Posted by Maria_NJ on 9/16/04 3:56pm
Msg #8099

Getting started

I recently became certified. I've registered with many signing agencies. I really haven't received any calls yet. I know my inexperience may have something to do with that. Any suggestions to get the ball rolling?

Reply by lynnboop on 9/16/04 4:15pm
Msg #8100

Congratulations on getting certified ! I have not ben certified yet but have gotten calls unfortunately I can't take all of them because I work full time. I think it will pick up. Who did you get cetified from? Did you find it informative? I am thinking about doing it?
I think this is all about chance and how many other agents are in your area. I wish you a lot of luck. I too am new and eager to get more work.

Reply by Maria_NJ on 9/16/04 4:35pm
Msg #8102

Thank you..I took the online certification course through the National Notary Association (www.nationalnotary.org). If you are member, you can also register your profile in the Signing Agent Section. Your profile will become available once you pass the course. I actually got a call from an agency that got my info from that section. Good luck to you as well

Reply by lynnboop on 9/16/04 5:07pm
Msg #8105

Yes I am a member of the NNA and took the basic course but not for certification. I think I will now take that course and test. So i guess you felt it was worth it.. I have gotten calls from people that have found me through them. I have good experience from NNA. however not to many people on this forum like them too much. Many of the olbies who have much experience don't seem to have good things to say about them. i am still trying to figure out what the problem is. Well I think that is what this is for to get input and ideas from others. I have learned a lot here. Best of luck.

Reply by Paul_IL on 9/16/04 5:19pm
Msg #8108

Only thing being Certified does is put your name at the top when a title company or ss does a notary search..

Reply by Jon on 9/16/04 5:19pm
Msg #8109

The basic problem with the NNA is that they give out incorrect information. Often the information is not according to state law, but their own opinion, as stated in the "Model Notary Act". When the incorrect information is pointed out to them, they say they disagree with whomever is the governing authority, and that they will contact them to "straighten it out." They then never change their opinion and continue to teach whatever they want, without regard for the law.

Reply by CaliNotary on 9/16/04 6:22pm
Msg #8115

The problem is that they're directly responsible for flooding the market with signing agents. They are only interested in getting as many people as possible to pay for their courses and certifications and making it seem like the money will just jump into your pocket. Meanwhile, fees are getting lower and lower because there are always a bunch of newbies willing to take $40 for a signing "to get experience".

The NNA is supposed to be on our side, yet they're slowly destroying our livelihoods in their pursuit of the almighty dollar.

And by putting your money in their pockets for the worthless certification, you're just contributing to creating the environment that is going to make it that much harder for YOU to find work in the future.

Reply by lynnboop on 9/16/04 7:37pm
Msg #8123

Gee Calinotary I said I might want to take the course and test! You make me feel like it is my own personal fault that the market is so flooded. I was hoping to get feedback about whether or not to become certified not to feel like I am making everyone's life so hard by being a NEWBIE. well we all have to be a NEWBIE sometime. BTW I do not take $40 signings. I may be a newbie but I have read enough to know that I am worth more.
Your last line was a bit strong unless I am taking it too personal.

Reply by HisHughness on 9/16/04 7:52pm
Msg #8126

I suspect what Paul was trying to convey to you was to find another organization offering SA training. Don't feed the hand that will bite you later.

Reply by CaliNotary on 9/16/04 11:24pm
Msg #8141

The NNA

You were hoping to get feedback and I gave you feedback. Yes, it's a subject I feel strongly about because it's something that affects me and my livelihood. If my mere words truly made you feel like it was only YOUR fault and nobody else's that the market is flooded, then I would say you are way too hypersensitive - it's just completely irrational to think that I blamed you singularly for this problem.

Of course you're not the only person putting money in the NNA's pocket, of course I'm not blaming YOU for what they're doing. But by paying for their certification course you're definitely helping perpetuate the cheapening of the industry becuase you're (along with many others) are enabling the NNA to continue to focus on flooding the market with notaries so they can collect the $$$ to train them.

