Posted by BrendaTX on 4/19/05 8:38pm
Msg #32742

Experienced Ones: How did you learn?

When did you start?

Did someone let you do a ride along?

How did you learn to do signings?

-----------------------

Here's my story...

I did not do a ride along--never crossed my mind to ask as I figured I'd get laughed out of the business...but that's just me. (I Started in Jan 2004).

I read GMN, got scared...almost quit, but then I found NotaryRotary.com, joined the SigningRegistry.info, I read information online, I bought the SigningRegistry.info training guide. (The SigningRegistry.info now has a good mentoring program.) Once, I called Hugh to ask him a question. When the boards' archives did not cover my questions, I asked them here.

SEVERAL people here help...I have gotten personal emails from some you'd never think would be so helpful...a few helpful calls, as well. I still get calls from helpful, far more experienced friends I have met through this forum...however, I doubt seriously they'd have ever decided to write/call me if I griped every time someone did not give me the answers I wanted to hear. JMHO.

Reply by Sherri_IN on 4/19/05 9:00pm
Msg #32746

When did you start?

I started in the Title Industry doing property profiles moved onto searching, examining and then was a title officer for 7 years. When I moved to Indiana I learned how different things are in other states. I managed the Escrow department for a title company here for 5 years and decided I didn't want to work for someone else anymore. I started doing full time signings about 6 months ago and haven't regretted it. I also have my own Settlement Company so I prepare as well as close transactions.

Did someone let you do a ride along? No

How did you learn to do signings?

I learned signings when I took the position in Indiana. Was given a file placed in a room with a buyer, seller and 2 realators. You learn quick. After about the 5000th loan you start to feel like you are a recording.

The hardest part of making the transition from Escrow to signing agent has been dealing with the SS's that want to babysit. I can understand some of it after reading the postings here and the influx of notaries that don't take this serious and think they can get rich quick.

Reply by BrendaTX on 4/19/05 9:07pm
Msg #32749

**The hardest part of making the transition from Escrow to signing agent has been dealing with the SS's that want to babysit.**

Yes...I have heard that from a lawyer in my area. He has been kind enough to send the babysitters my way. I have been grateful for the work. However, I can definitely understand the annoyance coming from having experience.

I can also understand the concerns of the signing services/title companies. This job is not brain surgery, but it does require that you care about the details and get the job done right.

Reply by Ted_MI on 4/19/05 9:09pm
Msg #32750

Re: Sherri.......

maybe I am misconstruing what you have said but with respect to dealing with ss's I would think that given your heavy duty background you could quickly dispose of that stage and deal strictly with title companies.

Reply by Sherri_IN on 4/20/05 6:44am
Msg #32790

Re: Sherri.......

I do deal with a lot of Title companies but when I first went solo I also signed up with as many SS's as I could (as this board suggested). I learned real quick which ones I will work with and which ones I won't. You must also understand that Title is cut throat and there is always the fear that you will pass on client information to another company. I have been able to get some of the companies to get past that but still working on others. As with any business marketing is the key.

Reply by BrendaTX on 4/20/05 7:06am
Msg #32798

Ted - Sherri...

I would think that there are many reading this board who work for lenders/title co's who will still take SS jobs.

There are good SS companies that don't require me to fax back a million pages. Money's money. If they pay a decent fee, I am glad to do the jobs for them and always will as long as my schedule is open.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 4/20/05 7:43am
Msg #32804

Re: Ted - Sherri...

Brenda
There are a couple of SS I will work for if I can fit them into my schedule.

Also for NFRES I will do their Equity loans for $50 if they are close to me. The docs go to the borrowers, there are only about 15 pages in the package, one document to be notarized, and drop the docs in the drop box. Takes about 15 minutes and they pay fast, so I don't mind taking those.

Reply by Ted_MI on 4/20/05 10:12am
Msg #32849

Re: Brenda - do agree; point well taken n/m

Reply by Sherri_IN on 4/20/05 3:01pm
Msg #32926

Re: Ted - Sherri...

I have received jobs from SS companies that are better then my Title Companies. Most closings for the local Title are at the end of the month. I have SS companies that pay 100 within 10 minutes of my home during the day with O/N docs and no babysitting or fax backs.

