Posted by Katya Birken on 8/28/05 7:19pm
Msg #62346

New to signing and need advise

Hi, I'm new to the signing industry. I would like to create a brochure that outlines my services but I'm not sure where to start. Also, I don't know what the going rate is or what's resonable to ask for etc. I have worked in the financial services industry for 3 1/2 yrs so I'm not totally new to the details of everything etc. I feel like I do have some experience and professionalism to bring to the table, but I'm just not sure. One woman who's been doing this for several years told me not to accept less than $100 per signing, but when I'm out meeting with lenders and introducing myself and I want to offer and "in office crunch time" service. What would be reasonable and at the same time not make me feel cheated? I don't know. I don't want to be laughed out of the office and I also don't want to get stuck at some low rate. Can anyone help?

Katya

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 8/28/05 9:13pm
Msg #62357

If you are new to the signing industry, you need to sign up with as many signing services as you can - but don't expect to get $100 per signing without any experience as a signing agent.

You really need to put your state in your "handle" so you can get appropriate answers.

Reply by PNW_Notary on 8/28/05 9:14pm
Msg #62358

Read message 33325

Hit the orange search button to find message #33325.

Read all the posts in that thread.

#33325 is the place to start for all new notary signing agents.

Reply by Brijoe_WA on 8/28/05 9:41pm
Msg #62360

Re: blows my mind the lack of research with all the noobs

It blows my mind the lack of research with all the noobs that come on this board. Dont you think when you are thinking about becoming an NSA one of the FIRST things you would research are the fees to charge, and what the income potential is? Or maybe they are so naive and lazy they just put all their worth in what the radio commercials say.

Reply by CinSignsNY on 8/29/05 12:22am
Msg #62369

Re: blows my mind the lack of research with all the noobs

Wow! I guess you knew immediately what to do on this site when you started here. Like using the search tools, etc. I'm to assume that you came to this board an expert...because you seem to have no patience with "the noobs". I don't recall the post saying anything about having responded to an ad either, so are you now just using your psychic abilities?! I came to this board not knowing how to use it, and thank goodness there are those who are kind and still willing to help those starting out. Maybe we should call those that are crass and rude to the noobs, boobs!!! I'm sure you have good posts here, but we just don't need to keep hearing all the negativity that is being spewed. My mother and grandmother always said, "If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all!" I hope you have a better day!!!

Reply by Lisa Bittner on 8/29/05 12:56am
Msg #62372

questions

do not be discouraged from negative things you read here... seems there is a bit of this going around right now.
Prices range from 50.00 and up for Signing agencies. If you sign up for these agencies you can learn a great deal. Just keep the signings very local... not more than 10 miles or 15 miles from your home base when you are only getting $50.00 Make a name for yourself you can start asking for more money.
There is a debate about not taking the $50.00 is here, so you can make up your own mind. You have picked a competitive field of work.

Title and Escrow are around 150.00 and up you will have to drive further and provide more services, e-docs and a bit more knowledge and experience will be needed.

The best to you

Reply by CinSignsNY on 8/29/05 1:03am
Msg #62373

Re: questions

See, there are still good people willing to help!!! Thank you Lisa!!!

Reply by CaliNotary on 8/29/05 4:55am
Msg #62376

Re: questions

"See, there are still good people willing to help!!! Thank you Lisa!!!"

And there were good people willing to help the other 1000 times this question was asked and answered on this board.

Reply by Anonymous on 8/29/05 10:31am
Msg #62389

Re: questions

What is a good place to do research when you are just starting out(Books,Websites,Etc.)? I heard about signing agents through a woman I worked with who did it as a side job and loved it, and I am now trying to get started doing it as a home-based business. I am trying to make it my only income while I am getting through college, but I just don't know where to start. I have already taken the notary test and sent away to get bonded, stamp,etc. but I just don't know what to do next. I'd appreciate any help I can get.
Thanks a lot,
KristinFL

Reply by CaliNotary on 8/29/05 4:54am
Msg #62375

Re: blows my mind the lack of research with all the noobs

Maybe if this message wasn't clearly displayed and higlighted in yellow above EVERY new message that is posted in here about getting started, you'd find we'd have more patience:

Important Notice
If you are going to ask a question, please consider consulting the Search (this is hyperlinked in the message btw) feature before doing so. Many questions have been asked and answered repeatedly on this forum by expert notaries: Should I buy a laser printer? • What are e-docs? • What is a signing agent? • How much should I charge? • How do I get started? Answers to questions like these are just a few clicks away!

We don't expect the noobs to know exactly how to use the board, but we do expect some level of effort on their part, such as reading the things marked *IMPORTANT NOTICE* and highlighted in yellow when they're right in front of their face. Surely you don't think that's asking too much of them.

