Posted by Lisa Prestegard on 12/13/06 9:52am
Msg #165567

I closed for a Notary last night...

and the first words out of her mouth were "I'm a Notary and got this mailing from the NNA telling me I could quit my day job and make $80,000 a year closing loans... how do I do what you do?"
*sigh*
Thanks, NNA. I sure appreciate you. Not only do I have to contend with my market being flooded with Notaries Public who might have their commission through their day job and received your mailings ad nauseum and got starry eyed at your enticing offer, now I have to worry that each and every Borrower that has their commission will see "Settlement Charges" on their HUD and think I'm making a fortune and want another piece of the shrinking pie. Yep.... you surely are my hero, NNA.

After a brief education, I think she understood the motivation behind the NNA mailing, that being the almighty dollar. She eventually agreed that quitting her County job (with a pension, great benefits, etc) would be foolish.
What a nice lady. I gave her the suggestion that if she really wanted to make some dough, work as a translator.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 12/13/06 10:11am
Msg #165571

When I run across someone who thinks this is a "wonderful" way to make a living I just tell them like it is, i.e. how hard to get started, how the market is flooded, how much they have to invest in equipment just to do the job and if it is late at night, tell them that most of my appointments are at this time or later and that to make a success in this business you basicly have to give up any social life. By the time I'm done, the stars have gone out of their eyes. Also unless they have my name on the HUD as notary and just list a "notary fee"; when I'm going over it I make some comment like, "I wish I was getting this, but I'm only getting a slice of this pie". It can get a little sticky if they question exactly how much I'm getting and I try to avoid that question with an inoculus (sp?) answer.

Reply by Nancy Korb on 12/13/06 1:39pm
Msg #165643

I thought we were not supposed to make comments like that.

Reply by Becca_FL on 12/13/06 10:13am
Msg #165572

One of my borrowers just bought the NNA BS. I've closed two loans for the woman and now she is my competition. I guess I kind of trained her. You think I should send her a bill?

Reply by Calnotary on 12/13/06 10:19am
Msg #165574

Last night I went to my Dr's appt. and a lady next to me was studing her Loan Signing Book from Notary Classes.com I thought here is another one that wants to earn 100K a year. One time one borrower insist so much that I he wanted to know how much I was getting paid for that signing. I told him that I so ashamed of the fee I was getting that I wasnt going to disclose it. That end up the insisting questioning.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 12/13/06 11:19am
Msg #165590

What an excellent answer!!

I'm going to remember that one.

Reply by Nancy Korb on 12/13/06 1:41pm
Msg #165645

I would have simply told him that it was a matter of professionalism that I was unable to disclose business information.

Reply by Nancy Korb on 12/13/06 1:38pm
Msg #165642

Excuse me, but did you start out knowing everything you needed to know as a notary? I took the classes, I understood what they taught, but it took a good deal of work to become familiar with what an acknowledgement was, etc. I didn't understand that there were people who were attempting to keep people out of the notary business for their own purposes, so I actually asked someone to help me. Little by little, by actually doing the notarizations, and by asking my contact at the American Society of Notaries, I learned what I needed to learn as a notary. THEN I went to the classes at the NNA and couple of other places. I studied really hard to learn what I know. But I still needed to gain experience...and I am doing that.

I wonder who these people are to decide that they own an occupation and that they should not assist someone in the field. Notaries have always been around, and notary loan signers may not always be, but being generous to a fellow human being who is seeking a way of making a living is a part of being a decent human being. I'm reading sarcastic notes on here to people who are honestly trying to learn the field and who are asking questions. I thought that's what Notary Rotary was about. Perhaps I was wrong.

Reply by noteclub/MD on 12/13/06 1:44pm
Msg #165648

Hi Nancy,

I'm on your side... there is a lot of harassment tossed at newbies.... I too think too many people forgot that they were once newbies . I stopped trying to ask intelligent questions, I just screen all posts.. now and then I do learn some worthwhile information.

Good Luck

Reply by JanetK_CA on 12/15/06 1:49am
Msg #166042

"I too think too many people forgot that they were once newbies."

