Posted by Anonymous on 4/21/05 8:24pm
Msg #33249
NEW NOTARY. PLEASE ADVISE
HELLO! I AM A NEW NOTARY AND WOULD LIKE INFORMATION ON HOW TO BECOME A SIGNING AGENT. DO I NEED TO TAKE CLASSES, ETC?
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Reply by BrendaTX on 4/21/05 8:56pm
Msg #33255
11 Suggestions
If you know what a notary signing agent is, then you probably know whether or not you have enough background to wing it or whether you need to take a class.
Here are some suggestions:
(1) Purchase Kathy Poston's book (see http://www.signingregistry.info) Consider the Signing Registry's mentor program.
(2) Purchase Monica's book (see http://www.amrnotary.com)
(3) Make sure to learn your state notary laws well.
(4) Do a google search for notary signing agent training.
(5) Read http://www.gomobilenotary.com and this forum to get the feel for what the job involves.
(6) Consult the Small Business Admin's site at http://www.sba.gov to learn how to research your area's opportunity. Crunch the numbers and see if you think you can make a business of it by the area you will serve.
(7) Consider buying Laura Vestanen's book on developing non-loan business. See her website at http://www.professionalnotary.com. Her book is about $10.
(8) Advertise yourself here for free as a mobile notary. Better idea - purchase the $39.95 membership and use the zip code tool and the list of signing services to market yourself.
(9) Read the link listed in my profile on what I did to get started.
(10) Ask your state's Secretary of State office if they recommend any courses for you.
(11) When you post here, if you want to get more specific help, create yourself a handle and include your state's two letter abbreviation (BrendaTX, for instance)
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Reply by BrendaTX on 4/21/05 9:25pm
Msg #33256
Plus 9 more Suggestions
(12) Read http://www.NotaryDepot.com - get a free advertisement there.
(13) Get a website. (Try http://design.adaptiveview.com/ - $200 for the whole thing.)
(14) Have business cards made. (http://www.vistaprint.com)
(15) Some say read http://50statenotary.com, and some say not to read it. Victoria Ring writes a book with a good overview on the business. (Disclaimer: don't take anything anyone says at face value...do your own research, but you can get "concepts" from her book.) There is a section in her newest edition on marketing to title companies and lenders, if you are interested.
(16) Read forums and email a notary from your state, but don't pick someone from your own backyard or you may be disappointed. For instance, I would never train my competition. I think it's foolish to be trained BY your competition. A notary four hours away might be willing to chat awhile on the phone with you about how to get started for YOUR area.
(17) Peruse used book stores/thrift stores/library used book sales and pick up books on related industries such as mortgage, finance, real estate, property law.
(18) Consider a real estate finance class (Thanks Joan OH)
(19) Contact http://www.wildsignings.com for information on their training course. They sell a book.
(20) About documents - Learn what these documents are:
AFFIDAVIT FOR HOME EQUITY TRANSACTION-
AFFIDAVIT OF MARITAL STATUS-
AMORTIZATION SCHEDULE-
APPLICATION FOR P.A.I.D. PROGRAM-
AUTHORIZATION TO CANCEL CREDIT LINE-
BALLOON NOTE ADDENDUM-
BALLOON RIDER-
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT-
CONDOMINIUM RIDER-
CORRECTION AGREEMENT LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY-
DESIGNATION OF HOMESTEAD AFFIDAVIT-
DOCUMENT CORRECTION AGREEMENT-
ESCROW ACCOUNTING ADDENDUM-
ESCROW DISCLOSURE FORM-
FIRST PAYMENT COUPON-
ID LETTER –OR-IDENTITY STATEMENT-
INFORMATION PRIVACY ACT-
INITIAL ESCROW DISCLOSURE STATEMENT-
MORTGAGE OR DEED OF TRUST-
NAME AFFIDAVIT-
NON-IDENTITY AFFIDAVIT-
NOTE-
NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT, SALE OR TRANSFER OF SERVICING RIGHTS-
NOTICE OF PURCHASER-
NOTICE OR RIGHT TO CANCEL OR RIGHT OF RECISSION-
ONE AND THE SAME NAME AFFIDAVIT-
OWNERS AFFIDAVIT-
PAY OFF DEPARTMENT-
PAYOFF AFFIDAVIT-
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT RIDER-
QUIT CLAIM DEED-
REAL ESTATE ESCROW AFFIDAVIT-
REFINANCE AFFIDAVIT-
REQUEST FOR COPY OF TRANSCRIPT OF TAX FORM 4506-
SECOND HOME RIDER-
SETTLEMENT STATEMENT & SETTLEMENT CHARGES-
SIGNATURE CERTIFICATE AFFIDAVIT-
SURVEY AFFIDAVIT-
TRANSFER OF LIEN-
TRUTH IN LENDING-
UNIFORM RESIDENTAIL LOAN APPLICATION-
W-9
WAIVER OF ESCROW ACCOUNT-
~Some of these forms will be available to see listed at
http://www.efanniemae.com/ ~
Specifically at this link you can look for forms:
http://www.efanniemae.com/singlefamily/sf_forms.jhtml
(Find a brief explanation of these at http://www.nbsigning.com/dwnlds.htm [thank you Dogmonger!])