Reply by Susan/CA on 4/19/05 9:15pm
Msg #32752

I started in December of 2004. Did not ride along nor would I ever ask to. Read GMN.. Scared me to death! Read Notary Rotary from start to present - scared me more. Joined The Signing Registry, bought The Signing Registry Training Manual.. My bible. Requested a mentor from The Signing Registry and was really blessed when I got Kathy. Got help from PAW.. Met some really nice people on Notary Rotary and GMN that have helped me but more so became my friends. Looking forward to a bright future full of hard rewarding work as a signing agent because I am determined to never give up no matter what, to market, market, market and to continue to learn more every day..Thank you Brenda, my education has come from you and Kathy and others like CaliNotary and PAW and HisHughness just to name a very few. I can't wait for the next chapter.

Reply by Anon on 4/19/05 9:19pm
Msg #32753

Can you be called experienced notary with 4 months?

Reply by BrendaTX on 4/19/05 9:26pm
Msg #32755

For certain she's more experienced than she was on Day One.

Reply by Susan/CA on 4/19/05 9:40pm
Msg #32763

Didn't mean to imply that I was experienced, as I am not. Just meant to say I am looking forward to a bright future and that I am grateful for what I learn from the people here.

Reply by Stephanie_CA on 4/20/05 5:32pm
Msg #32964

Re: Experienced Ones: How did you learn?..sure, NSA no

Reply by Joan-OH on 4/19/05 9:27pm
Msg #32756

I started 2 years ago. My niece was doing signings for local title companies. I searched & searched on the net. I found NNA, Signing Agent, GMN, Notary Rotary and a few other boards. I read each and every message. Then I took the online NNA class. I went on a business trip with my DH and spent my days, while he was working, pouring over my study materials. Then I bought the NNA book & certification test. Spent a week or two pouring over that.

All this before I actually got my stamp! I joined the Signing Registry and read all their archives and absorbed bunches of information.

I turned down my first couple of calls. Then I got 2 from TCT of all people. Simple ABN's, but I couldn't make heads or tails of their 28 page title doc package. Talking about driving people nuts with questions! I even took my first package over to my niece to go over it with her - that helped. My first borrower told me, "you must be very busy these days" obviously thinking I had been doing it a long time. That boosted my confidence quite a bit.

I remember my first split package and going over to the Registry and posting a note for someone to PLEASE call me, I didn't know what to send to who. Thank God for Sylvia. She called me after 11pm and talked me through it.

About a year and a half ago, I took a real estate finance class and learned a lot about the industry and how lending works. I work very hard and I love my work. I share my contacts and leads in private with friends that I trust - not local to me, but do not post my favorite companies on public message boards. I prefer to respond to messages directly via email but sometimes won't because the name isn't linked with an email address.

I have made friends all over the country and can call anyone of them for help. I have a very good friend in Southern Ohio and we bounce things off eachother at least 4-5 times a week....Thanks Susan!

As I developed relationships with a few title companies I worked for, I asked questions. How to read a HUD & title committment properly have proved very valuable to me - and a real time saver. Sometimes my borrowers teach me a thing or two. I love signing someone in the industry.

We all learn in different ways and in my case, self taught in many different ways. I think the key to be open to absorb the information and having the capacity to understand it. Case in point, my 23 year old educated daughter wanted to use her notary for this. She has never had a home or mortgage and just couldn't quite get the concept. Brilliant kid....MUCH smarter than me (takes after her Dad), but just doesn't have the ability to understand it because she hasn't personally experienced it.

I'd be curious to see how others who have been doing this awhile started and learned.

Joan-OH

Reply by Melody on 4/19/05 9:42pm
Msg #32764

20 years working for law firms.

The last 10 as a manager of a real estate and elder law firm.

Had enough of office work. Went solo.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 4/19/05 10:00pm
Msg #32769

Been doing this almost 5 years (although it seems like longer)
There was nobody to ride along with in those days, there was only one other signing agent in this area - and she knew less than I did! (that is another story!)

I studied my state's notary laws thoroughly - even went to a notary class to "brush up", even though I had my commission - and was surprised when I had to correct the instructor on a couple of points! LOL Joined NASA and read the message board there thoroughly. When I got my first signing, Kathy Poston sent me helpful e-mails.
I didn't remember half of what she said, because the morning of my first signing my father passed away, and I had that on my mind. But the borrowers were really nice, and they had no idea it was my first signing. I must have done OK because the company (Notary Direct) kept sending me work.
I keep up with my notary laws, and read everything I can that is helpful.
Even experienced signing agents can learn something new

Reply by BeccaWI on 4/19/05 11:21pm
Msg #32775

This is very helpful information on how you got started! It is really great to see that most of you if not all had frustrations and thought about quiting. Today was a hard one just because I feel I should be more on the ball. But....I just started in March so I am on a HUGE learning curve!

