Posted by Negrete on 3/20/06 8:59am
Msg #106963

What does a SS do ? JMHO

I am going to try to make one point and one point only. Some of you may or may not like what I say, but thats ok too.

(THIS IS THE FUNNY PART SO ALL CAN LAUGH NOW)
The sould purpose of a SS is to make sure that we get all the loans that we can so the NSA does not get them.

The purpose of a SS is for the benefit of the Title Co. They use a SS so that they don't have to make 15 + calls trying to find a NSA. What we do is spend that time so that the Title Co can get all the paperwork done in a timely manner. (YA RIGHT) By them using a SS they don't have to hire a person or persons to do scheduling. It is much less exspensive to hire a 3rd party to work for you than to hire an outside Co to work for you, ie Workers Comp,Employment Insurance,Taxes, the whole ball of wax.

I will be glad to discuss with anyone that is interested in talking about what we do as a SS. Please don't ask me how to start a SS though, that would be suicide on my part. I did that with someone before and that person did go and start a SS. ( BIG MISTAKE)

Anthony J Negrete
Negrete'sa Notary Service Inc.

Reply by Negrete on 3/20/06 9:01am
Msg #106964

Re: What does a SS do ? JMHO ( Correction )

It is much less exspensive to hire a 3rd party than to hire some one direct.

Anthony J Negrete
Negrete's Notary Service Inc

Reply by Negrete on 3/20/06 9:13am
Msg #106965

Re: What does a SS do ? JMHO ( Correction )

It is much less exspensive to hire a 3rd party than to hire some one direct.


(By direct I mean to work in there office.)

Reply by SarahBeth_CA on 3/20/06 9:21am
Msg #106968

Re: What does a SS do ? JMHO ( Correction )

Thank you for the reply Tony we have been waiting a couple of days and with baited breath. We do know and understand the purpose of an ss. What we are looking for is what I will call "The Life of the Asignment". From the moment you get the order from the lender/tc to the moment you cut the check and close the file is what we are asking. Exactly what do you do, what is your procedure from begining to end?

Reply by Negrete on 3/20/06 9:24am
Msg #106970

Re: What does a SS do ? JMHO ( Correction )

SaraBeth_CA

That would be like asking me how to start a SS. I would love to talk to you if you like.

419-524-1600

Anthony J Negrete
Negrete's Notary Service Inc.
www.1nns.com

Reply by Marlene/USNA on 3/20/06 10:34am
Msg #106993

Re: What does a SS do ? - give us a short version, please

1. Receive call from TC.
2.
3.
4. Schedule notary.
5.
6.
7.
8. Cut check to notary.
9.
10. Close file.

Reply by SarahBeth_CA on 3/20/06 11:30am
Msg #107006

Re: What does a SS do ? JMHO ( Correction )

With all due respect Tony even us sa's know that there is more to being an ss than "the assignnment". We aren't asking about business plans, budgeting, aquiring capital, marketing strategies, employee policies, hiring practices and criteria, insurance, taxes, notary datebase, equipment requirements, required experience, fee structures, or any other "business" related practices and procedure. The question is not intended to get your business secrets or strategies. I have no inclination to become a ss and in all honesty although I am sure you have a wealth of knowledge I wouldn't need to ask you how to do it if I did intend on opening an ss. We already are business men and women, we understand how to operate our own business and with the proper research, business plan and hard work we could create other business opertunities whether it be an ss or a bakery.

The subject is "the asignment". Now since we aren't discussing equipment here all I'll will say is with the proper equipment and program the process of receiving the assignment, entering the assignment, booking the notary, confirming completion of assignment, generating the invoice, and paying the notary can be done in a minimal amount of time. Then yes we do have to factor in when there are issues. How much more is there to it when there aren't special circumstances?

Now one of the reasons that this topic has been brought up is that many ss (not yours in particular because I don't know your or your clients procedures) will ask for the notary to do fax backs but they do not understand the extra time involved in it and do not want to pay according to the size of the assignment. For those sa's who live in a more rural setting this request can add an hour to and hour and a half plus trip milage to the assignment.

