Posted by Cindy on 9/10/04 3:00am
Msg #7643

Catching a signing

A while back it seemed like I just sat by the phone waiting for a signing..now that I am more busier with other work, I have been getting alot of calls/signstat opportunities, but seem to be missing the initial call, and 15-30min late to answer, and not get the signing. Do you guys just wear your phone to your ear? or is there a better way to not miss a call? I am getting frusterated, so far I have missed 12 signings this week, and I follow up with all the voicemails, only to be told "we've got it covered already" any advice would help..thanks

Reply by Loretta Reed on 9/10/04 5:12am
Msg #7644

I have a cell phone and keep it on my hip at all times.

Reply by Andy_WA on 9/10/04 5:22am
Msg #7645

I know the feeling, you snozze you loose. I've missed a few even though I'm on their first call list.

Reply by CarolynCO on 9/10/04 8:13am
Msg #7646

Cindy wrote: "I have been getting alot of calls/signstat opportunities, but seem to be missing the initial call, and 15-30min late to answer, and not get the signing. Do you guys just wear your phone to your ear?"

You didn't say if you have a cell phone or not--you can't run this business without one. Mine is always hooked on my hip.

Reply by Cindy on 9/10/04 11:37pm
Msg #7705

Thanks for your responses, actually mortgagedocs.com has me set up where they dont call your cellphone. They email you with a signing request to see if you can do it, then you login into there site, if its still there you can accept it, if not that means another notary beat you to it, I assume they spam mail out this hit request to several notaries in the area, wondering if I should invest in getting email notifications to my cellphone, since I am not on the computer all the time to see if there is a signing request in my email?

Reply by HisHughness on 9/10/04 11:59pm
Msg #7706

I think you should e-mail Mortgagedocs.com a dead fish for employing such a demeaning method of assigning closings. It is reminiscent of Depression-era work calls. That certainly is no way to build a loyal cadre of committed signing agents.

Reply by Joan-OH on 9/11/04 8:15am
Msg #7714

If I recall correctly, Mortgage Docs changed their system to email it out to the closest notary & not spam until you've had a little while to respond. If there is no response, then they send the assignment to another notary. They made this change in May

Joan-OH

Reply by Joan-OH on 9/10/04 8:48am
Msg #7647

I caught a sign stat this week. There are not many in my area. I take my phone with me everywhere and accept at least one signing a week while I'm in the shower - No OJ jokes!

This is how I've covered those sign stat email oportunities: I took out a $20/year yahoo email address. I use one of my comcast email addresses for all those companies that notify by email opportunities and forward it to my yahoo email address. Yahoo has an option to forward a text message to your cell phone that you've received an email. My cell phone carrier charges me about $7/mo for 500 text messages. If I'm in the car, I call home or one of my sisters to get into my account and accept the signing.

I also use have a specific comcast email address for document delivery that forwards to my Yahoo address. I don't have to wait around by the computer waiting for docs anymore. I can get on with my day and be notified via text message that the documents are waiting for me.

I would recommend this to anyone. It really has decreased my waiting time.

Joan-OH

Reply by HisHughness on 9/10/04 9:10am
Msg #7648

I've accepted many a signing while sitting on the toilet. Yes, I do carry both my cell phone and cordless phone into the bathroom.

Reply by BrendaTX on 9/10/04 9:17am
Msg #7649

Hughness rejoiced:

"I've accepted many a signing while sitting on the toilet. Yes, I do carry both my cell phone and cordless phone into the bathroom."

What a splendid visual! Hugh is ever the tickler of our funny bones.

Reply by Jan Kohake on 9/10/04 11:03am
Msg #7657

Cindy, You have to remember, there are a tremendous amount of notaries out there and when the ss or lender or whomever is trying to contact you can't, they just move on to another phone number. I carry my cell everywhere with me and when I'm at home, my cordless is sitting right along side my cell.

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 9/11/04 10:04pm
Msg #7773

When caught in the bathroom

You say "Just let me pull my car over to the curb and I'll be right with you." Put your hand over the receiver and away you go!!

Reply by Joan-OH on 9/10/04 11:25am
Msg #7661

I do not give out my home number

Yes I have a cordless, but I put my cell number as my ONLY contact number. I am usually on the road and you just know the kids are going to get that all-important call and not give me the message. I don't give title companies the opportunity to try someone else if they can't get a hold of me. Besides, who wants to drag 2 phones to the bathroom! :-)

Hugh, just don't flush while your on the phone. That sound is unmistakeable!

Joan-OH

Reply by KimE / NJ on 9/10/04 1:00pm
Msg #7670

Re: I do not give out my home number

When I am at home I forward my cell phone to the house phone. The cellular reception at home is horrible, plus, it saves my cell minutes!

