Posted by Robert Lawson on 10/18/04 2:18pm
Msg #9984

Getting started

Good afternoon everyone. I am a new Notary/Signing Agent and I live in Detroit, Michigan. Which I understand, just due to its sheer population has a pretty high demand of Signing Agents. I've signed up with a few companies, upgraded my membership here, and am doing everything I can to get work. But I don't want to just be sitting around waiting for something to come my way. How can I grab work, and get these SS's attention? I have goals to hit, and would appreciate if anyone in my area or not, could provide insight to help me reach my goals. Or even a few companies to sign up with or stay away from.

Reply by HisHughness on 10/18/04 2:23pm
Msg #9985

Advice for new notaries

Above the menu of posts, click the "First" button. Go all the way to the very first post in June 2003, "Welcome to the General Discussion Forum." Read all the way to the last post today. You will find your answer many times over in the intervening messages, along with far better information about being a signing agent than you ever got in your certification course.

Reply by Robert Lawson on 10/18/04 2:29pm
Msg #9986

I cant find that thread. Its just not showing up. I'll keep trying though.

Reply by Robert Lawson on 10/18/04 2:39pm
Msg #9987

Found it, thanks. But can anyone post information on this thread please?

Reply by BarbaraL_CA on 10/18/04 3:07pm
Msg #9990

There is no short cut Robert. Marketing your services takes perseverance, alot of research (like Hugh suggests - reading all the message boards - use the search feature for particular subjects). Having a professional webpage can be a big plus. Send out flyers and postcards to local title, mortgage, and escrow companies - look in the yellow pages for them. Followup with phone calls. Work your business and your business will work you.

Reply by Stephanie/ NorCal on 10/18/04 3:29pm
Msg #9992

you can also read....

the threads on the gomobilenotary.com board. I think both of these boards offer valuable and important information regarding the biz. Just a thought...

Reply by KC/IN on 10/18/04 10:08pm
Msg #10011

Re: you can also read....

Regardless of your efforts, sometimes getting going full speed takes a little time. It did for me at least. But then again, I don't have a webpage of any of that so perhaps doing that will get things going faster for you. But don't get discouraged. I didn't get going full speed for a few months. But, since this is a part time thing for me, I didn't put forth the efforts I could have. In fact, all I did was look up every signing agent and signed up with them. (I didn't know at the time that there were good companies and bad companies, reading the forums will educate you on this and will avoid future problems) Once you go through the boring process of filling out all of those contracts, you'll find yourself bringing in the business in no time. Good luck!

Reply by Ted_MI on 10/19/04 8:50am
Msg #10029

So where are you in the Detroit area? I am in Troy. I am just getting started too.

Reply by Robert Lawson on 10/19/04 11:09am
Msg #10038

I'm on the lower east side of Detroit, right outside of Grosse Pointe.

Reply by Robert Lawson on 10/19/04 11:11am
Msg #10039

How long have you been a notary Ted?

Reply by Ted_MI on 10/19/04 1:21pm
Msg #10046

Hi,

Please email your email address to me at [e-mail address] and we can "chat" Tx.

Reply by Roger Kennedy on 10/19/04 10:36pm
Msg #10098

Hi Guys,
I am from Southfield, MI. I have been doing this for almost 2 years. Good luck. If you are good you will be at the top of the agencies calling list.

Reply by Julie-Macomb Twp, MI on 10/19/04 8:32pm
Msg #10083

Ted and Robert,

Here are some stats for our area according to NNA:

Wayne County: 64 Certified signing agents; 68 non-certified= 132 that service Wayne County

Oakland Cty: 75 Certified; 78 non-certified= 153 that service Oakland county

Macomb County: 52 Certified;61 non-certified = 113 that service Macomb + 1 (me, not a NNA member)

I gave these stats, Robert, because 3 to 4 years ago, there was a HUGE demand for signing agents, we were making money hand over fist, but the mortgage rates have changed and the days of 8+ closings a day, are sadly over. My brother and I used to have friendly competition to see who could outdo the other in closings for the day. That was when most docs were overnighted, not emaild. In April 2001, I was the ONLY one listed in Macomb County.

So NNA, swooped down and recruited and promised big money in 2003. Therefore, we have more signing agents than loans to close.

However, not is all bleak. Some NSA's have real jobs during the day or evening and cannot be "YES" people. Schedulers like yes people. Rock Financial and other lenders are becoming more creative with their loans, as the lenders are as sad as we are with volumes down. There are always subprime loans out there, such as Ameriquest (I personally don't close them). Many of the new NSA's are not getting the big bucks as promised by the NNA and no longer do closings. Make sure you can receive edocs, most well paying assignments arrive if you can accept edocs.

You stated you signed with a few companies, make that a few hundred and you should start to hear your telephone ring and the end of the month. Call the scheduling department of the companies and let them know you are eager to work with them.

Also, (many will disagre) make sure you know Michigan's recording laws, so that when you do receive an assignment, it will be error free. For example, you can SIGN docs with blue ink, but any wording such as your venue, date, names in acknowledgement, must be in black ink. You many not have any signatures in the 1/2 inch margin on either side of the document. You can find these requirements on-line or ask your county register of deeds office to send you the phamplet.

Triple check your work, and keep marketing yourself. Make sure you have a supply of fedex and ups envelopes and labels. Make sure you never put your name as the sender so you don't accidentally get billed for the shipping. If the company wants you to fax back the tracking number by 8 am the next day, do it.

Hope this helps.