Posted by Virginia Monaghan on 8/15/05 6:13pm
Msg #59218

total newbie

So I'm going to take a NNA seminar next month and take the exam the same day. How is the test? I already did a search on this forum but I just want to get more up to date replies.
Also, I honestly don't know alot about Public Notary, is it hard to undestand/comprehend? Sorry for bad spelling. I'm tired.

Reply by Anonymous on 8/15/05 7:03pm
Msg #59220

I took that Notary Signing Agent seminar and it was a total waste of time and money. They give you two books; one with sample loan documents and the other just gives you definitions. They didn't really explain anything, just told you what the document name was and moved on to the next page. If you can read, you can help yourself and save the $149 you'd waste on the course. You'd be much better served to get on with a signing service and go out on a couple of closings with them. They will answer your questions and go over the docs. The test was more so focusing on the actual notary law, what you can and can't do. Not necessarily on the document signing portion of it. They also get you to set your expectations really low. When you first start out, you won't really be able to command a certain amount of money, but there is a cost of doing business. some signings just don't pay enough to make it worth while. You shouldn't take a signing for $50 if you are printing 2 copies of the package on your toner and paper and driving an hour away to do it. I've been doing this for almost 6 months now. I love the flexibility but it's not so great when things slow down.

Reply by Roger/OH on 8/15/05 7:43pm
Msg #59230

You don't say what state you're in, but if your motivation for wanting to take the seminar is because NNA said you could make a "full-time income with part-time effort" or that you could earn "$125 an hour", then you need to step back and get some reality. Begin by taking the time to read the posts on this board from the beginning. You will glean a lot of information about the income realities, the equipment investment (cell phone, fax, laser printer, ink/toner) necessary to start up your business, local business licensures, establishing your fee schedule, IRS considerations for filing taxes as a business, and many other things you may want to look at before taking the plunge. Not trying to discourage you, just be sure you go into it with your eyes wide open; what NNA will tell you to get your money, and the realities of the business are very different things.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 8/15/05 9:13pm
Msg #59242

Virginia
You say you honestly don't know a lot about "Public Notary"

I recommend you do some reading up on what a "Notary Public" is. It is a very old, honourable profession dating back to Roman times. A Notary Public is not a position to be taken lightly. You need to do some reading on what a Notary Public is, and you need to know your state's Notary Public laws inside out - and the NNA are not going to be able to teach you that in a couple of hours!

Reply by Jenny/CA on 8/15/05 9:33pm
Msg #59250

I take being a Notary Public very seriously. You might want to join an association such as the American Society of Notaries to understand more of this profession, all the duties and responsibilities it entails. Remember, you can't be a SA with out first being a Notary Public.

Reply by CaliNotary on 8/16/05 2:38am
Msg #59322

I just love this. I'm going to take the seminar to become something that I don't even know the correct name for or what it even really is.

Can you imagine any other industry where this would be acceptable?

"Hi, I'm applying to Harvard Law School to become one of those law people. Is the test to become one hard? I don't even really know what the law people do, is it complicated?"

Reply by Dave_CA on 8/16/05 9:49am
Msg #59357

CaliNotary, Good to see...

some posts can still move you to respond.

Reply by TxNotary on 8/16/05 10:15am
Msg #59361

Re: CaliNotary, Good to see...

Good Grief!!!

Public Notary (now I've really heard it all), You need to be alittle more knowledgable about being a Notary Public/Signing Agent. Please research and read all that there is regarding the business. Just taking a seminar is not enough, If you really want some pointers find another hobby to interest yourself in. This is a business alot of us has worked hard to get into, coming from 3 years title and 3 years mortgage closing, this is not just something that I woke up one morning and said HEY I'm going to get my notary. Think long and hard before you waste your time and money is this really what I want to do!!! this forum is very helpful

Reply by PAW_Fl on 8/16/05 11:05am
Msg #59372

Cali-newbie-Notary spouted: "Hi, I'm applying to Harvard Law School to become one of those law people. Is the test to become one hard? I don't even really know what the law people do, is it complicated?"

Dean of Admissions responds: "Then why have you come to the Yale Medical School?"

Reply by TitleGalCA on 8/16/05 11:15am
Msg #59375

Lol, PAW...make that roflmao. N/M