Posted by PAS MOBILE NOTARY SOLUTIONS on 5/8/06 2:41pm
Msg #118359

SS

Hello! I have been a Notary for 8+ yrs. Just became a NSA would like to know if it is best to contract with an in-state or out-state SS to get my business out there. Or, do I just look up Title, Escrow and Mortgage Companies her in Houston, TX and introduce my services to them for work.

Thanks!

Reply by JanelWI on 5/8/06 3:03pm
Msg #118363

Re: Pas...Hit the search button and start from the beginning

here, then market, market, market!!! Have you done the research before hand? Did you find out what your market saturation is like? How many in your local radius? Have you thought about what you have to offer a SS? How you intend to pitch your new business? Have you studied marketing or taken advantage of the many books on the subject? There is no easy answer, it is work and it takes time and effort. The rewards come from time and effort, this is not a get rich fast business. A certification course does not make you an NSA, experience does. Don't listen to the hype and buckle down and research SS's on a National level, Regional level and local level and plan how you intend to market your service, your skills and what makes you a good NSA.

Reply by BrendaTx on 5/8/06 3:28pm
Msg #118365

Re: SS - Research this board...read msg #33325...

(1) Each city/county in Tx is different. It will be about a two-year trial and error process finding your niche and clients.

-For how to find clients - research this board...read msg #33325...

(2) Beware there are some grumps here...I have been said to be one of them...but we are not grumpy, we are telling you the truth. Not many nearby you will share info with you until trust is developed...a quid pro quo relationship is established...would you give your toughest competition your paycheck...just hand it over? Notaries will not either.

(3) Some are grumpy because of the term NSA. You see...once upon a time (before my time signing) there was enough work to keep a loan signer making a very, very nice income. When NNA started certifying and advertising on jobs like "monster.com" the supply and demand became a very distorted picture. It's ruined many good notary signing agent's income.

(4) Today is a bad day to start a loan signing business in Texas. The refi boom is over.

(5) The work is very slim and if you do not have contacts it is "none."

(6) Read this board message by message and figure out where to hunt up your jobs. In Texas, I am hearing from Houston, from Dallas...from the rural areas that a new person can expect a signing a week or less....you have to know how to market yourself. You have a good start, but do not be made a fool by doing HELOCS in homes and not in a law office or title co. It's against the procedures specified in the Texas Consitutuion.

(7) If you take jobs for loan signings for $50 you are losing money unless it is next door and you can walk over barefoot. $75 is the minimum you should charge within 20 miles. Extra for eDocs. - This is just my opinion. You might get more work if you let them stick it to you for let, but your equipment will fall apart, you'll make your accountant laugh AT you, you will hate this job. Charge enough and you will find it is wonderful...*when* there is work.

(8) If you do not know how to go from start to finish on ALL/ANY kinds/kind of a loan by yourself out in the field - back off of the title companies until you feel confident you can totally wing it in any situation.

(9) If you do not know how to do the notarial procedures your rules talk about, do not start signing loans until you do. 8+ years means nothing if you do not know the rules. You can read them here: http://www.texnotary.com/texnotaryedu.htm .

(10) Put the NNA on your Do Not Call list for notary help. The answers they give are not about OUR rules...Texas Rules, at least IMHO. Forget them for help on notary info. Loan signing, maybe...possibly. It's racket IMHO...but that's another diatribe.

(11) Do not read my posts if you do not like long and often silly ones. I mean that.

Reply by PAS MOBILE NOTARY SOLUTIONS on 5/8/06 6:02pm
Msg #118398

Re: SS - Research this board...read msg #33325...

Thanks! Brenda,

Also, Brenda how do I get on TSA Directory?

Reply by BrendaTx on 5/8/06 6:44pm
Msg #118405

Re: SS - Research this board...read msg #33325...

Like the tag line says on the website: We have qualified notaries meeting certain criteria. Otherwise, we'd just be another list.

You must be in business for a year (to show staying power) and have 100+ signings, plus reverse mort experience. BTW- My mother just left town yesterday - I am trying to catch my breath.

Check your spam catcher as I have sent this info to you.

Reply by BrendaTx on 5/8/06 6:45pm
Msg #118406

Re: SS - Research this board...read msg #33325...

Also, in order to make it worthwhile for the notaries on there to promote and market the group we do not over-saturate the area with our members.

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 5/8/06 6:48pm
Msg #118408

Re: SS.... Baby Steps, assuming you've seen "What About Bob"

Brenda Longhorn Texas is your Lady.....