Posted by Dominic Paniccia on 2/4/06 10:41am
Msg #94220

Not sure if i'm a newbie....

I've been signing for 11 months in rural S.E Ohio and have been watching this board for the last week. I've seen some good info passed on and in my opinion some b.s. To expand my exposure with signing companies I've done searches and all that comes up are directory companies that charge for their services. Is there a listing somewhere of signing companies? Is the premiere level here worth the cost?

I'm sure living in a rural area limits my market, but added exposure should maximize what business there is around here.

Back to the newbie thing...I've done 34 signings in 10 months and have negotiated fees up to $250. My average is $120. I'm 57, widowed with a 13 yr old son, was in commercial banking for 13 yrs, traveled in sales for 12 yrs and have been a real estate broker for the last 6 years.

So if anyone out there has constructive info to pass on I'd appreciate it. If not...oh well!

Reply by Roger_OH on 2/4/06 10:57am
Msg #94224

You mentioned the need for added exposure, and a premier membership is a step in that direction. Put your zip in the notary search section, see how many premier members are in your area, and draw your own conclusion; it's a tax-deductible business expense anyway. Premier membership has been positive for many on this board.

You can find company listings here on NotRot, GoMobileNotary, NNA, and 50statenotary.com.

Good luck from a fellow Buckeye.

Reply by Dominic Paniccia on 2/4/06 11:03am
Msg #94225

Thanks Roger. GO BUCKS!!! Another great season is not far away!

Reply by SueW/Tn on 2/4/06 11:34am
Msg #94231

Good Afternoon Dominic

I use the signing directory on notary beware and I use the directory on this site too. You'll have to join (I think) in order to take advantage of this tool but it's money well spent, excellent advertising tool and I don't think you'll be disappointed. The majority of my clients comes from this site and gomobile...please check those sites out and seriously consider memberships if just the basic because it will get you more exposure.

Reply by Dominic Paniccia on 2/4/06 11:55am
Msg #94237

Thanks much Sue! Re: Good Afternoon Dominic

Reply by LauriecPA on 2/4/06 12:02pm
Msg #94242

Re: Thanks much Sue! Re: Good Afternoon Dominic

Hi Dominic,
You mentioned that you couldn't find the companies to sign up with on this site...all you have to do is click on the "Signing Services" tab at the top of the page and a list comes up. If you sign in with your name and password, the list will change so that it only shows the companies that have work in your state. (Links will show up, also, when you are signed in,where they don't come up when you aren't.) 50statenotary.com has a lot of companies, also, some of the same ones as here and GMN, but you might see some different ones. There are so many that half the time I forget who I signed up with already and end up filling out new packages!

Reply by Dominic Paniccia on 2/4/06 12:11pm
Msg #94249

Good info Laurie...thanks Hon!

Reply by O/Cnotary on 2/4/06 12:03pm
Msg #94244

Dom: Yes, you are a newbie and so am I after 2 years and

several hundred loans, a 23 year background in commercial/residentail real estate and Director of Operations at a R.E. company. The vets on thos board have been at this for a very long time. I dont know about you, but I still learn something new every day.

Reply by Dominic Paniccia on 2/4/06 12:14pm
Msg #94250

O/C...I've picked up so much this week. Very beneficial!

Reply by Shane_OH on 2/4/06 12:40pm
Msg #94260

Doesn't sound like your a newbie to me, as long as you know what you are doing, and take responsibility for your actions SO, you are good in my books.

Definitely signup for a premier account here, its well worth the money. This is probably one of the top 2 sites i get business from. I won't avertise the other, simple because its not this site.

Its well worth it. One signing pays the bill for 2 years.....look at it that way.

Reply by christiSocal on 2/4/06 1:15pm
Msg #94267

not a newbie- but a youngin :)

I just did a signing yesterday for 200$. The title co got my name from here. They are in Fl, so they would have never known to call me except thru the advertising dollars spent here. And it isn't the first time I got a job thru notrot-WELL worth the money. BTW it was a hairy signing, I shoulda asked for 300$

Reply by Dominic Paniccia on 2/4/06 1:31pm
Msg #94272

Christi...thank you baby! Re: not a newbie- but a youngin :)

Reply by Dominic Paniccia on 2/4/06 1:26pm
Msg #94271

Shane...thanks dude!

