Posted by Toots on 1/12/05 7:52pm
Msg #16499

Long Time NSAs...need your words of wisdom.

I became an NSA on a PT basis a month ago. I had to turn down the first few assignments because it couldn't be scheduled in the evenings. Luckily things at my day job started to slow down after Xmas and I was able to take some time off and accepted signing assignments. I continue to get assignments that were scheduled for day time. So, I decided to quit my day job (as of next week) and took a part-time day job - which will have some flexibility in my working hours. I'd really like to build up my career in loan signing. This past week has been really slow for me, I don't know why. The jobs I've done so far are repeat business from 3 companies. Haven't had calls from new companies. Only one assignment this week. I've registered with about 150 companies via email/online/fax. Should I be picking up the phone and calling those companies? And if so, whom should I be talking to? I'm not a good sales person....never like cold calling.

Does anyone do much business with their local Title companies? My friends in Real Estate says that 99.9% of their buyers do closing in the Title offices. They (title co.) don't outsource this task. I called the first few companies in my Yellow Pages and they confirm what my RE friends told me and I stopped calling. So, back to the drawing board....signed up with a couple more signing agent directories. Phone still not ringing.

How long does it take to get noticed? I was getting more assignments when I didn't have experience at all, and now that I've done some, I'm only getting business from the same folks. I've been told that the first few months, I should be lucky to get 2/week.

How many companies whould I need to contact and register with in order to get 2-4 assignments a day?

Reply by Lee/AR on 1/12/05 8:08pm
Msg #16500

It would really help if you post your State... and, in this context, even your city/county. About all I can tell you is that keeping really busy depends upon the body count in your area. Unless, of course, you're in CA, where I think every 4th person is a notary (just kidding)

Reply by Me notary on 1/12/05 8:39pm
Msg #16504

I do signings part time because I'm disabled and where I live is very rural. I have been doing this work since before there was the title Notary Signing Agent. This year I did an average of 1 signing per week. Be loyal to the companies that pay well and stick to your price. Don't forget it takes your time , your ink, your paper, and your vehicle and gas. AND sometimes HUBBIES agrivation. Welcome aboard and good luck!!!

Reply by Toots on 1/12/05 8:56pm
Msg #16509

I'm located in Kansas in one of the most affluent counties in the country. County population about 500K plus another 500K for neighboring counties which I am willing to drive to.

Reply by Julie-Mi on 1/13/05 9:20am
Msg #16571

You mention 500K in your county and neighboring county and that it is affluent. If it's that affluent, you have won't have as many fha customers.

Additionally, the good credit people, already refinanced in 2002. That cuts your potential customers way down.

You need to count on the sub-prime affluent people in your area to be your gravy.

How many signing agents cover your county? These are all factors to consider as to why your phone isn't ringing.

Reply by CaliNotary on 1/12/05 8:53pm
Msg #16508

I'd say that you definitely jumped the gun on quitting your full time job. You happened to start doing signings during a really busy period for us, but as you can see it's not always like that. And that you don't have very much experience isn't going to work in your favor in building up work quickly.

There's really no magic number of companies to register with. Some companies will use you, like you, and start calling you more frequently. Some will use you only once in a blue moon. Some will never call you once after you send your registration info to them. I've been told you should be registered with a minimum of 100 signing services and it sounds like you've already done way more than that.

About the only thing you really can do is start picking up the phone, asking if they received your registration info, ask how often they have signings in your area, etc. It takes time to build up a client base. I was doing this PT for about 7 months before I quit my FT job and it was still really scary for the first 2 months after that.

Reply by Toots on 1/12/05 9:09pm
Msg #16512

I didn't quit my FT job thinking I was going to stay as busy as I did in the beginning. Hence, I am still keeping a PT job - which is financially sufficient. Have to loose the "fun" activities.... but sufficient income for all the necessaties. So, I'm not really under immediate financial pressure but I'm wondering if what I'm experiencing is normal, that I'm doing all the right moves, not leaving anything out (other than making those follow up phone calls....Gawd, I passionately hate doing that!). Thanks for taking your time to reply.

