Posted by Michaelene Guerra on 1/7/08 8:04pm
Msg #229375

New Notary

I am a new Notary. I'm REALLY interested in Loan Document Signing. How do I get my foot in the door??? Also, the new acknowledgements, I'm not sure I am understanding. Do I need to purchase new ones??

Reply by Howdy/LA on 1/7/08 8:11pm
Msg #229379

Some folks suggest that you establish your expertise by becoming certified.

I also recommend going on a ride a long with several notaries and become proficient in the technical matters before you start marketing yourself as a signing agent. One mistake in your paperwork can ruin a relationship in this business!

Also, I encourage you to compete on service and not on price!

Good luck and welcome!

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 1/7/08 8:15pm
Msg #229380

"I also recommend going on a ride a long with several notaries"

What about privacy issues!

Also becoming certified does not establish expertise.

Reply by Howdy/LA on 1/7/08 8:55pm
Msg #229392

Must you argue about everything....

You understood the advice I was sharing with our friend...

Come on! Pedantry is above you...

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 1/7/08 9:03pm
Msg #229396

I am sorry. But if I found one of my signing agents was taking someone else who did not belong at the signing then that would be the last time I used that signing agent. The less people privy to a borrowers information the better.

And any of the experienced signing agents on this board will tell you that certification means diddly squat.

Reply by LKT/CA on 1/7/08 9:34pm
Msg #229398

Nothing is violated if the borrower gives the Notary permission to have present another Notary in training. When I had a physical exam, the doctor was training a physician's assistant and she asked me if the P.A. could participate in the exam. I said yes. Nothing was violated because I gave permission.

I know of two companies that provide ride-alongs with an experienced Notary, for a fee and always with the borrower's permission first. I doubt the Notary trainee even sees the paperwork in detail. It's probably more procedural than anything - lots of observing what the experienced Notary does and says.

And regarding certification being diddly squat.....a lot of experienced Notaries will disagree with you. I have heard that many companies will not hire a Notary without certification. I think only the companies that pay lowball fees don't care. A company willing to pay good money for a job well done will expect that the Notary working for them took the extra course to get just a little more education. And that is true of any industry.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 1/7/08 9:37pm
Msg #229399

Sorry - I don't pay lowball fees and I don't think much of the certification! How many "certified" signing agents do you see coming on this forum saying "Hey I am a new certified signing agent, now what do I do?" They have never done a signing, no idea what they are doing but they are certified.

Reply by LKT/CA on 1/7/08 9:50pm
Msg #229403

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply you pay lowball fees are that you didn't care. I was referring to the companies that are looking for the $40 Notary.

Certified just means the extra classroom work to be educated. It doesn't mean that they have the practical hands on experience. I took a loan signing workshop that helped me tremendously as we applied what we learned from the course.... we practiced with mock docs and mock stamps. It was fun and we got to ask lots of questions.

Applying the book work is where one gains the experience. I believe the book work has its place.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 1/7/08 10:00pm
Msg #229405

A loan signing workshop is better than an NNA certification class.

$40 is an insult. But, there are some "signing agents" out there that are not worth even that amount.

I hire signing agents who are experienced. As I said, the certification means diddly squat to me - just means they donated to the NNA.

Reply by LKT/CA on 1/7/08 10:10pm
Msg #229406

I don't know anything about donating to the NNA. I took my loan signing course from the same place as my notary class, and it wasn't from NNA.

Yes, $40 is an insult and I hear that signing services are offering this these days (not saying you are) and sadly, some Notaries are accepting it. Personally, I won't walk out the door for a loan signing of less than 3 figures.

If certification doesn't mean anything to you, that's okay but to make a sweeping statement that certification (overall) is worthless.....I just disagree with that, and that's okay too.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 1/7/08 10:21pm
Msg #229411

"Personally, I won't walk out the door for a loan signing of less than 3 figures."

That is how it should be. I don't pay less than 3 figures I also send out the check the morning after the signing so the notary doesn't have to wait longer than it takes the mail to get there.

