Posted by Titans1 TN on 8/10/04 4:34pm
Msg #5879

National Notary Association

I am trying to get my certification from the National Notary Association. I was aware that I had to become a member of the NNA in order to take the exam, but I spoke with someone at their office and they said I had to be a member of the NNA and NSA. Is that right? Aren't they the same people anyway? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Reply by HisHughness on 8/10/04 4:58pm
Msg #5880

National Notary Association does require you to join both NNA and the signing agents section before you can take the certification exam. They want both fees out of you. Any newcomer considering joining the NNA should do a search in this forum for posts about the NNA.

Reply by Titans1 Tn on 8/10/04 5:08pm
Msg #5881

I know what most people on the board think about the NNA, but I need to get certified. I just can't believe that they would ask for two fees, I guess I have to just bite the bullet, because I've got to be certified.

Reply by Stephanie/CA on 8/10/04 6:18pm
Msg #5890

You do have a right to form your own opinion of the NNA.
I joined the NNA when I first got my Notary Public Commission years ago.
Once I learned of taking the role of Notary Public to another level, I took all of the Signing Agent workshops at the 2003 National Notary Association Conference in San Diego.
I took the Certification Exam after the conference, then decided to become a Signing Agent Member.
When it comes to my opinion of the NNA, unlike many others, I have benefited from their organization.
I benefit in one way or another from every organization/association or company that I am associated with, and for me it works. I do consider the information that I receive from all sources, including message boards.
Good luck in your new endeavor.
Stephanie

Reply by Julie-MI on 8/10/04 8:28pm
Msg #5892

Who says you need to be certifed?

My brother and sister have never been certified and have generated business for themselves.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 8/10/04 8:44pm
Msg #5894

If I have to go to the NNA signing agent section for a notary (I do have a signing business), I do not look for certification, as I know there are a lot of NNA signing agent members who never took the certification test through them. A lot of them were certified by NASA (national Association of Signing Agents) which was bought out by the NNA, and they didn't see the need to be re-certified (I didn't re-certify either).
I look at the profiles of the members, and look at their experience, how long they have been a notary etc. I often use non-certified members over certified members, because of the experience. Also I have never been asked by a company if I am certified or not - most don't care whether you are certified or not.

Reply by sue on 8/11/04 7:40am
Msg #5911

I agree but I do think that 'certified' is a marketing tool. I did my first closing 30 years ago and I'm not certified (certifiable but that's another story). I can't imagine anyone hiring a 'certified' notary with no practical experience over me, although there are plenty of companies that do so. But, there are more companies that will pay me almost 3x what those cheaper companies who are only looking for a warm body pay and that's because they want someone that knows their job with hands on experience, not just 'book learned'.

Reply by CA_Notary on 8/11/04 1:41pm
Msg #5934

"Also I have never been asked by a company if I am certified or not - most don't care whether you are certified or not."

This is true. I've never been certified by any of these organizations and it hasn't affected my ability to find work at all.

Reply by Dogmonger, Ca on 8/10/04 8:53pm
Msg #5895

If you want to save some money to pay for the two enrollment

Reply by Dogmonger, Ca on 8/10/04 8:55pm
Msg #5896

and you are familar with loan docs, do not buy the books and

challenge the test. You can take it online for 35.00 and pay for the two enrollments with the money saved from not buying the study materials. That's the way my sister and I did it, was not that difficult. JMHO,,, sorry about the split post

Reply by Dogmonger, ca on 8/10/04 9:03pm
Msg #5897

I resisited signing up for almost two years and recently

took the plunge. My listing with them about 1 or 2 weeks to pay for itself. I have recieved the fees I spent back several times in a very short time. I then challenged the test so that I could test myself, and more importantly move myself up on the NSA listing. It may not be the same for everyone who signs up because of market saturation, but has been a positive expierience for me. I recently upgraded my Notary Rotary listing to a premium membership and am hoping for positive results as well. JMHO:-)

Reply by Titans1 TN on 8/10/04 10:25pm
Msg #5899

Re: I resisited signing up for almost two years and recently

Thanks for the advice Dogmonger, come to think of it, I really can't complain because I was actually given the study materials. So I save some bucks there, and I'm sure the fees will pay for themselves after I get started.

