Posted by trnsa_IL on 1/19/07 2:07pm
Msg #171702

I am furious.....

I typed "signing agent" into the search line and was shocked by all the companies offering "Become a CERTIFIED Notary Signing Agent and make $50-$150, just $99.00(average cost) for our online course" One site even claimed "Notay Signing Agents can earn between $50 - $150 per signing when notarizing documents like Jurats or Acknowledgements." Where?!!! In Illinois the most I can charge for notarizing anything is $1.00. The fee I charge is for printing, travel, and executing the document package correctly.

What qualifies the XYZ or any of these other companies to teach anyone about executing loan documents correctly? They are an association for notaries, what can they possibly know about mortgage documents!

A friend of mine in the real estate business introduced me to this business.

I am so mad because when I started this business 2 years ago I did not know I had a choice but to go through XYZ. And, yes, unforunately I took their certification course. Then I had to read, read, read, and ask tons of questions to really learn anything about this business. When I got my first job I felt lost. It was a 1st & 2nd, 9:30 p.m. with late docs. I got there around 10 p.m. and left at 11:55 p.m. I'll never forget it. Why was I so stupid to think an association for notaries could teach me anything about mortgage docs.

I remember my first NBS loan signing. Again, I was lost! XYZ didn't cover that! Thanks, Brett, from Docuserv for all your help! Thanks, Tanya, from Northwest Title for answering all my questions all those months! You were awesome!

It has been a struggle to learn everything I have so far and to build my business to where it is now. I bet I get asked several times a month " Wow, this looks like a good job. How can I do what you are doing?" I just cringe!

Everyone thinks that this is easy...PIE in the SKY... All you have to be is a "notary" and the money just pours in!

My first year I invested all my time and money and when it was all said and done I made, now hold on to your seats, $3300.00 for the whole year! A far cry from the XYZ's current claim!

XYZ just sent out a mailer in my area offering a course taught at a hotel in a nearby city. GREAT!

In my opinoin being a "signing agent" (for lack of a better term) has very little to do with being a notary other than the fact that notarizations are a part of a loan package, and therefore, also being a notary is beneficial. Many jobs require someone to hold a notary commission, however, they do not consider to be the basis for their job qualifications. Nor do they introduce themselves as a notary.

Thanks for letting me vent...I may actually be able to my lunch afterall!

Tonya

Reply by Charm_AL on 1/19/07 2:29pm
Msg #171706

You bought the same line everyone else does.
***In my opinion being a "signing agent" (for lack of a better term) has very little to do with being a notary other than the fact that notarizations are a part of a loan package, and therefore, also being a notary is beneficial. Many jobs require someone to hold a notary commission, however, they do not consider to be the basis for their job qualifications. Nor do they introduce themselves as a notary.***

You must be a notary first and foremost to even think about being a signing agent because you are notarizing docs.
When I started two years ago, I started because I was tired of the mortgage company and wanted to work for myself. There is money to be made, however, you are going to need some heavy elbow grease and time. Most start up companies don't make much of a profit for the first three years. You have to 'be out there' in front of everyone you can find. I'm happy with my income over the last two years, It's certainly not 6 figures but I'm busy from 18 months of getting out there. Good discipline is to show up at your desk, dressed and ready to work all day just like you would have to to make someone else rich by working the clock for him/her. my 2 cents and in defense I'm high from printing and smelling this toner for the last half hour.
Hang in there, if you want to talk and share some ideas for effective marketing and or experiences, I'll be available after 8pm tonight.

Good Luck

Reply by Lee/AR on 1/19/07 3:10pm
Msg #171712

Nice vent...and a lot of truth here... Add to 33325 imho n/m

Reply by MistarellaFL on 1/19/07 8:29pm
Msg #171753

Good discipline

Is the key to success in the world of SE.
When I have no early appointments, I often do some work from the
home computer but I always get dressed, groomed and be ready to
walk out at any given moment.
I know of too many people who won't ever succeed because even
though they have the skills and the personality, but they lack good disipline.
Excellent advice.

Reply by trnsa_IL on 1/19/07 9:13pm
Msg #171758

Re: Good discipline....Thanks for advice, and, yes, I agree

with you 100%. I don't want to give the wrong impression though. My first year I had alot of start up cost, and by the time my accountant figured my profit it was a meager $3300.00

This past year has been a completely different story, although it was still full of hard work while learning everything I could.

My frustration is that many of these companies lead people to believe that all they have to be is a notary to do this job! In my opinoin a notary commission is a very small part of the giant picture.

Thank you, Charm, for your offer. I appreciate it! You have already been a help to me when you emailed the reverse mortgage info last year. I was able to expand my business further.

Thanks again,
Tonya

Reply by trnsa_IL on 1/19/07 9:54pm
Msg #171766

oops..should be "opinion" n/m