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Reply by Sylvia_FL on 4/21/05 9:40pm
Msg #33257
Re: Plus 9 more Suggestions
Brenda
Don't forget
Buy an HP laser printer with the correct PCL drivers
Buy a fax machine (for outgoing faxes)
Subscribe to MaxEmail for incoming faxes
Buy a copier (or just get an all-in-one)
Make sure you have a cell phone with good reception and plenty of minutes.
Better to have DSL or Cable for downloading edocs.
Stock in Bayer aspirin for the headaches
Did I forget anything?
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Reply by BrendaTX on 4/21/05 9:56pm
Msg #33260
Excellent additions, Sylvia
But, you forgot the coffee! (Or, tea in your case )
- - - - - - -
Hopefully, we can write down these message numbers and have them handy as a "good starting place."
- - - - - - -
I think it would be good for newer 'uns to put their own notes in here, as well. Even though I have been at it only a little over a year, I have forgotten a lot of the early "stuff."
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Reply by Cyndi_AL on 4/22/05 8:31am
Msg #33308
Awesome suggestions!
These are wonderful! Great work! With your permission, I would like to copy these suggestions for my own use and maybe I can even put it in some sort of format to be used in future posts. Even though I'm new to this also, and since we don't have access to a "sticky" topic, it would save on typing it over and over.
Have a great day!! Cyndi
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Reply by BrendaTx on 4/22/05 8:50am
Msg #33310
Blogged it, here's an URL
Search keywords (hopefully):
New
Newbie
Getting Started
New Signing Agent
How to
http://texnotarynewsletter.blogspot.com/2005/04/april-21-2005-getting-started-list-of.html
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Reply by BrendaTX on 4/22/05 8:56am
Msg #33312
Added to my profile the following:
Laundry List of Suggestions on HOW TO GET STARTED ~~ SEE THREAD: Msg #33249~~
Anyone else who wants to keep this thread for reference can do the same thing.
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Reply by BrendaTX on 4/22/05 9:02am
Msg #33313
Blogged it, here's an URL - PS
If Harry does not want this info blogged, for obvious reasons - this is his forum, I will gladly take it down. However, the blog refers back to NotaryRotary.com about ten times. All info there is clear to include credit for NotaryRotary.com .
I am just trying to collect the info so if some of the Sticky-talk evolves into a FAQs, it's there.
Brenda
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Reply by Cyndi_AL on 4/22/05 9:05am
Msg #33314
Awesome Brenda!! Re: Blogged it, here's an URL - PS n/m
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Reply by Melody on 4/21/05 11:10pm
Msg #33266
Forget?
"Did I forget anything?"
Perhaps
Martini, double, straight up, two olives.
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Reply by Sylvia_FL on 4/21/05 11:13pm
Msg #33267
Re: Forget?
LOL - I can't drink alcohol so I never thought of those - but if I had thought of alcohol it would have been for either Harvey's Bristol Cream, or Sandemans Reserve - love those two but because of medications I am not allowed alcohol:(
But I did forget something!
Always make sure you have ample supplies of legal paper, and refill toner for the printer cartridge.
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Reply by Melody on 4/21/05 11:17pm
Msg #33270
Sandemans Reserve?
What is "Sandemans Reserve?"
Sounds like something new to avoid!
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Reply by Sylvia_FL on 4/21/05 11:59pm
Msg #33276
Re: Sandemans Reserve?
Port wine
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Reply by Claudia_NJ on 4/22/05 7:02am
Msg #33301
Re: Sandemans Reserve?
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Reply by Claudia_NJ on 4/22/05 7:04am
Msg #33303
Re: Sandemans Reserve?
Sorry - pinky is too quick on the trigger....
Hey Sylvia,
I was just in POrtugal on vacation and visited the Sandeman Cellars for a tour and wine tasting. My fiancee is a port "afficionado" so we had to do the port tour.....