Reply by Becca/FL on 1/12/05 9:43pm
Msg #16520

Toots - I am a firm beliver in networking. I have been in this business (Title/Real Estate) for 4+ years but, have only been doing SA work for 18mos - FT for 10mos. The BEST thing that I did for my SA career was to start netwrking with other SA's in my territory.

I now have a network of good, trusted SA's to refer SS/TC to if I can not take the job. In turn these SA's will do the same. I never like to turn down a job but, sometimes we just can't do it. Make yourself an asset to the Co's that call you for jobs. If you can't do it, say you are very sorry and you appreciate them thinking of you but, you are already booked.....however, so and so might be able to do it, let me give you his/her number.

Start searching the databases and find the working SA's in your area. Call them, email them and refer work to them when you can. Become an asset to the Co's and to your fellow Notaries!

Some Sa's do not share my opinion on this but it has worked for me and my small network of SA's. We all help each other and we all need a vacation every now and then!

Reply by LauraV on 1/12/05 9:12pm
Msg #16514

Continue to work for Signing Agencies until you have completed 75-100 signings MINIMUM.

It is important that you do not contact title companies for work until you have 75+ signings under your belt. If you court title companies before you are ready, you will make mistakes and lose a lifetime client forever. Title companies are NOT forgiving. They have the memory of elephants.

The two most important factors in whether or not you will ever have enough work depends on
*if title companies use mobile notaries for purchase work (my 2 counties never do)
*how many other NSAs are in your area

After you have completed 75+ signings, then you can start to negotiate higher fees and solicit title companies and lenders.

Another notary posted that you should STICK TO YOUR FEES. She/he is absolutely right. If you take $50 for signings, you will always be offered $50 or less for signings. It is very difficult to get higher pay once you have been pegged as a $50 notary. The $50 companies will call other notaries. The $50 companies are the ones who pay late if at all and treat notaries like dirt. The ones who pay $65 and above treat notaries much better. Skip the Woolworth's experience. Even while you are in your 75-signing period, hold out for $65 or more. And always get $25 additional MINIMUM for eDocs.

Read all the message boards to learn about companies that don't pay. Refuse their signings no matter what amount they offer. You will be nervous at the moment and be grateful the next day.

Reply by Toots on 1/12/05 9:55pm
Msg #16521

"75 min. signings before soliciting title companies" Really? Ok, I must be missing something. What are the potential mistakes of a new NSA that justifies needing 75 "practice" signings?

When I get a package, I review the checklists from lender and SS and make sure all docs are there. I review all instructions. At signing table, I check identities and compare with names on docs, look through docs thoroughly to make sure all signatures and initials are made where marked. Administer oath, notorize documents where marked. Check again before leaving. Check again before mailing docs. Perform post-closing instructions.

From what I understand, it is not my responsibility if document is not marked for signature, initial or notarized, when it should. It is not my responsibility if an unlisted document was not sent in the package. It is not my responsibility to explain documents to buyers but to identify what they are.

What am I missing? What responsibilities am I not fulfilling and negatively hurt my reputation as an NSA?

I'm not second guessing you, Laura. I'm asking an honest and sincere question as to what is it that I need to "practice" on 75 times? After doing 5 or so signings, I am quite confident that I can do "error-free" work, unless I was careless, and missed a marked page for signature. Again, not trying to be obnoxious, but the number 75 is just threw me off. Have I over-estimated myself? or I must be missing something, big time!

Reply by Urban/PA on 1/13/05 10:18am
Msg #16581

I have been doing signings since Oct 2003. My first job was from a title company which paid $175.00 for my services, 2 days after obtaining certification with National Notary Association. I work for over 300 companies which was obtained during the first 10 months. It is all in the way you market yourself. There are many websites in which you can list services free of charge. Make your self visable on the internet, 90% percent of my work comes from the internet.

During the months of January - March, it is usually a slow period and the pickings are grim. So, on the up side, you should begin to see calls boost in April. Take this time and put some advertisement skits together or design a brochure. Type in your web browser, notary public and check out the different companies and websites.

