PODCAST · business
Peak Signing Agents
by Derek Van Otten
If you are a notary loan signing agent, or interested in becoming one, this podcast will provide you with tips and information to become a peak signing agent. My name is Derek Van Otten “DVO”, I’m a successful loan signing agent and I own a national signing service.
Episodes
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Accepting Tips as a Notary
Episode 224. Should we as Notaries Public accept tips from signers? I’ll share my personal thoughts on the matter. But as a reminder, always follow your state’s laws. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email: https://linktr.ee/peaksigning Supporting...
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Why the Warranty Deed Lists $10
Episode 223. If you’re asked to notarize a Warranty Deed (WD), a seller might ask you why it lists the price as TEN dollars. On this episode I’ll tell you a little about what a Warranty Deed is, why it says $10, and how I answer their question. The following link will take you to our Podcast…
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Signer Changed Their Name
Episode 222. Oh great, the signer has changed their name. Now the name on the ID does not match the name on the documents. Here are my tips on how I handle that. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email: https://linktr.ee/peaksigning Supporting our...
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Ship the Documents ASAP
Episode 221. Story time! I’ll share a story where a notary did not ship documents, along with tips for all of you. But please everyone is tracking the documents, please ship them out to put everyone at ease. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email:...
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Money Earned is not Money Kept
Episode 220. As self-employed notaries public, most of us do not have taxes withheld from pay checks. So it’s important that we act and do what successful business owners do with their money. I’ll share some examples with you on this episode. The following link will take you to our Podcast links,...
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You’re a Signing Agent, Not a Secret Agent
Episode 219. Don’t be a secret agent like James Bond. You want everyone to know that you are in business as a notary public. I’ll share breaking down mental barriers of being a business owner, and some examples of how to shout from the mountain tops that you are open for business. Please consider...
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Build a Strong Notary Reputation
Episode 218. A key to my business’s growth is from referrals and word of mouth. On this episode I want to stress the importance of building a strong notary reputation. Please consider nominating me as the NNA’s Influencer of the Year by 09/15/2026 here...
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How I Organize My Notary Calendar
Episode 217. An important aspect of our jobs is arriving on time and keeping an eye on our bookkeeping. I’ll share how I organized my calendar as a signing agent, and now as a signing service. Please consider nominating me as the NNA’s Influencer of the Year by 09/15/2026 here...
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Hiring Your Kids for Your Notary Business
Episode 216. I’ve hired both of my kids for my notary business. I’ll list benefits for your business, and for your kids’ future. I’ll also give ideas of some of the work you can hire your kids to do. Please consider nominating me as the NNA’s Influencer of the Year by 09/15/2026 here...
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Notary Service Fees
Episode 215. A common question I see asked is how much to charge for a notarization fee. I’ll share what to follow, how to compare with others, and other items to keep in mind when scheduling the appointment. Please consider nominating me as the NNA’s Influencer of the Year by 09/15/2026 here...
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Are Notary Courses Worth It?
Episode 214. Other than state requirements, notary courses are not mandatory. I’ll share if I think they’re worth it, and what I look for in choosing a notary course. Please consider nominating me as the NNA’s Influencer of the Year by 09/15/2026 here...
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Nicola from the NNA (National Notary Association)
Episode 213. Nicola Jackson has been with the National Notary Association for over 25 years and is currently the Director of Training and Education. She joins me this episode to share the benefits the NNA provides to notaries and signing agents. www.nationalnotary.org Please consider nominating…
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Don’t Create Legal Forms at a Closing
Episode 212. We had a situation where a seller had a difficulty signing paperwork, so the notary create a Power of Attorney legal form so the daughter can sign. Well, we can’t just do that without approval. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email:...
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Here’s Why We Provide Scans
Episode 211. As a notary signing service, I always get asked by notaries if they need to provide scans. The answer is always ‘Yes’, but it’s not just to micro-manage. I’ll share the important reasons why we need scans. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media,...
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Where to Leave Your Notary Business Cards
Episode 210. I’ve received a few referrals from my business cards. So I thought I’d share this episode with ideas of where you can leave your notary business cards. And here’s a link to episode 113, where I shared my opinion on what I put on my business cards....
