Posted by Heather Johnson on 4/7/06 4:08pm
Msg #111980

Words from a New NA

Hello All,

So I've spent hours searching through post trying to attain just a smidgen of the knowledge that the more experienced and wiser NAs have. I must admit that I was also frightened of a verbal "beat down" if I asked a question that God forbid had been asked before! I have deduced from all of my post searching/reading that there are some experienced NAs that feel new NAs are unknowledgeable idiots that are saturating the market and taking work away from them. Then there are the nice NAs that seem to be good hearted people period that do not mind extending a helping hand no matter how many times a question has been asked.

I must admit that I understand the mentality of the first mentioned NAs. Afterall, it is new notaries like myself that are taking the cheaper signings to gain experience and get ourselves out there. Many SS's are willing to risk giving work to an inexperienced SA for the cheap rate that we are willing to take. Is it so terrible however that us new notaries take those $40 and $50 signings to gain experience? What else are we supposed to do when SS's that pay more want more experienced SAs? As far as I'm concerned, this is what I call, "paying my dues" until I become a more experienced SA.

Unless you all have a better way for an inexperienced SA to get the higher paying assignments? I welcome your comments.

I'm Heather by the way, based out of Southern California. Hello to everyone, and thank you for your insightful post. I've learned tons just from being on this site. There really is more to this biz than just getting your comission and taking a course that "certifies" you as a Notary Signing Agent.

I hope everybody enjoys their weekend!

Reply by Heather Johnson on 4/7/06 4:11pm
Msg #111982

Correction: Words from a new SA! n/m

Reply by FlaMac on 4/7/06 4:36pm
Msg #111985

You got guts girl:) With that attitude you'll be very....

successful. Obviously, you're a quick learner. Reading is the key. Not just this forum but all of them. And considering where you're from..you already know to expect to get bashed. Just Ignore the peanut gallery and Keep Smiling Good Luck!

Reply by Korey Humphreys on 4/7/06 4:55pm
Msg #111992

FlaMac

Could you please stop telling ‘newbies’ that they're going to get bashed! It's really aggravating to see you write the same nonsense over and over and over.

This is not "bashing" you FlaMac...... but seriously, stop it... It's getting old. Your goal should be to assist people here, not continue the nonsense.


Thanks.

Reply by MichiganAl on 4/8/06 2:51am
Msg #112077

truly, truly, pathetic

Why is it that you keep saying to ignore things but you feel the need to make the same tired statement every time someone new shows up? If you were ignoring, wouldn't you just move on without comment? Your desperate attempts to latch on and befriend every newbie who hasn't witnessed your utter ineptitude and dangerous advice just oozes desperation. So does your pathetic overuse of smiley faces in every one of your posts. Look at me, I'm sweet. I'm here to help. No, no, never mind that I give out bad advice on a daily basis, look I'm smiling. Be my friend. Honestly, I'm starting to feel bad for you. It's ugly to watch.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 4/7/06 4:45pm
Msg #111988

The infamous thread 33325

There's so much information there Heather...take the time to read it, even print it and make a notebook (that's what I did).

I'm curious however, we CA notaries are very aware that there are too many notaries and too many SA's - there is a lot of competition in SoCal due to the companies like NNA, Notaryclasses.com, etc. with their programs to churn out signing agents. Do you have a background in this business or did you research before becoming a signing agent? I'm curious how difficult someone might find it to really get the low-down on this biz.

It looks like you've already used the search feature. It's nice to know someone reads before posting, I'm impressed - and good luck to you.

Reply by Heather Johnson on 4/7/06 5:23pm
Msg #112003

Hi TitleGalCA

I originally worked 12 hours a day in public relations for a company in Pasadena Ca. It was the typical tiresome office environment. I recently got married and moved to San Bernardino county. I grew very weary of the office environment and started researching other avenues that I could take that might supplement my husband's income. I recently got my Real Estate liscense, and I'm learning the ropes to that as well. I do understand that the market out here in Southern Cali is saturated with SAs as well as Realtors, brokers, loan officers, and serveral other fields of work involving real estate.

