What Title Companies Really Want From Notaries: Insights From Tom Hoehn, "The Title Guy"

When people think about building a successful notary business, they often focus on certifications, marketing, or finding more signing assignments. While those things matter, understanding what title companies actually value can make an even bigger difference.

In this interview, I sat down with Tom Hoehn, better known as Tom"The Title Guy," to talk about what separates memorable notaries from everyone else. With more than four decades in the title industry, Tom has built a nationally recognized brand while generating most of his business online.

Our conversation covered everything from branding and social media to customer service, follow-up etiquette, and why personality still matters in a business built on paperwork.

Branding Is What Makes You Memorable

One of the biggest lessons Tom shared was surprisingly simple.

People remember brands.

Rather than blending in with every other title professional, Tom built his entire identity around "The Title Guy." From his shirts to his social media profiles, everything consistently reinforces that brand.

His advice applies just as well to notaries.

If your online presence looks different across every platform, clients have a harder time remembering you. A recognizable photo, consistent messaging, and a clear specialty help people connect your name with your service.

Branding is not about having the fanciest logo. It is about becoming recognizable.

Social Media Works When You Show Your Personality

Tom estimates that roughly 85% of his business comes from online marketing, proving that experience and technology can absolutely work together.

One point he emphasized is that many professionals hesitate to create content because they worry about looking too casual or unprofessional.

Instead, he encourages people to lean into what makes them unique.

He shared examples of helping clients build memorable brands around things that already existed in their lives, including:

• A Realtor whose pet pig became part of their marketing.

• A mortgage professional who featured her young son in educational videos.

• A veteran who built his brand around his military background.

The goal is not to copy someone else's content.

The goal is to create something people actually remember.

Humor Can Build Stronger Relationships

Real estate can be stressful.

Tom believes adding humor to your content makes you more approachable and helps people connect with you on a personal level.

Not every client will appreciate your personality, and that is okay.

Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, focus on attracting the clients who genuinely enjoy working with you.

Authenticity builds stronger relationships than trying to sound perfectly professional all the time.

What Title Companies Want From Notaries

For notaries hoping to receive more assignments from title companies, Tom offered a refreshingly honest perspective.

Technical skills are expected.

What often makes a bigger difference is the signing experience you create.

Title companies appreciate notaries who:

• Make clients feel comfortable.

• Answer questions appropriately within their role.

• Keep the signing organized.

• Create a positive experience instead of rushing through documents.

• Leave borrowers feeling confident about what just happened.

Buying or selling a home can be overwhelming.

A friendly, patient notary can significantly improve the entire closing experience.

The Best Way to Introduce Yourself to a Title Company

Many notaries wonder how they should approach title companies for work.

Tom recommends keeping it simple.

Reach out through social media or another professional channel with a short introduction that includes:

• Your service area

• Your experience and credentials

• What you take pride in as a notary

• An invitation to connect if they ever need coverage

The message should be straightforward and professional.

Avoid making it feel like a sales pitch.

Should You Follow Up?

This part of our conversation led to some laughs.

Tom admitted he personally prefers people not to repeatedly follow up with him because he has an excellent memory and finds constant reminders frustrating.

However, he also acknowledged that most professionals are different.

For the majority of title companies, polite follow-up is still appropriate.

The key is moderation.

A thoughtful follow-up after some time has passed keeps you on someone's radar without becoming overwhelming.

Why Closing Documents Often Arrive at the Last Minute

One of the biggest frustrations for mobile notaries is receiving loan documents just before the appointment.

Tom explained that title companies are often blamed for delays that actually begin earlier in the lending process.

Mortgage companies frequently operate with limited staffing, especially during busy refinancing periods.

By the time documents reach the title company, everyone is working under tight deadlines.

Understanding this helps notaries see the bigger picture.

The delays usually are not intentional, and title companies often experience the same frustration.

Customer Service Builds Long-Term Relationships

Tom has worked with many of his clients for decades.

One reason is simple.

He makes himself available.

Whether answering questions late at night or solving difficult closing situations, he focuses on helping clients when they need him most.

While every business owner should establish healthy boundaries, the larger takeaway is clear.

People remember professionals who solve problems.

Reliable service often becomes your strongest marketing tool.

Remote Online Notarization Continues to Grow

We also discussed Remote Online Notarization (RON) and how it fits into today's real estate transactions.

Tom explained that while some lenders remain cautious because of fraud concerns, more organizations are gradually embracing RON technology.

For sellers, especially those located out of state, Remote Online Notarization can eliminate delays and simplify the closing process.

As more lenders and underwriters adopt digital solutions, RON will likely continue expanding across the industry.

Final Thoughts

Speaking with Tom Hoehn reminded me that success in the notary and title industries is not just about technical knowledge.

It is about relationships.

Strong branding, genuine customer service, thoughtful communication, and creating a positive signing experience all help you stand out in a competitive market.

Whether you're just starting your notary business or looking to strengthen relationships with title companies, focusing on how people remember working with you may be your greatest advantage.

If you want more interviews with experienced professionals from across the real estate and notary industries, be sure to explore the rest of the resources here on NotarySWFL.