Reply by You sure? on 9/10/04 1:39pm
Msg #7671

Re: I do not give out my home number

How does that save your cell minutes? On my cell plan, if I forward calls from my cell phone those calls still use up minutes PLUS cost an extra 10 cents per minute... I can't see a cell company letting your forward calls and use their service without them getting any benefit.

Reply by KimE . NJ on 9/10/04 1:43pm
Msg #7672

Re: I do not give out my home number

Yes - checked with them to be sure.

Reply by BrendaTX on 9/11/04 1:03am
Msg #7708

Re: I do not give out my home number

Kim, I think >>> You are Right<<<

You made me re-think the situation. Have not checked yet. I believe maybe it's just a small transfer fee for the forward. I have been wanting to use that feature but "thought" I would be paying all the time I was on the call.

I will look into it. Thanks. Brenda

Reply by BrendaTX on 9/10/04 7:20pm
Msg #7691

Re: I do not give out my home number

Yup, if mine is forwarded, I am paying double.

Reply by CarolynCO on 9/10/04 2:58pm
Msg #7675

I wonder why bathrooms don't have phone jacks?

Reply by BarbaraL_CA on 9/10/04 11:28am
Msg #7662

When I'm not available at my home/office phone, I forward my home/office phone number to my cell phone. Yes... my cell phone is my friend :-)

Reply by Elizabeth_CA on 9/10/04 3:55pm
Msg #7685

My only contact# is my cell phone#. I carry my cell phone everywhere, including a folded mini 8pg zip code & price booklet, a "Call" form, and a pen. My printer HP3380 is capable of printing 8 pgs back to back - after folding in half then stapling one side I get a booklet. The Call form is one of 3 forms I print on 1 sheet of paper back to back. I also fold it up. I prepare these stuff in mini size because I carry it around (attached to my id badge) during the day at work. I'm always prepared to receive a call. First Questions asked - What's the borrower's zip code number? Will it be emailed? I look up the zip and price and then ask "How much do you usually pay for this?". If it's within the price, I take it. If not, I give them my price and then negotiate (if I feel like it). Hope this helps.

Reply by Paul_IL on 9/10/04 5:32pm
Msg #7686

You really need to get a PDA.

Reply by Elizabeth_CA on 9/13/04 12:38am
Msg #7822

what's a PDA?

Reply by Paul_IL on 9/13/04 4:31pm
Msg #7851

Personal Digital Assistant ie a Palm Pilot

Reply by Dotti_CA on 9/10/04 7:04pm
Msg #7690

My cell phone is ALWAYS on me (pocket or purse, not ear.) SS's have a list of notaries and start at the top....the notary that answers will get the signing if they're available.

Reply by new gal on 9/12/04 8:33pm
Msg #7805

Hi, when the companies make the calls do they choose the 24/7 notaries first? I am only available weeknights and weekends. In late Oct. I will be a "full -time" signing agent.

How do the companies determine the call order? Thanks for your help!

Reply by Liz/MD on 9/10/04 8:14pm
Msg #7694

I keep my cell phone on, even during signings. I don't feel this is desrepectful because often the loan officer will call. But when I do get a opportunity call I excuse myself and negotiate on the side. You will soon find, if you are consistant, they will find you. Soon you will turn your phone off.
I use to have a hard time turning down jobs, not cheap jobs. Now I figure I work 5 days a week and to keep myself from wigging out I work 5. no change...now I turn my phones off.

Reply by Bob-Chicago on 9/11/04 11:56am
Msg #7728

Caution and suggestions

There are a number a signing companies that do not want their specific method of doing business revealed on public message boards. Nuff said?
Hugh, I do not find thir system at all demeaning. It works well for me. Contact then abiyt signing up and find out just how it works.
My cell sevice permits me to have text messages delivered to my cell phone at a nominal cost.
I have set up a special e-mail address that i use for this purpose.
I agree that the only # to give out is a cell #. Check with your cell company, I have unlimited minutes for $150/mo. I used to have a 6,000 minute plan and kept getting killed by over minute charges.
Also, if you have a laptop, you can probablyset it up with a cell modem for a reasonable charge. That way you can accept assignments, check if e-docs have been received, etc, while you are on the road. I am working on setting up my computers (XP pro) so that I can start printing e-mai docs while I am out. Any help from computer gurus would be appreciated.

Reply by aare_2032@bellsouth.net on 9/12/04 6:07pm
Msg #7800

Re: Caution and suggestions

Contact Johnique at [e-mail address] or let me know how else to contact you. Thanks