Posted by Gary Taylor on 7/30/06 3:26pm
Msg #136144

96% Now what ??

So I've proven to the State of California that I have sufficient knowledge of rubber stamp operation to be a Notary. (Just kiddin' put down the gun).

I know I have to do the background check / bond / oath thing... but I'm needing a little direction.

My plan is to do loan signings, I'm a Realtor. Yes I'll go slow, study hard and do it right, but I gotta get started somewhere.

Last week my broker went to a AMBA meeting and heard horror stories and doesn't want us to use just any Notary, but rather a certified signing agent. He assures me they trust me, but I'm figuring other brokers are just as nervous and those others don't know me.

So I've surfed a little bit and there are a few folks offering certifications... is there a de facto standard? 123Notaries Certified Signing Agent?

What Notary junk do I need?? Emobsers are cool, but I've never seen anything but a rubber stamp notary stamp. I don't want more notary junk than I need... some package deals look good.

With due respect to our hosts (thanks for this space by the way) The journal on this site looks real helpful, but is it?? Or is a plain ol plain one just as good.

Where's the best places (internet and otherwise) to sign up, speak out, and get moving

Obviously what I need most is experience, just as obvious, I can't get it without being a rookie first.

Any help or advice will be appreciated and taken seriously.

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 7/30/06 3:38pm
Msg #136146

Re: 96% Now what ?? Gary where are you?? n/m

Reply by Gary Taylor on 7/30/06 3:42pm
Msg #136148

Oops... Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, CA n/m

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 7/30/06 3:44pm
Msg #136150

Re:TOO FAR FROM ME THAT MIGHT BE A GOOD THING..... n/m

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 7/30/06 3:40pm
Msg #136147

In 6 years I have never been asked once if I am certifed. But as a signing service I look for those certified (registered) by the Signing Registry. The NNA ceritfication means nothing to me as I see a lot of supposedly NNA certified signing agents asking the most basic of notary questions.

As to an embosser, they are nice but unnecessary. The Notary Rotary journal is the BEST one for this business.

I recommend you buy the Premiere membership on this site.

Reply by Carmen R Towles on 7/30/06 7:27pm
Msg #136195

Now I agree with everything Sylvia said. I have never had a title, escrow, etc ask me if I am certified. But due to my affilation with 123 I have found out due to a great deal of feedback from many title, escrow companies, etc that they are choosing the certified ones (the ones with the icon) over some of the others on the site due to overweheming problems with notary errors, notaries not showing up or the notaries just don't know what they are doing.

Many years ago when I frist started out when I would signup with signing services they would ask for some sort of certification. Presently, I have been told that many still do. I presume they are trying to protect themselves.

Carmen

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 7/30/06 3:44pm
Msg #136149


So I've proven to the State of California that I have sufficient knowledge of rubber stamp operation to be a Notary. (Just kiddin' put down the gun). MAYBE NOT?

I know I have to do the background check / bond / oath thing... but I'm needing a little direction. I SUGGEST YOU ARE AT LEAST MANY WEEKS AWAY FROM AN ACTUAL SIGNING...

My plan is to do loan signings, I'm a Realtor. Yes I'll go slow, study hard and do it right, but I gotta get started somewhere.

Last week my broker went to a AMBA meeting and heard horror stories and doesn't want us to use just any Notary, REALLY but rather a certified signing agent. AND AGAIN REALLY He assures me they trust me, AND A THIRD REALLY but I'm figuring other brokers are just as nervous and those others don't know me. YEP

So I've surfed a little bit and there are a few folks offering certifications... is there a de facto standard? 123Notaries Certified Signing Agent?

What Notary junk do I need??SERIOUSLY, NOTARY JUNK?????? Emobsers are cool, REALLY but I've never seen anything but a rubber stamp notary stamp. I don't want more notary junk than I need... some package deals look good. HUMMMMMMMMM

With due respect to our hosts (thanks for this space by the way) The journal on this site looks real helpful, but is it?? Or is a plain ol plain one just as good. DO YOU REALLY WANT TO KNOW

Where's the best places (internet and otherwise) to sign up, speak out, and get moving RESEARCH MY SON

Obviously what I need most is experience, just as obvious, I can't get it without being a rookie first. HUMMMMMMMMMM

Any help or advice will be appreciated and taken seriously. SERIOUSLY........COOL

Reply by Gary Taylor on 7/30/06 4:04pm
Msg #136157

Well gee that was helpful.