Sorry, but you (and many others) are making an assumption about how some of us got our start that is grossly incorrect. Of course we were once newbies, but that doesn't mean we expected those who came before us (whose businesses we were hoping to get a piece of...) to train us or spend any of their precious time answering our questions!

This is a forum for notary "professionals" to share information - not for some to come to expecting to take, take, take while others give, give, give. It's the attitude that we somehow owe this to you because we were new once that drives us crazy. I would think you all would be on your knees in gratitude for all the information that is available here.

I got started without benefit of this - or any other - message board. I learned by doing lots of study and research, asking lots of questions of my clients - and sometimes from my mistakes. As they say, experience is the best teacher. Learning from other people's experience is a gift, not an entitlement!

Unfortunately, no one will probably ever read this - especially the newer folks - since it's so far back, but I feel better having said it... ;>

Reply by CaliNotary on 12/15/06 3:00am
Msg #166043

I read it

You go girl!

Reply by CaliNotary on 12/13/06 1:46pm
Msg #165649

"Notaries have always been around, and notary loan signers may not always be, but being generous to a fellow human being who is seeking a way of making a living is a part of being a decent human being."

That is BS.

If a fellow human being is seeking the same way of making a living as you are in the same geographic area as you are, and that way of making a living could negatively impact your way of making a living if you taught them how to do it, you would be a raving idiot to show them how to do it, not a decent human being.

There have been plenty of posts on this board by people who thought they were doing the "decent" thing who ended up being undercut and/or stabbed in the back by the people they were trying to help.

Reply by Nancy Korb on 12/13/06 1:59pm
Msg #165659

What difference does it make whether or not someone is in the same area that I am. I had a fella come a visit me who is trying to get started in my area. He wanted my books, he needed to observe what I was doing and I thought about the competition. However, in the long run, this person will get into the field anyway, whether I help him or not. Then he will undercut me because I haven't taught him respect for what we do. In addition, perhaps I can refer business to him and he can to me...so I can turn that kind of thing around. I also had to remember that I don't own this occupation...no matter how much I might like to.

I will build my business based upon how professional I am, and how much the clients like me and how I do business. Cutting someone else's throat is certainly NOT going to get me more business. Honestly, that is the kind of attitude that DISCOURAGES business.

Reply by Cassandra Andrews on 12/13/06 3:37pm
Msg #165706

while it's true that some may not . . .

answer in a nice 'tone' or even refuse to help, well . . . that is their prerogative - to help or not to help and they should not necessarily be labeled as 'not a deceint human being.' people decide not to help for all sorts of reasons and being concerned about the competition is not necessarily bad; it actually makes good business sense.

sometimes the best help is no help especially if people have been misled about the true nature of the profession. being an nsa is a lot of work so if someone has been led to believe otherwise, 'enlightenment' may be the best form of 'help' after all.

Reply by Nancy Korb on 12/13/06 4:02pm
Msg #165715

Re: while it's true that some may not . . .

Most people are aware that an NNA type course only scratches the surface. However, I don't find what you do to be all that difficult or disarming. I'm not supposed to answer any questions regarding the mortgage docs, other than WHERE a number might be, I know how to dial a telephone and get the loan officer on the phone to actually answer questions and I know how to notarize. The hardest part of this job and getting to the appointment.

Reply by hcampersFL on 12/13/06 4:10pm
Msg #165720

Re: while it's true that some may not . . .

I'm so glad you linked your profile to your answers. I'm sure the company's that hire us will love to read that you find the hardest thing about doing this job is getting to the appointment.
That really tells the tale for me.

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 12/13/06 4:44pm
Msg #165732

LMAO @ Bev! n/m

Reply by Cassandra Andrews on 12/13/06 4:56pm
Msg #165734

nancy, when i said that it's alot of work i didn't . . .

mean that the work is difficult only that alot more is involved than the NNA leads people to believe. marketing yourself continually, keeping up with all of the paperwork (especially for tax time), continuing to educate yourself, no . . . it is not difficult, only time consuming as is any business and something that any self employed person will tell you.

what i'm really trying to say is that there are 'hidden' factors not fully disclosed by the NNA. some, after learning all that is involved, have chosen to keep only their day job - unfortunately in some cases their decision was made only after having invested considerable time, effort and expense.