Topics like fax backs and other procedures for the assignment on the sa's end have been disussed time and again. We'd like to know from your perspective what your role is in the "assignment".

Now what I have said might have come off harsh which is in no way my intent. So please understand that I do not mean it that way at all. It is honest discussion.

Reply by cyndi_ca on 3/20/06 9:18am
Msg #106967

HaHa very funny. I can see where an SS maybe beneficial to a Tc. Time is money and knowing they only have one phone call to make versus serveral, makes it easier. It's just the bad ss's who make to good ones look bad.

Reply by Negrete on 3/20/06 9:22am
Msg #106969

I agree Cindi, If you have any questions please feel free to call. I am a SS that I think most notaries like to work with.

At least I hope so.

Anthony J Negrete
Negrete's notary Service Inc
www.1nns.com

Reply by cyndi_ca on 3/20/06 9:24am
Msg #106971

I am aware of your excellent reputation and have yet to work with you.

Reply by Negrete on 3/20/06 9:25am
Msg #106972

Are you signed up with our Co ?

Reply by cyndi_ca on 3/20/06 9:32am
Msg #106973

yes

Reply by SatomiCO on 3/20/06 9:34am
Msg #106975

I don't see where anything you wrote couldn't have been asked directly of you or any SS over the phone when initially called for a signing.

Earlier this morning I was accused of something about a bagel when I suggested the idea of actually asking the SS over the phone. The poster informed me that they would never ask a question for other than what they were being called for. I on the other hand enjoy the element of surprise. Asking straight out and seeing if I get a straight out answer instead of giving them the time to prepare a canned reply with all the i's dotted and t's crossed.

Tony, this post isn't directed at your reply, at all.

Reply by SatomiCO on 3/20/06 12:25pm
Msg #107016

Re: I'll probably get in trouble for this

but I don't see the need for all the black/white/grey "making a mountain over a mole hill" over and over questions of what a SS does. I didn't see the initial need, and I didn't see the need for a repost.

I've never owned or operated a SS, but my anology is: they are the middleman, the headhunter. They market TCs/LOs for accounts. They form databases of SAs to perform signings. They fax or e-mail confirmtions. In my experience, sometimes they go into a website pulling down the docs and forwarding to the SA. Other times they give the SAs contact information to the TC/LO who e-mails docs or ships overnight. They negotiate signing fees with SAs and keep anywhere from 50-75% of the fee. If they hire an inexperienced SA who sends back and incomplete or inaccurate loan package, then their heads roll on the cutting block with the TC/LO.

They have expenses and overhead. Office space, business phone lines ... their SAs fee is a business cost/expense, a tax deduction for them.

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/20/06 12:27pm
Msg #107017

Re: I'll probably get in trouble for this

S - my good friend, just because you do not see the need does not mean that others do not.

Yes, they do have expenses and overhead. Of course they do. Apparently, we see things differently because we have different experiences. It's that simple.

Reply by SatomiCO on 3/20/06 12:30pm
Msg #107019

Re: apparently, I have too much to too little common sense. n/m

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/20/06 12:41pm
Msg #107022

Re: apparently, I have too much to too little common sense.

Or, like I said, different experiences.

Reply by SatomiCO on 3/20/06 12:54pm
Msg #107026

Re: Experience has nothing to do with it. n/m

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/20/06 1:02pm
Msg #107028

Re: Experience has nothing to do with it.

What my experience in life is would be the reason I am who I am. I would think that would also be your frame of reference. If not, you are absolutely right. I am absolutely wrong.

Reply by SatomiCO on 3/20/06 1:05pm
Msg #107033

Re: Experience has nothing to do with it.

But who we are has nothing to do with my anology of what a SS does.

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/20/06 1:08pm
Msg #107036

Re: Experience has nothing to do with it.

**But who we are has nothing to do with my anology of what a SS does.**

Okay. I thought I still had the right to my opinion. Sorry. My mistake.

Reply by SatomiCO on 3/20/06 1:13pm
Msg #107038

Re: Experience has nothing to do with it.

you have a right to an opinion the same as I do, the same as everyone does.

I honestly don't see how my, your, our, anyone's experience has to do with this whole thread of what a SS does.