I just checked monster.com, this was posted on 8/27/04. There are listings for Tampa and Orlando FL (among several other cities), and if I remember correctly Sylvia has said that Florida is pretty saturated with notaries already. Does an ad like this help the current FL NNA members? An association like the NNA is supposed to HELP its members, not actively solicit to create a market that makes it that much more difficult for its members to earn a living.

Here's the ad:

PART-TIME EFFORT, FULL-TIME INCOME!

START MAKING MORE MONEY NOW!
P/T EFFORT* F/T INCOME
$50…$60…UP TO $125 IN ABOUT AN HOUR!

Immediate income can be made in the still-booming real estate and refinance markets!

Top lenders, escrow companies, title companies and signing services are actively seeking independent Notary Signing Agents to handle loan document signings.

What is a Notary Signing Agent? A Notary specifically trained to handle mortgage signings and notarizations.

Not a Notary? No problem! Our program gives you the training and knowledge you need to begin this exciting new full- or part-time career.

How do you learn the trade? The National Notary Association will educate you, through a straightforward program taught by loan signing experts.


How you will make your money:

▪ Agencies contact you with a loan assignment.
▪ You receive the loan package via overnight mail.
▪ Meet with the borrowers to obtain and notarize their signatures. Usually, about an hour of your time.
▪ Return the loan package to the agency.
▪ Collect your fee. $50…$60…up to $125 per signing.

The National Notary Association (NNA) has devoted nearly half a century to creating opportunities for hundreds of thousands of Notaries across the country. Become a Notary Signing Agent and you can increase your earnings, broaden your background and add a new skill for life!

Contact us now for opportunities available throughout your area.

Reply by newest newbie on 9/17/04 6:54am
Msg #8171

Re: The NNA

A few months back when I became interested in becoming a Signing Agent I didn't know where to start. So, I spent several hours on GOOGLE looking at sooooooooo many sites about Signing Agents. I purchased a book that would help me to start my SA business.
In the book the Author recommended signing up with the NNA and taking the course. She noted that: She does not, in any way, work for or get compensation for recommending them. It was only from her personal positive experience. So, as most newbies would do...I signed up!!

Yes, I did spend $164.00 for a 1 yr. membership, my E&O and the Certification exam ( that I may not be taking for ahwile). I will say as a "Newbie" I thought the NNA was somehow affiliated with the different "state" notary licensing that I obtained.( In 1988 ). Their website is so enticing to a newbie.

They certainly market themselves as the "BIG GUY" of the Notary world. I wish I would have found this forumn prior to getting "sucked in". Based on the information from Calinotary, the NNA makes our jobs sound so easy and a way to make a quick buck and saturate our markets. I think their way of advertising will solicit the newbies that are only in it for the $$
( $40.00, 50.00) and not to serve in the appropriate manner as a Notary Signing Agent.

I have to run for now. I hope everyone has a great weekend!! Newest newbie/ AKA Kim G NY

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 9/17/04 8:04am
Msg #8176

Re: The NNA

Yes, I did say Florida was saturated with notaries.
4 years ago there were 350,000 notaries in the State of Florida, now there are over 500,000
I teach notary classes here and they are nearly always full. At the classes the students are given an evaluation sheet to fill in and hand to the college.
At the last class one of the students put on the evaluation, that I did not tell them how to use their commission once they had it, and he/she wanted to know more about making money with loan signings!!!
I am there, not to tell them how to use their commission, but to teach them the notary laws so they can get their commission.

I was in a mall one day - I had my Certified Notary Instructor badge on as I had just come from a notary get together - I had stopped in the mall to look for something at one of the booths, and the person running the booth saw my badge and asked me about the loan signing! Seems he had got a flyer from the NNA telling him he could make big bucks by becoming a notary and doing loan signings. I told him how saturated the market was in Florida - especially in that area - he said he thought it sounded like a scam so he hadn't followed up on it.

Reply by CaliNotary on 9/16/04 5:08pm
Msg #8106

read all of the old messages on this board, you should find tons of suggestions and other useful info as well.