for these persons i say that perhaps 'no help' would have been the best 'help' or at least an honest reply as to inform them of what they would be up against. i cannot speak for you personally; however, if someone doesn't 'help' this does not mean that they are not a nice person. as i mentioned earlier it is their right to decide how to use their time and with whom.

don't be offended when others choose not to share. just reading the responses on this board from many 'veterans' in the business IS 'help' and provides a wealth of information. use this 'help' (information) to grow and learn.

wishing you the best,
cassandra

Reply by Muffin on 12/13/06 2:04pm
Msg #165661

Great Answer

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 12/14/06 4:37am
Msg #165843

Agreed, Cali! Here's another perspective ...

Say you worked for a large corporation and were career-driven. You're working your way up, and have your eye on a position - and so do 37 of your co-workers.

Every time you scored some kind of 'point' with your mgmt, would you let the other 37 know exactly how/why you did it? When you figure out a way to improve the corp bottom-line by 3 million dollars, would you hold a meeting with the other 37 and let them know? How much would you share with them, how much would you donate to THEIR cause in this race towards the corner office, the one with the big window?

Or - would you happily provide them with the basics, things they really OUGHT to know but that don't give them any kind of sharp edge OVER you? Would you be kind and pleasant and social, without handing over your Ace cards?

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 12/13/06 2:21pm
Msg #165667

Were you addressing me? If so....

I do not own this occupation, but good business sense tells me that I should not encourage additional competition in a field saturated with novice Notaries Public... bored housewives looking to earn a little 'pin money'... a friend who just needs to earn enough 'to buy a new stove and make little car payments'. If I owned an Italian restaurant, would I be obligated or expected to train, inform and educate someone that wanted to open an Italian restaurant across the street from me? Hell. no! It would be considered stupid and foolish at the least!

Sorry. I am a FULL TIME PROFESSIONAL. I support my kids on my income alone. I am saving to send my (brilliant) daughter to Yale. I am not in the business of blowing sunshine up someones arse. The truth of the matter is that I have spent nearly 20 years acquiring the knowledge necessary for me to be a PROFESSIONAL Notary Public, and secondarily a PROFESSIONAL NSA. I have spent hundreds of hours in classes (Real Estate, Brokers classes, GRI, CAM, etc...) and it did not come cheap.

No one is "entitled" to know what I know. It is by courtesy and graciousness alone that anyone here shares his or her hard-earned knowledge with those just learning.

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 12/13/06 2:24pm
Msg #165669

To clarify, I was addressing Nancy n/m

Reply by MistarellaFL on 12/13/06 2:25pm
Msg #165670

Re: Were you addressing me? If so....

You are right on, Lisa.
We are not required to train our competition.
I like your analogy.....but some people just won't get it.
They do not have the mindset.
It is that entitlement mindset that drives me crazy!

Reply by Nancy Korb on 12/13/06 3:08pm
Msg #165690

Re: Were you addressing me? If so....

Entitlement? I don't think I said helping someone else was an entitlement. I said if you're worried about the competition, perhaps you have reason. Perhaps you haven't built your business on honesty and integrity and it will be really easy for the competition to come along and take your business. But I really don't think it has anything to do with undercutting you.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 12/13/06 3:16pm
Msg #165695

Anyone wishing me to train them for nothing

is acting out of a sense of entitlement.
Some people won't get it.
Focus on secretarial services.
I got many more than 2 calls today.....this will be another record week for closings.
And I am worried about the newbie competition to a degree.
Not because they are better. Eventually they will be out of business.

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 12/13/06 3:18pm
Msg #165696

Re: Were you addressing me? If so....

Nancy, are you seriously THAT naive?
To hurl an assumption toward me, suggesting that I lack honesty or integrity, and to say that is the basis for my argument regarding 'training my competition' is juvenile and extremely unprofessional of you. It does, however, clearly show your inexperience in the business/self-employment arena.

FYI, you don't remain a Licensed Real Estate Broker (in two states, no less) with not one single ethics violation for 15 years without being honest AND ethical.