One thing I have learned is that this business involves dedication, hard work and perseverance. So I wouldn't worry too much about the new notaries coming in and saturating the market and taking away business. Not everyone has what it takes to be a SA. Probably about half of the new Notary Signing Agents coming in are looking for a get rich quick way to make money. After a couple of months of struggling, my guess is that they'll get over it and try the next money making scheme. I've already had 3 girlfriends that took the online class as well give up within a month of trying. But I definitely look up to the more experienced notaries that have been in the business for a while. If any of you are not too far from San Bernardino you are welcomed to email me at [e-mail address]. I would love to just network and become more familiar with this field. Honestly, right now I'm not so much interested in going on signings as I am of gaining as much knowledge as I can. I'd love to speak to any of you!

Best wishes!

Reply by TitleGalCA on 4/7/06 5:33pm
Msg #112007

Re: Hi TitleGalCA

Heather, you're a very smart lady, and something tells me you'll be successful in anything you choose by your opinions here.

I spent maaaannny years in SB County at Fatco in downtown SB. Fond memories. Feel free to email me anytime should you have needs in all the Southern California counties - I have all the records, even though I'm in Ventura now.

Again, good luck and nice to have you here.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 4/7/06 4:48pm
Msg #111989

Welcome Heather. Where in Ca are you, I'm on the North Coast in Mendocino County and I am not a notary primarily, I am a commercial real estate agent, a senior loan officer and a fire and casualty broker. Like in any open community you will get a huge variety of advice and comments and not all of them are from sources who have any right to make some of those comments. I don't know of anyone who bashes newly ordained notaries just out of principal. You have already set your self apart from a large number of new notaries just by having perused the board and read some of the previous posts.

Some of the posts here are absolutely wrong and will do nothing but get you in trouble and some of the people here are extremely knowledgeable and will help you along tremendously. As in many other aspects of life you will have to be careful and read advice that is given and be a critical thinker. Depending on whose philosophy you buy here will help or hinder. You will know in short order who is credible and who is just stirring the muck. Making assumptions that you will be "verb (ally) beaten down is not likely to make you any friends among the experienced bunch but will certainly target you by those who don't have the business acumen to stay in this business.

Everyone has to make up their own mind as to what to charge. I do believe that by charging too little you are contributing to the demise of this vocation and largely setting yourself up for failure. I am sure however that many have started by accepting the low paying jobs. One or two maybe, but then you should understand what it takes to stay in business and you can't do it for the low paying prices that some of the signing services want you to take. You need to look at your expenses and set your pricing that covers your expenses and makes you some profit or why be in this or any other business.

Have you checked out the competition in your area? There is a great tool on the front page for gauging your competition. If you are in a saturated area you are going to need to differentiate yourself. There are excellent resources here to do just that. PAW an Brenda_TX have expanded well. Laura Vestanen has written a book on othere types of work and BrendaTx has written numerous resources as well. TitleGalCa is a wealth of knowledge having been in the title business for many years. In my personal opinion this is a very poor time to be trying to start a notary signing business but in any situation there is always room for the bright, the innovative and the diligent. Good luck!

Reply by Charles_Ca on 4/7/06 4:50pm
Msg #111990

I see that you've been found by the good and the horrid n/m

Reply by Korey Humphreys on 4/7/06 4:51pm
Msg #111991

Heather.....

Your statement: "There really is more to this biz than just getting your comission and taking a course that "certifies" you as a Notary Signing Agent."


This alone tells me that you are serious about being a productive SA. Good for you! The only thing I can suggest to you is that you stop accepting the $40 and/or $50 dollar signings because it's only going to drop the "normal" fees given to notaries in this industry by other SS's.

I understand what you are saying about being inexperienced and all, but think about the long-term effects, not just today's.

Anyways, I wish you luck and don't be afraid to ask questions here on NotRot. Certain posters try to make it seem like the "old-timers" are out to get all newbies.... which isn't the case! They're here to help. Those that ask questions like: "what is the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat?" shouldn't be in this business. the "old-timers" express that fact and the new users of NotRot take it way to personally.

