Posted by Express Notary Service, Inc. on 12/3/07 8:47pm
Msg #224076

Message Deleted

This message has been deleted by a forum moderator.

Reason: Advertising

Reply by Ernest__CT on 12/3/07 8:54pm
Msg #224078

When you have given me work and paid in a timely ...

... manner then I will consider your offer.

Reply by Express Notary Service, Inc. on 12/3/07 8:55pm
Msg #224079

Re: When you have given me work and paid in a timely ...

We pay every two weeks...typically 30 days max. Have you had a problem?

Reply by Express Notary Service, Inc. on 12/3/07 8:56pm
Msg #224080

We pay every two weeks...typically 30 days max.

Have you had a problem..Email me direct to [e-mail address]

Reply by Ernest__CT on 12/3/07 8:59pm
Msg #224081

It was a two-part statement. No signings for you YET, so ..

... I don't know how quickly you pay.

There's a link to my Profile, so you can see that I cover about half of CT.

Reply by Express Notary Service, Inc. on 12/3/07 9:00pm
Msg #224083

PS..Ernest you may have the wrong company.

You aren't in my database, which means we havent worked together.

Reply by Ernest__CT on 12/3/07 9:02pm
Msg #224084

It would be my pleasure to work with you. Just add me to ..

... your database!

When we've worked together then you will see quality work and I'll see fair fees and prompt payment.

Reply by Gavina Franklin on 12/3/07 9:58pm
Msg #224098

I have worked with Express Notary and never had any problem n/m

Reply by MikeC/NY on 12/3/07 9:08pm
Msg #224088

Re: Work with us...expand your coverager area..Earn more!

How do we flag this as advertising and get it removed?

Reply by BrendaTx on 12/3/07 9:12pm
Msg #224090

Mike, go down to "contact us" and put the msg #

in the topic line. In the body tell 'em how you feel.

It's definitely the kind of advertising I've seen Harry pull the plug on. We'll see.

Reply by BrendaTx on 12/3/07 9:16pm
Msg #224091

Yeah, definitely a stinker. "Residual income" and "reps"

give it away. Can I paraphrase?

"Hi. We believe you notary types will give us your client names. We'll pay you a residual on every job from every client you refer to us...but how will you know about those jobs? You won't. You'll just have to trust us."

Or some such nonsense.

Reply by Express Notary Service, Inc. on 12/3/07 9:23pm
Msg #224095

Jeez...I gues my 4 star rating doesnt go too far....

No complaints...all prompt payment comments with professionalism.

And you can track your own clients daily via the internet and their daily order flow. Just looking to expand incomes....
PS This is not Harrys company.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 12/3/07 9:34pm
Msg #224097

Re: Work with us...expand your coverager area..Earn more!

I already contacted Harry to have it removed.

Reply by BrendaTx on 12/3/07 9:21pm
Msg #224093

Henry, put this advertisement in your profile and

link to it. That's the best way to present an opportunity on NR. Otherwise, every Tom, Dick and Harry will be spamming the board with opportunities. An alternative is to present it to NR's owner before you advertise. Assuming you did not, this post will probably be removed.

Reply by Express Notary Service, Inc. on 12/3/07 9:23pm
Msg #224096

Re: Henry, put this advertisement in your profile and

Thanks Brenda

Reply by DellaCa on 12/3/07 10:10pm
Msg #224100

Re: Henry, put this advertisement in your profile and

I was called by your company last week and was offered $125.00 for a first and second with edocs. I would think in order to get a good job done you will need to increase the fee you pay your NSA's ,I guess you could not get my fee approved by yourself since you did not call back.

Reply by Express Notary Service, Inc. on 12/3/07 10:23pm
Msg #224104

Re: Henry, put this advertisement in your profile and

There are a lot of quality notaries that perform first and seconds edocs for $125...just not you i guess...but we tried.

Reply by DellaCa on 12/3/07 10:28pm
Msg #224107

Re: Henry, put this advertisement in your profile and

No not me or anyone I know ,good luck to you. After the edoc fee thats $50.00 for 1st and $25.00 for 2nd you really think that is a fair fee?