In the future, add some substance to your position... it will earn you the respect of your peers, here and elsewhere.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 12/13/06 9:01pm
Msg #165796

Nancy, we are professionals not hobbiests

Spoken like a true newbie. NSA's are not multilevel marketing where the more people you train the more you make, but just the opposite! Just makes more competition and especially people who can't compete with knowledge and service and will try and compete with price. Can't tell you how many jobs I've lost because my fee for an are was $5.00 more than what they were willing to pay. If you as my new competition in my area would agree to take $20 or $25 less, most althought thankfully not all SS would jump on your wagon like their behind was on fire. In the past 5 years I witnessed both locally and from the board, people who thought this was a either a get rich quick scheme or a nice way to pick up pin money. Started out with a bang and then reality kicked in and are no longer NSA's. One of the first requirements is to develop a thick skin. Without that there is no way anyone can succeed in this business.

Reply by Nancy Korb on 12/13/06 2:59pm
Msg #165684

Re: Were you addressing me? If so....

But then someone who only needs to earn a little pin money or enough to buy a stove and make a few car payments isn't going to stick around long enough to ask questions. There are those of us who are also taking classes and PROFESSIONALS getting into the field who will be around for a very long time. Don't you think it behooves you to befriend someone like that than to make a competitor forever?

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 12/13/06 3:02pm
Msg #165685

Re: Were you addressing me? If so....

Uh, in a word... HELL NO, it does not behoove me! I'd love to hear a rational explanation of how it would benefit me to befriend and train my competition. I am all ears.

Reply by MelissaM_FL on 12/13/06 5:46pm
Msg #165740

Sticking my nose in the middle of this...

Sorry, but Nancy, you are WAYYYY out of line to say that Lisa is not honest or ethical in her dealings. I happen to know that Lisa is more than willing to help another notary help themselves, especially considering that I attended a meeting this past weekend where Lisa went above and beyond to help other PROFESSIONALS build their own businesses.

I am offended that you would malign Lisa in the manner you have done in this thread. Lisa's professionalism shines very clearly in her posts and in her interactions with other PROFESSIONAL notaries in this state.

What Lisa is not willing to do is to spoon feed someone else and then sit back while that person steals her business by undercutting her fees. I don't blame her. The NNA is already churning out enough untrained notaries who are perfectly willing to go complete a loan signing with little or no knowledge of loan docs or the process. I'm quite certain that Lisa, like me and many other PROFESSIONAL notaries on this board, spends tons of time handling corrective loan signings behind all those untrained notaries.

If the untrained notaries want to learn how to do this job properly, then it is on that person to find the proper place to ask questions and to do their own research. It's not a requirement for me and other PROFESSIONALS to train the newbies. However, if a newbie wants to pay my fees, I'll spoon-feed him or her. Training starts at $1,000 an hour and you travel to me at my convenience.

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 12/13/06 5:58pm
Msg #165744

Re: Sticking my nose in the middle of this...

Melissa, I am humbled by your defense of my character. *speechless*

Reply by MelissaM_FL on 12/13/06 6:07pm
Msg #165746

No need. Don't mess with my friends.

I have been reading your posts for a good while. Saturday's meeting just clarified what I already knew about you. I hate when people malign others without backup.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 12/13/06 9:04pm
Msg #165798

Re: Were you addressing me? If so....

Nancy, I do have friends in this business and that does not stop them from being competition! They are all FULL time, professionals and very knowledgeable, still my competition albeit "friendly" competition!

Reply by BarbaraL_CA on 12/13/06 1:40pm
Msg #165644

"..... quit my day job and make $80,000 a year closing loans..."

NNA dropping one's potential earnings from $100K to $80K ????
hmmmmm.

Reply by Nancy Korb on 12/13/06 1:42pm
Msg #165647

Does anyone honestly think they're going to make that much money at $5.00 per signature plus costs for equipment, ink, gasoline, travelling, schooling?

Reply by John_NorCal on 12/13/06 2:09pm
Msg #165662

We get $10.00 per signature, wooopie!
All the more reason why I turn down $50.00 signings unless they come into my office for a straight notary without me going over the docs.