Reply by Howdy/LA on 1/7/08 10:14pm
Msg #229409

You hope to get what you pay for...

Reply by jac_il on 1/7/08 10:29pm
Msg #229414

I didn't when i hired you.

Reply by Howdy/LA on 1/8/08 11:34am
Msg #229518

So, what do you consider to be a fair fee?

Reply by Howdy/LA on 1/8/08 11:34am
Msg #229519

So, what do you consider to be a fair fee?

Reply by Howdy/LA on 1/8/08 9:23am
Msg #229472

We pay top dollar and I hope you do too. What do you pay?

Reply by desktopfull on 1/8/08 12:37am
Msg #229434

I have to agree with Sylvia, certification means diddly squat. Any idiot can take a test, print it out before submitting, check the answers and then if you don't pass. Go through the book fix the wrong answers and guess what you get to take the exact same test, bingo you passed and your certified. BTW, it is still the same test that they gave 7 years ago. It's a real big deal huh! I've used to many NNA trained & certified notaries that couldn't find their rear with both hands tied behind their back much less conduct a closing. Unfortunately, to many companies have been taken in by the NNA's propaganda which only serves to fill their coffers. Also, have you read the recommended fee schedule that the NNA circulated to these same companies? Get hold of one you might find it an interesting read, then tell me that the NNA is working for the benefit of NSA's.

Reply by Howdy/LA on 1/8/08 8:54am
Msg #229456

If you have had those problems, then you didn't do your due diligence before hiring that person.

Reply by Howdy/LA on 1/8/08 9:09am
Msg #229461

certification means diddly squat.

>>>>>>>>>>>Not true. Those who are not certified demonstrate their lack of professionalism and dedication to the profession.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 1/8/08 9:20am
Msg #229468

">>>>>>>>>>>Not true. Those who are not certified demonstrate their lack of professionalism and dedication to the profession"

Really? I have been dedicated to this profession for over 7 years now. Done thousands of closings over the years. I am a professional. I am not "certified" as I am not a member of the NNA and don't intend giving my hard earned money to them just so as I can be certified by them.

I know there are many experienced professional signing agents on here that are not certified and do not belong to the NNA.

I, and others, were doing this long before the NNA jumped on the bandwagon, and went from being an organization for notaries to being an organization for signing agents.

My money goes to the ASN.

Reply by Howdy/LA on 1/8/08 9:26am
Msg #229475

But, you haven't committed yourself to obtaining NNA Certification, the ONLY certification that establishes you as a professional. Keep trying; you'll pass the test.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 1/8/08 9:47am
Msg #229483

"But, you haven't committed yourself to obtaining NNA Certification, the ONLY certification that establishes you as a professional. Keep trying; you'll pass the test."

Really??? The ONLY certfication???? The SR has a certification option - only they don't call it certification, and I would recommend that over the NNA any day.

The title companies I work for know I am a professional - I have proven it over the years I have been doing signings for them.

It will be a cold day in Hades before I give my hard earned money to an organization like the NNA.

Reply by Howdy/LA on 1/8/08 9:50am
Msg #229485

Sylvia, so much energy and passion and it isn't even Friday yet! Lighten up! Life is just too short to be taken so seriously! Each of us has our own personal biases and attitudes. I'll respect yours even when I may not agree with you. I'll be retiring soon so save some land for me in Florida though I understand the insurance is driving a lot of folks to other states. Coffee! ;o)

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 1/8/08 11:19am
Msg #229502

"I'll be retiring soon so save some land for me in Florida "

Oh - check out the Everglades or Okefenokee - plenty of land available there I should think.

