A: The concept of having a specialized witness visit a borrower's home or business to expedite loan
signings was unknown before the 1990s. In the past, able-bodied borrowers would have to travel to
a lending, escrow or title office to sign loan papers.
However, record low interest rates, a boom in refinancings, a growing corporate preference for
"out-sourcing" and demands for faster service have changed signing procedures. In today's
competitive loan market, borrowers no longer tolerate the inconvenience of having to leave work or
home to sign loan papers. Therefore, closing or signing agencies contract with Notaries who travel
to the borrower and ensure that the needed documents are correctly and expeditiously signed, dated,
notarized and returned.
