Posted by Karen/OK on 11/15/07 2:14pm
Msg #221465

NNA/Charles' post #221340

I am just now reading that you "came out" by admitting you got your certification from NNA and had to laugh. In the past I have wanted to say that I got mine through them, also, but haven't had the nerve until you posted. Thanks for opening the door. I have been a Notary for over 20 years and have notarized many loan closings, but only locally and in an office. When we refinanced our home, a mobile notary came and I immediately wanted to know how she got the work. Because I had taken early retirement, I had been looking for something to do where I could set my own hours and this seemed perfect for me. She told me that I could start anytime by signing up on all the lists on the internet but that as soon as possible I had to be certified by NNA and be background checked. This woman was an intelligent person and I could tell she knew her business as far as the docs were concerned, so I followed her instructions. I took a year to take the NNA test because I was already busy doing signings, but I finally read their book and passed the test. By the time I had read on this board the general feelings about them, I had already paid my money and decided to fininsh with them. I have only called them with one question and as far as I know, have received only one connection through them. They don't guide me and I am not all caught up with them as all I needed (or thought I needed) from them was the certification and background check. So, please don’t think all of us “NNA grads” are incompetent. In all my signings I have never had a complaint nor have I ever had to return to a borrower to correct something I did or didn’t do. (Hope that doesn’t jinx me.) I had just had to cleanse my soul...ha!

Reply by Charles_Ca on 11/15/07 3:09pm
Msg #221479

Re: NNA/Charles' post #221340 Hi Karen...

I don't think I "came out"! Over the years I've been involved most of the old-timers know that I got my NSA (what agency???) certification originally from the NNA. If your read the other posts lately Becca mentioned that she bought my book from me. I didn't "come out" I've always been open about it. However that having been said I took the NNA certification because it was quick and dirty and I thought it might give me validity:it didn't. I have been in the industry for a long time as a commercial real estate broker and loan broker and I got my notary commission to assist my clients. The certification course from the NNA didn't teach me much more than I already knew and looking back on it it was a waste of time and money. I have never been asked for my certification since and its been a couple of years at least. I got my background checked as a result of my loan business and not by the NNA but by First American Title, I am compliant to GLB, Oxley-Sarbanes and others with a third party physical inspection and audit of my physical location as well as my procedures, background and any other personnel I have. In my opinion the NNA background check is totally worthless and certainly not as comprehensive as my State's background check for my Notary Commission, for my Real Estate License or my Property and Casualty License. And while I did it because I had no one to tell me otherwise I certainly wouldn't recommend anyone spend money on any NNA product. If you want to learn the signing business spend the money on the Signing Registry manual offered here and if you really believe that you need to be certified then the best certification in my opinion and the only one that really has any meaning is the certification offered by the Signing Registry. I'm not certified by the Signing Registry nor have I any pecuniary interest. I'm not certified because I don't believe that the effort is justified. NO need to cleanse your soul, we do whatever is necessary for our business and if you find the NNA to be of value there is absolutely no reason for you to deny it! All of what I've said here I've said before and you can search the archives should you feel so compelled!

Reply by Karen/OK on 11/15/07 3:42pm
Msg #221485

Re: NNA/Charles' post #221340 Hi Karen...

Perhaps I didn't express myself clearly. I don't think NNA was of any value to me. I simply signed up with them because I was told I had to, by a third party. If I knew then what I quickly learned, I would never have wasted my money. I have had only one SA to ask if I was certified. I didn't even know about Notary Rotary until I had paid my money to them. Most of my mobile notary education has come from this forum and it’s been very beneficial. I appreciate all of you who have posted your advice and experiences here. Please keep it up as we never quit learning.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 11/15/07 4:40pm
Msg #221498

Re: NNA/Charles' post #221340 Hi Karen...We agree Karen...

It was the coming out comment that I wanted to clear up since I've never hidden that I was intially certified by NNA. It's irrelevant really, and I think we agree completely. This site has been the best for me and includes some great people. Bet regards Karen, hope things are going well for you!

Reply by Karen/OK on 11/15/07 5:31pm
Msg #221506

Re: NNA/Charles' post #221340 Hi Karen...We agree Karen...

Thanks, Charles. I guess I just hadn't picked up on you and NNA. I don't read every post and normally I don't read too far into posts like the one yesterday. Anyway, thanks for your responses. Things in Tulsa are just as slow as everywhere else but I'm optimistic. Quite a few Reverse Mortgages lately. Hope things are going well for you, too.