notary Signing Agent, I cannot explain "Why." I cannot tell you why your interest rate is X or why your closing costs are Y. I am strictly forbidden from giving financial or legal advice.

What I Can Do:

Verify Your Identity

I'll check your government-issued ID to confirm you are who you say you are

Ensure Perfect Signatures

I'll make sure you sign, date, and initial every document perfectly so the loan doesn't get rejected

Show You Where Your Terms Are

I'll point out where your interest rate, payment amount, and other key terms are listed in the documents

Pro-Tip

Review your "Closing Disclosure" (CD) before our appointment. If you see a number you don't like, call your Loan Officer immediately.

Once I arrive, I can only witness your signature—I cannot change the numbers.

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5. What You Must Bring

To make our appointment smooth, please have these ready:

Unexpired Government ID

A Driver's License or Passport.

If your license expired last week, we cannot proceed. Please check it today!

All Signers Present

If your spouse is on the title, they likely need to be there, even if the loan is only in your name.

Funds to Close (if applicable)

If you owe money to close, have your Cashier's Check or Wire Confirmation ready.

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Ready to Sign?

Refinancing should be a relief, not a stressor. By choosing a professional Mobile Notary, you ensure that your paperwork is handled correctly the first time, so your loan funds on schedule.

Mobile notary services save you time—we come to you

Review your Closing Disclosure before the appointment

Bring valid ID and have all signers present

Remember the 3-day rescission period for primary residences

Need a Notary for Your Refinance?

American Notary Services specializes in error-free loan signings that happen on your schedule. We serve Utah County and Salt Lake County.