Reply by buylamb on 8/29/05 10:14am
Msg #62385

Re: blows my mind the lack of research with all the noobs

If you are annoyed with the endless questions of some...you are not required to respond to them. I seldom respond to this board though I read it daily. I am more annoyed and embarrassed by the flat out meanspiritedness and judgemental attitude of some. This is not a professional trait and is frankly not a mature one either. In 30 years of working with the public I have never found a reason to be rude or judgemental toward a person asking a question. What merit is there is raising your blood pressure? Heck if they knew the answer they would not ask. Just direct them to the right place or answer their question. If it irks you you need not say anything! Now there's a concept.

Reply by Lisa Bittner on 8/29/05 10:18am
Msg #62386

Re: blows my mind the lack of research with all the noobs

:(

it takes as much energy to answer someone who asks, than to make people feel foolish.

I suppose its your choice how you want to be perceived

Reply by CinSignsNY on 8/29/05 10:44am
Msg #62393

We are all here for a reason.

So, thank you buylamb and Lisa!!! I can understand why newbies use the "anonymous" handle here, sometimes "the elders" make it tough to ask questions for fear of mean-spirited comments, although, they too, use the "anon" so they can say mean things without it affecting their handle. It's all a vicious circle. I guess when responding to a post you just have to ask yourself if this is a response you would want to receive. And remember, "What goes around, comes around"!!!

Reply by TitleGalCA on 8/29/05 10:48am
Msg #62395

that's it...have ANY of you bothered to read message 33325??

You got excellent advice with that one post. Message 33325 was created by people who ARE nice, who DO offer help, and that ONE post answers ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS. It is the stock answer to newbie posts because it gives you ALL YOUR ANSWERS without having (daily)

Reply by TitleGalCA on 8/29/05 10:48am
Msg #62396

Re: that's it...have ANY of you bothered to read message 33325??

part II

Reply by TitleGalCA on 8/29/05 10:48am
Msg #62397

Re: that's it...have ANY of you bothered to read message 33325??

part II

Reply by TitleGalCA on 8/29/05 10:49am
Msg #62398

Re: that's it...have ANY of you bothered to read message 33325??

Part II again...

without DAILY answering the same kind of posts! It tells you to do your research, which is what CALI told you.

Grow up and do your own research into YOUR BUSINESS.

END OF RANT.

Reply by buylamb on 8/29/05 10:58am
Msg #62403

Re: that's it...have ANY of you bothered to read message 33325??

You deserve this....If you are so good and professional... why did it take you 3 attempts to publish part II? See! no one is perfect or all knowing.

Reply by CaliNotary on 8/29/05 11:01am
Msg #62404

Re: that's it...have ANY of you bothered to read message 333

Wow, I guess you told her buylamb.

Watch out for my eyeballs, I think I rolled them right across the room.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 8/29/05 11:02am
Msg #62405

At least I know how to determine if a business is...

lucrative, or would suit me, ON MY OWN, without going to an internet forum of professionals and embarrassing myself by ignoring the advice posted, insisting on being spoon fed with each post.

Reply by Anonymous on 8/29/05 10:25am
Msg #62387

Re: blows my mind the lack of research with all the noobs

Wow,
It really blows my mind that someone who obviously considers themselves to be so wonderful in this profession could be so rude and arrogant! I definitely wouldn't do business with someone who lacks so much in professionalism.

Reply by StormIN on 8/29/05 2:01pm
Msg #62463

Re: blows my mind the lack of research with all the noobs

I have a strong background in customer service and feel the need to add that the personalities and attitudes one will encounter on this forum are no different than what one would face in every day life and business as well. You will run into all types. Having a tough skin is vital and the ability to be patient with others is important. I think the suggestion in another thread for a forum specifically geared toward newbies is a great one, but my question is would the old-timers have any more patience in that new forum????

Reply by TitleGalCA on 8/29/05 2:16pm
Msg #62469

Re: blows my mind the lack of research with all ....Storm

Hi Storm,

Let me just make a statement from my perspective. I was a 'newbie' to this forum once too. When I first came across it...I couldn't believe what a good resource it was. I paid my $39 because I wanted to be a premier member so I could search out answers with the search feature and I wanted to advertise here.

I had been a notary 8 years, but was *somewhat* of green signing agent.

When I first found the forum, I did not post any questions...why? Because if I used the Search feature like Harry, the Owner TELLS ME to do when posting a question....(ref "the mean statement" Calinotary made earlier this morning...he quoted it for on of the ruder anonymous) I GOT ALL MY QUESTIONS ANSWERED BECAUSE THEY HAD BEEN ASKED 1000 TIMES BEFORE!