Reply by desktopfull on 1/8/08 10:54am
Msg #229496

Exactly how does passing an open book exam, the same one that's been around for at least 7 years, do anything to establish anyone's professionalism. This test certainly doesn't demostrate anyone's proficiency or knowledge for being a good NSA. The only thing the test does is put more money in the coffers of the NNA on a yearly basis. I refuse to pay hommage to the NNA for something that isn't worth the paper it's printed on in the first place. FYI, in additional to their worthless certification program, the NNA is also promoting a fee schedule that undermines every NSA in business to the companies requesting our services. NNA recommend fees: $50.00 for overnighted docs, $80.00 for email docs; $80.00 for 1st & 2nd overnighted; and $125.00 for 1st. & 2nd email. I was fooled 7 years ago by this company and became certified, but they won't get another dime out of my pocket for membership or certification to continue their false promotions and to flood the market with incompetently trained CNSA's. This saying comes to mind about the NNA: "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me." No seconds here.

The NNA tells you it's representing your interests and then works toward having companies that use our services force us into paying the NNA mandatory fees for services and membership in order to do business with them, followed up with a list of low balling fees to decrease our income. I don't know about you, but I don't consider increasing my costs & fees for doing business and receiving less money than I originally was for doing that business considered good business sense. However, this appears to be the business plan that the NNA has set up for NSA's nationwide. The NNA is a self-serving, self-promoting company that does more harm than good. You'll also find few on this board don't share this opinion about the NNA, use the orange search key.

Reply by qmriley on 1/8/08 1:07pm
Msg #229562

I'm certified but I believe it means nothing its just a certification much like my SBE certification

Reply by LKT/CA on 1/8/08 10:56am
Msg #229497

A lot of Notaries haven't taken a loan signing course through the NNA and are not certified by them, so what are you talking about?

For the new Notary who has no real estate background and has never seen a loan doc, the loan signing class is what they need to become familiar with the terms and procedures of loan signing.

Reply by sue_pa on 1/8/08 7:28am
Msg #229443

...And regarding certification being diddly squat.....a lot of experienced Notaries will disagree with you. I have heard that many companies will not hire a Notary without certification. I think only the companies that pay lowball fees don't care. A company willing to pay good money for a job well done will expect that the Notary working for them took the extra course to get just a little more education. And that is true of any industry....

I think this is actually opposite in our business. Companies willing to pay good money look at your experience, not to see if you're certified.

I don't think certification is 'diddly squat' if you have no experience. It shows you've at least made an effort to 'learn' something about the job. If you have hands on experience in this business prior to becoming a 'signing agent' the certification is a marketing tool only and moves you higher on the paid listing sites.

Reply by LKT/CA on 1/8/08 10:45am
Msg #229493

<<<<I don't think certification is 'diddly squat' if you have no experience. It shows you've at least made an effort to 'learn' something about the job.>>>>

Yes, I was referring to the newest Notary, not someone with years of experience prior to certification becoming desired by companies. I agree that companies want experienced Notaries but many companies want the formal training that compliments the experience, just as some won't hire Notaries (new or experienced) unless they carry $100K E&O insurance.
E&O is not even a requirement to be a Notary in CA, only the $15K bond, but if you have less than $100K, SOME won't hire you.

Reply by Howdy/LA on 1/8/08 9:15am
Msg #229463

Amen!

Reply by SueW/Tn on 1/7/08 9:45pm
Msg #229401

As usual I agree with you Sylvia, completely. I had an experience the other day that was a real hoot and one that I had never thought would happen to me. I fell at a borrower's home on a step that was "hidden" from sight. Mr. B was standing on the porch and saw me fall, ran to help me up and asked me if I was ok. Well at the time I thought that I was although after we finished my right arm began to hurt like heck. I could barely get myself home (stick shift) and my bicep was hurting so bad from spasms that I was crying and get this, screaming. My brother took me to the emergency room and they had to give me a shot to try to get the muscle to relax. The bad thing was that I had a signing to complete that night and I knew that there was no way I would be able to drive myself. I called Title to let them know the situation and that when they got the docs back they'd notice a distinct difference in my certs as I could barely hold a pen. It was also 11 degrees outside and I wanted to let them know that my brother would be going inside with me as I couldn't let him sit outside in the car. They thanked me for explaining the situation and for following through with the second half of the signing and told me it was ok with them but to explain it to the borrowers. She was an RN and completely understood...that was the first and last time (hopefully) that I will have to do that. I wouldn't even consider taking my competition on a ride along, that is just plain nuts. And on the subject of certification: useless. Might as well take the money you spend on that and set fire to it. I've never been asked (in 3 years) for certification and most likely won't.