Also, you should consider joining some associations and as the others have said network. You do not have to limit yourself to just closing services, check into providing services such as: safe deposit drillings for local banks ( in most states, an internal notary can't perform the act), getting licensed as a card agent for the Department of Motor Vechicles in your state, offering services at hospitals, nursing homes, etc.

Don't limit yourself to local companies, get registered with national companies. You have to put sweat equity in to obtain rewards in the end. Good Luck!

Reply by Ernest_CT on 1/13/05 1:26pm
Msg #16607

Whoa! Drilling safety deposit boxes is not easy!

Check thoroughly before even considering drilling safe deposit boxes! There are both hardware and legal requirements that you must meet, as well as getting work.

First, different boxes require drilling in different places; you have to know which is where. You have to have specialized reference materials. You will need something other than a handyperson's drill. You will need special drill bits, too. You are likely to need a jig for precision.

Second, drilling is only half of the job. Part two is repairing the door. Keep in mind that the bank will want the repair to be (nearly) invisible. You'll need supplies and non-home tools. Some boxes are old enough that you CAN'T get replacement parts.

Third, if you scratch another box or otherewise damage something other than the box you're drilling, the bank will scream bloody murder. And they'll expect you to make everything as good as new. Then they'll never call you again.

Fourth, you think you've been under scrutiny and pressure before? Just wait. Watching you do everything will be one or more bank representatives, the box renter(s), possibly an attorney, and possibly a police officer. Expect that the box renter(s) will arrive late, say an hour late.

Fifth, plan on getting special insurance and bonding. You'll very likely need to register with the local police, and probably the state police also. You'll be fingerprinted, bu that shouldn't be a problem.

Sixth, how are you planning to get work? Most banks already have contracts. Expect to be asked for references from banks where you have already done work. (This Catch 22 is present in a lot of business. Once you've gotten experience you can get more work, but without any experience....) Most banks will use only an established company, usually a locksmithing firm, which has several employees.

Banks don't usually give much notice. One business day is the maximum.

Best of luck with other things, but don't expect to become a freelance locksmith.

Reply by PAW Notary Services on 1/13/05 4:53pm
Msg #16628

Re: Whoa! Drilling safety deposit boxes is not easy!

Hang on there Ernest. Are you telling me that you, a Notary Public, are expect to open the safe deposit boxes? That's not the way I've seen it done and not the way the bank policy (for the bank that I worked for) allows. Only a qualified locksmith, hired by the bank, can "break in" to the safe deposit box. No tools, hardware or labor is required by the Notary Public who serves as a witness to the opening, catalogs the contents, and ensure the appropriate parties are present at the opening.

I think you misunderstood what the notaries role is with respect to safe deposit boxes. And, some states do not allow notaries to certify the contents of the box.

Florida law provides that a financial institution may open a safe-deposit box if the rental fee is past due, providing that proper notice has been made and that certain other conditions are met. A notary public is authorized and required to be present for the opening of the safe-deposit box, to inventory the contents of the vault, and to make an appropriate certificate of the opening. The notary is not required to estimate the value of the contents of the safe-deposit box. Our statutes outline the procedure to be followed. We are not the ones drilling and such. Just inventorying the contents and reporting same.

Reply by Ernest_CT on 1/14/05 5:40am
Msg #16696

Oops! Misunderstood what was meant. Sorry!

Your explanation of what role notaries public have in the drilling of safe deposit boxes in FL is much appreciated.

In CT a notary is not allowed to certify copies of documents, much less the contents of a safe deposit box. I thought the suggestion was to have the notary, in slow times, open safe deposit boxes. (Whew!) I'm very glad I was wrong!

Thanks for the clarification, Paul!

Reply by Laura Vestanen on 3/2/08 8:23pm
Msg #237838

Hi, Toots

I'm sorry I missed your question when you posted it.

75+ signings are needed ONLY so you get a feel for the loan industry and how it works. This has nothing to do with the notary part of the work.