I understand that I am many weeks from a commission... Really.

Sorry my inquiry wasn't up to your standards.

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 7/30/06 4:09pm
Msg #136158

Re: Now Gary don't be that wayI was seriously going to

give you an invite...REALLY

Reply by Gary Taylor on 7/30/06 4:12pm
Msg #136162

Re: Now Gary don't be that wayI was seriously going to

Okay, I'm sorry... I have seen your name on lots of good logical posts... and from other boards in other parts of this industry I understand what a royal PITA newbies can be.

I'm not sure what you plan on inviting me to, but as long as it's not me for dinner (I'd feed a hundred or so) I'm game, and appreciative... even if sometimes grumpy.

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 7/30/06 4:14pm
Msg #136163

Re: Gary a ride along of course........ I bear no hostility

towards newbies....

Reply by Gary Taylor on 7/30/06 4:22pm
Msg #136167

Re: Gary a ride along of course........ I bear no hostility

Thanks... and yes I was braggin' and yep I know State tests (all of them) are way too easy and have no relation to real world skills and knowledge.

I've a friend in your neck of the woods, if I recall she lives near Big Bear Lake... I see she has a PO Box in LkArrowhd... never been myself, but I understand it's a great place to live.

So back to the subject at hand, besides riding along, what's the best signing agent certification/ course out there?

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 7/30/06 4:24pm
Msg #136168

Re: well then, if you have a friend in Big Bear, you'll have

place to stay, so you can do a ride along with me and a drive by?

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 7/30/06 4:34pm
Msg #136173

Re: Gary in all honesty I'm not certified......so

I could not suggest one to you. It would be my opinion that working closely with another notary may benefit you more. I have never once been asked if I was certified. When a call comes and they need a notary at the last minute and you accept an assignment, it's up to you to know your laws well and provide the best proformance possible. I give 110 % with each signing. I back my work 100%......This business is a great deal about people skills, being professional and sounding professional. Which brings to mind your use of the word cool, I understand this is a forum and we should be able to relax, I have not seen you on the board before but I would delete that word from my vocab if and when your speaking about business, just a suggestion don't be offended I make my share of poor choices daily and I do know I'm extremely laid back on the board......I could de better myself....these are just random thoughts for you.....

Reply by Traveling2U on 7/30/06 9:36pm
Msg #136211

Loan Signing Course.....

Once you pass the notary state test and you say that's easy then the signing course is a breeze you can take the test online. Once my background check came back I took the certified loan signing test 10:00 PM that same night. $59.99 including, course, sample loan doc's and shipping '-) within a week I received a certified certificate looks really cool ;-)

Reply by TitleGalCA on 7/30/06 9:45pm
Msg #136214

Wendy and Traveling2U

A couple of comments.

First, this site offers training to CA notaries as well. By virtue of your membership here...why are you directing other posters to a competitive site?

Second, a "certified" SA simply isn't necessary. Read the posts of many other experienced notaries. A "Cool" Certificate can be done quite nicely in Microsoft Publishing on your own computer. You'll save some money.

Third, embossers are so not necessary and title companies could care less. Frankly, there's never enough room for them! When I see them in my daily work (one - yeah one in the last two years) I just shake my head.

"All Tools" are not important. Necessary tools are...but the others are simply bells and whistles like Brenda's post about the hawkers of the California Gold Rush.

Reply by Wendy Pablico on 7/31/06 1:06am
Msg #136225

Re: Wendy and Traveling2U yes that's me

excuse me I'm not trying to do anything...for as tool are concern they are important. I also believe you shouldn't be telling people what they will not make because you really don't know all you can say is what you are doing.

How many times I'd read where many have posted where they got information and posted the links that dealing with notary. I will make it in this business and I don't need advice to how much money I might not make and I don't have a day job!!

