Posted by TitleGalCA on 7/28/06 4:55pm
Msg #135859

Alternative careers for NSA's

Yesterday afternoon I had a call from the receptionist that someone needed a notary on some citizenship papers so I decided to make some lunch money.

In one of the sign-up rooms, I meet this very loud, big-haired, so-tan-she-was-wrinkly and dripping-with-gold woman who made it clear that she was in a big hurry and she had to get this done quickly. She launched into a story about how she was a real estate agent (could have never guessed that) who was getting out of “this” business. She said it was so dead in the real estate market there was no point in even trying to keep her cell phone on.

I didn’t ask but she decided to tell me what her next venture was…”Bail Bonds!” she exclaims. I asked her if there was any money in bail bonds and her eyes got huge, she says “Are you kidding me? Don’t you know that Mothers Against Drunk Drivers have this world by the Short Hairs???” (she practically yelled this, I was getting embarrassed for the people in the lobby who could hear her). She says…”new laws say that ANY amount of alcohol in your system means you can’t drive. Yep, there’s lots and lots of money in bail bonds….”

So…there you go, an inside tip. Notaries – there’s lots and lots of money in bail bonds. If you used to worry about dogs, roaches, dirty houses and crazy Arizona incestuous hillbillies (ref: Angelina’s story) just think of the clients in the Bail Bond business.

I just can’t picture a professional, mild-mannered notary, in their best suit manning the phone in a bail bond office, but wanted to share the advice.

Reply by AngelinaAZ on 7/28/06 5:11pm
Msg #135862

I don't think I've ever been mistaken as mild-mannered...

I think I missed my calling! Bail bonds huh!

I'm in the middle of Real Estate Appraisal education and the future looks very promising in that field... it's the years of experience and the crap you have to go through that is the nightmare! Brenda warned me about the scams involved when you are doing your apprenticeship, which is good... I have already avoided some pitfalls.

I just can't believe that with the incredible slow-down in this industry... the classes are continuing to advertise and turn 'em out at breakneck speeds! It's pathetic!

Reply by TitleGalCA on 7/28/06 5:29pm
Msg #135867

Re: I don't think I've ever been mistaken as mild-mannered...

I agree that it looks promising - appraisal is something I'd be interested in. The successful ones in my area really DO make over $100K a year.

One tip Angelina...don't ever call the title company and ask for the "Census Tract"...or the square footage...or the model type...or the assessor parcel number on a brand new subdivision...sometimes, I just want to ask the appraiser "would you like me to go out and inspect the property for you too?"

I know you'll be one of the good ones!

Reply by AngelinaAZ on 7/28/06 5:51pm
Msg #135875

Thanks for the tips...

I just have to make it 22 more months. My only hang-up is that it's as exciting as watching grass grow! John (an appraiser that I am working with) says... hang in there... it gets better and faster. If you can make it through the tough parts it is very lucrative. So I'm hanging in there! Now's the time to do it while the kids are in school and hubby is gone for 18 months.

Thanks for the Tips... you know what's funny is that this discussion board opens your eyes to all the stuff behind the scenes. Just the other day they were talking about calling the TC for information... they tell us to pull copies of the Public Report... not call the TC. The biggest reason is that you have to substantiate your numbers and getting stuff over the phone from 'somebody' who might not understand what you want does not let you off the hook for providing correct information or copies of supporting documentation if necessary. Lazy dazies I guess!

Reply by NCLisa on 7/28/06 8:23pm
Msg #135902

RE Appraisal classes

Tomorrow is exam day for my R4 class (the 4th class for residential). I guess I will take the state exam in August and try to find a trainee position somewhere. In the fall I'm taking the commercial classes. I had nightmares about algebra during the intensive 5 day R2 class.

Reply by AngelinaAZ on 7/28/06 9:19pm
Msg #135915

Re: RE Appraisal classes

Good luck on the commercial stuff! I thought about it and decided that it was NOT my cup of tea. I want them to be 'over and done' and move on like a signing... some of the commercial stuff just drags on and on... ugghhhh. Good money though!!!