Good luck,
LauraV

Reply by Ted_MI on 1/12/05 10:29pm
Msg #16524

Laura,

With all due respect, I accept your general premise that if you sign up with a title company and you screw up they are gone forever. However, I am not sure that it is really necessary to do like seventy-five signings prior to contacting title companies. To some extent I rely on a posting from Paul-Fla in which he recommended like two dozen signings prior to contacting title companies.

However, I suppose it really depends on the nature of a nsa's background - what sort of experience they bring to the table prior to entering the nsa business. I suppose for some two dozen would be sufficient; for others maybe 75 to 100 as you believe.

Reply by maureen/nh on 1/12/05 10:47pm
Msg #16527

RULE#1
Don't quit your day job until you have six months worth of assets and all the equipment you need

Reply by Toots on 1/12/05 10:55pm
Msg #16531

Didn't quit my day job completely. I am not depending on income from NSA work to live on. This is gravy for me but I am serious with all my undertakings. I'm not doing this fun either. I have all the basic equipment. Complied Rule #1. Tell me Rule #2 etc.

Reply by Nd_WA on 1/12/05 11:48pm
Msg #16535

Rule #2

Be patient and keep learning while you're at it.

Reply by Toots on 1/13/05 12:06am
Msg #16537

Re: Rule #2

Learn what? What have I not learned? I haven't done signings for all types of mortgages. But I suspect that there will be documents I've not seen in the refi and HELOC but if it needed signatures or notary stamp, I'll know what to do. The more signings I do, I'll develop a format that would be more time efficient. I think that the less I know about the intricate details of loans/mortgages, the less likely I would get in trouble by stepping over boundaries of legality. So, in my mind, I don't need to learn more about the loan process than what I already know. Am I wrong to assume this?

Reply by BrendaTX on 1/13/05 2:10am
Msg #16553

Re: Rule #2

*Learn what? What have I not learned? *

If the title company (for a mortgage in any state) called and told you that they left the spouse off the documents accidently on security docs - have the spouse sign the security docs ... Do you know what the "security" docs are? There is a good chance that the person delivering the message doesn't know what the security docs are and will be delivering the message for someone else who has taken off for the day.

For your state, do you know whether or not a spouse is required to sign the mortgage ( deed of trust in Texas) even if they are not on the note?

If so, would it occur to you if the spouse was not on the deed of trust to contact someone?

What's FKA and NKA? Do you know how to have the signer execute the Mortgage under this circumstance.

What if all of a sudden you are presented with a Mortgage or DOT that has signature lines for witnesses and you have never seen that before. Is it required? What do you need to do about that?

If they refered to the "title" docs would you be clear on which those were?

Would you know whether or not to collect funds without having to ask?

What if the borrower wants to know what day the loan will fund?

Would you know if any documents were missing in time to call the title company and make things go a little smoother for all concerned? (This actually happened to me yesterday.)

Do you know when you look at the docs if there is anything you need to call someone about?

If you don't know the answers to the above, I'd wait until I got a little more experience. I think that's what Laura's referring to.

Toots, I learn something new every day. And, what I have to learn here and there is never get comfortable with what I think I know. There's a whole heck of a lot more that I have not seen yet.

Reply by Toots on 1/13/05 2:44am
Msg #16557

Re: Rule #2

Hi Brenda,

I can answer all those questions but this:

FKA = Fomerly Known As; NKA ???

** What if the borrower wants to know what day the loan will fund? ** = After recission period ends - but are we even suppose to answer this question? I've been asked before. I told them not before the recission period end (if there is one), but they should ask their LO.


**Would you know if any documents were missing in time to call the title company and make things go a little smoother for all concerned? (This actually happened to me yesterday.)

Do you know when you look at the docs if there is anything you need to call someone about?**

I look at the checklists and make sure the listed docs are there. If an unlisted documents is not there, is it my responsibility to get them? Unless of course it is one of the major docs like the security inst., Note, HUD, etc. I've seen people getting slapped on this forum because they try to assume certain responsibility. I've read time and time again in this forum that our only responsibility to witness the signing and document the notarial act. But when you ask whether I would know if docs are missing, I feel that this contradicts the responsibility aspect of an NSA, at least based on what I've learned in this forum.

