Posted by Noodle on 1/25/05 9:30am
Msg #18024

No Response from Signing Agencies in Calif.

I am a new certified signing agent in CA, and I have signed on with 6 different agencies. I have received no calls for signings and was wondering if this is a common practice for new notaries? I was imagining instant calls and being able to start working right away. I am getting worried that I invested a bit of money and am not even going to be able to recoup that. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice to give? Thanks!!!!!

Reply by HisHughness on 1/25/05 9:34am
Msg #18026

Advice for new notaries

The members of this board will be happy to help you >>once YOU have done all that YOU should do to prepare yourself.<<

Please do two things: 1) Read, AND TAKE THE TIME TO FULLY COMPREHEND, your state’s manual for notaries public; then 2) come back to this board. Above the menu of posts, click the "First" button. Go all the way to the very first post in June 2003, "Welcome to the General Discussion Forum." Read all the way to the last post today. You will find your answer many times over in the intervening messages, along with far better information about being a signing agent than you’ll ever get from any certification course. I realize that much of what you will read will be duplicative, and some will be totally irrelevant. But, in sum, reading the archives of this board will almost surely be the most informative thing you will ever do to assist you in being a signing agent. You also would be well advised to pursue any Internet sites that posters have indicated might be helpful in furthering your knowledge.

If, after doing both of the above, your question remains unanswered, then come back and post your question on the board. You will probably find that you will get more and more helpful responses if you post under an identifiable handle and include a state designation in that handle.

Good luck in preparing for a fulfilling career as a mobile notary/signing agent.

Reply by Noodle on 1/26/05 7:46am
Msg #18163

Since my day is quite full, I really don't have time to go through all posts from 2003 until now! I thought this would be a friendly board and if by chance I was asking a repeat question, then maybe a kind soul would take pity on me. I also don't need to refer to my states manual, I already fully comprehend it, thank you very much. I am just trying to get tips on getting started.

Reply by sue on 1/26/05 7:54am
Msg #18168

if your day is too full to take the time to read this board how will you have time to search for and contact new companies (since that's one of the things you'll learn if you read this - 6 just isn't enough)? how in the world will you find the time to go to preset appointments to complete your orders if you don't have free time now, at your leisure, to read this board?

I know, I know, don't answer if you don't have something nice to say ...

Reply by Noodle on 1/26/05 8:06am
Msg #18169

I already work from 5am until 1pm. I have time to devote to signing's from 1pm on M-S. I also have a family and have to work around their schedule in the afternoon. Once I start receiving regular assignments, I will quit my 5-1pm job and work on signings full time. So, as you can see, going back 2 years on a message board isn't on the agenda for my day! I am sorry I started this with this question. It seems that there have been a few answers to offer help and I appreciate that. Most however have not been of a very friendly sort. I don't quite understand why. I thought this was a message board to support one another.

Reply by HisHughness on 1/26/05 8:37am
Msg #18172

Noodle chides, quite presumptuously:

***I already work from 5am until 1pm. I have time to devote to signing's from 1pm on M-S. I also have a family and have to work around their schedule in the afternoon. Once I start receiving regular assignments, I will quit my 5-1pm job and work on signings full time. So, as you can see, going back 2 years on a message board isn't on the agenda for my day!***

So, because you're busy, you want us to do your work for you? That isn't going to happen with me, Noodle, and I suspect with most other members of this board. You might want to consider another occupation, one that requires no preparation. Like maybe selling magazine subscriptions by telephone.

Reply by Noodle on 1/26/05 9:07am
Msg #18180

Wow, I feel very sorry for you that you think that I would want someone like you to do my work for me! For your information, I am a paralegal with a very well known law firm, and became a Certified NSA to supplement my income, and perhaps one day, not have to be up working by 5am! I would suggest that perhaps you might want to take your own advice and sell magazine subscriptions via telephone. You seem very depressed and angry in your response to me. Maybe you are feeling that your screen name "hishughness" isn't quite up to par? I suspect that might be the problem. Really not worth my time, and I won't read any more of your posts. Have a nice day little man.

Reply by BrendaTX on 1/26/05 10:35am
Msg #18190

For Little Man

Hugh,

Please stop calling me selling magazines! I have taken all the subscriptions I am going to.