Reply by KBLedgard_CA on 7/31/06 2:28am
Msg #136229

Re: Wendy and Traveling2U yes that's me

Wendy, do you have a problem with comprehension or are you just dense? CLEARLY, by posting the company that you went through to get your commission, you are ignoring the Rules and Guidelines Harry has put in place. If you look on this website, if someone does not have a commission yet, there is a company willing to provide the education. By posting the company you went through, as well as their fee and other services offered, you directly advertised their services. The only thing you left out was their website.

Secondly, having taken a signing agent course and getting a cool certificate doesn't mean as much as you think. It may to SS's but that's about it. As TG pointed out, anyone could print out a certificate using MS Publisher. You seem to forget that your job is to NOTARIZE a signature(s). You are NOT notarizing documents. You really aren't to concern yourself with the contents of the docs except to point out where the answer to their question lies. However, too many Notaries let their knowledge of loan docs go to their head and forget why they are really at a borrowers house. Being certified doesn't mean a thing if you do not know how to *notarize* a document. That is your job, first and foremost. If there were no documents to notarize, would you still be there? Only if you wanted to be a glorified messenger.

TG has forgotten in the last 5 minutes more than you know as a Notary Public. TG sees things from a Notary's perspective and TC's perspective given that she works for one. Maybe now you will understand why she uses TitleGal as her alias. Just because you have a notary commission doesn't mean you are knowledgable yet. TG has been a notary for some time (if you read this board, you'll know she just renewed her commission). People like TG and Cali in CA, Brenda for those in TX, PAW & Rebecca and FL (no disrespect intended for those I have left out) have earned the right to be treated with respect. Without people like them, who are willing to share their knowledge, new notaries would still be mass produced by the NNA and these notaries would have no clue as to what they are doing. The NNA doesn't care how many people have notary commissions as long as they are making money. Read BrendaTX and TG's post (as well as the other regulars). I'm sure Brenda's next newsletter will contain something that will explain this all better. Yes, its okay for me to mention Brenda's newsletter since she is not offering a service NotRot provides and since it does not advertise another companies product. Go to texnotary.com to sign up for it. One day, you may know just as much as TG or Brenda.

Finally, get hooked on phonics. Your response makes no grammatical sense. Hooked on Phonics or a GED. It's you who should check before you speak, not TG!!!!

TG (and other veterans of this board for that matter-if you need help identifying them, let me know) DOES know of what she speaks and deserves respect accordingly.

Reply by Wendy Pablico on 7/31/06 2:49am
Msg #136230

I didn't passed the first sentence have a great one :-) n/m

Reply by BrendaTx on 7/31/06 9:18am
Msg #136239

Re: I didn't passed the first sentence - Wendy

Wendy, the bottom line is that you are not supposed to promote links or products on this site which are in competition with NR's products or services. Re-read the rules and guidelines.

If your next door neighbor is a mobile notary, will you buy one of PAW's car signs with their name and number on it and put it on your car to let everyone know they have an alternative to using you? You paid for the car, but hey, the notary next door does a really good job so why don't you help them get more business and take money out of your pocket?

NotaryRotary.com is not a non-profit organization. It is a business. We use this forum to advertise our services in our profile no matter what the service is...even if it is in direct competition to NR, but we cannot do this on the open forum.

Why do I care? Do I think I am the NR Police? No. I simply respect Harry's and Traci's rules and appreciate their friendship. They don't deserve to be ignored.

Reply by Wendy Pablico on 7/31/06 2:39pm
Msg #136301

I think if you said this to me Brenda you should say it to

every poster that does I watched this board all day and I could go and get their post numbers but I will not because its non of my business I don't own this board.

I see you say nothing and I'm not asking you too. Its really okay with me and I don't have a beef with anyone here. This board appears to me to be one-sided just my opinion.

Since I seem to be singled out and many otheres isn't it makes me go h..um really its okay I'm too old for all of this.

have a nice day!!

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 7/30/06 4:11pm
Msg #136161

Re: You know, you sounded so cool.....