This makes me feel like there is hope! Thanks guys!

Reply by christi/socal on 4/20/05 1:50am
Msg #32784

somewhat experenced, still need more!

I started because my daughter ( shes a loan processor) keep telling me it would be a good field for me. I'd been a stay at home mom (5 kids) for over 20 yrs and had no real job skills anymore. I finally listened and looked up how to take notary classes at my local college. That class is the first time I'd ever heard of the NNA and the "millions" (okay i exgrate) I could make. Went to work in june 03 for my daughters company making 175$, i did go on 1 ride along, after that I'd take the docs to my daughter to check, I did have to take a few docs back to borrowers but that made me learn fast! It was great for 3 months till a s.s. took over. Until I started reading the boards I didn't even know there WERE other s.s.'s. I worked for them for a while before I found this and 1 other board, and found out what everyone thought of them. They are (and I'm ducking as I admit this) Nations Direct. since then I've applied at loads of other s.s. Still miss that 175$ (for overnite yet) still feel like a newbie and still learning from the boards... okay my book is done!

Reply by Nd_WA on 4/20/05 3:56am
Msg #32787

I started in July'04 with no ride along. I learned about the signing business through an SA who did my refi.

I spent about 3 weeks researching and reading notary boards before giving it a go. I did real estate a few years back and the only book I read was my own refi package and the notary handbook. I research and get answer to my question from the source. I don't often or recall ever posted a question due to time constrain. But, I'm thankful to Paul and Sylvia who have been there on a couple occasions when I needed a quick answer.

The notary board is like a reference library to me; fill with knowledges/answers at a click of a button. Thank you Brenda for bringing up the topic. Thank you all for your time and wisdom.

Reply by Susan/OH on 4/20/05 7:36am
Msg #32802

I started in June of 2003. I had been a loan officer for about 7 months, which I hated by the way but at least I was familiar with the docs to a certain degree. I thought all the closers were employed by the title company. I didn't know there were independent contractors until I was at a job that I knew I was going to leave and I made a friend that was the manager of a title company. She knew I was unhappy where I was and told me I would make a good "contract closer", that's what we are called here in Cinti.
Anyway she told me how to get started, recommended that I join the NNA which I did.
The NNA was offering a seminar in late June of that year, so I took it and off I went. I pretty much started getting calls right away but having been an outside sales rep for 16 yrs I knew the importance of marketing and still do it to this day.
Sylvia was a great help when I first started and I got a mentor from the Signing Registry.
I talk to Joan/OH at least twice a week which is a great help also.
I love what I do and can't imagine doing anything else.
Susan/OH

Reply by Art_MD on 4/20/05 7:42am
Msg #32803

Started in 2002.

I'm a consulting engineer and at times have "free" time between projects.

My son, just out of college in FL, worked for Transcontinental Title (TCT). He mentioned the fees that they were paying and the volume of work some of the signing agents were getting. He suggested I take a look at it. I did, and liked the prospects.

Since he could direct work to me, I gave it a try.
No ride alongs at that time. Learn on your own.
He sent me several packages of different loan docs to study. He answered any questions I had, or got me to people who could answer questions.

Been doing signings ever since, full time between projects, part time when on a project.

Art

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 4/20/05 7:48am
Msg #32807

Art - I believe this "ride a long" idea came from the NNA.
Seem to remember reading on one of the message boards (probably GMN) just after the NNA took over NASA, that at their seminars they had advised the newbies to get with an experienced signing agent to ride along with.

Reply by BrendaTX on 4/20/05 8:16am
Msg #32817

Ride Alongs

Theoretically, it sounds like a great idea. As a practical matter, however, I personally don't think it's a good idea to take anyone along on your assignments.

I won't even take my sister who'd love to go just because she thinks of it like a "Parade of Homes - Reality TV" (seeing the decor/design of homes). I am not saying it's bad or wrong, but IMHO:

-a distraction from business at hand

-seems like a scene from sales training manuals

-could be disconcerting to the borrower (who is often already stressed by the idea of someone coming to their home/doing the loan)

-probably not what the people had in mind who hired you--not what we are getting paid for.

However, I have a friend in Texas I met online when I offered to mentor her. What I did with her was to have her call me when she got the docs and I'd tell her what I'd say, then she'd practice "presenting" them to me on the phone before the signing.

Two times and she did not feel the need to continue it. However, when she has a peculiar situation, she calls me with questions, sometimes I can answer...sometimes I cannot and I learn from her situation when she calls her contacts to get the final answer. After four months, she hardly ever calls me except just to gab or vent now. I call her for the same.