Welcome aboard Heather..... Good luck in your signings!

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 4/7/06 5:01pm
Msg #111996

Great attitude, Heather. Welcome! I found it helpful to take the information here, print it , put it in a loose leaf notebook and use it for reference, especially the marketing ideas.

Are we in the same neck of the woods?

Reply by Genkichan on 4/7/06 5:04pm
Msg #111998

Why should you, as a new notary, not accept lower fees? Here is how I think of it: You've done your homework, you've taken your courses, you've learned a new business, and now you believe in yourself and are confident that you can provide this particular service to anyone who might request it of you. The going rate for this particular service is actually quite a bit higher than the $40-$50.00 you are accepting (yes, even in So. CA, in my opinion). As long as you are confident that you can provide professional, error-free service in this field, there is no reason why you should not charge a fair, going rate. There are ways to convince people you know what you are doing, besides just having XXX number of signings under your belt. Use your imagination in that area, remain confident in yourself at all times during your phone conversations, and just don't accept lower fees. As an example, you might volunteer explanations of the various key documents in the loan package, and your standard operating procedure that you would follow if you run into XXX type of situation. You sound like an intelligent go-getter. I bet you will surprise yourself with your ability to convince people of your knowledge and skills, and what they are truly worth. Good luck!

Reply by Heather Johnson on 4/7/06 5:26pm
Msg #112005

Wow Genkichan, words to live by. Thanks a bunch! n/m

Reply by Jenny_CA on 4/7/06 7:26pm
Msg #112021

Re: Wow Genkichan, words to live by. Thanks a bunch!

I started with $85 not the $40-65 fees others started with to get the experience. I researched first and I even posted once that it was a catch 22 for beginners but before I took my first signing I spoke with a cool lady by the name of Carmen in SO CA.

She basically said the same thing as the previous poster: Study, research and learn as much as possible and be confident you can get trained starting with $85 just as you can get trained with $50.

After reading the posts from the board especially from some of the posters that Charles_CA mentioned I decided that I was not going to come into this market hurting ( by taking low fees) other SA's.

I've been blessed although I have to admit I did take $75 once for a refi . I am still working out my rates, but I've been told that I am not doing bad. I do turn away low fees
and you know, Heather, this week I did 3 signings for 3 different lenders the three of them contacted me and said that they spoke with the borrowers after the signing and they were very happy with me. They plan on working with me again. Even though I do receive repeat business from SS's and lenders I don't usually get a call after the signing from them just to tell me they are happy.

I followed the "Recipe to success: #33325". My success( and we each measure it differently) would not have been possible if not for the others sharing their experiences ( both positive and negative) , for that I thank you all.

Reply by PA_Notary_II on 4/7/06 8:31pm
Msg #112028

Heather...

Welcome. Allow me to chip in my two cents. Remember that when you become more experienced and your stock in the business has gone up, you will find that other 'new' SAs will be available to take the $40 and $50 you are contemplating now. How will you get those SS's and TC's to accept your higher fees?.....I believe the solution is to start a little higher and try to maintain a professional standard....after all, in the end you are worth what YOU think you are worth. If you are going to promote yourself, why not do it for a price that tells the industry that you are indeed a professional? It's a lot easier to get your higher price going in, than to start cheap and have to talk someone into a better price after the fact. It is unfortunate that quite a few (thousands) are getting into the business as it is waning....many are being sold a bill of goods that it is a get rich quick scheme. I've made my sole income from this business for almost 10 years, but it definetly is on the decline. I wish you luck as you'll have an uphill climb in Mexifornia....for sure.

Reply by Ndwa on 4/8/06 2:23am
Msg #112073

Re: Heather...

You've got the same attitude I did venturing into this business with one exception, I never gave in the fact/advice that one should take low fee to gain experience then be competitive. Knowledge is power and just remember you are starting a business for profit.

Speaking from experience, your background should serve as ground for higher fee from the getgo as good companies look for those with good customer/people/communication skills rather than hire me b/c I've got stamp power.