Reply by Nancy Korb on 12/13/06 2:17pm
Msg #165665

In PA we get $5.00 per signature...and I don't accept $50.00 signings. Even at $5.00 per signature, there are 5 or six notorial signatures, which puts me at $30.00 right away. Then there is the cost of using my equipment, which will eventually need to be replaced, so I count in a percentage for replacement. In addition there is wear and tear on my car, gasolines costs, which can become considerable, social costs because I'm going on a signing when I could be going somewhere else, and the value of my education and expertise, which I place at $25.00 an hour at a minimum. That means that I charge a minimum of $65.00 for a package that is sent to me by fed ex. I charge a minimum of $85.00 for edocs, and then $35.00 for the copy. Then I add the mileage cost, the cost of gasoline, if its a late night signing there is an additional fee. I don't itemize those things for the signers, but I give them one figure and that is what I stick with. I do not do a signing even next door for less than $65.00.

I don't know if this is in line with anyone else, because for some strange reason, other notaries appear to be shy about what their charges are. But then I'm reading here that they despise those who undercut them and haven't done anything to teach them differently or to reach out a helping hand.

Reply by CaliNotary on 12/13/06 2:29pm
Msg #165673

Actually there have been plenty of discussions about fees on this board. But it's a somewhat dangerous topic as there are so many factors that go into determining fees. Somebody in rural Kentucky is going to have a very different method in determining their fees than I do here in LA, someone with 5 years experience is going to charge differently than someone fresh off the notary school assembly line.

And this is business, why do you seem to be so insistent on the idea that we should be lending helping hands to the new people? If you're going to go into business it is YOUR responsibility to do the research and determine what you need to do and to learn to make it feasible. If your business plan is to rely on the helping hands of strangers, you're going to be a failure, guaranteed. So why should any of us waste our time teaching somebody who very likely won't even make it 6 months before they throw in the towel? The value of our education and expertise doesn't only apply to those who are sending us checks.

Reply by SusanOH on 12/13/06 2:46pm
Msg #165679

Re: Call me selfish, call me whatever you wish but...

I am not here and in business fulltime paying my own way in this world to give some new person a hand out, No One told me how to start my business, run my business, where to get my contacts etc, it's foolish and it's part of the problem. I am sick to death of this entitlement mentality, Grow up people this is business not some mickey mouse club. And for the new people if you think thats harsh you haven't heard the half of it or its because your too new. It's not my problem and anyone else around here that has worked their butts off getting to where they are it's not their problem either. Figure it out on your own.

Reply by Nancy Korb on 12/13/06 2:54pm
Msg #165681

Re: Call me selfish, call me whatever you wish but...

LOL...then don't complain when you're undercut. You haven't done anything to help the situation and eventually you will lose business because those newbies will find their way, at a lesser cost to the signing companies and Title companies, and they will gain the expertise. Don't think that there aren't just as bright and determined people just starting in this field who won't find their way and will last six months and better. You're fooling yourselves and you're only just seeing the beginnings and complaining in a chat room.

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 12/13/06 3:10pm
Msg #165692

Re: Call me selfish, call me whatever you wish but...

After having perused your website and your fees, and having checked out your profile, it is clear to me that you are one of the 'new crop' of NSA's that the NNA has shuffled through their doors. No one that competes with you should be worried. I think your professional competition is safe
There is really no sense in arguing with you... you are not my direct competition and you've made it clear that I would be engaging in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent. I'll save my breath.

Reply by Nancy Korb on 12/13/06 3:13pm
Msg #165694

Re: Call me selfish, call me whatever you wish but...

I am one of the NEW CROP of NSA's who took other classes before I took the certification with the NNA. I am also taking classes in Real Estate and Insurance and I'm here for the long haul. But you're right...you're an extremely sarcastic person. It's difficult to speak with anyone whose only worry is whether or not they will be undercut and that's all they have to depend upon in their business. Don't ever underestimate your competition...they only start out new...

Reply by javadog on 12/13/06 2:56pm
Msg #165682

Everybody has a right to their own opinion but . . . .

just remember that competition is fierce in New York, Florida, Texas and California. Those who say they make a great deal of money on a loan signing - probably do not. Everybody is beautiful, rich, and full of it . . . .