Good luck on your exam... I've had a few nightmares during this whole thing. Hubby and I had a little party and we got smashed. Later I dreamed that I went to class drunk and was outlawed from ever holding a professional license in the state... LOL.

Here they let you start the training before you finish the education... it's nice because it makes the stuff you are learning actually make sense because you see how the stuff is applied in the field. I didn't find anyone willing to train full time... I am going along with 6 different appraisers out here. You don't have to attach to any 'one'... you just have to have them sign off your job sheet.

I have encountered the same problem that we SA's have in asking for ride-alongs. Nobody wants to train their competition (and rightfully so). I had to go further away to find people willing to train... it makes it more difficult. I did find one local office that is LOOKING for a new appraiser so they are welcoming an apprentice... but out here in Smalltown Arizona, there are few offices and more independents and they don't want you around. If you are in a big city... you might have a much easier time.

Reply by NCLisa on 7/28/06 9:41pm
Msg #135919

Re: RE Appraisal classes

The good thing about NC is there are very few commercial appraisers, but tons of residential ones. Our instructor was considered a young commercial appraiser, and he was in his late 40's. I'd actually like to appraise farms and horse farms, and properties like that. I'll take the commercial stuff slowly, it is so much to take in!! Hope my brain can hold it all.

Good luck to you!

Reply by NCLisa on 7/29/06 2:51pm
Msg #136033

I passed the R4 exam!!

I passed the R4 exam today!! I need a nap.

Reply by BrendaTx on 7/29/06 4:13pm
Msg #136043

Re: I passed the R4 exam!! Way to go, Lisa!!!

I just finished helping my kiddo move out of his apartment and restore it to pristine clean, pre-move in condition.

I need a nap, too!

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 7/28/06 5:27pm
Msg #135866

Just call me Stephanie Plumm n/m

Reply by AngelinaAZ on 7/28/06 5:35pm
Msg #135868

Ummm... I have dibs on Ranger... LOL n/m

Reply by Tina_MA on 7/28/06 6:48pm
Msg #135890

Re: Oh no, girlfriend, he's mine! n/m

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 7/28/06 7:59pm
Msg #135898

That's OK, I want Joe n/m

Reply by Bonnie_CO on 7/28/06 10:24pm
Msg #135925

But is Joe a major player like the other guys in his family?

I'd take Ranger just for his bad boy image! LOL!

Reply by ewing2surf on 7/29/06 12:56am
Msg #135954

What is the chance that there would be three realestate appraisers in my last two notary classes. Yes the slow down in the business has hit the appraisers too. All three were changing careers to the highly profitable "Notary Signing Agent" business. All were very motivated and were positive that this was the best opportunity.

I am good friends with a well known Bail Bondsman in San Diego. She has been in business for over 15 years and is the treasurer of the San Diego Bail Bondmans Association. Her working hours are generally 24+ with the emphesis on the 1 AM to 6 AM part of the day. She works so hard and never has any money. That fact has kept me out of the BB business even though I have the insurance license and the BB certification.

Just remember, once you write the bail you have to make sure the client makes all of his court appearences. That means you have to babysit that scumbag till the cops lock him up for good. Also most of your clients are hispanic so keeping them from going back to Mexico and jumping bail is always a huge risk. The surity will not allow that to happen more than once and you donot want to lose your underwriter.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 7/29/06 7:42am
Msg #135976

I'm the Dawg, the Big Bad Daaaawg: THE BOUNTY HUNTER! n/m

Reply by BrendaTx on 7/29/06 8:50am
Msg #135979

Re: I'm the Notary, the Big bad Notary, the NOTARY PUBLIC!!

I am sure that there's going to be a reality show for notaries.

I mean, Ozzie's become a family icon, there's been shows about addicts (Intervention), a funeral home group (Family Plots) and a mace-carrying wildman called, "Dawg," so seal-thrusting notaries absolutely MUST be next.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 7/29/06 12:25pm
Msg #136015

Re: I'm the Notary, the Big bad Notary, the NOTARY PUBLIC!!

I'm with you, Brenda.
That would scare off most of the NNA's NSA's recruits fer shure.