Posted by CaliNotary on 4/18/06 6:19pm
Msg #114319

Man, this month BLOWS!

What a difference a few weeks makes. Last month was the best month I've had since last summer. This month I've made $1100 less than I had at the same point last month. Even in January I had $600 more in business at this point in the month.

I don't mind a bit of a slump, the extra free time is pretty nice, but I'm well rested now. Things better start picking up soon.

Reply by SLP_VA on 4/18/06 6:25pm
Msg #114320

Sorry Cali. Hope things pick up for you this month. Last week my phone was the hotline for signings, but this week it is slow for me. I am hopeful that next week will be busy.

Reply by whitesatin on 4/18/06 7:24pm
Msg #114327

This month BLOWS BIG TIME! Between January 1st and March 31st I had 54 signings. So far in April, I've had 6. Aaaarrrrgggghhhh!

Reply by Beth/MD on 4/18/06 7:30pm
Msg #114330

Last week was great. This week looks to be slow.

Reply by Ndwa on 4/18/06 8:00pm
Msg #114340

Last week was great as I turned down all total eight $50 jobs and ended up with only 3 from my regulars. This week is picking up, 3 yesterday, 3 scheduled tomo, and 1 each til Friday. $850 off from last month, but hopefully it will even out at this rate now til EOM.

Reply by Jenny_CA on 4/18/06 8:59pm
Msg #114350

I have had many calls this week and too bad for me for this is my first official week of going part time with the signings, can't take them all anymore. :-(

Reply by Signing_Doc on 4/18/06 10:02pm
Msg #114356

You think YOU got it back...(I thought I was the ONLY one...) between Jan 1 and March 31, I had (are you all ready for this!!!) twenty two (22) and only one (1) so far this month...what the heck is happening?....

Reply by GenB_CA on 4/18/06 10:53pm
Msg #114367

Gee... glad it's not just me (I was beginning to worry). My first 2 months in business I did 10 signings, the last 4 weeks... a big fat zero, zilch, nada! I hope the calls start coming soon, I don't want to start forgetting what I've learned.

Reply by VERONICA DESCHANEAU on 4/18/06 10:57pm
Msg #114368

yep, it SUCKS!

Oh yes, this month is terrible. Last week, I did just fine. This week, I am just sitting around twiddling my thumbs. I get calls all day for signings, but I can't accept those lowball signing service fees. I don’t recall ever having to reject as many signings as I have this month. My best April was in 2003. This April is obviously my worst. I just hope the EOM is much better. I am in a saturated area, but it was not nearly as many SA’s when I first started as it is now. I’ll tell ya, if it weren’t for my Alimony check, I’d be S-O-L.

Reply by BarbaraL_CA on 4/18/06 11:35pm
Msg #114373

Don't just depend on loan signings...

I'm having one of my best months and the majority of my work is from local businesses and the general public - I've done 5 loans but that's not what I depend on anymore for the bulk of my work.

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 4/19/06 12:37am
Msg #114382

I'm having a good month

Generally 3-5 calls each day except for Sat & Sunday.

Last week I was called for a Spanish speaking notary signing in San Bernardino, I said I would refer someone from the last Southern Calif Notary Luncheon and when I looked at my list there wasn't anyone from San Bernardino who spoke spanish. I have been out of town for the last 4 days or I would have posted this sooner.

If you speak spanish and do loan signings in San Bernardino City/or nearby please email me: [e-mail address] or call me 951-522-4919

Reply by TitleGalCA on 4/19/06 12:39am
Msg #114383

that surprises me

no Spanish speaking notaries in SB County?

Wow, someone is not recognizing their value in that county, or capitalizing on it.

Reply by DonR_NYC on 4/18/06 11:39pm
Msg #114375

Welcome to reality. Did any of you really think that the bubble would not burst? With the interest rates rising, the amount of SAs manufactured by the NNA (I really feel sorry for you guys and gals in CA), and property values starting to decline (it’s a market correction folks) what did you expect?

I, myself, have not seen a marked decline in my business as far as income is concerned; I've had a slight increase. But, I've been doing this over 5 years and built up a good client base of title companies and attorneys. I don't do Signing Services and won't touch one unless they meet my fee, which they won't. I've even been able to farm out several jobs to my brother who handles my overflow.

Aggressive marketing, quality service, and the knowledge that I've accumulated over the years has enabled me to stay in business on MY terms. One thing that I’ve always told those that ask me for assistance is to learn, learn, learn and market, market, market and don’t limit yourself to just loan signings. It paid off for me and it could pay off for anyone willing to put in the time and effort.

What I see happening in the near future is a lot of the signing services going belly-up and a lot of SAs closing down because the can’t attain the promises that the NNA claimed. I know I’ll be around and so will those who really put their heart and soul into the business.

Reply by christiSocal on 4/19/06 12:45am
Msg #114385

March was one of my best months ever. April has been restful, waaaay too restful, I'm ready for action!