Reply by LKT/CA on 1/7/08 9:57pm
Msg #229404

If your brother is not another commissioned Notary being trained, then you described a different situation as your brother did not have to sit at the table to learn. He could have been in another room watching TV while you handled the signing.

I hope you are alright from the accident and that you recovered okay. We agree to disagree that a certification is useless.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 1/7/08 10:52pm
Msg #229420

This time, Howdy, its certification, ride alongs, the whole

NNA bag.

And SA licensure, and SA law-breakers. You're Bad; ...You're Nationwide...(Doc has the lyrics).

As a matter of fact, you waltz in here, and think you have something to say about *everything,* often with stunningly informative posts like "Agreed." Then again, you *do* know ~all~ the laws in all the states, or at least too many states to mention...that's debatable, though.

You see, Howdy, Sue W's story illustrates the epitome of our professionalism, as does the many other posters who have tried a dialog with you. But, I haven't heard one thing from you since you showed up that makes me think you've ever been successful at this work, or for that matter, ever conducted a signing. At this point, I doubt your "Howdy" would get your foot in my door, for instance.

You continue to prove your Trollness with your shallow song and dance, Mr Nationwide. And, before you go on again about personal attacks, stow it. I'm not doing it to you, I'm just doing it. Could be any troll.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sue, sure hope your recovery is short and doesn't hurt. "She was an RN..." How sweet was that?

Reply by SueW/Tn on 1/8/08 6:37am
Msg #229440

Hey there Susan...hugs to you and your Dad for this new year

I'll tell you what hon, this was the pits! It's amazing how something can just stop the human body from even wanting to think about moving! The RN was wonderful and actually so was the borrower who filed a claim with his home owner's rep. When I think of all the late night darker than dark journeys out to get docs signed I gotta laugh over a noon signing putting me out of commission. Because it now has happened to me I have a game plan, trust me everyone, HAVE A PLAN. You may never have to use it (I hope you don't) but figure out now what you'll do IF and WHEN you have an accident on your borrowers property.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 1/8/08 8:04am
Msg #229451

Re: Hey there Susan...hugs to you and your Dad for this new year

You couldn't be more right on, there, Sue! Great counsel as usual.

And, Dad sends his good wishes for you, and is ~very~ glad to hear about the HO claim to take care of you...he was truly hoping that would be the case.

(I'm taking him to Portland in half an hour for his post op check for the corneal transplant - he still can't see yet, but we're hoping for a good prognosis. Cat scan/bone marrow both NEG, so that was really good news too.)

Rest, rest, rest; docotr's orders...no skiing for you this week, woman...

Reply by Howdy/LA on 1/8/08 9:05am
Msg #229459

Re: This time, Howdy, its certification, ride alongs, the whole

Hello Susan, sorry to hear you are having a bad day. I hope you are better tomorrow.

Reply by Howdy/LA on 1/8/08 9:27am
Msg #229476

Funny story... Thanks for sharing....

Reply by DogmongerCA on 1/7/08 11:01pm
Msg #229422

I thought Georgia is a attorney only state????????

And the fastest way I know to lose good title closings, is to bring along srangers of ANY type to a closing:-)

Reply by titleme2nc on 1/7/08 8:29pm
Msg #229385

Before you ask for a lot of help on here, please use the orange search button and type in "newbie" for keywords/phrases and hit search! Then read, read, read. It will help you and save you. And always use it before asking any questions on here.

Reply by BarbaraL_CA on 1/7/08 8:59pm
Msg #229393

Search for Message #33325...and...

read every thread in it. This will give you a real insight to the self-employed notary business.
As for the Acknowledgement Forms...if you do not have the new forms, you can order them here from Notary Rotary, or you can make your own and print them. You can get the wording for the new Ack and Jurat from the CA SOS website: http://www.sos.ca.gov/business/notary/notary.htm

You should also take a class in Loan Signing (if you haven't)... I suggest The Signing Registry Training Guide which you can also purchase here on NotRot.