Reply by Nancy Korb on 12/13/06 3:06pm
Msg #165689

Re: Everybody has a right to their own opinion but . . . .

LOL...I've had two calls today alone. I'm in Pennsylvania. I don't get that many calls every day, and I turned both of them down because they didn't pay enough.

I'm taking a Real Estate exam tomorrow and I'm working on my insurance license test. I need to know as much as I can know in my chosen field. But I'm not getting rich and that is obvious. But I think I can earn a comfortable living if I can become as professional as I want to be. As far as competition...there is even competition in the Italian Restaurant and yes, we have entire schools that teach how to succeed in starting a restaurant and if you own a restaurant you seek managers who can take your place if they need to. So yes, you take a chance that someone will compete with you and you build your business with your reputation as a professional business person. You understand that there are people who will come and go, and you need to have the reputation of being a decent, honorable, professional, who first looks at the profession, and isn't quite so worried about competition because they've built their business on being honest and reputable.

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 12/13/06 3:24pm
Msg #165698

They didn't pay enough? OMG...

with the ridiculously low fees you charge, and they *gasp* offered you LESS?
That's called "percieved value", Nancy. Figure your worth @ $85 for eDocs, and you will surely get offers for $50.
Go figure. But, hey... what do I know? I mean, my average signing fee is triple that.
I work smarter, not harder.
And as an aside, I develop relationships with my clientele. I am not afraid of competition as it applies in its crudest form. Most of them (the undercutters, the newbies) are just slightly educated derelicts that will be out of this business soon enough.
I am far more concerned with the percieved value of my services being reduced because of irresponsible undercutters.

Reply by Nancy Korb on 12/13/06 3:59pm
Msg #165714

Re: They didn't pay enough? OMG...

I see. And with your attitude I would worry too. By the way, you misunderstood. If you actually looked at my website, we are a network of people who work from home. Most of the members of the network are people seeking work from home opportunities. And, by the way, we also have a secretarial service.

As a matter of fact, right now we have a couple of hundred members, all obtaining their notary licenses, and several of them are in your area. So, you may just have a bit of competition.

Reply by hcampersFL on 12/13/06 4:08pm
Msg #165718

Re: They didn't pay enough? OMG...

Nancy do you really think you are Lisa's competion? Or anyone from your "network" is? Get real.
You have so much to learn about owning a business. That is really your issue. You are wanting to have friends that you can share with instead of a real business. Go ahead and give away all of your hard earned knowledge, I'm sure that the people who are learning from you really appreciate all of your hard work.

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 12/13/06 4:33pm
Msg #165728

MY Competition? Forgive me if I don't worry...

you see, I am confident in my ability to sustain and nurture the relationships I've built, Nancy... don't give a hoot what your 'network' of some-timey's do or where they live.

It is all about perceived value. (getting tired of repeating myself)

And, since you've listed your fees on your website for all to see, I do not think I misunderstood.
Once I was able to decipher your introduction, and scrolled down to the bottom of your page, it became clear what you are. Nope. No misunderstanding here.
Again, forgive me if I don't lose any sleep over it

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 12/13/06 9:13pm
Msg #165801

OMG - Someone has found a way

to turn the Notary Signing business into a multilevel marketing plan!

Reply by Carolyn Bodley on 12/13/06 10:23pm
Msg #165821

Re: They didn't pay enough? OMG...

Nancy, I have been self-employed since 1992 - owner/operator of my own legal secretarial service. Not only are you low-balling your loan signing rates, but your secretarial rates are a joke, as well! After purchasing your equipment/supplies and paying your SE taxes, you'd earn more money working at McDonalds.

Reply by SueW/Tn on 12/13/06 3:13pm
Msg #165693

Nancy...my two cents

When I got involved in this world of SA's I hadn't seen the NNA's ad about big money for small investment. I am no longer able to continue in the line of work I was in due to an on the job injury and needed to find something that could accomodate me. The actual job itself (getting to the BO's home and getting the docs signed) is probably the easiest job I've ever done. I am a people person at heart and haven't had but a handful of problems. I purchased equipment that would get me started and read forums, joined websites, paid for a mentor, studied everything I could get my hands on and signed up with 286 companies. That was the hardest and still is! The marketing involved and keeping up with the industry takes time everyday, if you're not willing to do that, this is the wrong business. When I'm not out signing docs I'm here at the computer searching, asking, reading. My investment in time far outweighs my investment in equipment. Having said that....I can't imagine training my competition.