Although KS is not a witness state, I've signed docs to be recorded in VA, so we had a witness lined up. Kansas is a spousal state. When I call a borrower to confirm appointment, I usually tell him/her that if he/she was married, their spouse needed to be there for signing of some docs as well.

If money is due from borrower it would be on line 303 HUD but I'm certain title company makes it quite apparent if a check is due.

I read NSA cert course and passed the test.

Reply by Ali-IL on 1/13/05 11:07am
Msg #16585

Re: Rule #2

Listen carefully Toots.

I have a background of 17 years of real estate sales. I thought that I knew everything. Well, I didn't. I attended many closings but, the attornies and closers were the ones handling the documents. Those documents I never saw before or after. The only document I got a copy of to take back with me was the Hud-1.

Yes, I know how to show property. What is needed to get a loan.

I took the certification course through the NNA. Believe me you don't learn everything there!

When I had a problem I called them and, was told those are just examples.

Reply by PAW Notary Services on 1/13/05 11:37am
Msg #16591

Re: Rule #3 - Study a bit more

>>>FKA = Fomerly Known As; NKA ???<<<

NKA = Now Known As

Do you know what WTTA or HTTA mean?

>>>** What if the borrower wants to know what day the loan will fund? ** = After recission period ends - but are we even suppose to answer this question? I've been asked before.<<<

It is printed right on one of the documents. You can SHOW them the date the loan is expected to fund.

>>>I look at the checklists and make sure the listed docs are there.<<<

When working directly for title companies and lender, you probably will NOT get a checklist of documents. They expect you to KNOW what is normally found in a document set and what is missing. Experience with title companies and lenders will give you the knowledge of knowing what each lender's package looks like and what title documents the title company throws in. That's why you need the experience before approaching companies for direct work. Title companies expect a certain level of expertise and often will not tolerate inexperienced notaries calling them every 5 minutes for questions they should know the answer to, or at least, where to find the answer.

>>>when you ask whether I would know if docs are missing, I feel that this contradicts the responsibility aspect of an NSA, at least based on what I've learned in this forum.<<<

Partly correct. As an NSA, you where TWO hats. That of a Notary Public and that of a Signing Agent. As a Notary Public, you are not to be concerned with the content of the package nor of the documents, per se. However, as a Signing Agent, you need to know what the package consists of, what the documents are for, what needs to be signed by whom, etc. If you see any irregularities, it is NOT YOUR DECISION as to what to do, but to get direction from the originator or signer of the document. It is your responsibility and professionalism that will tell you when and what to question in any given package.

>>>If money is due from borrower it would be on line 303 HUD but I'm certain title company makes it quite apparent if a check is due.<<<

Wrong. Title companies EXPECT the Signing Agent to be able to determine if funds are due, how much, and by their instruction, whether or not certified funds would be required at the table. What would you do if the borrowers didn't have the funds when you did the signing?

>>>I read NSA cert course and passed the test.<<<

That's a great start, but certainly not the be-all, end-all of the idiosyncrasies and nuances of the mortgage industry.

Reply by Rhonda / VA on 1/13/05 9:11pm
Msg #16657

Re: Rule #2

Why did you have a witness for VA docs? Witnesses are not required in Virginia.

Reply by CaliNotary on 1/13/05 3:13am
Msg #16559

Re: Rule #2

Considering you started the legal mumbo jumbo thread I'd say it's quite clear that you don't know everything there is to know about this job. There is always new stuff to be learned doing this job, every once in awhille you're going to run across some obscure detail or unfamiliar form. It's a very dangerous mentality to think you already know it all.

Reply by Toots on 1/13/05 3:36am
Msg #16560

Re: Rule #2

Cali, I never said I knew "everything." I was afraid someone would misunderstand my post. I am not trying to be a smart alec Miss know-it-all. If you read my post carefully, I'm merely trying to figure out what is it that I "need" to know so I can educate myself.