Reply by Express Notary Service, Inc. on 12/3/07 10:34pm
Msg #224108

Re: Henry, put this advertisement in your profile and

Della c'mon..We handle over 1000 closings per month...and usually dont have too much trouble offering people $125...or quite frankly about 75-85 for a first only email docs set also....different times...It isnt 2005 anymore...although I wish!

Reply by DellaCa on 12/3/07 10:38pm
Msg #224109

Re: Henry, put this advertisement in your profile and

Like I said good luck to ya.

Reply by DellaCa on 12/3/07 10:50pm
Msg #224111

Re: recieved message

from Henry .... Subject: Your comments about Express Notary Service, Inc.

C'mon....I guess there is one in every group....and you are IT!


Because I let my ideas about his company being lowball with payment. If indeed you are only paying $125.00 for a first and second with edocs you are indeed lowball.

Reply by SheilaSJCA on 12/3/07 11:10pm
Msg #224113

Re: too low as far as I am concerned.

Notaries that have experience and understand all that is involved in doing E-docs, would not expect to be offered $125 for a first and 2nd.. I too, do not know any one in my area, with experience and who is a professional,, doing this seriously, who would take your fee. Maybe the newer ones? But then again, you get what you pay for. I bet you keep at least half the total fee, if not more.

Reply by CaliNotary on 12/3/07 11:55pm
Msg #224117

Re: Henry, put this advertisement in your profile and

"or quite frankly about 75-85 for a first only email docs set also"

The only problem with this is that all the signings I've done for you (not at $75 -$85) show that you're getting $200 from the borrower for the service. Why are you not willing to pay even half of what you're getting to the notary that does the work?

1,000+ signings at $200 each is at least $200,000 per month for you. It's very hard for me to see that figure and believe that you're hurting too bad financially, at least certainly not to the point where your notaries should be offered anything less than half of what's going into your pocket. That would still leave $100K per month for salaries and office expenses and I just can't imagine a signing service has anywhere near that in monthly expenses.

Reply by Teresa/FL on 12/3/07 11:23pm
Msg #224114

Re: Work with us...expand your coverager area..Earn more!

And what is your policy regarding no-signs or no-funds?

Reply by CopperheadVA on 12/4/07 5:43am
Msg #224127

Re: Work with us...expand your coverager area..Earn more!

They pay $50 for a no-sign, as that happened to me earlier this year. It was not stated anywhere in their confirm, and I billed them for full fee, but they paid only $50. My fee for the single re-fi was $125 - I printed e-docs, spent an hour with the borrower, made phone calls to the TC, and waited quite a while while borrower went into the back room and spoke with L/O, not to mention the time it takes to shred the docs afterward. I eventually got them to pay the rest of my fee, but they have not called me since. I think if they make $200,000 per month as Cali says, they could afford to pay their notaries full fee for no-signs (especially if they are paying most notaries $75-$85 for a first and $125 for a double as they stated in an earlier post.)

Reply by Express Notary Service, Inc. on 12/4/07 7:40am
Msg #224132

Re: Work with us...expand your coverager area..Earn more!

Lets just try to remember behind each of your closings from a service there is someone to dispatch...someone to follow up and someone for quality control..plus rent, phones, among others...Im sure any service will tell you if the NSA costs are more than half the fees they will be out of business quickly. After all if it was that easy...we would all do it. But it isnt. We try to be fair and pay fair fees. I am really trying to help all NSA's make MORE by offering to dispatch, follow up, QC nationwide orders for your customers and pay U!...Really..You can track your own customers via the web. DAILY. I think many of you would find we have been extremely reputable and honest since 2002 and have many satisfied NSA's and customers.
All thoughts are appreciated. We want to get better and bigger in our industry!

Henry D.
Director
Express Notary Service, Inc.

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 12/4/07 8:11am
Msg #224141

Re: Work with us...expand your coverager area..Earn more!

"We want to get better and bigger in our industry!"

Henry, I have no doubt you will get bigger... your database must surely overfloweth with the newbies that the NNA is constantly churning out.

As for getting better... I think not.

Every business must calculate risk, and how you can quantify the risks associated with using Notaries that will accept your insulting fees is beyond me. They are, without a doubt, looking for on-the-job training (the NNA promotes this) and sadly, your TC clients and the Borrower are the biggest losers.

