Posted by Stephen Swanston on 12/5/08 5:16pm
Msg #271199

New Signing Agent

Hi everyone. I've been reading and enjoying your posts. At the urging of a friend, I signed up with NNA, went throught the BGC, received my Texas certificate, and I'm ready to go. My problem is, I'm getting apprehensive about NNA. Any suggestions for a new guy that has taken this route would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Reply by MistarellaFL on 12/5/08 5:30pm
Msg #271200

suggestions for a new guy

Whatever question you have, first utilize the orange search button.
Start reading archives, starting with Msg# 33325 in full.
Best wishes, it's a tough market to break at this time, considering
the market and the lack of loans to close vs. the glut of NNA-trained and inspired notaries.
Check out the hiring companies at signing central and sign up with them all.

Reply by SteveTX on 12/5/08 6:04pm
Msg #271201

Re: suggestions for a new guy

Thanks Mistarella; I appreciate the advice.

Reply by davidK/CA on 12/5/08 6:18pm
Msg #271202

Before you spend any more money...

Go to the "Find a Notary" tab at the top and put in your zip code. See how much competition you have from just Notary Rotary members and remember that not every Notary in your area will be listed. Then make a decision about continuing into the loan signing business based upon how you will be able to market yourself without experience or contacts.

Business is very slow right now, so even if you feel that you will make lots of money, be very careful how much more you do spend. Many of us on this board feel that the NNA is not the best place to put our hard earned money, but for you that's history. I personally believe that investing in a Premier Membership with Notary Rotary would be a good decision for you, but only you can determine if that makes sense.

Good luck. I hope it all works out for you.

Reply by SteveTX on 12/5/08 6:22pm
Msg #271203

Re: Before you spend any more money...

Thank you, David. I did invest in the premier level and I'll take advantage of that.

Reply by jba/fl on 12/5/08 8:18pm
Msg #271207

Re: Before you spend any more money...

Since you did not link your profile, can't comment on it right now. Make sure your profile has something to 'grab' the attention of those who read it. Check and re-check your spelling. Also, this has been discussed, believe it or not, yesterday and today: puffing to a degree is allowed, but don't lie. Everyone will know but worst of all you will know that this was not the way to start a new venture...do your homework. Have alternative income. Expect miracles (don't we all?) but accept the decent profit for you and let the rest go. Check out the company who wants to hire you - look then ask: ABC Co, Anytown, CA - G/B/U? in the subject line and heed the responses. Things are not always what they seem and everyone who wants you to do something for them is "so nice" or you wouldn't accept. Sometimes those nice people have nothing to do w/pay except their own, but their job is to hook you. Stay away from SOX (Sign on the X) and others like them. Don't pay to get listed and get work: everyone is starting these quasi-scams in the hopes that their new business w/be the one to take off and rival Notary Rotary. This is the #1 site to be. The NNA gets hits too, but a different kind. Since you already have the membership, ride it out and advertise yourself from there. We've been talking about them this week also...check out the past weeks posts.

Good luck, hard work - all equals ggod luck and hard work, sometimes success. It will be harder now than previously.

Reply by Claudine Osborne on 12/5/08 10:22pm
Msg #271215

Good Luck Stephen n/m

Reply by Doris_CO on 12/5/08 11:10pm
Msg #271217

Re: suggestions for a new guy

Also, Texas has some different rules regarding signing mortgage loans. You might check with your fellow NSA's in your state as to which loans you will be able to close and which loans you won't be able to close.

Reply by EastTxNotary on 12/6/08 6:52am
Msg #271221

Steve, you have every reason to be apprehensive about the NNA. About 7 years ago, I too, joined NNA, took their training, yada yada. But I was VERY lucky because I quickly thereafter found NotRot and BrendaTX, in that order. The NNA training was a stepping stone because it piqued my interest enough to do a LOT of research so I felt confident I was doing an excellent job and serving the needs of the people whose important deals rested in my hands.

Just follow the advice of those who have posted before me, and read, read, read this forum. If I can help you, I will. I hope you have a "real" job...

Reply by LynnNC on 12/6/08 12:17pm
Msg #271271

On another thread, PAW suggested to another newbie, '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.'