Posted by Leon_CO on 2/7/06 2:43am
Msg #94885

A great experience as a signing agent

I have a better understanding of why we do what we do. It's not about the money. It's all about providing a valuable service, and making it convenient for people to conduct their business, in a place where there are no businesses. A place where there is ... absolutely nothing.

I did a signing this evening in a town that is so small, it doesn't even have a name. It uses the name of the town that is more than 20 miles away. And that's about how far it is to your nearest neighbor. If you're trying to find a place on a map, forget it. There are no street signs, because there are no streets. Try "County Road 3", or "County Road K". And even then you won't find any house numbers since the houses aren't situated on the road, but rather far off the beaten path. And it's even more difficult when it's dark. But I managed to find the house where the signing was to take place. Or I should say, the occupants found me. I had already gotten lost once. I followed a wrong road and got way off course. I stopped at a convenience store to ask for directions and was fortunate that a woman who happened to live in the vicinity of the borrowers (20 miles away from there) offered to let me follow her and get me on the right road. But being on the right road was no guarantee of finding the place since the roads in this particular location don't necessarily go in a straight line, but rather in the form of a labyrinth. I had already phoned the borrowers to let them know I would be late, and that it was not going to be an easy task finding their house.

I finally found the road on which their house was situated. I was driving along and had actually passed their house, and was enroute to becoming lost again. Fortunately the borrower saw me pass by. If you're looking out your window in a remote area such as this, you rarely see any cars, so he knew it had to be me. He got in his pickup truck and followed me. I sensed that someone was following me, knew that I was in unfamiliar territory, and would probably offer to help me find my way. So I stopped the car, and got out. The driver stopped too. I went up to him and he asked, "Are you looking for the Clark's?" It was a relief to know that I would finally reach my destination. And in the nick of time. My VW Bug was almost out of gas.

We got in the house, I introduced myself, and we got the signing of papers underway. Everything went smoothly. In fact, while the wife was going over the papers, the husband was getting gas from his supply so that I would have enough gas to make it back. Did I mention that there are no gas stations out here? Towards the end of the signing, the wife apologized that they lived in such a remote area, and that it was so difficult to find them.

What they didn't realize was that this was one of the greatest experiences I had ever had. I probably would have never ventured out into this part of Colorado. I never would have known what it was like to live in such a way. It made me feel good that I was able to provide a service and convenience for them. They thanked me for coming out so far. But deep inside, I was thanking them for giving me this opportunity. On the way home I couldn't stop thinking about what I had just experienced. It was impossible to focus on anything negative. All I could think of was the positive. What was supposed to be a simple 39-mile drive there and a 39-mile drive back, turned out to be a 151-mile odyssey. I'd like to do more signings in remote areas like that.

Reply by BrendaTx on 2/7/06 5:35am
Msg #94887

***I never would have known what it was like to live in such a way***

Well put, Leon. That's a good way to describe one of the interesting perks of our jobs. I have not been out quite as remote as this in my assignments, but I have seen sights I would have otherwise missed. Really nice tale. Thanks for taking the time to write it and share.

Reply by Anonymous on 2/7/06 7:32am
Msg #94894

Welcome to my world, Leon. I live in an area that has many no name 25 mile dirt roads that lead into coal towns. Ive gotten 5 front end alignments in 2005 and all ready for another one now. These are areas with no cell reception, so if you get lost, you've got to drive 30 miles back to get a signal or payphone...I prefer the city calls.

Reply by hcampersFL on 2/7/06 7:35am
Msg #94895

I also had a signing out in the " boonies " yesterday. I took the short way there to save time. BR didn't sign terms were wrong so I wasn't there long. I decided that I would take the back roads home. What a nice way to finish off the day. Long country roads, fresh air (Cold air), beautiful sunset, all the farms and wildlife ( saw a few deer ). Really relaxing!!
B.

Reply by NM_CO on 2/7/06 8:32am
Msg #94900

Oh my gosh, this just brought tears to my eyes. Maybe because I felt so bad and it turned out to be a great ending!

Reply by Anonymous on 2/7/06 8:36am
Msg #94905

Re: To NM_CO-OT-Superb recipe, everyone loved it,Thanks

Reply by Beth/MD on 2/7/06 8:55am
Msg #94911

Re: To NM_CO-OT-Superb recipe, everyone loved it,Thanks

Yes! It was sooooo Gooooooooood!

Reply by Anonymous on 2/7/06 9:03am
Msg #94914

Re: To Beth

The recipe made to full bread bowls, did yours? I had some for dinner last night.

Reply by Beth/MD on 2/7/06 9:04am
Msg #94915

Re: To Beth

I just made one large bowl. I brought mine to a superbowl party. Nothing left. :(

Reply by BP/WV on 2/7/06 10:08am
Msg #94958

Re: To NM_CO-OT-Superb recipe, everyone loved it,Thanks

ooohhhhh... what recipe?

Reply by srnotary_CA on 2/7/06 10:17am
Msg #94960

Recipe? Sounds like a good one. Can I get it lol n/m

Reply by Anonymous on 2/7/06 10:21am
Msg #94968

Re: Recipe? TO BP/WV and srnotary_ca

It came from nm_co, it was posted on the site last week, once home I will repost it, so look tonight, subject will read "Recipe-Super Bowl"

Reply by Charm_AL on 2/7/06 10:29am
Msg #94976

Re: Recipe? #92952....n/m

Reply by srnotary_CA on 2/7/06 10:34am
Msg #94979

Re: Recipe? #92952.... Thanks n/m

Reply by Bonnie_CO on 2/7/06 8:33am
Msg #94902

Leon,
Thanks for sharing such a nice experience! I love the rural signings too! I spent the a lot of my growing up years on a ranch in west Texas. You didn't run to the store everyday, you made a big list and went once a week or once every 2 weeks. I'm still not really a "city girl".
It's nice to see that a lot of the rural people haven't changed a whole lot. Everyone helps everyone else. Of course, the downside to that is everyone also knows everyone else's business! LOL
Have a great day everyone!

Reply by BP/WV on 2/7/06 10:19am
Msg #94965

(the downside to that is everyone also knows everyone else's business! LOL )

your not kidding either.. In our town all the gossip comes from the post office clerk...

Reply by Gail on 2/7/06 11:38am
Msg #95017

I am also new to the business. I am a little confussed on signing up with signing companies. I have been reading some forums and experience notary's say not to accept jobs thru them, because they just want to pay $50 a signing. How much should we charge? As a new notary, should we accept the low $50 amount to get some experience? How many signings would you accept at this level of pay? I live in Wildomar, Southern CA, it is a little area near Temecula. If anyone lives in this area, I would love to do a ride along with you. I have taken the Certification for loan signings thru Allstate Notary and I am getting ready to take the test with National Notary. Does anyone have any experience with them? Are jobs coming thru their web site? If anyone has a list of companies that are worth working for would you please forward them on to me? Thank you for any advice or help you may be able to offer to help me get started in this field? Email me at [e-mail address]

Reply by Lorraine Maguire on 2/7/06 3:56pm
Msg #95142

Believe it or not, here in California I have quite a few assignments that take me out into the country. I love those! Not as pretty as the CO mountains, but interesting all the same. I was raised a city girl, but where we live now, we're surrounded by ag land and sheep.