Posted by Jeff Curtis on 11/11/06 7:58pm
Msg #159123

Just Starting

I have been a notary public for about 5 months now, mostly in accordance with the store I work in, since we offer notary services. Recently, though, I have been interested in becoming a mobile notary signing agent so that I can earn some extra income. The problem is, every signing service, title company, etc. I've gone to so far requires 2 years minimum experience with loan documents before they will hire me. I have some experience with them, as we have a Wells Fargo bank in our shopping center which uses our notary services frequently, but they are generally short form deeds of trust and borrower's affidavits and I'm not so confident I have the knowledge needed to guide borrower's through the larger documents. I'm just looking for some ideas on how I might be able to get myself started in this business, if anyone knows some ways I might get some experience with these signings. Is there anyone that hires with less than 2 years experience? Maybe if I was certified?

Reply by Jenny_CA on 11/11/06 8:10pm
Msg #159126

I would recommend lots of research and using the Search button. A certification may help you with getting exposed to the loan docs. Think of what questions you may have and search for the answers.

I would suggest you put up a different picture in your profile and do write something don't leave it blank. It is crucial that you learn the notary handbook front and back.

a good way to start : search for #33325

Reply by BrendaTx on 11/11/06 8:27pm
Msg #159132

Jeff, Jenny is right. You are going to need a profile.

Reply by Jason on 11/12/06 7:06am
Msg #159212

Yep. Orange button. Message 33325. . n/m

Reply by Michelle/AL on 11/11/06 8:34pm
Msg #159136

Jeff, I've been notarizing loan docs for less than one year and yes, there are companies that will hire you without a lot of experience. You'll need to use your profile here on NotRot to sell yourself. Additionally, when companies call you for an assignment, you may need to sell yourself to them over the phone. The "search" button is found on the main "Notary Talk" page. It's orange. Click it use the followinig words: "newbie/newbies, getting started, new". I'm not sure of your location in California but I get the impression that there are lots of notaries in that state. Your area may already be oversaturated. Now about your photo. You look handsome and all - it's just that it's pretty obvious that the photo was altered and you cut away someone who had their arms around you. It's not as professional looking as you might want it to be. Getting certified familiarized me with some of the routine docs you should expect to see at closings. I'm glad I got certified but there are plenty folks out there who would swear it doesn't make a bit of difference to their success. I suggest you sign up for NotRot 101. What is that? Make it point everyday to read the postings here on NotRot(NotaryRotary). Scroll down and read the questions and responses. Ignore the ones that have OT in the subject line. That means "off topic" and are usually personal postings. You'll pick up a lot of good information. Good luck!

Reply by JanetK_CA on 11/11/06 8:45pm
Msg #159138

Jeff, you do need to have at least a basic understanding of loan documents before taking on loan signing appts. Good for you for recognizing that fact. There's a good reason companies (esp title companies) want experience. Loan packages are very time sensitive and a great deal of money is involved, so even small errors or omissions can have a big impact. Keep in mind that there are a lot of people depending on us the get the job done right.

Where you are located will also make a big difference. You can click on the "Find a Notary" tab above and get an idea of how many other SAs there are in your area. Keep in mind, however, that the number shown will only be for those who have chosen to list on this website. Some areas are very saturated with SAs.

If you are thinking of doing this as serious business, I recommend putting together a business plan and researching what it will really take. Then make sure to know your state's notary law inside and out and get trained on how to be a signing agent before trying to get experience. They are two different things. And, yes, there are companies that hire people with less than two years experience, but they are unlikely to be title companies. And it may take a good bit of marketing effort to find them. If you've read or heard some of the ads about "making big money" as a signing agent, I recommend you take them with a grain of salt. To put it into perspective, it IS possible, but like with any other business, it doesn't happen easily and it doesn't happen overnight. It takes a major commitment over a period of time - and in the current market, that period of time is likely to be a lot longer than it used to be.

Frankly, my personal bias (and I admit that that's what it is) is that some people who are trying to do this to just make a few extra bucks - unless they work in the industry and are already knowledgeable - are potentially doing a disservice to the borrowers and the industry as a whole. I've heard a few real horror stories about the lack of professionalism some have displayed. I'm betting you don't want to be one of them! jmho

Reply by Susan Fischer on 11/11/06 8:59pm
Msg #159140

Re: Just Starting (long)

Hello, Jeff:

I'm new on this board, and find it full of very knowledgeable people. It seems pretty quiet of posters at present, so I will offer the following humble opinion:

Yours is the age old question - I need experience to work, but I need work to get experience.

Generally speaking, at witness signings, notary signing agents (NSAs) briefly describe documents, rather than guiding borrowers through them. There are many books and on-line products to teach the willing about loan documents, individual state requirements, and general procedures.

If you mine this board, you will find excellent discussions dedicated to all manner of insights relating to this profession; the necessity of research; planning your business; fee-setting; marketing; collections; and particular procedural questions, to name a few. Take some time to 'search' the threads using the orange button feature, or fix a nice cuppa and just start reading somewhere on the board.

As to your age old question, do you have a one-page resume, or qualifications brief, with which to approach potential signing service companies, title companies, and lenders? You sound very smart, and businesses like to hire smart folks. Do your homework, package yourself well, and I predict you will be signing in no time. The 'certifications' you hear about are untested as to producing competent signing agents, and may (or may not) 'impress' a company. I use the cost for either an educational or marketing deduction. <laughter>

Many in this huge industry are true blue, some are fly-by-night. Research, marketing, and patience are your friends. Luck be a Lady tonight. <smile>

All the best,
Susie

Reply by Susan Fischer on 11/11/06 9:04pm
Msg #159141

Re: Laughing - no posts when I started mine, I'm red n/m

Reply by Michelle/AL on 11/11/06 9:07pm
Msg #159143

You just type a little slower than I do (smile) n/m

Reply by Susan Fischer on 11/11/06 9:18pm
Msg #159149

Re: Dang these old hands... n/m

Reply by TitleGalCA on 11/11/06 9:09pm
Msg #159146

Oh my goodness!

I read your post, Jeff and knew what I wanted to tell you...until I scrolled down and saw the excellent advice by JanetK (one of my favorite posters here, she knows her stuff) and someone new - Susan Fischer.

After reading both their posts (and Jenny_CA in regard to thread 33325)....it's all been said.

I'll only re-inforce how important that one thread is...33325; and say that this is a difficult time (at best) to start a signing career - but not impossible. Other than that? You've received some great advice.

Best of luck to you.