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Pro Bono Notary
Episode 209. Would you sign for free if it meant more business? This is a thought exercise I would like you to listen to, and to think about as a notary business owner. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email: https://linktr.ee/peaksigning…
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Zoom Scam Targeting Notaries
Episode 208. SCAM ALERT! There is a new scam going around wanting you to jump on a Zoom call to talk about a document to be notarized. I’ll discuss why they want to jump on Zoom, and how you can ask the right questions to verify if it’s fraudulent or not. And make sure to watch or listen to…
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Handling Incorrect Appointment Details
Episode 207. You call to confirm the appointment, but the details are all wrong. Here are my tips on how to professionally handle the situation, and make it less stressful for everyone else. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email:...
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Notary Business is a Last Minute Business
Episode 206. The notary service, like most other services and businesses, is a very last minute business. Meaning new requests and last minute changes will happen. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email: https://linktr.ee/peaksigning Supporting our...
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Canines at Notary Signings
Episode 205. As a mobile notary, you will eventually go to someone’s house that has big dogs. And if you have a fear of them, this is how I would handle the situation professionally before and during the appointment. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media…
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Do Not Cross Sell at the Table
Episode 204. Many notaries public provide other services in their business. But if you’re hired for one service, I don’t recommend cross selling while at the signing. However, you know I’ll provide tips on how to still share your services in a professional way. The following link will take you to...
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Holiday Deals for Notary Equipment
Episode 203. This episode is being released on Memorial Day, because holidays are a great time of the year to look for notary equipment. A lot of in-stores and online will have specials on office equipment and furniture. Along with notary and mobile notary equipment. That’s when I’ve purchased…
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Follow a Notary System
Episode 202. As a 20+ year entrepreneur, I’ve learned to follow systems that have already been put in place by successful individuals in those fields. That’s no different in the notary industry. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email:...
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Whom to Make Checks to
Episode 201. When you come across signers that need to send funds, they’ll need to either use the wiring instructions or make a check. Here’s who they make the check out to. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email: https://linktr.ee/peaksigning...
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My Notary Entrepreneur Tips
Episode 200. I’m sharing the tips I’ve learned during my last 20 years as an entrepreneur. Thanks for joining me on 200 episodes. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email: https://linktr.ee/peaksigning Supporting our sponsors supports the podcast…
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Irene from Phoenix Notary Pro
Episode 199. My friend Irene Rueda from Phoenix Notary Pro, based out of Arizona, joins me for a spectacular episode that you won’t want to miss. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email: https://linktr.ee/peaksigning Supporting our sponsors supports...
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How They Should Sign Their Name
Episode 198. How people sign general notary documents compared to loan signing documents may be different, and it’s important for the notary to know the difference. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email: https://linktr.ee/peaksigning Supporting…
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Keep Your Opinions to Yourself
Episode 197. BIG tip for new notaries, and great reminder for veteran notaries. Keep your opinions to yourself, stay in your lane, and keep your mouth shut. Let me share a story with you on this episode. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email:...
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How to be the #1 Notary
Episode 196. I wanted to share my tips on how I climbed the ranks to become the #1 notary with my clients when they were already working with other notaries. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email: https://linktr.ee/peaksigning Supporting our...
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Package Documents for Shipping
Episode 195. You’ve got everything signed and shipped the documents on time. The last thing you want to hear is half the documents are missing. Here are my tips to package the documents properly. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email:...
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Filter the Online Chatter
Episode 194. There’s A LOT of talk online lately on how YOU should run YOUR notary business. I’m just giving my two cents. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email: https://linktr.ee/peaksigning Supporting our sponsors supports the podcast: Loan...
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Have a Reward System
Episode 193. You work hard, so reward yourself. It not only awards your hard work, but it helps keep you going with purpose. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email: https://linktr.ee/peaksigning Supporting our sponsors supports the podcast: Loan...
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Examples of Why to Keep a Notary Journal
Episode 192. I wanted to share a few real life examples of why I think it’s important to have a notary journal. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email: https://linktr.ee/peaksigning Supporting our sponsors supports the podcast: Loan Signing System...