Good Luck to you.

Reply by LKT/CA on 1/7/08 9:41pm
Msg #229400

Refer back to your original notary class and see if they offer a loan document signing course if you like the classroom enviroment. You can also sign up online for a home study course. If you are in California, the laws have changed for 2008 and you are required to use the new acknowledgements that have additional wording.

I will send you a private message.

Reply by Howdy/LA on 1/7/08 10:11pm
Msg #229407

Don't worry about those who will ridicule you and act in a smug manner that you are somehow less than they as you are where they were a couple of weeks ago. It comes with the business. Ask your questions here so the more erudite folks can elucidate their thoughts with snippets of humor along the way. Welcome aboard!

Reply by Maureen_nh on 1/7/08 10:19pm
Msg #229410

I learned most of my basics from the website of a wonderful LA notary, who unfortunately is deceased.
I did not experiance the cavalier attitude that you seem to be expressing in your posts.
We all know that the standards for LA are far above and quite different from the rest of us. In light of this I do not understand your attitude towards this job.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 1/7/08 10:23pm
Msg #229412

"I learned most of my basics from the website of a wonderful LA notary"

Ronnie was terrific. It was a sad loss to the notary world when he passed away.

Howdy/LA's posts show he is in GA.

Reply by Maureen_nh on 1/7/08 10:26pm
Msg #229413

Does than mean LA is LALA land

Reply by JK/TX on 1/7/08 11:12pm
Msg #229427

<<And any of the experienced signing agents on this board will tell you that certification means diddly squat.>>>
__________________________________________________
“And” any title person can tell you the cert means diddly squat too. That exam (XYZ) was unbelievable to me…… my response to too many ?’s was “it depends”… of course that was not a choice.

I do know it looks good for some SS’s …. false sense of security and means nothing to me when I am looking for a notary. In fact, I look for an experienced/seasoned “notary public” first...…then experience w/R.E world,,,, loan docs,,,,,,, not a SA or a cert SA.

The glorified CNSA craze is why I don’t use SS’s ....

I offer notary work in the evenings and on weekends and I do not plan of being "certified" again as an SA.

The workshop as someone in this thread mentioned may be a better choice for experience,,,, but "ain't nothing like the real thing" and first and foremost is Notary Public experience.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 1/8/08 7:55am
Msg #229449

"and first and foremost is Notary Public experience"

Yes!!!! I always check to see how long a signing agent has been a notary when I am seeking a signing agent.

Reply by Howdy/LA on 1/8/08 9:04am
Msg #229458

I have known too many folks who had numerous years of involvement doing the same thing the same way they had always done things. Experience, like credentials, is only the starting point...

Reply by Howdy/LA on 1/8/08 9:07am
Msg #229460

"ain't nothing like the real thing"

>>>>>>>>Hmmmmmmm. So true.

Reply by Howdy/LA on 1/8/08 9:17am
Msg #229465

That is what they say...

Reply by Howdy/LA on 1/8/08 9:19am
Msg #229466

So, you see how we have fun around here....

Seriously, welcome to the profession...

Join the NNA. Become Certified. Work with other notaries. You will succeed. Never listen to those who would tear you down and always consider the source....

Good luck.

Reply by Dave_CA on 1/8/08 9:36am
Msg #229479

"Join the NNA..." Oh please, This is the worst advice you could give.
Why anyone who has been around and read this board would even consider giving aid and comfort to th enemy is beyond me.
The NNA has done more to harm this business than I can calculate and they do it while maintaining the appearance of still being a non-profit.
As for training or certification The Signing Registry can't be beat.
JMOO.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 1/8/08 9:48am
Msg #229484

Re: New Notary- Well said, Dave:) n/m

Reply by Howdy/LA on 1/8/08 9:55am
Msg #229487

We are always hiring excellent folks from NNA. We have found these folks to be outstanding. Great resources and we also receive a LOT of referrals from companies that comment that they found us on NNA. Different strokes....