Posted by saphire on 4/12/05 12:33pm
Msg #31163

positiveness of being a Notary

I am a new Notary, and after reading this site, I am wondering if anyone ever has anything positive to say about being a Notary.

In CA they advertise like crazy and tell you how much money you can make, ect.

I am a widow and really thought this was something I can do, and have invested in the class, and materials, time, ect...is this going to be a rough road to travel...anyone have any positive things to say?

Also..has anyone ever gotten books either from the library or from the book stores about tips on getting your Mobile Notary and Loan Signing business going?

There are 2 books they have ordered for me at Barnes & Noble.

Store said they didnt have them in stock so are made as someone orders them..said it wasnt that popular of a career?!

I noticed a lady from here was advertising her book for 9.95?!

Reply by Bobbi in CT on 4/12/05 12:53pm
Msg #31173

Saphire

If you want to, Email me privately at [e-mail address] (removed NOSPAM first). If you are willing to share with a stranger, tell me the city, state and zip code that you are in.

I may not reply until late today or tomorrow, but I will reply.

The Notary Signing Agent area is a VERY competitive business and you should check out your travel area to see how much experienced, established competition already exists. How far are you willing to drive one-way for business? If you don't already have the equipment, it could be a large outlay of cash or credit card charges up front.

Being a Notary Public, a public official, is very rewarding and so is going to a borrower's home with their mortgage loan documents. As you can see, it does have a downside.

Reply by saphire on 4/12/05 12:56pm
Msg #31179

Re: Saphire........ to Bobbi

Bobbi:

Thanks for that, and yes I will e-mail you.

Reply by Kath_CA on 4/12/05 12:54pm
Msg #31176

I am in So Cal so I know about the satuation of notaries, but you know what, this business is what you make it. I am only a premier member on this site and NNA and I get calls on a regular basis. And I haven't even begun to advertise yet. At two different signings, each wife worked for a major Title co, what luck. Get business cards, talk this business up to everyone you know & meet and you'll have good results. Best of luck!!

Reply by Kath_CA on 4/12/05 12:58pm
Msg #31181

I should add, as well as the office equipment needed, sign up with as many Signing Companies as you can to get some experience.

Reply by Reggie on 4/12/05 1:02pm
Msg #31186

IMHO study,study,study, market,market,market,and listen when someone who has been in the business longer than you have says anything listen.

Reggie
Kansas

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 4/12/05 1:02pm
Msg #31185

Saphire,
When you put your name in the author box, put it as Saphire_CA so we know you are in California.

It may be a rough road to travel, as California is saturated with notary/signing agents, thanks to the NNA. But, if you keep a positive outlook, study your CA notary handbook until you know the notary laws inside out. Market yourself all the time, and accept that there will be "dry spells" - even experienced signing agents have "dry spells".

I suspect a lot of the newer signing agents will probably drop out of the business when they realize it is not as easy as the NNA make it out to be, and those that persevere and stay in will eventually do well and be OK.

I am positive if you persevere you will do fine.

Reply by Charm_AL on 4/12/05 1:10pm
Msg #31188

I love this job. It is a good feeling to be the integral part of a loan closing. Also great to see smiling customers and the thank yous for a job well done !
I love the fact that I can accept or turn away work and the checks in the mail always give me a good feeling. Good Luck, stick it out and sign up with as many companies as you can!

Reply by ssnotary on 4/12/05 1:39pm
Msg #31198

Life is what you make, as is a profession. Ignore what you feel is negative, work with all the gusto you choose to and have great success. The limit to your success is determined by you!!!!!

Reply by Nicole_NCali on 4/12/05 3:43pm
Msg #31243

Re:expand your idea of what notaries do

Don't get caught up in just closing loans. Look into other avenues for notarizations. The loan signing business is just one venture. Remember, as a notary, you can notarize all kinds of legal documents.

Last month, I did 10 loan closings and 50 other notarizations. I made more with a $35 travel fee and $10 per notarized signature. All of these were within a 5 mile radius of me. I advertised in laundromats, senior centers, nursing homes, and community centers.

Reply by Debbie/NJ on 4/13/05 7:56pm
Msg #31555

I have a severe back problem and find that I can no longer work full-time as an Executive Administrative Assistant (as I have all my life). This business gives me an opportunity to earn money and still not do anything that will cause me too much pain. In addition, I love talking to the people I meet at signings. We (the borrowers and me) usually have a good time and talk and laugh while we're doing the signing. I'm a very outgoing person so I think this is a great job for me. Yes, there are some downsides (like waiting for edocs or cancellations) but , for me, this is the ideal job. Good luck!

Debbie