Notarize Blog

When the pandemic hit early last year, it shook employment numbers across industries. At first, the employment losses across the workforce could largely be attributed to the pandemic's logistical disruptions, as companies scrambled to keep staff while simultaneously trying to move to remote operations. But as the pandemic wears on 2 years later, people are quitting at higher rates — and for different reasons. Four million workers quit their jobs in July 2020, leading to what many are calling the Great Resignation.

2021 was a momentous year for remote online notarization (RON), but as we prepare to ring in 2022, New York helped us close out the year with a bang. On December 22, Governor Kathy Hochul signed A399B/S1708C, becoming the 38th state in the country to pass a RON law. 

There are only a few days left in 2021, which means there’s no better time to pause and reflect on the year that’s been.

It’s that time of year where getting business done is a little bit tricky — from people traveling for the holidays to wintery weather, to health concerns regarding the newest wave of Covid – but the show must go on. For loan officers and agents, that means offering your borrowers and buyers the opportunity to complete their transactions virtually.

For many Americans, going to a car dealership and haggling over a purchase ranks right up near negotiating an insurance bill or getting a root canal. Many buyers dread the hours spent treading from the car lot to the finance office, negotiating with sales reps working on commission, and filling out reams of paperwork. But for decades, few saw any other option. 

The pandemic shifted consumer banking online - and it isn’t going back. In 2021, three quarters of US adults banked online, including many new customers that opened accounts, downloaded mobile banking apps and established new habits that offer more convenience and flexibility.

Law firms are known for rigorous work schedules, long hours at the office, and mandatory in-person appearances in the courtroom. Culturally and logistically, it's not a profession that many thought could transition easily to remote work. But when COVID hit in March 2020, firms had to do just that — and nearly half moved from office to home in just one day. 

The season of giving is upon us and in lieu of yet another, virtual holiday party – Notarize has instead looked for ways to invest those funds into giving back to our local communities. 

Last year, more than two thirds of people used an online mortgage application. With so many people starting the mortgage process online, it was only a matter of time before there would be demand for the entire mortgage process to become digital. The pandemic has accelerated the trend towards online closing. Covid required more remote transactions, and the demand for  online mortgages shot way up. The FHFA reported the government sponsored entities (GSEs) expect online mortgage purchases to increase through 2021. And, once people experience the convenience of online mortgages and recommend lenders with online mortgage capabilities to their friends and family, the demand will only continue.

Notarizations play a critical role in helping companies conduct business and supporting individuals through life’s most important moments.