Posted by Mike_AZ on 11/13/05 11:27pm
Msg #76309

Newbies: How to learn your basic notary regulations

Attention all newbies - - -

Being a notary is the FOUNDATION for being a signing agent. If you do not have your notary reg's down cold, your docs will be sent back. Your fee will be eliminated if not reduced. Do NOT skip the notary reg side of being a signing agent.

You *absolutely* must know your state's notary regulations thoroughly before you do even one loan signing.

Not only must you know your state's notary regs. You must also learn how to adapt notarial certificates that come to you from distant states so that they are compliant for both you and the destination state's regulations.

Here is how to become knowledgeable on your state's regulations when notary classes are scarce:

Hire a tutor.

Many states do not have notary classes. Too bad, because these states also tend to have the skimpiest of regulation wordings in their handbooks.

If you are a notary in a no-class state, then find yourself a tutor. If you decided to get a job changing oil in cars, you would ask or hire someone to show you how to do this before applying for a job with JiffyLube. Same with a notary gig.

So get off your bum and find a notary. Ask her/him to tutor you for a few hours for a cash fee. A few hours is all you will need to be very conversant with your state's notary rules.

The best places to find a tutor: My priority places to try.
*Freelance paralegals who are also notaries.
*Law office notaries
*Title company notaries
*Real estate office notaries
NOT bank notaries. They don't what they are doing.

Telephone or walk in to one of these offices and ask for the notary. Tell the notary you are training to be a mobile notary. Ask her if she will tutor you on state notary regs for an hourly fee. Offer to meet her at Starbucks. Pay for her time and her latte.

Reply by Anon1 on 11/14/05 12:38am
Msg #76311

It is too bad that this board is not set up as a PHP message board. It would make it much easier for people to search categories and not see things posted 10 different times by 10 different people saying the same 10 things.

It would also be an advantage to those who have been here for awhile because then they wouldn't have to weed through the "beginner" posts.

This job is not that hard, it's the easiest work I've ever done. I never have problems like many here complain about regarding fees, checks, paperwork, distance etc etc etc........it makes me wonder WHY others do??? What is the REAL problem?!

Reply by JHINCHEY on 11/14/05 1:10am
Msg #76312

Thank you for saying that Anon. I don't know why some people try to make this sound like it is so darn difficult to do. I also don't know why more notaries aren't willing to help someone just to be doing it and not be standing there with a hand out. It's really ridiculous if you ask me. I don't mind helping anyone who needs it. Just ask! I personally don't have all these issues either. I think the biggest problem with payment is patience. People tend to get antsy then send threat letters and I know it makes me mad it I get one and I know it hasn't been 30 days yet. Hope I didn't make anyone mad!!

Reply by PJM/MI on 11/14/05 6:21am
Msg #76316

I am mentoring a "newbie". We spent 2 hours together on Saturday, and I felt like it was just the tip of the iceberg. My "newbie" has done a darn good job of getting all of her supplies in order, has the Primer for our state, and had a list of questions ready when we met.
I have mentored 5 people, and it is my "new" one that I feel will do well. The other 4 decided after a couple of closings that is was not for them.
Easy job? Sure it is.. if you know your laws, have a positive attitude, and don't mind the hours.
Becky, if you read this post, I have faith in you!

Reply by Notary_NJ on 11/14/05 8:29am
Msg #76321

Re: Newbies: New Jersey Mentors

I've been looking for a New Jersey mentor. Does anyone know someone who is good that they can recommend? I already have my license and my notary supplies. I am also familiar with the real estate business and closing docs since I used to to it for a living.

Thanks for you help.