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/20/06 1:18pm
Msg #107040

Re: Experience has nothing to do with it.

**you have a right to an opinion the same as I do, the same as everyone does. I honestly don't see how my, your, our, anyone's experience has to do with this whole thread of what a SS does.***


You said: *but I don't see the need for all the black/white/grey "making a mountain over a mole hill" over and over questions of what a SS does. I didn't see the initial need, and I didn't see the need for a repost.*

I disagreed.

That was my opinion. My opinion is also that we have different experiences. You said it had nothing to do with experiences.

My opinion was that it did. And, so on.

Having my opinion is no longer important.

I don't want to argue with a friend like this. Thanks.

Reply by SatomiCO on 3/20/06 1:27pm
Msg #107046

Re: Experience has nothing to do with it.

I'm not arguing. I thought we were having a disagreeing discussion, and in doing so, trying to get down to how experience fits into this thread. Something I guess I probably won't understand.

We have both dug our feet into the sand with our own opinions, which is fine. I'm going out to play in the snow and not adding anymore to the thread.

Reply by CaliNotary on 3/20/06 1:30pm
Msg #107047

Girls, girls, you're BOTH pretty! n/m

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/20/06 1:32pm
Msg #107049

Re: Girls, girls, you're BOTH pretty!

You are too funny. LOL. I am looking for my sand bucket. I think she took it to go play in her danged old snow.

Reply by SatomiCO on 3/20/06 1:04pm
Msg #107029

Re: I'll probably get in trouble for this

Read it how you want. I'm not defending or trashing them. As for my comment about their expenses and overhead, those are allowed tax deductions a SS takes. The signing fees they pay a SA are also a busienss expense/tax deduction a SS is entitled to claim.

Our own personal/business experiences have nothing to do with this thread.

Reply by hcampersFL on 3/20/06 1:39pm
Msg #107052

Okay I'm back

I guess the reason I re-posted this was that it irratated me that not one SS even answered.

We have be asked many times over on this board our opoions of how things were handled in different situations by SS's. I mean a ton. Why can't they just reply to this post even if they said what Tony said? I think that would be the respectful thing to do. Of course maybe that's why they haven't?

Things that make you go hummm.

B.

Reply by Marlene/USNA on 3/20/06 1:47pm
Msg #107054

Re: No mountain here, just a simple question. . .

. . .what EXACTLY does a signing service do? Not speculation by non-SS, not dismissal, not arguments to hijack the topic, just a simple answer from a signing service to help understanding for the whole profession.

I suspect, however, that while signing services are willing to listen in on signing agents talk their profession, they are not as willing to share.

Dear Willing Signing Service, please complete the steps for us:

1. Receive assignment from TC.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. Close File.

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/20/06 2:09pm
Msg #107059

Re: No mountain here, just a simple question. . .

Marlene, Thinking out loud:

I might even learn something!

I think I have posted here that they work hard for their money. No matter what I THINK or what I BELIEVE is going on, like you said, the truth would be nice to get into.

ND (Andy) is starting a signing service. I feel good about that because he and I have shared information on the phone and I know he has done a world of signings. He's got it together and he understands what it is like in the trenches.

When the emergency number has a guy sitting there reading the funny papers and has a script in front of him (MY PERCEPTION, but what's that got to do with it) and you call and get info from them as a newbie, that's hard. Lots of times it seems like the numbers we reach have people more clueless than the greenest we have ever been.

I do think that the old hands at running signing services need to put their feet back on the ground and re-learn the trade - they might have less trouble with agents if they found out where we are. Some like Monica in FL still do a signing here and there. It's changed since I have been doing this the past two plus years. I don't care what was going on in '00-03, things are a little different. I will not run all that into the ground.

Those are just my thoughts.

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/20/06 2:16pm
Msg #107063

Re: No mountain here, PS for ND . . .

While I am thinking about it, you might want to change your persona back to Andy. I have noticed others are abbreviating NationsDirect (? I think it is this one) with ND. It took me aback when I saw that and the info I read. I thought Andy/ND???? NO way. Then I realized ND meant another company.