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Reply by Sylvia_FL on 4/22/05 10:35am
Msg #33323
Re: Sandemans Reserve?
I do have a bottle of their Ruby Port aside for the day when I am able to come off the meds (hopeful thinking) and can have a glass (or two - or maybe 3)
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Reply by HisHughness on 4/22/05 1:18am
Msg #33286
Re: Plus 1 more really vital Suggestion
Always read Brenda's posts all the way through. Normally, you can get through one post in the morning and one post in the afternoon. Occasionally, for an exceptionally long (for Brenda) post, you may have to devote a weekend.
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Reply by BrendaTX on 4/21/05 9:51pm
Msg #33258
Plus 3 More suggestions
(21) Determine all zip codes you will service. Make a chart in Excel with these Column Headings
Zip -
City -
County -
Travel Fee -
Base Fee -
Total Overnight Fee -
Total eDocs Fee -
Travel Time -
(22) Figure these amounts for every Zip Code you service. Keep the chart over your desk, in your car and in your calendar.
(23) If you want to use a calendar online, try http://my.calendars.net
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Reply by BeccaWI on 4/21/05 10:09pm
Msg #33261
Thank you both!
This is really helpful!! Another WI notary and myself have been trying for the past few days to come up with ways to help us learn. This far exceeds anything we could have asked for!
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Reply by BrendaTx on 4/21/05 10:33pm
Msg #33263
Re: Thank you both!
Becca, If your partner is Lisa, I am really glad you are in WI and not in TX.
I have been in touch with Lisa...you two are going to make two of the best. Like I told Lisa, in a few months I will be learning from you guys.
Brenda
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Reply by BeccaWI on 4/21/05 10:45pm
Msg #33264
Re: Thank you both!
Yes Lisa and I are trying to learn this trade properly. Thanks for your kind words, we could only hope to have half the information you do!
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Reply by Melody on 4/21/05 11:21pm
Msg #33271
Re: Plus 9 more Suggestions
Brenda
You have just given my competition all the secrets to becoming a success at this business.
I am loading my gun.
And I think I will post a dozen new topics so this post falls right off the boards.
You and your French Ho's had better look out!
xox
M&O
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Reply by Brijoe_WA on 4/22/05 12:53am
Msg #33280
Re: Plus 9 more Suggestions
I am suprised there is this much help and this many posts for this newbie, and an anonymous name at that. Most of the people on here would just yell at him and tell him to go searching.
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Reply by BrendaTX on 4/22/05 6:11am
Msg #33299
Re: Plus 9 more Suggestions
Melody is referring to my dogs! I have been putting Essential Oil of Lavendar on their collars and brushing it into their coats for flea repellant. It works if you do it every other day.
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Reply by Dogmonger, Ca on 4/22/05 12:54am
Msg #33281
Welcome:-) NM
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Reply by JanetK/CA on 4/22/05 1:17am
Msg #33285
Another 9 more...
* a reliable, well maintained vehicle with air conditioning, a full tank and an open credit card to keep it that way (especially if you live in CA!!!)
* a reasonably up-to-date computer (was this already mentioned?) with plenty of memory and Adobe Acrobat Reader and MS Office software (Word, at a minimum) with good, current anti-virus software (at a minimum) and a firewall. I think a high-speed internet connection was listed already.
* up-to-date street maps in your vehicle (just in case...) for all the communities you plan to service
* a good calendar or PDA
* a system to track appointments, fees, Accts Receivable, mileage, clients, etc.
* plenty of loose certificates
* a good accountant
* an EIN number
* AND a day job or substantial cash reserves to sustain you while you build your business. The amount will depend on where you live and how saturated your area is.
I'm sure there's still more we are forgetting... Man, I wish I had all the information in this thread when I was starting out!!
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Reply by Mary Mantz on 4/22/05 1:30am
Msg #33289
Re: Plus 9 more Suggestions
I wish there was a way we could save a link to messages like this! This is clearly something that will be helpful now and in the future! It's SUCH a keeper. Thanks so much, Brenda.
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Reply by Art_MD on 4/22/05 6:51am
Msg #33300
Plus 1 more
Consider getting a digital recorder. Use to make notes etc while driving. Unless you have 4 hands, it's hard to drive, drink coffee, write down a phone number and name at the same time.
Art
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Reply by jojo_MN on 4/22/05 9:06am
Msg #33316
Re: Plus 1 more
I usually have the person calling call back and leave a message on my phone answering machine with the information. I just hang up and don't answer. (I do check the caller id before answering to make sure it is the same person before not answering).
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