I wanted to share with you, show you the ropes.......you scored far higher then I did and I thought you could probably show me a thing or two.....

Reply by KBLedgard_CA on 7/30/06 4:46pm
Msg #136175

Re: Well gee that was helpful.

Gary, first read the rules and guidelines of this forum. Next, do a Search using the Orange colored tab. No one is going to hand you the information on a silver platter. You will have to do some homework on your own first. Get to know you notary laws inside and out. No one will take you seriously if you continue to post as if you're just getting off your surfboard. This board is full of notary professionals who take their responsibility seriously. Welcome and I hope you fit in.

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 7/30/06 4:58pm
Msg #136177

Re: I'm sorry but doesn't Joe Blow surf? n/m

Reply by Wendy Pablico on 7/30/06 9:24pm
Msg #136210

Re: Well gee that was helpful. I went with GSN

Hi Gary

I used Golden State Notary for both certification classes $124.00 Notary $65.00 the give a free DVD which you can use online testing. Plus their Loan Signing course came with a set of loan doc's Goldenstatenotary.com

We were told we didn't have to purchase the embosser but he recommended we should certify our documents I agree it looks great and assure the client we're willing to go an extra mile. My understanding outside of the USA prefer the foil seal embossed. I purchased their professional kit I paid 5.00 to upgrade to a hardback. I had a coupon so I got the briefcase free if I purchase the professional kit.

I would personally say all the tools are important. Don't forget the "rolling" Scan
fingerprinting requirement which they took 2 sets of digital prints they didn't live a line unscanned ;-) it goes out live. If I was a felon they would had know in minutes if not seconds once she hit the send ;-) cost for submission of two application plus the service fee came to $53.00 total.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 7/30/06 10:03pm
Msg #136221

See message 136214

*** Don't forget the "rolling" Scan fingerprinting requirement which they took 2 sets of digital prints they didn't live a line unscanned ;-) it goes out live.***

Are you kidding me? You are not the FBI.

***If I was a felon they would had know in minutes if not seconds once she hit the send ;-) cost for submission of two application plus the service fee came to $53.00 total.***

I dunno...I just sort of figure most felons don't own real property. Hey, call me a radical.

I think you're a fresh victim of the NNA.

Reply by Wendy Pablico on 7/31/06 1:09am
Msg #136226

I think you need to check before you speak!! n/m

Reply by BrendaTx on 7/30/06 4:04pm
Msg #136156

Re: 96% Now what ?? search on "getting started" n/m

Reply by Gary Taylor on 7/30/06 4:09pm
Msg #136159

Thanks

I've been reading posts for a while, the search on "getting started" did bring up some interesting threads... I'll get back to them.

Also, I'd love a chance to read your article on real life costs and a business plan...sound logical and sensible to me.

Reply by BrendaTx on 7/30/06 8:01pm
Msg #136197

Re: Thanks - Gary - think "California Gold Rush."

Three years and asked for certification once that I recall.

Certification is basically meaningless. I was, by the NNA. You take the test until you pass it.

The Refi Boom and the notary signing agent thing is like the California Gold Rush.

Miners rushed there and got all the gold very quickly. However, the "essence" of fame and fortune lingered on for years.

Many people became very wealthy.

They were the guides, the ones selling supplies, shoeing horses, owning saloons, selling the gear, instilling doubt into the miners that if they did not have this map or learn that special technique they'd fail. There was only so much gold to go around.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 7/30/06 8:41pm
Msg #136204

Re: Thanks - Gary - think "California Gold Rush."

***They were the guides, the ones selling supplies, shoeing horses, owning saloons, selling the gear, instilling doubt into the miners that if they did not have this map or learn that special technique they'd fail. There was only so much gold to go around.***

Beautiful analogy Brenda. Sounds just like those radio ads.

I posted that Gary shouldn't quit his day job, no way, no how.

Reply by BrendaTx on 7/30/06 9:07pm
Msg #136207

Re: Thanks - Gary - think "California Gold Rush."

