What should I do if a client pre-signs mortgage documents?

My client has come into the office with pre-signed mortgage documents. Are there any steps I need to take?

If any contract or mortgage documents have been pre-signed, you must either:

• verify they were pre-signed in the presence of a witness, or
• have the documents re-signed in your presence

You should take note of all signatures on transaction documents and consider examining and comparing signatures with other available documentation if:

• you notice a discrepancy between signatures on the documentation
• you have concerns about the identity of any of the parties to the transaction
• the transaction is higher risk because it exhibits warning signs of mortgage fraud
• you notice that witness signatures appear to be those of a related party

For details of warning signs and further information, see our practice note on mortgage fraud.