First Step Financial Services – Policies & Procedures

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At First Step Financial Services, we are committed to delivering professional, reliable, and legally compliant notary, loan signing, apostille, and business credit consulting services. Our policies and procedures are designed to ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and exceptional customer service while adhering to Ohio state laws and industry standards.

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All clients must present a valid, government-issued photo ID at the time of service, and documents must be fully completed before notarization. The signer must be physically present for in-person notarizations, or, if using Remote Online Notarization (RON), they must complete identity verification through an approved platform. Certain documents, such as wills and specific real estate transactions, are not eligible for RON under Ohio law. Additionally, clients requesting mobile notary services should confirm their appointment details in advance, and travel fees may apply based on distance and appointment time. A 24-hour notice is required for cancellations or rescheduling, or a cancellation fee may be assessed.

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For loan signings, we ensure accurate and compliant execution of all real estate documents, including buyer and seller closings, refinances, HELOCs, and reverse mortgages. Loan documents must be signed, initialed, and notarized correctly before being returned to the title company or lender, following all lender-specific guidelines. Completed loan packages will be delivered using a prepaid shipping label or via secure drop-off.

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Clients needing Apostille services can rely on us to notarize and assist with the authentication process through the Ohio Secretary of State. Apostille requests typically take 3-5 business days, and all documents must be properly notarized before submission.

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Our business credit consulting services help entrepreneurs establish and build strong business credit profiles, including DUNS registration, vendor trade line development, and funding strategies. To provide personalized guidance, clients must provide key business details such as EIN, LLC/corporation status, and financial records. All business and personal financial information remains strictly confidential and is used solely for consulting purposes.

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At First Step Financial Services, we prioritize customer satisfaction, security, and professionalism. All client information is treated with strict confidentiality and is never shared, sold, or disclosed without written consent, except as required by law. If an error occurs on our part, we will correct it at no additional charge. Payment for services is due at the time of notarization, and refunds are only issued in cases of overpayment or if a service was not rendered due to our error.

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For any questions regarding our Policies & Procedures, please contact us at tamika.williamsfsfs@gmail.com or 216.220.9991. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and look forward to providing you with trusted, efficient, and professional financial and notary services.