I mean no disrespect to others who have come a long way with experience and knowledge in this business. I notice some who have extensive knowledge and experience in the loan/motgage/real estate industry. However, I've read on this board that, an NSA's responsibility is to witness signing - don't alter documents, if there are errors on documents - it is not our responsibility. We point to the X, borrowers execute, we notarize. Yet, now I am told I need "learn" and I need to do 75 signings before I should solicit title companies. I simply feel that I'm getting contradicting messages, and I kindly ask for clarification. Nothing else intended in this thread.

Reply by Nd_WA on 1/13/05 7:07am
Msg #16564

Re: Rule #2

Toots,

You are not getting contradicting messages, but rather contradicting thoughts. If you think our job is just simply "We point to the X, borrowers execute, we notarize." then why are you here seeking "...word of wisdom".

What I meant by "patient and learning" was:
1. This is a client based business and you build them up over time, so there is no quick/easy way to get 2-4 signing/day.

2. To survive and succeed in this business, you need to learn:
-How to manage your stress level.
-How to negotiate your fee.
-How to deal with slow/no-pay problem.
-How to handle the e-doc wait.
-How to market your business.
-What certain lender/title/SS expects.
-What to do when something is this and that.

With a background in real estate, I've been doing this for 6 months and have not even thought about marketing to title/escrow company. I know exactly what Laura meant with her 75-100 signings.

Reply by Bobbi in CT on 1/13/05 10:07am
Msg #16578

Toots - Rule #2

#2 is Have enough cash on hand to meet your cost of living expenses for at least six months.
My PERSONAL opinion: Unless you get lucky, it can easily take a new NSA 6 months to establish on-going business relationships with companies that schedule non-attorney loan document signings. If you are lucky, you will have little established competition in your area and now will be a good time for lot of homeowners in your area to refinance.

As you complete assignments for a company, they will get to know both the quality of your work, your availability and the area you cover.

Basically, assigning work to an NSA is based on a calling tree. A scheduler calls an established, reliable regular NSA in the company's database first. If that NSA isn't available, the scheduler moves onto the next "known" NSA. Unless there isn't anyone in your area, you may be at the end of the calling list; i.e., someone else takes the assignment before it gets down the call list to you.

You are lucky to get work so quickly. Take anything you can get to start. Keep in mind your rates, set yourself too low initially and it may be very difficult to raise your rate if you discover you are not making a reasonable net profit. For example, if you charge $60 and your competitors charge $45 for the same assignment, you won't get much work. But would you want to work for $45 if the assignment requires 45 minute on-way travel, an hour at the table, fax backs to a toll call number, call to the scheduler before leaving for the assignment, call to the scheduler to confirm you are at the borrowers' home, and a call to the scheduler to say you left the borrowers' home and that they signed, plus a 60 day wait to get paid?

For example, my work in the past few months has been second mortgages and home equity lines of credit. Everyone borrower I spoke with already refinanced for appx. 5% fixed (some no points, some no closing costs, just "real good deals") in the past two years and, until the rates get lower again, don't plan to refinance unless there is a financial circumstance that will force them to do so.

Reply by JanetK/CA on 1/13/05 11:16pm
Msg #16677

Re: Rule #2

"I'm merely trying to figure out what is it that I "need" to know so I can educate myself".

This is a worthy goal, but it's also the million dollar question. We've all probably heard about how teenagers think they know everything and that their parents are stupid -- until they hit their twenty's and the parents get smart again... Well, no offense, but you are at the teenage stage of the business, where you don't yet know what you don't know (which you intelligently admit), but a major part of what you learn with the additional experience you get from doing so many more signings is finding out more of what there is to learn about this business. Unfortunately, that is *different* for everyone and there are no shortcuts or easy answers. I guess 75 - 100 signings would be the equivalent to reaching one's twenties...

For starters, if you want repeat business - especially from title companies - it's not good enough to say "it's not my responsibility". The experience comes into play where there is no one available to call and you find a set of documents where the person(s) who prepared them made mistakes or you have conflicting information. The first part of that is recognizing the problem and the second part is figuring out what to do about it (or NOT do about it).

