At Willow Bend Title we strive to support local businesses that help people achieve the "American Dream" of home ownership. We spotlight and interview representatives of these businesses to help our clients and partners become aware of the services they can provide for them.
When it comes to mobile real estate closings, we know first hand that partnering with a reliable notary team is a key component to a successful transaction. So for this WBT Spotlight, we sat down with Terra Helus, the National Notary Scheduler at The Notary Ink. With a background as a former Escrow Assistant, Terra knows first hand what is expected from their real estate partners and as their first line of contact she deciphers what is needed to schedule and provide the smoothest signing process possible for their clients.
Q: Can you share with us the backstory of how you started as the Scheduler for The Notary Ink and what valuable services you provide to the real estate industry?
"I met April and Kara (owner’s of The Notary Ink) in 2016 when I started my very first job in the title industry. The Escrow Officer I was assisting informed me that April and Kara were OUR notary girls and to expect to see them A LOT! From that point on, I had the pleasure to get to know them both and we were able to become familiar with how each other worked. So, in October 2020, after a discussion involving one or two Mambo Taxis, I began working alongside April and Kara to expand their business from a local signing service into a nationwide signing service that covers all 50 states. As a former Escrow Assistant and funder, I know the expectations our clients (the title companies) have and the different situations they face when it comes to getting a transaction closed and funded. Whether it be a cash purchase signing or a situation involving a couple Affidavit of Heirships and 10 signers in 6 different states, The Notary Ink is equipped to handle any signing."
Q: Is there anything unique or specific that you implement that helps to streamline the closing process for real estate professionals and their clients?
"Snapdocs is the platform we chose to use shortly after we expanded into the national market and I have to say, it was a GAME CHANGER!! This platform allows us, as well as our clients, to manage all of the signings in one user-friendly location. This allows us to be more proactive and catch any issues that may cause a delay in funding. Once the signing is completed and the signing agent has uploaded the executed documents into Snapdocs, we review the documents for any errors or inconsistencies."
Q: In your opinion, what value does The Notary Ink bring to the table specifically for homeowners?
"At The Notary Ink, we understand a smooth signing process is exactly what the customer needs to make them feel at ease in what may be the biggest financial transaction in their life. We have access to a network of exceptional notaries in all 50 states at our fingertips. However, in my opinion, the most exceptional signing agents are right here in DFW. When April & Kara started this business, it was just the two of them. Since then, they have grown their team to 8 local signing agents who have each been trained personally by April and Kara. Each of these ladies are amazing at what they do and has a clear understanding of each of the documents being presented at signing. They make my job easier."
Q: Do you have a memorable story involving a notary appointment or real estate transaction that you would like to share with our readers?
"Sooooo many stories! The stories I have been told by signing agents over the years have ranged from light hearted instances with a signer to some of the most awkward moments I can fathom - truly cringeworthy. They could probably write a book. One of the funnier, but more PG stories is when one of our local gals went out to do a signing on a houseboat and proceeded to be attacked by the signers free range parrot. She laughed about it, so now we can laugh about it."
Q: What inspires you as a woman in the real estate industry? Any advice for others starting out? Any challenges you have faced and overcome?
"From starting off as a receptionist at a title company in 2016, all the way up until now, I have had the privilege to meet so many hard working women in this industry, it is hard not to be inspired.
What I have learned from these women, is if you work hard and are able to remain teachable, you can accomplish anything. Being able to set your pride aside and take responsibility when something does not go as planned, is not a weakness, it is a superpower."
Q: When you are not busy scheduling notaries for The Notary Ink what other types of things do you like doing/supporting in our Texas communities?
"I love getting together with friends (old and new), cheering on K-State Wildcats in basketball and football, and practically anything outdoorsy. My husband and his buddy own and run North Texas Cornhole League (yes, this is a real thing) and I enjoy helping him run that. We have met so many incredible people through the league who have become great friends and we continue to do so."
Q: Does The Notary Ink have any exciting projects, news or events coming up that you would like to share?
"Nothing new, we just continue to work hard to make our clients proud and make sure we are providing the best service we can. We love getting feedback and suggestions, good or bad, so we can tailor our services to better serve our clients."
Connect with Terra Helus and The Notary Ink:
Interested in working with and/or networking with Terra and The Notary Ink? Use the links below to connect with them and locate them on our Local Business Recommendation Map. Don't forget to tell them Willow Bend Title sent you!
Who would you like to see in our next WBT Spotlight? Contact us and let us know what they provide, what makes them unique and why they are an integral part of Texas home ownership!