I'd think a fun-guy like yourself [who has been a prof at a major university, holding said position post-career as attorney and post-career in editing for a major newspaper] could find something better to do with his time.

Brenda

Reply by HisHughness on 1/26/05 11:14am
Msg #18194

Re: For Little Man

Methinks the "Little Man" reference probably was an anatomical one, rather than referring to height.

Reply by BrendaTX on 1/26/05 11:24am
Msg #18199

Re: For Little Man

No. I think Noodle meant you are a small person.

Reply by Charm_AL on 1/25/05 9:48am
Msg #18027

California is a saturated market. This is definately not a get rich quick. You'll have to list with a heck of a lot more companies. It's been a slow January, but it's starting to pick up. You need to sign up with at least 100 companies. I got lucky and since early December I've done 8 signings to date.
I'm putting a lot of the money back in for now, I just joined this site as a premier member, the NNA and will be taking the exam to become certified and purchase E&O ins, only because I'm new at this also, but want to make sure that I know what I'm doing. Next check will get me into the Signing Registry.

Look up in the signing services and sign up with At home signings and Integrated Real Estate Processing (IREP) - They were amongst the first to call me when I was new. Anytime Services, Nat'l Document Signing Services, and IREP called me because they came here to do a zip code search - so make sure you have a detailed profile, they'll find you. If you're a premeir member, you'll be listed further up in the search results.

If you are new in this industry, I'd strongly suggest riding along on a few signings with an experienced SA.
Good Luck!

Reply by Margaret S. Craig on 1/25/05 9:53am
Msg #18028

I listed with 300 companies and it took about 2 months to start getting calls. You need to do a variety of things in addition to loan signing. This business has its ups and downs.

Reply by Noodle on 1/25/05 10:35am
Msg #18030

Ok, it sounds like I have to sign up with many more agencies. I am worried about just looking on line and signing up with so many, as for all I know, there could be some fake websites looking to steal identity's. I am also registered with the NNA and took the course and passed the NSA exam. I am certified and ready to go! I will try registering with more agencies and see if that helps. Thanks for the advice!

Reply by Margaret S. Craig on 1/25/05 10:46am
Msg #18034

Go to the NNA website and sign up with the companies listed on the NSA site, that what I did. I also did a google and bellsouth search of all title and escrow companies and I sent out a mass mailing with a nice letter on professional letterhead and enclosed my business card. I got phones from that and I currently do in-house closing for a local mortgage company. You have to market yourself and sit back and wait.

Reply by Noodlehead on 1/25/05 1:46pm
Msg #18046

Yes, I have already done that and that is where I obtained the 6 agencies that I have signed up with. I'll just commit myself to signing on with 2 or 3 per day and keep going. I also work full time at home from 5am to 1pm, so I have a very full day. Thanks for the advice. PS: Also, asking for help is always the best way to get ahead. It's called networking!

Reply by JanetK/CA on 1/25/05 3:53pm
Msg #18085

I agree with most of the above advice. However, given the market in CA - depending on where you are, Noodle, and how much of a budget you have - I'd suggest not investing too much initially into mailings to title and escrow companies here until you have some good experience under your belt. First of all, they are being bombarded by marketing efforts of all the new SAs coming into the field and most of it ends up in the circular file. Also, if you do get some assignments, there is no hand-holding from escrow companies. They expect you to know what you are doing and don't want to be answering lots of questions.

While what you have done is a good start, you will find that there is lots more to this than what you can learn about in a class or from a book. When you're brand new, you don't know what you don't know. Your chances of actually keeping those accounts you might have a crack at is much greater when you've acquired some OJT and experience, which is best acquired from signing services who, in a way, are being paid to help the signing agent get the job done right. JMHO

Reply by BrendaTX on 1/25/05 11:52am
Msg #18037

Margaret - You are an Inspiration

Margaret - YOU are awesome.

IMHO You are sharing the kind of stuff that really needs to be shared with New SAs.

Like me, you seem to have the attitude that you will be SELF-employed first and foremost before ANYthing else. NOTARY work is just a part of it.