Reply by Charm_AL on 4/20/05 8:07am
Msg #32812

I was a mortgage broker, quickly becoming a credit counselor...no money in that. My boss told me there was a new company policy, which would have required me in the office at least 50 hours a week...I decided to start this when a friend told me about what she does. I chose this over the mortgage company to spend more time with my three year old. I went to my first signing a nervous wreck with HFC. They were very helpful and after three signings I started to calm down a bit and have done more than 50 since last late November...I love it! I love the flexibility.

Reply by Becca/FL on 4/20/05 9:21am
Msg #32830

In 1999 I decided to get out of media sales. I went back to school for a Paralegal Degree & started working PT in Real Estate. Just before I graduated, I started FT with a Title Co as a pre closer/escrow tech. I changed Title Cos to better my chances for advancement. Started pre & post closing & began EO training. The company paid for my Notary Commision so that I could start doing in house closings.

In February 2003, I ran into an old friend who had been doing signings PT to suplement her income. I went home, got online and started to check out the business. Got my first signing in April 03 (thank you FBC), started working FT a year ago and have been lov'en life ever since.

I didn't find the message boards untill last year so, I guess you could say, I didn't start getting my REAL education untill then.

Reply by Stephanie Santiago on 4/20/05 1:39pm
Msg #32898

Started: 01/13/2002
Never was mentored or did a ride along.
Took a Loan Signing course - read the message boards
Very carefully, handled a signing, it was successful....continually learned about loan docs - frequently from message boards & conferences, seminars & workshops - networked with Signing Agents Nationwide.
Gained confidence with each assignment.
I never asked aqnyone for a list of companies or SS to sign up with - researched in the web & did my own "pounding the pavement" to develop my business - I can say I am comfortable with the amount of assignments my business produces for me.

Reply by Stephanie_CA on 4/20/05 1:43pm
Msg #32902

Re: Experienced Ones: How did you learn?...forgot something

Started: 01/13/2002
Never was mentored or did a ride along.
Took a Loan Signing course - read the message boards
Very carefully, handled a signing, it was successful....continually learned about loan docs - frequently from message boards & conferences, seminars & workshops - networked with Signing Agents Nationwide.
Gained confidence with each assignment.
I never asked aqnyone for a list of companies or SS to sign up with - researched in the web & did my own "pounding the pavement" to develop my business - I can say I am comfortable with the amount of assignments my business produces for me.

***My full-time job is with a large bank in the Personal Trust Dept.
So I do notarize many documents dealing with real property, so as a Notary Public, I have notarized thousands of different Real Estate Documents.
Needless to say, I was quite familiar with the notarization of docs dealing with real property.
This day-to-day experience has helped me greatly with loan signings.

Reply by Christina Dudaklian on 4/20/05 2:28pm
Msg #32919

Re: Experienced Ones: How did you learn?...forgot something

i started off not even knowing what a notary was when i was 18. i applied at a signing service not even knowing what they did there but i went from just data entry to a manager there in a few months. it was so easy and i learned so much, after i left there i decided to get my notary license.....about 2 years later (haha yes i know i procrastinated) but with that knowledge i can say i know what im talking about when i say APPLY AT ONE! try one in your area, for like customer service, quality assurance, anything. they'd most likely hire you, especially if you're already a notary, and you'd even get business with them and more experience too. and im sure that they have notaries working there too that do signings and they'd take you on a ride-along. i went on one with the boss's sister and it was really easy.

Reply by ERNA_CA on 4/20/05 2:40pm
Msg #32924

Re: Experienced Ones: How did you learn?...forgot something

I have been doing this for 2 years. Was lucky as my daughter works for a title company, she was a big help with the different loan doc's. I got my first call before i went to my daughters place of business to sit in on a signing. I took it was terrified and the signing was a nightmare as the lady was 82 years old documents were late so the signing didn't happen until 9 pm with was her usual bed time, she was falling asleep and her daughter wanted to read every document before her mother signed. Asked my self after I got out of there do I really want to do this? SS ensured me that most signings were not that bad, was just unlucky that my first signing was a nightmare. This job is a dream if you get in with Escrow or Title for in house signings. Dealing with all the hassle of late doc's and all the travel can be frustrating but you meet so many nice people. Never asked for help or asked silly quiestions. Thank goodness I had allready learned the business my self before signing up with notary boards. But I can so very well anderstand the panic new notaries feel.