The most helpful purchases of all the "stuff" I have purchased that I did not already have was

#1 A book mostly frowned upon by vets in the biz which is an OVERVIEW of the process on the THEORY of it, not a signing agent bible. I had enough background in legal, mortgage and title that this book gave me the theory and the overview of how to plug in and get started. Old timers are going to groan at that but it's the honest to goodness truth. It was one of the few of its type at the time.

#2 My membership here and two other sites.

#3 The number one valuable learning tool was this forum (free to read/post)

#4 The huge volume of info which is the book that is published by another site owner has a short section on marketing which I referred to in the beginning, as well as the list of witness requirements I needed once on an out of state signing.

#5 My camera with a close up lens to take pictures of DLs where copies are required, and I also use it for inspections.

#6 My stamps for jurat, acks, and certified copies.

#7 My subscription to use for marketing at YMLP.com so that recipients of my emails can unsubscribe to my marketing by email campaigns.


(Since Harry has become rather tense about us using his site to advertise other business entities which may be considered in competition with his current or future endeavors I will not mention the names because he's right and I respect that. I have said all this before and it's in the archives here.)

Reply by BrendaTx on 7/30/06 9:21pm
Msg #136209

Re: Thanks - Gary - think "California Gold Rush."

Two more items to add to this thread:

Prostitutes and pimps did well with the gold rush. I guess pimps were mostly saloon owners.

BUY THE MoJo - the notary journal from this site. I do love it.

Reply by BarbaraL_CA on 7/30/06 6:22pm
Msg #136182

Gary - email me (click on my name for email address)

Reply by Jenny_CA on 7/30/06 7:05pm
Msg #136191

Sylvia FL gave you a good certification answer, she is a SS n/m

Reply by TitleGalCA on 7/30/06 8:21pm
Msg #136201

Gary - here's some advice:

1. Become a Premier member.
2. Search the forum for post 33325. Print it, read it, refer to it.
3. Go back in time on NR, skip all OT posts and read the stuff that you know you "don't" know. Someone could become a very knowledgable SA just by reading this forum.

Now that I've blown sunshine in your direction, here's the hard facts: there are waaaaay too many signing agents in California. We are glutted with them. Now that the market has turned, work will be scarce if not non-existent for someone like you. In fact...I'd be willing to bet that UNLESS you are a marketing wizard, or can do signings because of your RE License - you won't work at all.

You didn't mention how long you were a RE Agent...whether or not it is your bread n butter or if you were switching careers.

Do not quit your day job...don't even think about it.

Reply by Brad_CA on 7/30/06 8:50pm
Msg #136205

Re: Gary - here's some advice:

I agree with TitleGal. Do not quit your day job unless you are well established in this business and have marketed day and night for a very long time. If you are consistently conducting 2-3 signings a day, then you might seriously consider it.

Reply by BrendaTx on 7/30/06 9:10pm
Msg #136208

Re: Gary - here's some advice: Title and Brad are correct...

You should also plan on not showing a profit in any business for 1.5 - 3 yrs.

Of late, this business is running in very high/low cycles for me. And, the highs aren't what they were last year in number of signings...however, I finally learned how to price myself to assure profit about the time things started tapering down so I have maintained a true business and not a non-profit organization.

Reply by Gary Taylor on 7/30/06 9:44pm
Msg #136213

Re: Gary - here's some advice: THANKS

Real Estate is my day job... born and raised in it, been licensed myself 2 years last week. As you know, we're entering some skinny cow years...

I'm doing some other field work, BPO's to help with short months. Here's how I figure it... if I have to look for other part time work staying inside the RE industry makes more sense to me than doing something outside the industry. For a lot of reasons.

I'm bi-lingual and single, no problem with evening work, and we wanted a Notary in my office, so it seemed like a good match. I don't dream of making $100,000 and I understand that the first couple years are likely not too be profitable, but I'm thinking they could be a good supplement.

