The Charm of an 8 Year Old

I will admit it. Even though I love my job as a mobile notary, there are days when I would rather be “off the clock” instead of driving to one more location in rush hour traffic. This is quite often the case of a mobile notary; we travel to our client when it best suits their schedule.

Just the other night, I was having one of those evenings, but my mood was soon to be turned from “glum to glad.” I knocked on the door, introduced myself and was invited into my client’s home.  I’m suddenly surrounded by their 3 children who are 3, 5 and 8 years old.  Sweet little kids, but this is not an unusual scenario, as I visit families who have kids quite often in my line of work. Most people who are refinancing their homes are at the tail end of the mortgage refinance process by the time I am introduced to them. They have already spoken to the mortgage loan officer, the closer, the Title Company, etc. Typically, they really want me in and out as soon as possible so they can close the chapter on this part of the transaction and SEAL THE DEAL!

But this family was different in that they were so friendly and engaging! Even though I knew from speaking to the husband earlier, that they had an evening planned full of kiddy activities like gymnastics and baseball practice, they did not seem to be in a rush. I quickly had the signing area set up like I usually do with mom and dad seated before me. Before I knew it the little 8 year old boy was sitting with us at the table. And I guess because I have an adorable 8 year old in my life I was smitten and found him very amusing. I was explaining the 3 day right to cancel process and he found that very interesting indeed. He was also very intrigued by my fingerprint pad so I let him practice on a separate piece of paper writing his signature and giving me a thumb print. He really was a charmer.

The signing appointment was a success. My mood was infinitely brighter than it was before I stepped in the door and I had managed to keep the attentions of an inquisitive 8 year old! I thanked my charming little family and headed on home, seriously thankful for my job. 

The profession that I have chosen really does introduce me to a wide array of clientele and situations. Some of them will stay as fond memories of little children who just think that making a decision to cancel a transaction in 3 days, taking finger prints and signing papers is just a weird and funny thing that adults do before baseball practice.