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/20/06 2:20pm
Msg #107064

Some like Monica in FL SHD BE Monica OK - AMR. NM n/m

Reply by SatomiCO on 3/20/06 2:11pm
Msg #107062

Re: No mountain here, just a simple question. . .

I said I was finished posting in this thread, but just had to address your post regarding speculation, argument and hijacking the topic.

I have never owned a SS. I have, however, spent many years working for a temporary agency cold calling accounts, scheduling and coordinating assignments with temporaries/clients, following up, etc. All duties that I perceive to be similar to those of a SS.

Reply by Marlene/USNA on 3/20/06 2:42pm
Msg #107073

Re: No mountain here, just a simple question. . .

As have I, Satomi, spent many years working in similar situations. I still wonder what the SSs offered to convince the title companies, etc., to outsource the scheduling and WHATEVER ELSE IS INVOLVED. I know they said they could do it cheaper, but that could mean quotas and low-paid entry level employees doing the scheduling, which in turn lead to high turnover, lower fees for signing agents, eDocs because they don't cost to mail, and a variety of other cost-cutting measures. Is it a profession, is it a career path, or is it just an off-site operations department looking to cut costs wherever it can?

Tony Negrete left his telephone number in one of his replies to SarahBeth. I think I'll hijack that number and give him a call.

Reply by SatomiCO on 3/20/06 2:59pm
Msg #107089

Re: No mountain here, just a simple question. . .

Marlene, I'm assuming they offer the same benefits that were offered when I worked with the temporary agency. Quite honestly I can't imagine any SS coming on here and posting trade secrets and giving details of their operation.

This is, I think the third time of saying this, but this will be my last post on the subject. As a SA either accept the signing requirements (numerous fax backs, babysitting, etc.) along with low pay, or hit the pavement yourself and get out there and do your own marketing directly to TCs. Seems pretty cut and dry in my opinion. Closed subject for me.

Reply by Marlene/USNA on 3/20/06 3:02pm
Msg #107094

Re: OK, No argument from me. n/m

Reply by Charles_Ca on 3/20/06 2:46pm
Msg #107078

Marlene, could it be that the truth is, well, nothing???

Maybe they are stumped for answers! Anyone who has known me for a while knows that I believe that the SS are for the most part superfluous and have been merely convenient to use. Perhaps if there is ever a true notary organization started that someone cold send the TC's a list of members' phone numbers and that wold be the end of the SS. Notaries could charge more and TC's could pay less and everyone would be happy except the SS but being the self-professed business mavens that they are they would find another niche to fill!

Reply by Marlene/USNA on 3/20/06 3:00pm
Msg #107091

Re: Could be!

And it could be that the TCs, etc., got tired of trying to find qualified NSAs or tired of thinking they found one only to be disappointed with the results, and decided to outsource the problem - ta da! the signing service is born, willing to take on the headache for them - for a price.

However, I'm not sure that a true notary org would make a difference in that regard. You have mentioned that you are a Realtor and have been through training and certification and licensing. Lately, I have been seeing a TV ad in which a Realtor-actor says, "I'm looking out for your best interests. I even had to go to ethics training."

I snorted, woke Bob Dog up from his after-dinner nap. My Realtor (with her little Realtor pin on her lapel) may have been to ethics training, but she wasn't practicing her ethics during my sale, because she was also obliged to maintain a standard of ethics with her employer as well (which boils down to, "If she don't ask, don't tell". So you see, all the certification, licensing and training in the world won't protect me if I, little ol' consumer, don't do my homework.

How do you feel about notaries answering to a certification committee of their peers, Charles?

Reply by Charles_Ca on 3/20/06 6:49pm
Msg #107199

Re: Could be! Peers? Have you been following this board

Peer review is probably a beter system than we have now but have you been following the peer review problems in the scientific community? I believe that is probably a better system tha we have now provided we can get a good definition of who "peers" might be. The diversity of notaries is great. Would I be willing to be judged by my peers such as Brenda TX, or PAW, Yes no problems. Would I be willing to be judged by my peers such as FlaMac, JudyinLA NO WAY! So who do you define as Peers? I know that we have discussed organizations before and you can 't see past the profit motive, perhaps we should consider certification by our emmployers, the TC's, that, I believe would work better then most of the "peers" I've seen! As far as your Realtor friend, you've obviously not had enough problems with her ethics to have discovered the professional standards board (of which I am a member in California) which is designed to address lapses not only in ethics but in the work standards that are set up by the National Association of Realtors, the system works, largely, and much better than what I see with Notary Signing Agents.