Reply by sarmfield on 8/11/04 12:06am
Msg #5903

NNA signing agent certification study materials

Does anyone have the study materials for sale or loan? I can be contacted at [e-mail address]

Reply by HisHughness on 8/10/04 10:37pm
Msg #5900

Re: I resisted signing up for almost two years and recently

I am certified by NNA, and have been for more than a year. In all that time, my web site has received three -- that's right, three -- visitors from the NNA listing. I've been with NotaryRotary a far shorter time. Despite that, there have been 10 times that many visitors to my web site from NotaryRotary. In that time, I have received, at last count, 359 hits on my NotaryRotary listing. You will note that NNA does not provide you with a count of how many times your listing on the NNA site is visited. There is a reason they don't.

Reply by Andy_WA on 8/10/04 11:52pm
Msg #5901

Re: I resisted signing up for almost two years and recently

I agree with Hugh, you might have answer my question why other sites don't have hit count. I'm a newbie and have been a member here for little over a month. I have 32 hits so far with 11/13 signings from lender & escrow companies who found me here. I'm not even certified.

Reply by Jon on 8/11/04 9:13am
Msg #5920

1. The NNA certification is worthless, they give you incorrect information and take quadruple of your money.(for 2 memberships, 1 worthless book, 1 even more worthless test)

2. I used to work for a signing service reviewing all those faxbacks everyone hates. NNA certified meant that I would have to call to tell them what to correct, and have them argue that I was wrong because "the NNA said so". (I found out that the NNA says completing the RTC is UPL!)

3. If you really want to be certified, realize that there is NO industry standard, so you can be certified from anyone (give me a call, I only charge $25 to certify you, and you don't have to take a test ) Seriously, get your certification from someone who actually knows about loan docs.(The NNA doesn't, they operate soley on heresay and rumor)

4. My advice, who said you have to be certified anyway? If you want to take the exams to increase your knowledge, great, but pick courses that will give you correct knowledge.

Reply by Sea_WA on 8/11/04 5:55pm
Msg #5947

Re: Possible Newbie - Interesting Topic

I have been looking into this business and reading the various posts and it appears that most do not care very much for the NNA. They will be in Seattle August 20th conducting a seminar to become a notary for $150 which includes training, membership/certification, bond, e&o, the works. However, when I looked at their website, Seattle wasn't listed. Hmmm.

Any suggestions?

Thank You In Advance
Sea_WA

Reply by LorraineK/FL on 8/11/04 7:58pm
Msg #5955

Re: Possible Newbie - Interesting Topic

I found this under the seminar heading on NNA website: Washington
Event & Time Location
Seattle (397Q)
Saturday, Aug. 21
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
DoubleTree Hotel
18740 International Blvd.
Driving Directions

Had an option to register by listing.

I went to their seminar in Jacksonville, Florida I thought it was interesting although they went through it very fast. There is a lot to learn in one day, and there reallllly is alot more to learn than they teach - it seemed more like overview quality. I personally felt like I got more out of the book...time to read and digest. But, then I didn't get their certification handbook until after I had attended the seminar. By the way, I've been told that Signing Registry also has a very good training manual, but don't know first hand. You'll probably enjoy the seminar if you decide to attend...the one I was at had a number of the participants that were of course new...but, some already had experience to some degree or were apart of the mortgage industry already in some capacity. The facilitator did encourage networking. It may also be a way to determine if your market is going to be saturated. Good luck!

Reply by NY Notary on 8/11/04 11:02pm
Msg #5966

Re: Possible Newbie - Interesting Topic

The Signing Registry does not provide any instruction on becoming a notary public; it refers you to your state authority for that.

Regarding the NNA, they have a history of giving out the wrong info on notary questions. They are a CALF based COMPANY (forget the .org url). IMHO it is a waste of money to utilize them to become a notary when your state most likely has a downloadable manual to study from (provided your state has an exam).

They will entice you to join both the NNA and Notary Signing Agent Section claiming you will make lots of money if you are "certified" through them. DON'T BELIEVE IT!!!! Most companies out there don't care if you are "certified" (BTW: there is no legally recognized certification for signing agents). Companies look for experienced, level headed agents not someone who is "certified" yet never handled a loan signing before.