The lack of knowledge, professionalism and pride you will surely encounter by anyone that would accept your fees will eventually become clear to you, and perhaps then you'll see the benefits of using a PROFESSIONAL Notary.

Reply by Express Notary Service, Inc. on 12/4/07 8:20am
Msg #224144

Re: Work with us...expand your coverager area..Earn more!

Lisa,

I would recommend calling some of your competition...They are not all independantly wealthy, or have direct clients and work without question on our fee schedule. There are some small negotiations but not much. It seems to me only the posters here demand much higher fees. Lets be real...We are not brain surgeons...There are a lot of qualified NSA's out there...If I'm correct 127 in your county alone...just on this site.

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 12/4/07 9:24am
Msg #224165

Defining "qualified"...

Your definition of qualified and mine are diameterically different. I have the distinct advantage of living amongst my 'competition' and have done my homework. Many are no longer performing closing services (call for yourself) because they've lost their jobs at the local banks, lenders and TC's. What? You mean they'd now have to PAY for paper and toner?? They'd have to DRIVE to FedEx for shipping supplies or to drop a package?? And they actually have to INVEST in a laser printer and broadband internet??

Ah, yes... you see, most of my 'competition' were only supplementing their income and were doing so at a VERY reduced (definition: FREE) cost of fixed business expense. I don't know about you, but where I come from it's called pilfering. And since they no longer have jobs that make it easy for them (through said thievery) they're done.

When you don't have to pay for paper, toner & technology, and you're being paid a salary while you print your docs, I suppose $65 seems like a nice supplemental paycheck.

Reply by Express Notary Service, Inc. on 12/4/07 9:52am
Msg #224173

Re: Defining "qualified"...

Lisa,
Couldn't agree more...those were the best...the ones that printed at work...

Out of curiosity...what would you want as a fee for a paperless loan..with about 20 "checkboxes" that wont close unless all are "checked"? Borrower will have had docs for 48hrs previous for review. If not caught within review period, changes or errors may be changed and reposted on the net at the table. Deed will still need to be printed and wet stamped, however a fax back of the deed is all thats needed, hopefully.

Please try not to base your fee off 1 loan and pay for the laptop and broadband card but assume those were handle by you myself, bank or some combo thereof?

Appreciate the thoughts.

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 12/4/07 9:58am
Msg #224174

Check your p/m

I will private message you my fee for this hypothetical closing, as I don't usually discuss fees openly.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 12/4/07 7:41am
Msg #224133

Re: Work with us...expand your coverager area..Earn more!

When a signing agent goes to a signing, spends time at the table with the borrowers, and borrower doesn't sign, those signings (or non-signings) often take more time than a regular signings where borrower signs. The signing agent should get paid full fee for the signing whether the borrower signs or not. That has always been my policy.

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 12/4/07 7:54am
Msg #224135

Which is why you're respected amongst Notaries, Sylvia...

and frankly, I don't care how many assignments a Signing Service promises to throw my way, I will not work for the fees stated. Sorry, but with gasoline at $3.29 p/g, toner and paper costs increasing, clogged roadways due to it being "snowbird" season (meaning double the travel time) AND servicing one of the largest counties in Florida (the entire county, btw...2025 sq. miles), I am not chasing after hundred dollar bills from a SS.

My time, and my services, are valuable. When the el-cheapo Notary screws up the file, I'll be happy to run out and fix it. Happens all the time

Reply by Loretta Reed on 12/4/07 7:57am
Msg #224137

Re: Which is why you're respected amongst Notaries, Sylvia...

When a signing service offers anyone that small amount, they are insensitive to the problems that we are facing; gas, paper prices and our phone bill from them driving us insane following up. The only call a company makes to me is to schedule the closing. I call the processor and the broker when I am done. Then I email the tracking number back to them.

Reply by Express Notary Service, Inc. on 12/4/07 8:12am
Msg #224142

Re: Which is why you're respected amongst Notaries, Sylvia...

Just to be clear....there are 127 notaries on this site alone, in your coverage area..

ALL-- Wether we want to believe it or not, fees are going down not up...This market was NASDAQ 5000 like back in 2000. And then can Amertirade, Etrade and the rest and a 100 fee turned into 9 bucks. We are currently working with 2 lenders for paperless loans. What do you think the fees will be for that? Yes you need a laptop and Broadband card. but guess what...It s web based "check this box" thing and your done! Although nothing is finalized. I know these fees will be much lower.