Second, I didn't want to make a fool of myself, SO I READ AND READ AND READ.

Seems like the new ones now just flat out demand, then cry when someone speaks the truth and tells them, "so why should I answer your question when I WORKED HARD to do my research when I started out".

Take the time to do a few searches yourself here. Try "newbie". Try "Fees". Try "how do I get started".

BETTER YET, try Message 33325 where everything is laid out!!! I can't imagine any of these new people who won't work for information will be successful; they'll simply drop off and probably blame those who won't force feed them information.

After all people, This is YOUR BUSINESS. You get out of it what you put into it.

(And I'm one of the nicer ones, you wouldn't believe how some *absent* posters raked newbies over the coals).

Reply by StormIN on 8/29/05 2:40pm
Msg #62472

Re: blows my mind the lack of research with all ....Storm

I understand your perspective and can relate to your frustrations also. It's like training a new hire-ling and they just aren't getting what your saying so you end up having to show them several times. The only difference on this forum, however, is that you are "training" several at a time and so the questions will be asked that many more times. I hate to use the word training because it makes it sound as if you all are obligated, I am simply using it to make a point. So I say the new forum for newbies would be great! List list list all of the pertinent message #'s, I have printed several already.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 8/29/05 4:30pm
Msg #62498

Re: blows my mind the lack of research with all ....Storm



Normally, everybody is pretty consistent about pointing to 33325 - it's really a great thread, I've printed it and referred to it alot...but when new forum members get "mad" when somebody points out they should be doing their own research...the same war ensues.

(I always swore I wouldn't be the one who fires back, but all the wrong buttons got pushed with the responses to Cali this morning).

and, CaliNotary may not couch his posts with sugar and spice and everything nice, but I haven't yet found a circumstance where he's not RIGHT.

Reply by Anonymous on 8/29/05 10:45am
Msg #62394

dont worry i am new also and i found that this site was really encouraging...i am really surprised at some negativity because mostly this is a positive place to come for advice. we all hve to start somewhere...goog luck to you !!!

Reply by Anonymous on 8/29/05 1:46pm
Msg #62458

Thank you everyone, who replyed in a positive manner

I'm choosing to ignore all the negativity that's going around. That's just not necessary, nor helpful.

Thanks to everyone who was willing to share their experience and knowledge with me. I have a lot to work with and go over now. It's nerve wrecking stepping into a new career without any prior knowledge of the industry and no one really showing you the ropes. Sounds like the signing services would be a really good idea. Thanks again!

Reply by Barry Silver on 8/29/05 11:34am
Msg #62425

Hello Katya,

I am always happy to assist. Please feel free to contact me, and I will do what I can to assist you. You have been given an excellent start here with some of the advice I have seen. Please take advantage of what the veterans have to offer you.

Reply by Charles_CA on 8/29/05 3:00pm
Msg #62476

Perspective needed

Someone said that everyone had to start somewhere. Many of the old-timers started on their own and did not have anyone to hold their hand nor did they expect it. I see the names of some excellent SA's in this post and some who have been around for a long time either as notaries or as professionals in other industries related to signing loans. Some of the people replying to this post have been or are real ewstate professionals, title officers, lenders etc. I am relatively new ot this particular board although I have been a real estate professional for over 25 years, a real estate investor, and a loan originator. I backed into this business bu I never relied on any one else to tell me how to start or run my business. I lurked on this board for a long time before I ventured into the fray. I learned a lot by lurking. Lke any other community one needs to see who the players are. Just because someone has little tolerance for someone who asks to be told how to start and operatie their business doesn't mena that they don't knwo what they are doing. Frequently, and this thread is no exception the poster who bash the experienced should consider thier own position before making accusations which prove them to be novices in their own right.

A little initiative should be expected from newbies or anyone expecting to enter a business. Whatever prompted them to enter business when they can't even learn to navigate a bulletin board? Such lack of intiative surely does not bode well for their future success. if you ahve to resort to callling people names to make your point there are usenet groups that specialise in flaming try your luck at one of those. My personal point of reference is that if I have nothing to contribute I keep my mouth shut: It's worked well for me for many decades, it might work for you. Try it!

Reply by Lisa Bittner on 8/29/05 11:41pm
Msg #62553

Re: Perspective needed

I have been lurking for over a year, and only recently have posted.

I have mentored many new agents over the last years. Some people need the money and know very little about computers. Some are retired and are nervous about starting something new. Some are going through some tough personal problems (divorce/death) where normally they are able to navigate a web site but are just overwhelmed by a changes in their lives.
Some times it just takes some gentle nudging and they get it.

Sometimes the experienced do not have to blow their own horn.

There is just NEVER a reason to be rude.

If someone has little tolerance they should just keep reading and not click the reply button.