Posted by Robert Zungolo on 12/27/07 11:56am
Msg #227764

Working with LOCAL Title Companies

I have been doing loan closings for 5 years, mostly with "signing companies", but also quite a number of Title Companies.
Does anyone have any idea how to market and present yourself as a signing agent to LOCAL Title Companies? And don't most Title Companies have an "in-house" Notary? (That's my experience when I was a REALTOR at closings with buyers, the title companies had their own Notaries?
Any ideas or comments on working with Local TC's would be appreciated!
Thanks!

Reply by firegirl on 12/27/07 2:36pm
Msg #227792

My approach would be to make up an intro letter telling who you are and what services you offer and drop them off in person with your business card. I don't know if you will have any luck or not...I have gotten the idea that local TC's see people like us as their competition and would sooner give the work to someone in house, especially in these 'lean' times. It certainly can't hurt to try. Best of luck to you.

Reply by BrendaTx on 12/27/07 3:12pm
Msg #227800

Maybe Diane Cipa will comment...

**I have gotten the idea that local TC's see people like us as their competition and would sooner give the work to someone in house, especially in these 'lean' times. **

Agreed. We have a title company person who frequents this board who might be able to give some light on this subject. I think you're right on firegirl.

Because of the "far-reaching" title companies like LFC and NationsTitle, to name two, small title companies have literally had the bread pulled out from underneath the butter because of signing agents. I never bothered my local TCs with that nonsense...because they are LOCALs...not chain fee offices.

However, when I was working full timeI was pulled into a major title company a few times in Houston to do EOM closings 90 miles away. Larger cities maybe, but not smaller cities/towns.

Reply by NJ_Notary on 12/27/07 3:44pm
Msg #227813

Couldn't Agree More

Hi Firegirl and Brenda:

I couldnt agree with you more. As a Realtor, Title Producer, and NSA in my marker your asessment is dead on the money. Ironically during the real estate boom the local title agencies whether big small or branch or not really didnt utilize the services of NSAs. Every title agency had their settlement clerk who was a notary, thus no need for the NSA. This seemed to ring true on refis as well. My primary market (refering to the county/parish) I primarily work in beats to its own drum and way of doing things. I never have gotten it considering some of the market's way of doing things are primarily old school, old fashioned, and not the most productive. I am fortunate to be able to work several markets and the primary market (Cumberland County) does things so halfed-a##ed with the way they practice. On purchases many Realtors get very bent out of shape for evening having the settlement out of the title company's office. This is just an example of its old school traditional ways. Ok enough of my going off on a tanget. Hope you both had a fantastic, safe and healthy Xmas and I wish you a Happy Healty Prosperous New Year!

God Bless!

Reply by BrendaTx on 12/27/07 3:54pm
Msg #227816

Re: Couldn't Agree More

Thanks, NJ Notary...for your comments...I truly am a "shop local" kind of person. I just wish so badly that the local/small tcs could have seen the wave coming and gotten a huge share of the business...same for lenders...however, the far-reaching national chains quickly utilized signing agents and knocked a lot of the props right out from underneath the smaller title company offices.

Smaller TCs will seldom have a need for a "signing agent" and will send their own personnel or the signers will come INTO the walls of their offices.

Reply by DianeCipa on 12/27/07 3:58pm
Msg #227818

Re: Maybe Diane Cipa will comment...

You are definitely on target. Right now most small shops are hanging on by a thread - many with just the owner sitting there hoping the phone will ring.

Smaller title agents are also more likely to be sensitive to licensing issues and so I would only attempt contact in markets in which licensing is settled and not an issue.

I round file all marketing I get from NSAs because licensing here in PA is not clear. If it were clear, I would review the marketing piece as I do independent abstractors.

If the party has presented themselves well and I have a need in that area, I call them and do a phone interview. If satisfied, I give them a test order and go from there.

I strongly prefer a mailing rather than a phone call or drop in. E-mail is okay if it's professional.

Reply by BrendaTx on 12/27/07 4:15pm
Msg #227822

Re: Maybe Diane Cipa will comment...

**I strongly prefer a mailing rather than a phone call or drop in. E-mail is okay if it's professional.**

So do lawyers, Diane. Marketing to key people with email is the preferred method these days, I think...then you need a website with something on it which will keep them coming back.

Reply by Ernest__CT on 12/27/07 4:49pm
Msg #227826

Thank you, Branda. n/m

Reply by Ernest__CT on 12/27/07 4:48pm
Msg #227825

Thank you, Diane. n/m

Reply by Stamper_WI on 12/27/07 5:16pm
Msg #227830

I did a mailing about 2 yrs ago to local TC's. I pointed out the benefits of me not being an employee etc. I got one response from the biggest tc in the area. After a pleasant chat he offered me a job in one of his satellite offices which is about 45 miles on very rural roads. I turned him down because it was not economically beneficial to me.

Reply by Dennis_IN on 12/27/07 6:53pm
Msg #227840

I worked for a local TC for over 3 yrs. as a closer. When the bottom fell out of the market they downsized. Laid me off. I spoke with a fellow NSA that they used on occasion and he turned my onto NR. Benn keeping busy for the past 2 years. Yes the market is still soft but I'm fortunate that there are not that many NSA's in the area. As far as local TC work...I have noticed that after they (TC's) downsized, they will have periods of increased business, I get a call (even the TC that let me go). Can you ask any more than that of the locals? It is a cost savings for them to use us. I tell them that the further out they schedule, the better chance that I'm available. You have to market your services! I call them (not at EOM), I email them (maybe offering a reduced rate for a closing), I will mail letters (but prefer email). Local this is a very small portion of my business. Thank goodness for out of town TC's.

Reply by savanna/ca on 12/27/07 7:18pm
Msg #227849

As a previous EO for many years...I can say without a doubt local smaller TC's want to keep signing in house...EO unit often times calculates notary fees as part of their unit income each month. Every little bit does help. Especially now, with the times being lean and a great amount of layoffs with the TC's.

Although I , have been full time now for the last 3 years as NSA I still present myself to the locals EO's (most of whom I have known over the years)...if they need me they will call. This usually is the case for purchases where seller is out of the area and they want an experienced person handling the seller's docs.

In small towns, such as where I live....it is great to offer your services to those EO as a mailer and if in the area of the office on a day that is not a Friday or end of the month...stop in and introduce yourself..If they are swamped..they will let you know...if not, it is a great way for them to get to know you. You may not get but just a few signings in a year, but it is worth ii to get the business when you can!
Best of luck to all in 2008!

Reply by claudine osborne on 12/28/07 10:18am
Msg #227953

I am in a smaller town area. I have approached the local TCs. They use in house personnel.
I have been well recieved by them, just not enough work to go around.

At this time I would not go to them personally. There are so many people loosing jobs in this business I am sure the TCs have enough people they could use, instead of someone they may not know.

Good luck!