But, the problem is that if people are not willing to scout and scout and scout for opportunities - another cannot tell them how to do it in total....it's not that a person doesn't WANT to help, but one person cannot do it and still make their financial goals come to pass. Certain others tried and have written books on HOW TO for which I am grateful. The problem is that still, it's just hard to give others the entrepreneurial "gene" if it's just not there.

No matter how much people want to help other people, someone cannot tell a person how to think and find ways to get income... the opportunities are there if a person is willing to DIG relentlessly for the goal of being self-employed. But, ASKING how to get started is very telling that the person may not have the can-do determination to grab on and make it happen.

The book "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill is one place to start to begin to recognize how to "think" like an entrepreneur.

I always enjoy your posts because I can see YOU think like I do. Write me sometime. I'd like to hear from you.

Reply by HisHughness on 1/25/05 12:47pm
Msg #18041

Re: Margaret - You are an Inspiration

Brenda warns:

***I always enjoy your posts because I can see YOU think like I do.***

Frightening.

Reply by BrendaTX on 1/25/05 1:13pm
Msg #18043

Re: Margaret - You are an Inspiration

Alright, Mr. Smarty-Pants....

Mr. Maytag!

Mr. Hassle Freak!

Darn. You are enjoying this, aren't you?

Ok...Nevermind.

Reply by Margaret S. Craig/Florida on 1/25/05 2:40pm
Msg #18058

Re: Margaret - You are an Inspiration

I had a bookstore on Amazon.com for approximately 5 years. I also had a store on Ebay and Yahoo. I also sold antiques and have sold all over the world. I have taken my knowledge and became a Trading Assistant on Ebay and sold other peoples items for a fee. I have sold sports cars, boats, motorcycles. I always had people asking me how I did what I did. Where did I get my product to sell and so on. It has been 20 years since I have worked for anyone but myself and I love it.

Reply by BrendaTX on 1/25/05 3:10pm
Msg #18071

Re: Margaret - You are an Inspiration

Thanks for the personal reply, Margaret. You are truly a leader for this group.

BTW, can't you take about 8 or 9 hours and post all the answers that your post begs to be questioned for????

Reply by Lee/AR on 1/25/05 2:43pm
Msg #18060

LOTS of patience. And read HisHughness message! (nm)

Reply by Stephanie/CA on 1/25/05 3:11pm
Msg #18072

Re: No Response from Signing Agencies in Calif...Noodle

I hope you give them your real name/I don't think Noodle will work (could be the reason).

Reply by MrEd/CA on 1/25/05 4:00pm
Msg #18087

Re: No Response from Signing Agencies in Calif...Noodle

Mr. Noodle might garner more respect. Look what it did for that horse (after he took typing lessons, of course... of course).

Reply by BrendaTX on 1/25/05 7:36pm
Msg #18123

Re: No Response from Signing Agencies in Calif...Noodle

Reply by Noodle on 1/26/05 7:52am
Msg #18167

Re: No Response from Signing Agencies in Calif...Noodle

Sorry, but Noodle is my real name.

Reply by Cindy on 1/26/05 1:11am
Msg #18153

I dont live in Cali, ....Colorado here. I have been doing signings since 04/04 and just got certified this week. It took awhile for the calls to come in. I signed up for over 50+ signing companies and over 5+Notary sites. I finally got in after 6 months of marketing with a few regular signing companies and title companies to average 25 signings/month yes thats all. I live in a very Rural area, and to get these I have to travel out of town..hang in there and market your self everyday...
Good luck.