Even with standard paper loans, there are less companys. less competition, tighter standards and lower fees. We are basicaly a commodity that will be mostly electronic shortly!

Reply by BrendaTx on 12/4/07 8:25am
Msg #224147

Re: Which is why you're respected amongst Notaries, Sylvia...

**We are basicaly a commodity that will be mostly electronic shortly!**

If all that's so, why are you in business if not to turn fast cash before that happens? For heavens sake, do some reading on this forum before you start in on the folks here. My guess, based on what I know about her, Lisa made six digits last year. Don't presume you have all the answers or that she's affected by too many notaries in her area. Doncha know that quality counts for something?

Reply by Express Notary Service, Inc. on 12/4/07 8:35am
Msg #224148

Re: Which is why you're respected amongst Notaries, Sylvia...

I am in this WITH you not against YOU....Cmon...I want higher fees as well but its not happening...It is basically a commodity and Etrade fees are coming....wether we like it or not. When all youhave to do is check a box on an internet form...and it wont close unless all boxes are checked...will fees go up or down? Hmmm. Look to the horizon....You may see Chuck Schwab walking up....with a much smaller check for OUR invoices. Hope not, but Ive lived this drama before in 2000 when I owned a stock brokerage. Technology will lower costs and fees...thats what it does...Effeiciency.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 12/4/07 8:37am
Msg #224149

Re: Paperless loan closings have costs to the notary

<Yes you need a laptop and Broadband card. but guess what...It s web based "check this box" thing and your done! Although nothing is finalized. I know these fees will be much lower.>

I have a laptop and aircard are they are not cheap. You have to make sure you buy a laptop with a receptacle for an aircard (about $1700) and unlimited aircard service is $60 per month. Once again, our costs go up and the fees go down.

Reply by Express Notary Service, Inc. on 12/4/07 8:42am
Msg #224151

Re: Paperless loan closings have costs to the notary

What costs more...Broadband card or toner and paper for the month...Initial hard costs for the laptop, not $1700...$500 up.. will be more but the rest is less costly, for us and the lenders. You cant have it both ways...printing costs are going up right? well broadband costs are going down...the card is less expensive if you do volume.

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 12/4/07 9:12am
Msg #224160

And as for mobile electronic signings...

Yes, they do exist. But you'd be hard-pressed to find a significant number of Borrowers over the age of 50 that will oh-so-willingly sign the requisite POA, regardless of its "one-time use" clause. The demographics in my area is largely comprised of exactly those Borrowers.

I performed a signing on Dec. 13, a 1st and 2nd, with Borrowers from NY. It was a last minute deal late in the evening and I was paid a premium for accommodating them. Why? Because once they found out that their 'electronic closing' was to include the aforementioned POA, they said they'd sooner cancel or postpone the loan until a live person was in front of them with the documents to review.

Ah, yes... I am still a necessary cog in the closing wheel

Reply by Express Notary Service, Inc. on 12/4/07 9:19am
Msg #224163

Re: And as for mobile electronic signings...

Lisa,

when the borrowers wont get the loan unless they close electronically...which is soon...they will...its not up to them..they are the ones that must conform..Your still a cog in the wheel but only for a short time...Feel free to email personally if you'de like to speak more or for specific examples from several of the top 20 mortgage co's.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 12/4/07 9:41am
Msg #224170

Re: And as for mobile electronic signings...

"when the borrowers wont get the loan unless they close electronically...which is soon...they will...its not up to them..they are the ones that must conform"

I disagree! They can always go to their local lender and title company. May not be as convenient as closing in their home, but would be preferable to being forced to "conform" to a particular lenders methods.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 12/4/07 8:38am
Msg #224150

Re: Which is why you're respected amongst Notaries, Sylvia...

"ALL-- Wether we want to believe it or not, fees are going down not up"

Interesting. As I raised the fees I pay to signing agents recently. Taking into account their cost of business has gone up - gas, paper etc, it wasn't fair to keep the fees the same. I had no problem getting the extra money from the title company.