Reply by NJ_Notary on 3/20/06 8:13pm
Msg #107230

Re: I'll probably get in trouble for this

We all have our own opinions which is wonderful. It means our heads are thinking and minds are rolling.

I do however disagreee with your last sentence. As a signing agent I have office space as well as buisness phone lines. In addition SA have the expense of their cars, gas, electricity, paper, equipement, cellular phones, supplies, etc.

Reply by MichiganAl on 3/20/06 2:10pm
Msg #107061

What's being asked is....

In a very respectful way, I think some people are trying to get a feel for what a SS does during the course of the day that justifies the kind of fees they make. To us, it looks like an unnecessary and costly step that adds nothing essential to the process. So the question is, educate us about your day so maybe we get an idea of how you EARN your money (and no, overhead has nothing to do with your value). The fact that the question has been posed three times and no SS has been able to give an answer tells me everything I already knew.

Reply by Marlene/USNA on 3/20/06 2:47pm
Msg #107079

Re: What's being asked is....Thanks, MichiganAl

That's what I'm trying to ask. And I really don't know what kind of fees they make. Do they make the whole "Notary Fee" I saw listed on my HUD when I sold my house and bought another last year? Some of that goes to the signing agent, I know, but does it get split any other ways?

This inquiring mind wants to know. . .

Reply by hcampersFL on 3/20/06 2:48pm
Msg #107081

To MichiganAl

Thank you Al for making my point so much better than I could.
Beverly

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/20/06 3:01pm
Msg #107092

Re: To MichiganAl - Winson, Al, Charm & Bev...

Said Beverly: **Thank you Al for making my point so much better than I could.
Beverly**

>>>Ditto Bev, that's why he's in the competition.



>>>Charm, Please don't "Simonize" this one...just yet. Since you have associated yourself with me on this, mebbe you better read my msg to Al.



>>>Winston & Al,

I just realized that post about the calendar is one of the most "sexist" things I have seen on this forum. Oh dear. I can only imagine the righteous indignation of the women on this board (including me) if this were a man speaking to women...what I said about the calendar and all could be construed in a manner not so innocent. Mea Culpa.

So sorry to anyone I have offended both male and female alike. Probably a bad thread to post an apology in regarding this.

Someone hand me the discipline frock..and the triangular head gear for standing in the sexist notary corner...also, I need those rubber bands to snap snap snap on my wrist....I'll go without force. I know it's my turn.

Reply by hcampersFL on 3/20/06 3:11pm
Msg #107100

Brenda, Brenda, Brenda

I guess that means your a chauvinist? I never thought I would see the day my favorite fair haired (maybe not fair-haired but it sounds good) child was up to this kinda malarkey. Will wonders never cease?
Where is my wet noodle?
Beverly

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/20/06 3:14pm
Msg #107103

Re: Brenda, Brenda, Brenda

***I guess that means your a chauvinist? I never thought I would see the day my favorite fair haired (maybe not fair-haired but it sounds good) child was up to this kinda malarkey. Will wonders never cease?
Where is my wet noodle?
Beverly***

I am not sure what it means. In fact, I never understood the wet noodle.

Reply by MichiganAl on 3/20/06 4:50pm
Msg #107146

Me? Offended?

Oh please, I'm already working on my photo spread.

Reply by Charm_AL on 3/21/06 9:51am
Msg #107331

Re: To MichiganAl - Winson, Al, Charm & Bev...

oh Brenda...rightous indignation??? c'mon, I e-mailed the great Winston. I'm working on getting a few pics, forget the sexist crap. We need a man calendar I mean with the Sports Ill calendar and all, don't cha think? We'll just dub it the "NotRot Super Heros" ey?