Posted by Vickie Greene on 1/17/05 1:13pm
Msg #17082

Help

Hello to anyone out there. I am an experienced Property and Casualty Agent and am very interested in becoming a Notary Signing Agent. My question: I was going to order the Certification Book and Exam through the National Notary Association to teach myself about this profession. Is this the best way to get started? In noticed on the forum that someone asked about becoming certified and got some negative response. I felt that this was the best way to teach myself. Is there some better way? If so, what. I live in Birmingham, Alabama.

Reply by Joan-OH on 1/17/05 1:22pm
Msg #17083

Vickie

I have both the NNA book & Signing Registry book. For educational purposes, the Signing Registry is hands down the better book. Cost is about $55 less than the NNA's. Spend what you save on the NNA certification if you are going to be listed there and it comes out to about the same. (I believe the NNA's course includes the test, but the test is about $45 by itself.) I, personally don't think much of the NNA certification test because it is open book, but it is recongnized and will put you up higher on the list of agents in your area. I read the book on day 1 and passed the test on day 2. I certainly was not ready to take on loan signings without a lot more study & research.

The Signing Registry also has a mentor network and a phenominal private message board where everyone is professional and helpful. Can't say enough about them! :-)

Joan-OH

Reply by Charm_AL on 1/17/05 1:32pm
Msg #17085

Thanks Joan! I'll check them out too
Professionalism and respect is big in my book!

Reply by Vickie on 1/17/05 1:33pm
Msg #17086

Joan, thanks so much for your information. This really helps me. I have been checking this out for the last few weeks and certainly would not attempt a signing until I know, hopefully, what I am doing. In other words, I intend to take my time. Thanks, Vickie

Reply by Anonymous on 1/17/05 9:33pm
Msg #17136

Joan: I have to disagree with you here. Being NNA certified, does not put you higher on the list. It is how well you do your job.

Reply by Joan-OH on 1/17/05 10:20pm
Msg #17139

I think you might be confused about what list I am talking about. The list I am talking about is on certain searches on the NNA website, the Certified signers get listed before the Non-Certified. Where it put's us on Title Company's or Signing Companies list, I don't know. It probably doesn't make a difference at all. But when they go to the NNA website and perform a search (I think State & County), the certified signers are at the top. If they search by zip code, it goes closest to furthest irregardless of whether your certified or not.

Just Clarifying what I meant

Joan-OH

Reply by Charm_AL on 1/17/05 1:30pm
Msg #17084

Hi Vickie, Welcome!
I'm in Alabama also, by Redstone base in Huntsville
No formal training here, only offer online classes. There are some notaries in Birmingham. Try a zip code search up in the find a notary tab for your area and see who pops up. Maybe they will help you with the basics and let you accompany them to a signing.
I'm considering getting trained properly and certified. Some say it helps beginners whom do not have references yet. I have done 5 succesful signings since I became a notary in late November. Unfortunately, it's been very slow this month, but it seems to be slow for the industry. Some say it'll pick up around March. While I'm waiting for calls I am signing up with everyone I can via online, also working on a flyer/letter to send to locals with a business card. I go to the list here under signing services and pick the ones that are highly rated and put the names into my search bar. So far, At home signings and IREP are two great companies that pay twice a month and they found me here. Farther down in this forum, I posted a link to a site that I printed what the documents for signing agents are and their definitions.
I didn't take any classes, but was introduced to this kind of work by a friend in Ohio and she pretty much walked me through the first signing. I already was familiar with just about everything being a mortgage broker.
Good luck

Reply by Vickie on 1/17/05 1:41pm
Msg #17088

Thanks for your help. I had already looked up the signing agents in my area. Did I understand you correctly - are you also a mortgage broker? I am a Property and Casualty Agent and have been for the last 15 years. I work as an Independent Contractor for Clark Associates, Inc. here in Birmingham. I was introduced to this professional by a friend and thought it might be interestiong. When you say that you are considering getting trained properly what do you mean? Are there any seminars in Alabama? I tried to find one and did not have any luck.

Reply by Charm_AL on 1/17/05 1:49pm
Msg #17090

No Vicki, when I did my search for classes, I could not find anything. Only found training online. I did not get any formal training. I feel that I personally need to educate myself more in this industry just to make sure I've got all my bases covered. I don't like knowing that I could be missing something or not know as much as I can/should.
The only place that I see everywhere online is in California. That state seems saturated to the point of dripping, I don't know why but competition there is fierce it seems.
The good thing about our state is that it is nowhere near saturated, or at least my area. Many of the notaries that listed somewhere are no longer even working. Are there a lot of agents in your zip? Have you contactd any yet?

Reply by Vickie on 1/17/05 1:54pm
Msg #17091

There are 43 listed within a 50 mile radius of my house. That seems like a lot. Vickie

Reply by Charm_AL on 1/17/05 2:04pm
Msg #17095

well, that seems like a lot but if you're professional and do the job right, I'm sure you'll get business. If you call any mobile notaries just tell them that you found them through a search and are looking for a mentor. Ask if you can go with them on a signing appt. The south is known for it's very friendly people, I'm sure someone will help you get started. Until then just search online for information regarding the industry....or...
You can drive up and go on one with me lol
In any case...if you need any help along the way, I'll try my best. My e-mail address is in my profile

Reply by Vickie on 1/17/05 1:56pm
Msg #17093

Forgot to say "No" I have not contacted any yet. I guess I should but I did not know how much information they would be willing to share...