Reply by Dominic Paniccia on 2/4/06 1:35pm
Msg #94273

How does one avoid leaving money on the table, yet not lose the signing?

Reply by John_NorCal on 2/4/06 1:47pm
Msg #94277

>>How does one avoid leaving money on the table, yet not lose the signing?<<
You say " Excuse me, that's my $50.00 bill over there." Then you pick it up and leave! jk

Actually this is not a sales presentation, so as far as you're concerned there is no "money to leave on the table." You're just there to be an independent witness/notary, explain what the docs are and complete the signing. Do that and you'll be fine, after you leave it's up to the borrowers if they want the loan or not. Good luck to you.

Reply by Dominic Paniccia on 2/4/06 2:00pm
Msg #94281

I meant fees w/SS's Re: Not sure if i'm a newbie....

Reply by Roger_OH on 2/4/06 1:48pm
Msg #94278

You need to elaborate on what you're asking about this situation.

Reply by Dominic Paniccia on 2/4/06 2:06pm
Msg #94283

I was vague Re: Not sure if i'm a newbie....

I meant in negotiating fees with TC's, SS's.

Reply by Janlee_MI on 2/4/06 2:17pm
Msg #94288

You charge what you want to charge!

What ever you feel comfortable with charging. Its your business to run. The best thing to do is see what everyone else is charging in your area and try to stay around that figure. So that way you don't price yourself out of the market and under cut others in your area.

Example in Southern Illinois I would get $150 to $550 depending on the county. Normally around $250. but in Michigan I am lucky to get $100 for the same skills, it goes back to busienss 101. Supply and demand.

Reply by Dominic Paniccia on 2/4/06 3:02pm
Msg #94300

Re: You charge what you want to charge!

Understand that...thanks Janlee. Where in MI? Born in Albion, college Ferris State and re-located from Detroit.

Reply by Janlee_MI on 2/4/06 3:09pm
Msg #94305

Re: You charge what you want to charge!

Oakland Twp. Just north of Rochester.

Reply by Roger_OH on 2/4/06 2:24pm
Msg #94291

Re: I was vague Re: Not sure if i'm a newbie....

You establish your own fee schedule based upon your experience level, and what the market will bear with the competitive situation in your area. You mentioned being relatively rural, so
you may not encounter the same competitive issues of someone in a more urban setting. Having said that, establish your fees and stick to them; don't let companies lowball you; say NO if it's not an acceptable fee - often they will call back and meet YOUR fee. There's also nothing wrong with taking some $50 signings (that are overnight packages and close by) for the experience, just don't ever take less than that.

Read the boards regularly and keep abreast of what companies to stay away from.

Reply by Dominic Paniccia on 2/4/06 3:06pm
Msg #94302

Re: I was vague Re: Not sure if i'm a newbie....

I agree Roger. I've quoted $150 and never heard back. Turned down a 1 page doc 1/2 hr away for $25. Last week I took a $50 one 10 mins away with overnight docs.

Reply by Roger_OH on 2/4/06 3:32pm
Msg #94315

Hey Dominic...

Click on my link and drop me a note; I can help you out with several things. We're also having a notary get-together in Columbus sometime in the next several weeks, and you would be welcome to attend. Send me your zip code and I'll check out your local competition for you from 3 different notary sites.

Reply by Janlee_MI on 2/4/06 4:03pm
Msg #94318

Roger, You are a nice guy.

Roger, I have to say you are very nice to help him. I from Ohio and I know that buckeyes are giving people.

Reply by Janlee_MI on 2/4/06 2:06pm
Msg #94284

Domic, I been in this business a long time and I am still learning. One thing to remember is as soon as you get used to something it will change.