After the gold rush was over a bunch of the pimps and prostitutes left (not all of em) and normal folk got down to business and the state thrived. That's what happened in 1978 and 1990 in RE... I'm trusting it'll happen again in 2006

Speaking of Notaries and Gold Rush... a story from my Notary instructor. I can't verify the story, but y'all might enjoy it. Seems he had an old student in a re-certification class who told him that before the War in San Franciscio there were 2 Notaries. 2, count 'em one, two. One at the courthouse and the other at the Fairmont Hotel. It was a very cushy job and those two managed to convice the SoS not to appoint any others... till a lawsuit made it open up like in the late 40's... and look what we've got today.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 7/30/06 9:47pm
Msg #136215

Re: Gary - here's some advice: THANKS

***we wanted a Notary in my office, so it seemed like a good match***

Now, that is a GOOD match! Referrals from your own office will set you on your way...along with the 'forgiveness' factor for errors.

Just take time to read through this forum, and that info, along with your own referrals, you stand a chance.

Good luck.

Reply by BrendaTx on 7/30/06 10:32pm
Msg #136222

Re: Gary - here's some advice: THANKS

Gary, the point of my gold rush story was to give new ones pause to realize that entrepreneurs such as myself capitalize on this boom by having written up my reverse mortgage notes and selling them...PAW sells excellent car signs...Andy Le can hook you up with a good used printer. Without the new notaries, there would be no market for these things on a continuing basis. Myself and the two others I have just mentioned do genuinely have a reasonly priced, beneficial product to sell, but no matter what, we are making money on the notary signing agent who has come to the boom.

Someone contacted me the other day with a certification course on rev morts...this person is no more qualified than I am to test and certify notaries without legal authority standing behind me. However, they will be able to sell it it to people desiring to stand apart in their business. Fair or not, it's going to happen.

What I see happening is there is a fresh crop every few months of new people who need information on how-to's. At some point there are going to be more notaries in Texas who do loans than loans to do. I cannot stop that. However, I can be ready with informative material to make available for sale because it is going to cut down my business considerably. I get several emails and calls each week with requests on how to get started. I do not do it for free any longer, because I won't train my competition for free.

Now whether or not I will pursue this line of income with any additional publications is not yet seen because I really cannot bring myself to say that my publications will send their income soaring and that's what is required to really pull serious cash out of that type of time investment.

What I will do is develop good material to sell rather than give it away when I see a need.

It's my position as a newsletter hobbyist that has put me in a place to be able to do this.

I get calls regularly with offers to cash in on others endeavors by "networking" or sharing my marketing-to-notary ability (newsletter list). Most of them are not going to do real benefit to notaries, but will mostly empty their pockets of income. I do try to keep it real where my name is concerned. I do not endorse what I do not believe in.

I'll sell my experience, but I will not promise anything but giving the person purchasing it the best information available to me.

Reply by ewing2surf on 7/30/06 9:50pm
Msg #136216

I just want to know why so many Realtors and Appraisers are suddenly becoming signing agents.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 7/30/06 9:55pm
Msg #136218

And signing agents are becoming Realtors and Appraisers.

It's pretty clear the market is down after years and years of boom town. What goes up...must come down.

Not a time to make a change in anything. To do otherwise is foolish.

Reply by ewing2surf on 7/30/06 10:00pm
Msg #136220

AMEN. I am so lucky I started this when I did. How on earth can a newbie get the repetive practice needed to become an experienced NSA? Without doing loans for free of course.

Reply by Life Saving Services - Doug on 7/30/06 10:55pm
Msg #136223

96% on the Test, Remember No Advertising

Gary, Remember until you are appointed refrain from advertising that you are a notary until your appointment. Would hate to see it is over before it even starts. Good Luck RE agent here in Southern Calif. for the same reasons you are into this. Took my Cert Class with Notaryclasses.com Instructor wrote the manual bergstrom I believe. Some on this board may know her. It was on a Sunday but she kept us riveted.

Reply by Ndwa on 7/31/06 8:42am
Msg #136235

Re: 96% on the Test, Remember No Advertising

As RE agent, you have first hand experience of what goes on in a closing, unless you never sat in on your own deals. Therefore, the best and above all qualification/certification is your already RE experience. All you need now is to know your state notary law inside out, and look into what's involve in a loan package. Whatever your expectation as RE agent toward your vendor (lender/tc) was should now be the opposite b/c everyone wants their deal to closed.