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Remove Yourself From a Signing
Episode 191. There may be a time when you need to have a signing reassigned. Well there’s a professional and wrong way to do it. Here are my tips to do it the right way. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email: https://linktr.ee/peaksigning…
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Scanbacks Only
Episode 190. Sometimes a client may need a few documents re-signed, or they forgot to include them in a package that they need signed. But they don’t need the originals back, just scanned copies. Well here are my tips on doing it in high quality, and some other important tips. The following link...
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Beware of Notary Email Scams
Episode 189. I’m seeing many scam emails that are targeting notaries. On this important episode, I’m sharing tips on how to spot them and avoid them. Plus, also how to verify the emails with clients. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email:...
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Add These To Your Notary Profile
Episode 188. With the new year upon us, it’s always a nice reminder to update your profile on the signing service platforms. On this episode I have a couple new items I recommend you add. And if you want to watch or listen to my previous episodes on having a great profile, check out episodes 6 &...
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Go Full Time as a Notary
Episode 187. I’m sharing my personal story of how I quit my job to go full time as a Notary Signing Agent. And I encourage you to watch or listen to episodes 49, 50, and 51 on my Pros & Cons series. If you are a student of Complete Notary Mentorship, here is my marketing video:...
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Winter Storm Signings
Episode 186. Winter storms hit every year. This episode contains my tips about being safe, and communicating with clients about possible delays. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email: https://linktr.ee/peaksigning Supporting our sponsors supports...
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Table Top Surfaces
Episode 185. As a mobile notary, you’ll run into many different table top surfaces. Well those table tops can cause issues. Here are my tips on how to handle dirty, uneven, cluttered, or unavailable tables. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email:...
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New Year, New You
Episode 184. I’ll start with some business tips for a new year. And my personal tips to win in life. This is your year to succeed in all areas of your life. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email: https://linktr.ee/peaksigning Supporting our…
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Call to Confirm the Signing
Episode 183. I’m going to share a story of a notary signing agent that did not call to confirm an appointment, and the stress it caused everyone in the transaction. Don’t make this mistake. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email:...
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Shippers Lost the Documents
Episode 182. What do you do if the shippers (UPS or FedEx) lose the documents? It’s happened to me as a signing agent, and as a signing service we see it a lot. Here are my tips on how to handle the situation. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and…
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Avoid Debt to Start Your Notary Business
Episode 181. In my opinion, I don’t believe you need to get into debt to start your notary business. You don’t need a business loan or credit card. I’ll share how I started my notary career, and how I still financially run my notary signing agent business. The following link will take you to our...
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Notary Printer Tips
Episode 180. I recently had my “printer guy” join one of my local meetups. And I want to share the tips he gave to everyone, with all of you. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email: https://linktr.ee/peaksigning Supporting our sponsors supports the...
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Signing Service Fees & Expenses
Episode 179. HOT TOPIC between the fees of Signing Agents and Signing Services. How much is offered, and who has more expenses. I’m going to break it down with my real life examples. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email:...
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Notary Stamp Ink
Episode 178. It’s very important that we have sufficient ink in our notary stamps. I’ll break down the reasons why, especially with loan documents that need to be recorded. Plus I share tips on I make the best stamp impressions. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube…
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Tina from Platinum Notary Services
Episode 177. Tina Scott from Platinum Notary Services based out of Texas will be joining me on this episode. If you want to connect with her, email [email protected]. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email…
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Read the Room
Episode 176. It’s important to learn how to read the room as a professional that helps people sign loan documents. I’ll share a story where I did not read the room right (yikes). The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email: https://linktr.ee/peaksigning...
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Bill from Sign Docs Today
Episode 175. My good friend Bill Zuniga from Sign Docs Today is joining us this episode. You can connect with him through social media @signdocstoday and email [email protected]. The following link will take you to our Podcast links, YouTube, social media, and email:...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
If you are a notary loan signing agent, or interested in becoming one, this podcast will provide you with tips and information to become a peak signing agent. My name is Derek Van Otten “DVO”, I’m a successful loan signing agent and I own a national signing service.
HOSTED BY
Derek Van Otten
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