Reply by Nancy Korb on 12/13/06 3:19pm
Msg #165697

Re: Nancy...my two cents

I referred to one person in my area who had come to me seeking to ride along. I never mentioned training my competition. However, I did mention the fact that everyone in here is bemoaning the fact that these "newbies" are undercutting the rest of the "professionals" and being taken seriously. I suggested that perhaps befriending the newbies and answering some of their questions might help in that department, since it may be affecting the bottom line from some of you "professionals" who have such doubts as to whether or not I'm up for doing what I've been doing for nearly a year.

Reply by SueW/Tn on 12/13/06 3:34pm
Msg #165703

Re: Nancy...my two cents

I can't think of a single question that has NOT been answered on this board. NO one is going to talk about fees because it just does NOT apply because of the diversity involved. I could NOT charge the same price here in rural Tennessee for O/N docs that someone in Hollywood California or Florida can charge. Oh I can but donkey's will fly before I get it. Some SA's live in areas that require 4 wheel drive vehicles during this time of the year, some drive convertibles with the top down during winter months. I have 13 SA's within 20 miles from me, if I were in California that number would be closer to 4,000! Each SA sets their own prices based on where they are, their expenses etc. so a roll call is really out of the question. Oh, in Lisa's behalf (although she definitely doesn't need my help) she is one of the most helpful SA's on this board going above and beyond to keep our industry viable. Her ethics are above reproach and is very much a respected member of the community. If you've been reading this forum from start to finish, day one, you would have known that.

Reply by Nancy Korb on 12/13/06 4:07pm
Msg #165717

Re: Nancy...my two cents

However, I'm a "newbie" so I wouldn't have known that. What I've seen today is a bunch of cats, not helpful people.

Reply by BrendaTx on 12/13/06 7:42pm
Msg #165771

Re: Nancy...my two cents - Meow?

Nancy said: **What I've seen today is a bunch of cats, not helpful people.**

So, Nancy...when you encounter those who see life and business matters differently than you based on their experiences you dismiss them by calling them "a bunch of cats."

This is a very interesting response.

Reply by CaliNotary on 12/13/06 8:30pm
Msg #165785

Seems to go right along with her character

It's amazing how a thread like this can reveal the truth about a person. On first glance Nancy comes across as pretty reasonable and rational and well spoken. But then after all is said and done she's basically said that:

1. We're not decent human beings if we don't share the opinion that we should help our competitors get started in their business
2. That Lisa must not run her business with honesty and integrity
3. That we're not helpful, just catty.

It's a much more subtle form of name calling than "you stupid b*tch", but it's name calling all the same. I love it when people try to pretend they're above it all and they're just as bad, if not worse than those who they think they're superior to.

Say what you want about me, if I think you're a stupid b*tch, I'm going to tell you you're a stupid b*tch and the exact reasons why.

Reply by MichiganAl on 12/14/06 12:29am
Msg #165839

Another admitted newbie who thinks they have all the answers n/m

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 12/13/06 4:44pm
Msg #165731

*sigh* A final thought....

Sue, thank you for your kind words. I appreciate you

Sometimes it's like beating a dead horse. There are just people out there that can't see the forest for the trees, ya know?
My point is simple (and I know you 'get' it): This is my business, my primary and fundamental source of income. I should not be made to feel obligated to assist someone who has an entitlement mentality.
I will give you an example without naming names; Search the "Find a Notary" with the zip code 34117. Once there, read the profiles of the basic members. See if you can find the NSA that I mentored, trained, gave advice to, did ride-alongs with, hand-held, and groomed. It shouldn't take long. Even though that person now has the gall to say "YOU DID NOT TRAIN ME", her profile sure says I did. It's been brought to her attention that she should change it, but why should she? She's riding my coattails, undercutting fees, and calling my client base directly. She is profiting and benefiting from my experience, knowledge, training and expertise on a daily basis, all the while attempting to devalue this industry niche (and my market in particular) by doing low-ball deals.
Oh, yeah... I really feel obligated to help train my competition.

