Posted by Michael-Ann Salas on 3/24/07 8:26pm
Msg #181787

New to Notary- Just passed my exam! :)

I just passed my exam and am currently awaiting my packet... I am interested in "shadowing" a more experienced notary so I can get a feel for making proper notarizations (especially of loan documents and mobile notary.... I just finished a training course and took my exam.)

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 3/24/07 8:46pm
Msg #181791

Easy, boys and girls...

Let's be genteel for a few moments, ok?

Miss Michael-Ann,
Please start by using the orange "Search" button at the top of the Notary Talk page. Search for message 33325 and read it in its entirety. Twice.
Then, please start at message #1 and read all posts relevant to being a Notary Public. Posts that begin "OT" are off-topic and may not be of interest to you, and depending on how thick your skin is, may even offend you.
"n/m" means 'no message'... the entire content of the persons post is contained within the Subject line.
The plural for more than one Notary Public is Notaries Public. Not terribly important, but it bugs me when people say "Notary Publics", so I thought I'd throw that in here :o)

Lastly, a piece of unsolicited advice: Please don't ask for hand-outs, whether it's 'shadowing' or 'ride-alongs'. No one in your area will be willing to train their competition, especially given current market conditions. Most Signing Agents are experiencing a huge slow period and are simply protecting their means of making a living. Don't take it personally if someone says "NO".
And finally, welcome!

Reply by Susan Fischer on 3/24/07 9:12pm
Msg #181796

Temptation assuaged, many thanks. n/m

Reply by cyndi_ca on 3/24/07 9:23pm
Msg #181797

Well done Lisa! Welcome to the insanity ;-) n/m

Reply by MikeC/NY on 3/24/07 9:43pm
Msg #181801

A suggestion on message #33325

Maybe that should either be added (in bold letters) to the "new message" screen... or add a "New User" tab that contains the info in that thread. It's a great resource for people starting out, yet time after time we see messages directing new users to that thread (often sandwiched somewhere between other messages nerfing the newcomer for asking the same questions countless others have asked).

Stop the madness, Harry - why not just point the newcomers to where most of their questions can be answered? Granted, not all of them will read it, but it might help reduce some of the nasty welcoming messages we've been seeing.

Reply by Jill/NY on 3/25/07 9:07am
Msg #181835

Great Suggestion Mike! n/m

Reply by MelissaCT on 3/27/07 9:13am
Msg #182147

Memorize your handbook & know your notary laws cold

BEFORE you ever even attempt to put signature & stamp to any document, especially someone's home loan. **so I can get a feel for making proper notarizations (especially of loan documents**.

You must be a notary first & foremost before attempting to handle loan documents. You must know what you're doing as a notary first. I can't stress this enough...

If you can't swim, don't go into the ocean!! Please don't take this advice as "bashing", or personally attacking you, but you clearly have no idea what you're allowed to do (as a notary) and run the MAJOR RISK of practicing law unlicensed by attempting to operate as a notary without this most basic training.