Almost any experienced notary will tell you that they are still learning new things all the time and running into types of documents or signing situations they've never seen before. (E.g. how many signings have you done where a trust is involved? I've seen them handled dozens of different ways, with many different types of documents.)

When everything goes right and everyone before us does what they are supposed to, our work can be pretty easy. But how often does that happen in any other business arena or activity involving people that you've been involved with? We really become worthy of the bigger fees the title companies pay - and become the type of notary they want to work with - when things *don't* go right and we can help avoid a potential funding delay, or prevent a no-sign situation by steering an uninformed borrower to the answers they're looking for without going over the UPL line. These are just examples.

I hope this helps you understand why the recommendation for so many signings -- and why you didn't get the kind of answer you were looking for. You're on the right track, but everyone's journey is different...

Reply by BrendaTX on 1/14/05 12:00am
Msg #16679

Re: Rule #2

JanetK/CA: **...by steering an uninformed borrower to the answers they're looking for without going over the UPL line. ...
&
...and why you didn't get the kind of answer you were looking for. You're on the right track, but everyone's journey is different... **

Janet, you did a wonderful job of explaining. I always learn from your posts.

Sometimes, I think it's also hard to "tell someone" on a forum because the lines are fuzzy.

What * one's journey *teaches them is a different situation altogether from another.

Sometimes there can be big differences in opinions, and how we have learned to do it, and what our backgrounds are. In a public forum I am uncomfortable saying a whole lot because I do not want to get into a disagreement that would just further confuse, rather than clarify.

One of the problems for new people could be they have not mentally separated the commissioned notary public (which has *rules*) from the nebulous duties and description of the SA.

It's frustrating to find out that it's going to be on the job training, and there's no Absolute Rule Book like there is for the notary part.

Reply by JanetK/CA on 1/14/05 12:51am
Msg #16684

Re: Rule #2

Thanks, Brenda, for your nice comments and additional insight. You put your finger on a major part of another theme we've seen here often, too. The "Rule Book" for the notary part isn't completely absolute, either, which is why I (and many of you) feel that a person should have the notary part down cold before trying to be a signing agent... However, I think that some of the best learning comes from the discussions where people disagree (preferrably in a civil manner!) Sometimes when "conventional wisdom" is challenged - even by a new person ;>) - we can ALL learn something new. So I hope everyone keeps posting and keeps trying to make their posts constructive vs. personal attacks.

Reply by HisHughness on 1/14/05 1:06am
Msg #16687

Re: Rule #2

Brenda, there is some poster out there who is using your name, and I think you ought to know about it. Whoever it is said -- under your handle:

***In a public forum I am uncomfortable saying a whole lot...***

And they thought they could get away with appropriating your identity!

Reply by Pete on 1/13/05 1:51pm
Msg #16612

Hi I also am just getting started in this. I read your post and had a question. I trying to sign up with this signing co and they want me sign an agreement that specifies that if I leave them I can't work for any thier customers for 3 years after I have left. Have you found this to be an industry standard or is this co legally trying to keep agents from working for thier customers?

Reply by JanetK/CA on 1/13/05 9:26pm
Msg #16659

I don't recommend ever signing those. I don't know how enforceable they are, but I wouldn't sign any of them, unless the wording leaves me free to market my business. I usually modify it to say something to the effect of not using any information obtained through my association with them to market myself. Frankly, I am suspect about companies who feel the need to restrict who we work for. They certainly aren't going to guarantee you any amount of work! BTW, there is no law against lining out part of an agreement and initialing it. They will either accept it or not. That's a risk you have to take. Personally, I've always thought that there are too many fish in the sea to worry about it.

Reply by BrendaTX on 1/13/05 9:40pm
Msg #16662

Non-compete agreements

A good discussion on this stuff at this msg. # 4288

Discussion from SA and SS.

(I just realized that you can use the orange search button to pull a message number up! Can't believe I did not realize that months ago.)

B