Reply by Laura Upton on 12/13/06 7:44pm
Msg #165772

Re: *sigh* A final thought....

yep, its there. i looked. profile clearly says trained and mentored by. no wonder you dont want to train your competition. looks like you did that already. maybe in a year or two the other lady will see a profile that says the same thing and change her tune too.

doesnt say much for the class of the other lady either.

Reply by Laura Upton on 12/13/06 7:46pm
Msg #165773

Re: *sigh* A final thought....clarification

the 'first ' other lady would be the lady in PA who's training her competition.

the 'second' other lady would be the lady that Lisa trained, and is riding her coattails.

thought after reading it again, it needed clarifying.

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 12/13/06 8:07pm
Msg #165778

Full explanation, and thank you Laura!

Laura, at least you took the time to use the outstanding search features Harry has graciously placed on this site, and found the information I referred to in my post. I truly appreciate you taking the time and effort to verify... and now I am certain you know why I feel the way I do.

That woman (the one I mentored) was my dear, close friend... one I considered a sister. Our kids are classmates. We were quite the team! I trained her to specifically take on my overflow (which in and of itself can be quite alot of $$)... a 'gimme', if you will.
I did so because she needed a few extra bucks in her pocket every month, and assured me she would stick to her guns on fees. We had lengthy discussions regarding 'perceived value for services'. She is no MoMo... quite bright, really. But a JackBag, nonetheless.

Lo' and behold, within WEEKS she had undercut fees AND trained at least one (and possibly two) of her friends to be NSA's through the wonderful NNA program! Naturally, she started avoiding my calls. Several of my SS clients spoke of fees (mine are premium) and said to me "Well, so-and-so is 3 miles from you and she'll do it for $xx, why won't you?" Try convincing someone that your services are worth twice than those of the person you trained... it doesn't work. The perceived value for your services has just been cut in half, and not because you aren't the best at what you do, or lack integrity or honesty.

Here's what galls me about her bringing yet ANOTHER person into the mix: I had specifically asked her not to get a particular friend involved. Her friend (also on that list of basic members) is a nice person and I have no issues with her integrity. HOWEVER, her friends husband is a former TC owner and a disbarred FL Attorney!! Why disbarred? One guess Escrow misappropriation at his very own TC. I am apalled at her lack of concern for private financial data of Borrower's whose loan docs find their way to that NSA's home computer. Sorry, but if it were me, he'd be the last person I'd want my 1003 near. Where's the GLB Act in THIS situation??? Wife can pass the BGC, but hubby couldn't... and he's sitting right there.
Forget about her 'feeling bad'... she's made it clear that she doesn't. It's business, after all. Has nothing to do with decency or friendship.

So, Laura (and other members, especially Nancy if you're still reading this thread) I have personal knowledge of the damage that can be caused by "helping someone out" ...in other words, training your competition.

Reply by CaliNotary on 12/13/06 8:34pm
Msg #165787

Have you written to Harry?

If she's using your name to advertise her services and you don't want her to, I can't imagine Harry would have a problem taking your name out of her profile.

Reply by cassiewi on 12/13/06 8:47pm
Msg #165793

Re: Have you written to Harry?

She doesn't list the name of the person that trained her, just the qualifications of said person. If I'm looking at the right one that is.

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 12/13/06 10:43pm
Msg #165827

Re: Have you written to Harry?

It's not my name, Cali... just references that a RE Broker w/10+ years exp. trained her and mentored her

Reply by Carolyn Bodley on 12/13/06 10:02pm
Msg #165816

Re: um, Nancy - are you talking about GENERAL notarizations

or is your $5.00 per signature what you are charging for LOAN signings?

Reply by Marlene/USNA on 12/14/06 8:55am
Msg #165870

Re: um, Nancy - are you talking about GENERAL notarizations

Better not be what she's charging. PA fees are by notarial act, not by signature, and they're not all $5 per act. So if she's charging $5 per sign on an acknowledgment with more than one signer, she's overcharging.