Reply by Dorothy/MI on 1/26/05 9:20am
Msg #18183

Not a get rich quick or easy business

Advice for anyone just starting out. Depending on the area that you are in, you may or may not be able to get work, i.e. Detroit Metro is saturated with notaries who fell for the NNA get rich quick scheme. Having said that, if you think you want to persue this business, read every notary board you can find, learn all that you can learn, network (if possible) with other notaries and MARKET, MARKET, MARKET yourself. There is no fast road to success. Also be sure that you want the life style that we have to live (last minute signings, slow and or low pay, not being able to have much of a social life, especially from the 15th to the 25th of each month, be prepared to sit at a kitchen table trying to work while dinner was cooking, phones ringing and borrowers jumping up to answer, kids screaming, dogs barking, couples fighting, etc). All of us could tell you stories that would either curl your hair, or make it fall out,. You also should be someone who does not require a structured life because in this business (if you treat it like a business and not just pin money) almost everything is subject to change. It is not unusual to have five signings in your appointment book and end up with one or none due to cancellations or rescheduling! You will have little or no control over your schedule, you might have one for 9 a.m. and not another thing until 8 or 9 p.m. or 4 or 5 one day and then none for the next several days. And the problem with starting new in a saturated market is that everyone wants experience and references. When I started 3 years ago the business was at its zenith and the first 2 or 3 months, I was lucky to get 2 or 3 signings a week and I turned down nothing! I also worked at least 40 hours a week just trying to get business. Also, you will need a fast computer, a hi speed internet connection, a fast laser printer(PCL6), a plain paper fax machine, a copier, a reliable car and a cell phone with at least 1500 anytime minutes. Don't expect to recoup your initial investment for at least six to twelve months. I don't mean to paint such a black picture, but it is reality.

Reply by BrendaTX on 1/26/05 12:11pm
Msg #18209

Re: Not a get rich quick or easy business

Dorothy in MI said:

"All of us could tell you stories that would either curl your hair, or make it fall out,. You also should be someone who does not require a structured life because in this business (if you treat it like a business and not just pin money) almost everything is subject to change."

In other words, if there's a few dysfunctional smears in your background, you are a prime candidate for this work.

Seriously, Dorothy, I appreciate your post and plan to bookmark it. It's great.

The thing is, that given all of these situations, if you are not financially prepared to hang in there to dig in and remain even when things look bleak, you might as well do it as a part-time extra income situation and be happy with that situation.

I can always tell when someone new has come into my area and is taking signings for less than the ones who are established. It gets deafeningly quiet. But, upon realizing that the SA business is not easy money which will pay the bills overnight, those who were doing it for less than I was usually don't stay long.

You have to be ready not to show a profit for at least 18 months IMHO. Or, as things slow down it could take 2 - 3 years.

Reply by BrendaTX on 1/26/05 12:15pm
Msg #18211

What I think each job "costs" me.

It's my estimation that when I factor

Phone costs
Printing
Faxing
Mileage/Car Expenses

Each job "costs" me in out of pocket expenditures between $17 and $25 if it's within 20 miles.


Anyone else care to quote?

Reply by rsrnotary on 3/17/05 10:15pm
Msg #26184

Re: What I think each job "costs" me.

Now that is realy discouraging to hear for me since I just recieved my commision. Two of the signing agencies that I have looked at pay $50 per signing. One company didn't mention travel at all so I'm thinking that is already factored in the fee; the other said the $50 was for up to 40 miles from home or office. So if it cost me $25 then I'm only making $25 for what would be about 2 hours of time including the drive. So do I do it for the experience or am I just helping drive down fees?

Reply by Diedra/TX on 6/4/12 12:08am
Msg #422532

Re: What I think each job "costs" me.

Oh heavens no! Don't take low fees, that does indeed just drive down costs. I think every notary should get AT LEAST $100 for base fee, then add printing and other expenses. IN MY OPINION, when someone takes a low fee like that, they are not only hurting them selves, but hurting all of us. Take a look at the closing docs, the notary fee is normally listed. I have seen them as low as $150 and as high as $400! i got $120 for both jobs. I had to fight the SS that was getting $400 to get my fee met, but I got it. Low fess hurt us all, except the SS, they make out with all the money and very little of the work in many cases.

JMHO

Reply by HisHughness on 6/4/12 10:53am
Msg #422538

Okay, Diedra, hear this:

I have a big enough job keeping everybody in line contemporaneously. It's like herding grouchy badgers. I'm not about to go all the way back to 2005 and try to straighten people out seven years ex post facto.

I commend you for actually following advice and reading archived posts. Just try to hold the questions to posts made in this decade. Okay? Great. That's a good Texas cowgirl.

Reply by Diedra/TX on 6/16/12 1:04am
Msg #423701

Re: Okay, Diedra, hear this:

**sits down and hangs her head as she is chastised by HisHugeness, then giggles a little**
Sorry, yes, I read ALL the posts I can find, no I normally don't notice the dates on them. I will do better next time. ;-)