Posted by pete/TN on 12/6/08 11:31am
Msg #271256

1st Call

I signed up on this site this week and received my first call on Friday for a signing on Sat. I have never witnessed a signing before and felt that I should be honest with the caller and told them that yes I am a notary but had never done a closing. I asked if the paperwork was straightforward. I was told yes but that no one would be in the companies office on Sat. if I did have questions so they would find another agent. I am really excited that I did receive a call so fast but unhappy that I did not get the assignment. Any advise from those of you who are experienced would be great as far as the steps and procedures to complete a signing would be great. I'm curious about whether instructions are sent with the docs. How to return the docs, etc. would be great.

Reply by Steven Pearce on 12/6/08 11:39am
Msg #271259

Never admit you're a newbie to a TC or SS

...and watch out for those that will look for the new ones and offer low rates.
When they e-mail a confirmation sheet, check for the agreed fee and shipping instructions. Check Signing Central right away to see what their reputation is like for payments.

.....and when the phone call starts with "hey pete, howya doin' ol' buddy..." Hang up.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 12/6/08 11:42am
Msg #271261

I agree with you Steven...sort of

If he's never laid eyes on a closing package and has NO knowledge of mortgage docs I think he did the right thing...why put the loan in jeopardy for the sake of his pride or his ego (or wallet)

And Pete, I think that's what we need to know - what's your experience with mortgage docs or real estate - any or none? Any training? etc..etc...and you should really link your profile...MHO

Reply by Steven Pearce on 12/6/08 11:45am
Msg #271262

I posted under the assumption that he's had training. n/m

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 12/6/08 12:02pm
Msg #271266

I read it a bit difference because he said...

"Any advise from those of you who are experienced would be great as far as the steps and procedures to complete a signing would be great"

Apologies if I read it wrong.

Reply by PAW on 12/6/08 12:20pm
Msg #271272

Re: I read it a bit difference because he said...

I read it the same way, Linda.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 12/6/08 12:26pm
Msg #271275

duh...different.. n/m

Reply by Steven Pearce on 12/6/08 1:09pm
Msg #271280

My first few times I was inexperienced too, no biggie. n/m

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 12/6/08 1:51pm
Msg #271283

We all have to start somewhere. n/m

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 12/6/08 3:34pm
Msg #271292

Very true...BUT...if you have absolutely no

experience with signings, have no knowledge of loan docs and are just starting out, a signing is not something to cut your notary teeth on, especially when the company admits there will be no one in office to answer questions. I think Pete did the right thing in telling them of his inexperience and I admire him for it. And I bet the company will remember him favorably in the future as a result.

I would also suggest to Pete that he obtain the Signing Agent Registry manual and study, study, study....

And Good Luck to you, Pete..

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 12/6/08 4:01pm
Msg #271293

ummmm...

Signing Agent Registry manual a/k/a "TSR Professional Skills Training Guide" - available in NotRot supplies section...<G>

Reply by LynnNC on 12/6/08 11:53am
Msg #271263

**Any advise from those of you who are experienced would be great as far as the steps and procedures to complete a signing would be great. **

If you have not had training, you should. On-the-job training, with the potential for mistakes, is not the way to learn this business.

Send me a PM and I will offer some suggestions on how to get training. BTW, I had three certifications before I stepped out the door for my first closing.

Reply by PAW on 12/6/08 12:01pm
Msg #271265

I strongly suggest the "Professional Skills Training Guide" (available in the "Notary Supplies" section of this website). It provides the information necessary not only to do a "signing", but also how to run a successful business as a signing agent.

If you would like more information on this product, email me (see profile).

Reply by Todd/OH on 12/6/08 6:30pm
Msg #271299

I strongly suggest

That Pete get some hands-on experience. He needs to observe a closing-in-action....actually several. He needs to network with friends - whomever - and find someone in the closing business who is willing to give him some exposure. Call it a job shadow for a day or two.

Reply by LKT/CA on 12/6/08 8:03pm
Msg #271305

DO NOT WORK FOR SOX.....

.....out of Aliso Viejo, California.....they prey on newbies and they DO NOT pay. They have a long history of stiffing Notaries.......as someone said, when you start accepting assignments, ALWAYS check out the company in Signing Central here and see what the reviews are. When you read that a company is slow/no pay (deadbeats), heed the warnings and don't think that you're different and they'll pay you. If you get a call while at the store or while driving and you take the job, as soon as you get home, look the company up. If they are deadbeats - as defined above - call and give the job back....tell them they have a poor payment history and you cannot accept the job.

Reply by pete/TN on 12/6/08 8:11pm
Msg #271306

Re: DO NOT WORK FOR SOX.....

Thanks for all the info and resources. I received my second call today which is a very simple signing and I'm off.

For those of you who offered well wishes - Thanks!