There may be 127 notaries in Lisa's area, however she would be the first I call for a signing in her area. I do not shop around for cheaper notaries.

Reply by Express Notary Service, Inc. on 12/4/07 8:46am
Msg #224152

Re: Which is why you're respected amongst Notaries, Sylvia...

When your client gets pinched by their lender they will pinch you....I hope not...but it has happened many times already..luckily not for you yet.

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 12/4/07 9:01am
Msg #224157

Being pinched...

Oh, believe me... I do not view this profession through rose-coloured glasses, Henry. I'd be a fool (or blind) not to see what's happened to our industry and have myself felt its effects. We are at a time when one might need to reinvent themselves to stay afloat, which I have done.
I offer a wide spectrum of ancillary services to our industry partners... more than just point and sign notary services.

That being said, I am a huge fan of "perceived value" and have discussed it endlessly on this forum. I am very aware of the "competition" in my geographical area and am not lowering my fees as a result. The reason? Quite simply, while they are out chasing your $125 1st & 2nd, I will patiently wait for a TC to call and offer me $175 for a simple refi.
In the end, I work less and make more than any Notary in my area. To me, that's just good business.

To Sylvia and Brenda, thank you both. The respect of such esteemed peers means alot to me.

Reply by Loretta Reed on 12/4/07 9:08am
Msg #224159

Re: Which is why you're respected amongst Notaries, Sylvia...

Okay, I'm not knocking all signing services, just the ones that want to take advantage of us while we are down and believe me, we are the only ones in the mortgage business whose fees are getting chopped. I am in Maryland and these are some of the best and some of the worst title companies to work for. I rarely ever do closings (one a month) for signing services because of the very subject. I didn't put all of my eggs in the notary basket and if you did and the honeymoon is over, I am so sorry.

I have a title business. I have been doing title searches and settlements for 12 years. I have prepared the huds so I would be one of the people with a first-hand account. If you have ever looked at a hud, you know what the title company gets. Looking at a few huds for closings I did last week, one charge $675, another for $935 and LSI has $450 for the settlement fee (Line 1001). This does not include the title search fee of $135 and the notary signing fee (line 1107) of $175. I got between $125 and $150 for a single refi signing. There are 2 "twits" in my area doing signings for $65 but they still called me, because they know I will do it right the first time. You can go around and around if you want but the attorneys are not slicing their fee looking for work, they charge what they charge and "to you know where" with the rest.
SO, if you feel like you are having to pay low fees because you are getting low fees for your signing service, you should find better title companies to do work for. There are excellent title companies and signing services to work for and I am lucky enough to have been in this long enough that I don't have to drive 50 miles one way for a $65 signing.
I will get off of the soapbox now, I am sorry if you read this and it did not apply.

Reply by Express Notary Service, Inc. on 12/4/07 9:17am
Msg #224162

Re: Which is why you're respected amongst Notaries, Sylvia...

Completely agreed..Unfortunatley most of the industry is cutting fees...Out of probably 50 title companies ...only 10% have been amicable and dont expect any fees cut....If a title works with Countrywide or Citi they are definatley cutting. Anyhow, its horrible but it is what it is. Off to work. Thanks for making my "feed bottle to baby #3" a little less painful and more enjoyable.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 12/4/07 9:32am
Msg #224166

Re: Which is why you're respected amongst Notaries, Sylvia...

One of my title companies works with Countrywide on their reverse mortgages. There has been no cutting the cost at all, and I am assured by the title company that they won't be cutting the fees to me. If they did and it wasn't by much, I would not cut the fee I pay the signing agents. They are worth their weight in gold - unforunately I can't pay them their weight in gold. But I can pay them a fair fee, I send out the check the morning after the signing so they get paid quickly. If the signing has to be rescheduled for another day I will pay them a rescheduling fee.
I have had my signing service for several years and have not once failed to pay a signing agent in a prompt manner. (Except when I was taken to the hospital for an emergency - and then I paid as soon as I was able to sit up and write checks, which was less than a month later)

Reply by Loretta Reed on 12/4/07 7:54am
Msg #224136

Re: What a crock....

Low ball company and partial fee on no-sign. If you work for any company that has this policy, you deserve anything you get. $125 for a 1st & 2nd, please! You will be ran out of business due to exhaustion.