To be successful in this business you must first check to see if your coverage area is saturated with agents already. Second you must "learn the ropes". Starting with signing companies to gain the experience is a good idea. Third, marketing is a MUST. And fourth, have the proper equipment (laser printer with PCL 5 or greater, cell phone, pager, internet and e-mail (minimum of 25 mg storage for e-docs) and a good vehicle to get around.

If you have a "day" job, KEEP IT. This business is like a roller coaster ride; there will be dry periods. When you decide to go full time have at least 3 to 4 months of capital available so you can survive.

Reply by LorraineK/FL on 8/11/04 11:10pm
Msg #5968

Re: Possible Newbie - Interesting Topic

My mention of the SR manual was in regard to their signing agent manual, not a notary training course. I'm sorry, I thought they were already a notary and looking to become a SA...my mistake. lk

Reply by Andy_WA on 8/11/04 9:19pm
Msg #5957

Re: Possible Newbie - Interesting Topic

I don't have any personal experience with NNA, but I took my chance taking the advice from the elders on this board regarding NNA. $150 can pay for your notary commission($20), bond($50), E&O($60), and notary supplies($20). I'm not implying that you don't need any training to get your foot into the business. A siminar is just an informative not a learning session...IMO.

BTW, I'm in Orchards/Vancouver-WA. Let me know if I can be of any help. My email is
[e-mail address]

Reply by Roger/OH on 8/11/04 10:31pm
Msg #5962

Re: If you go to the seminar...

Be sure and ask the facilitator what kind of fees you can expect these days. I'd be interested to see what they're telling recruits now. Their print ads went from "Earn $125/hour!!" to "Earn $50 and up!" (unless you work for one of the $40 companies).

I'd add my own view that being "certified" before one has even done their first signing is worthless. You need to have some experience before it has any value at all.

Reply by LorraineK/FL on 8/11/04 11:02pm
Msg #5965

Re: If you go to the seminar...

Roger, the one I attended was in February(don't know how timely that is), but the facilitator that did the one in Florida was upfront I thought about fees. She indicated that the higher income potential was there through the title and mortgage companies. She suggested that using the signing services may be the best way for someone new to the industry to gain experience, but not to expect more than about $50 from them. If I recall correctly, she indicated that effective marketing is a key ingredient to success, she shared a few marketing strategies...and, of course promoted taking the certification course/test.

Reply by BrendaTX on 8/12/04 3:44pm
Msg #5987

Re: If you go to the seminar...

I am just curious, folks. I have noticed that, as LorraineK/FL posted, that the NNA is clear on the fact that signing agencies "take a cut" how does this information that the NNA puts out about cutting out the middle man set with the signing agencies?

I have seen that in the newsletter. Do companies who hire notaries have to pay a due to have access to the notaries database?

Lorraine's post stated:

"Roger, the one I attended was in February(don't know how timely that is), but the facilitator that did the one in Florida was upfront I thought about fees. >>>>She indicated that the higher income potential was there through the title and mortgage companies. <<<<<<She suggested that using the signing services may be the best way for someone new to the industry to gain experience, but not to expect more than about $50 from them. If I recall correctly, she indicated that effective marketing is a key ingredient to success, she shared a few marketing strategies...and, of course promoted taking the certification course/test. "

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 8/12/04 6:48pm
Msg #5996

Re: If you go to the seminar...

The NNA does not take a fee from the companies to access their notary database. (If they did very few services would be using it)

Reply by BrendaTX on 8/12/04 11:57pm
Msg #6002

Re: If you go to the seminar...

Thanks, that explains it.

Reply by BrendaTX on 8/11/04 10:51pm
Msg #5964

Re: Possible Newbie - Interesting Topic

Andy,
Are you a student? For some reason I think I remember that.

Reply by Andy_WA on 8/11/04 11:49pm
Msg #5970

Re: Yes, BrendaTX

Reply by Sea_WA on 8/12/04 7:03am
Msg #5972

Re: Possible Newbie - Thanks To All

Very informative message board and everyone seems to be willing to help. Andy_WA, I will be contacting you. I haven't seen too many people from Seattle (or Washington for that matter), post anything. As for saturation, I googled and got about 200 hits for "signing agents" in the greater Seattle area. Saturated? Don't know. When I found this opportunity, my first thought was, I could do this. I am a former paralegal, real estate agent and I have bought, sold and refied more than a couple times. I also thought, if I could average one a day, that wouldn't hurt my feelings. Is this to high an expectation? When I found the seminar, I thought it sounded cheap and a good way to get the overview and continue with a book or two.

Oops! Last minute thought. How was the industry pre-George W. or when the RE sales and refis were slow or average?

Thanks Again
Sea_WA

Reply by NSA in WA on 8/12/04 11:56am
Msg #5983

200+ notary signing agents in King County, WA

King County is very saturated. Plus the traffic is so dense you would be very limited in how many signings you can do each day, if you could get the work. I doubt you could get 1 signing a day, even at $50 each.

My coverage area is nowhere near King Co so that is not why I am sounding discouraging. You sound like a nice lady and I would hate for you to quit your day job thinking you could soon make a living as an NSA.

The NNA tells notaries to network with each other to get work. That's nuts - who would help train new competition when there is not enough work for everyone right now?

And notaries don't dare post answers on how to get work that pays over $50 per signing on these boards because we never know who is reading. The reader could be a notary far away or a notary down the street.

This job is much tougher than people think. Doing the work is not hard once you have studied thoroughly. Getting the work is very hard! Sorry if I sound angry - it's not at you. I could strangle the NNA for giving so much hope to notaries in an area already thoroughly saturated. They are only coming to Seattle to make money for themselves. Seminar plus book plus NNA dues plus signing section dues all come to hundreds of dollars.

Reply by Andy Le on 8/12/04 4:07pm
Msg #5989

Re: 200+ notary signing agents in King County, WA

***NSA in WA, "who would help train new competition when there is not enough work for everyone right now?"***

I would...Matter of fact, the SA who did the signing for my loan showed me how to get into this business. I have referred to him when I could not take an assignment. Honesty, integrity, and dignity is my motto. Networking and marketing is the way to be successful in this business, if you know how.

Sea_WA, you should have no problem making this business with your experience in RE/Paralegal. You just need to familarize and understand the docs involved in a loan process. I'm too a former RE, I use the experience gained from attending every single closing back then. I started this about 1.5 month ago, I was only expecting 5 signing/month at $100 a pop. I've gotten 13 plus 1 more tonight.

As you know, RE and related professions income is unstable so being a SA is no exception. My amature advice in this business is be patient and don't sell yourself short.

Reply by Andy_WA on 8/12/04 4:12pm
Msg #5991

Re: Oops...There goes my real name

Reply by sonya, MD on 8/13/04 2:24pm
Msg #6031

What exams would you recommend that I take? How is the national signing registry book? What is the best way to learn this business?

Reply by Jon on 8/13/04 3:12pm
Msg #6032

I have heard and seen several boards, that the Signing Registry has very good training material. Also Victoria Rivera's book Just Point & Sign has a good reputation. I have not personally seen these, just going by what is said on these boards. I think the best way to learn is person to person. Find someone who is willing to show you the ropes. Then, you must do your own research to keep your knowledge growing. Don't rely on someone else's book or opinion, doublecheck the advice you are given and make sure it is correct. You will find that the people on this and other boards who give answers to questions, almost never ask questions. That is because they do their own research so they can be fully responsible for their actions and answers. Use this board to learn where to start looking for your education, not as the final stop. Always remember that you are responsible for you and "The NNA(or any name you want here) said so" is not going to get you far if you are ever questioned about your actions.

Best Regards

Reply by CA_Notary on 8/13/04 3:53pm
Msg #6034

Good lord Sonya, do you even read ANY of the messages on this board at all? Try putting a little effort into finding the information that you want instead just expecting us to hand it over on a silver platter as it seems like everything you ask has been covered multiple times on this board already.

And again I must ask - why do you keep modifying your screenname? It's basically the same, but I've seen about 6 variations on it.

Reply by Sonya on 1/8/05 7:07pm
Msg #15888

Thanks for being so helpful. Unlike you I do not have the time to spend browsing and posting on this board 24/7. If you notice, you posted your message in August and I am just replying now!

Some of the veterans on this board act as if they have never been new at anything or needed help or guidance when they first started out. Momma was right when she said that misery loves company and some people do not grow up, they just get older!

Its not what you say, but how you say it. Common courtesy and professionalism will take you along way.

I will modify my name as many times as I like.