Posted by Larry Boucher on 7/22/08 2:56pm
Msg #256318

Questions About Becoming a Signing Agent

Hello,

I've been a notary for little over a year (although I mostly use it for work) and was looking into becoming a Signing Agent part-time to bring in extra money. Is it possible to be a Signing agent part time? How difficult is it to start a business? Is it possible to bring in $150-200 a week? Can you recommend a good certification course? I'm asking these questions now before I shell out the money for training, materials, etc. Thank you so much for your help.

Reply by Lee/AR on 7/22/08 3:06pm
Msg #256320

I suggest you read the last 4, 5 or however many more pages you can handle and then make your own decision as to whether this is a viable option any longer.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 7/22/08 3:06pm
Msg #256321

Larry

Before you go any further, understand that this is the slowest time in (probably) decades...you might be able to make $150-$200, no one can really predict that.
But, start reading with message # 33325 for a plethera of excellent information
and advice about our industry.
There is an excellent course offered here at notaryrotary by the Signing Registry.
Click on the notary supplies tab atop the page for more information about it.

Reply by jba/fl on 7/22/08 3:10pm
Msg #256322

It is good that you are doing homework on the opportunities in this business before you invest any more money. One of the first things you can do to see if it would be viable for you: Look under Find a Notary at how many are already listed in and/or near your own zip code. Look at some of the profiles of those listed to see if they are active (there will be Last Updated date, which is a somewhat reliable indicator).

The whole mortgage business is in a huge upheaval right now - reading some of the posts on this forum with tell you this. The orange Search button can be used to find topics to indicate "Anybody Working?", Are you Slow, Fees, and so on. think of a topic, search. I know of one signing notary who gave up his business after moving to AZ - says just not enough to do so support himself. Many are leaving this business and going to full time employment elsewhere...that is not to say there isn't money to be made, it just is so slow, companies are going out of business, some that are in business are not paying, the problems are myriad.

Like I said - it is good you are doing your research now. Good luck, and happy reading. There is a wealth of info here for those who are diligent.

Reply by notaryinmo on 7/22/08 3:18pm
Msg #256323

Before you "shell" out any money for any type of training course to be certified, please take a look at your state's notary laws. I know firsthand that in the state of Missouri, it's not mandatory to take any training classes to be a SA (although it might be a good idea!) Actually, in Missouri, a notary is a notary is a notary. So, in stating that fact, you want to either read your notary handbook or call your SOS. If you are able to network with TC's or BO's, it may be possible to earn $150-200 a week, but keep in mind that it's not an "overnight" way to make extra funds on a part-time basis. Also, part-timers sometimes don't take this business seriously - so if you are doing this pt, please make sure you do everything necessary as a NP to uphold the notary reputation.

Reply by Larry Boucher on 7/22/08 3:31pm
Msg #256325

Thanks for all of your help. I currently am a notary in California, and I live in Orange County, where the mortgage crisis hasn't hit quite so hard.

I currently have a full time job and was looking at doing this part time. I have heard that this is a great thing to do part time but I have also heard it's not feasible part time. From one of the posts I read on here it sounds like you need to be on call 24/7, even if you are doing it P/T. With working a full time job, that's just not feasible. I was trying to get a more balanced view as to whether I could do this or not.

Reply by ZeeCA on 7/22/08 3:34pm
Msg #256327

Larry. Let me guess the NNA fed you that line? that is cuz

they want to have you come back for more and more classes... whatever they can dream up to make a notary think they can make tons of $$$$ ... the only one making tons of $$$ is the NNA

Reply by notaryinmo on 7/22/08 3:49pm
Msg #256330

Larry - there are quite a few notaries who do this part time - especially since so many tc's and banks have gone belly under. If you do intend to pursue this as a pt np, then just make sure that your profile states that fact. It's also possible to turn down signings with any company that calls you during your normal schedule. Do think about building a foundation as a NSA while working your actual paying job. It is feasible to do anything legal/moral in the notary field - it just takes determination and willingness to something right (luck helps too!). Good luck with whatever your decision may be.

Reply by desktopfull on 7/22/08 5:32pm
Msg #256338

Odd the post says LB of AK, but you state you are in CA. n/m

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 7/22/08 7:14pm
Msg #256349

Re: Odd the post says LB of AK, but you state you are in CA.

That happens sometimes. I forget the reason that was given for AK being in the posts.
Maybe someone else can remember.

Reply by Tony_FL on 7/22/08 10:40pm
Msg #256371

It's default (alphabetic) setting for your state location n/m

Reply by MelissaCT on 7/23/08 4:04pm
Msg #256477

Yes, you need to be able to answer your cell phone throughout the day. Most companies won't leave a message -- they'll just call the next name on their list. You also must be available last minute. These are rarely scheduled in advance (at least not with the notary).

Reply by Nomad/OR on 7/22/08 3:33pm
Msg #256326

You should get $125 to $200 per assignment, not week. n/m

Reply by ZeeCA on 7/22/08 3:36pm
Msg #256328

Re: You should get $125 to $200 per assignment,-- Not if nna

is 'guiding' him....
totally agree with you Nomad....

Reply by CaliNotary on 7/22/08 4:57pm
Msg #256335

Re: You should get $125 to $200 per assignment, not week.

So then if he's trying to make an extra $200 a week he just needs to do 2 signings a week to accomplish it. That's not obvious?

Reply by Nomad/OR on 7/22/08 11:50pm
Msg #256378

Yes, just didn't want him to try it @ $50 a pop. n/m

Reply by Larry Boucher on 7/22/08 4:03pm
Msg #256331

Thank you for all of your help. Yes, right now I would like to do this P/T with the option of doing this full time in the future. your posts have motivated me to at least learn more about being a Signing Agent. If I do decide to go forward, I would take this very seriously and of course uphold the standards and reputation of the notary profession.

Reply by Loretta on 7/22/08 4:15pm
Msg #256332

I think that California is the worst state to become a signing agent in, full or part time (from what I read on this board). Notaries are a dime a dozen. Do a zip code search and find out how many notaries are within 30 miles of your zip code.

Good luck!

Reply by Charles_Ca on 7/22/08 4:17pm
Msg #256333

Hi Larry and welcome, you have gotten some excellent

answers from some of the best notaries in the business. Let me give you a slightly different perspective. I am a notary public and I have been doing loan signings I also am licensed by the DRE and DRI in Ca and broker commercial properties and all types of loans. I have seen a serious erosion of pricing in the notary community as a result of part time notaries and personally I would not hire a part time notary. If you look at recent DRE statistics you will see that in April of 2006 there were over 20,000 aspirants to take the real estate sales persons test, in the first quarter of 2006 there were only about 2500 total. The business in sin major upheaval, mortgage companies are going under and others are struggling to survive. Regulatory agencies are investigating, prosecuting and drawing new regulations as a result of the mortgage crises. It is my opinion that unless you do a detailed business plan and know exactly what you are getting into that there are probably better businesses to get into, especially on a part-time basis. If you can see in your business plan that you can make the money then go for it. Remember that Orange County is one of the most saturated areas in the country. My Orange County offices are in Laguna Hills and I maintain a home in Mission Viejo, just within 20 miles of Mission Viejo I have 257 notaries listed on this site alone I can call and I already have my favorites whom I prefer so I won't be looking around for anyone else in the area. There are a couple of notaries who post on this site from Orange County one JanetK is in Lake Forest and I am sure that if you do a search on her posting on this site it will give you an idea of the climate in Orange County. Best of luck to you!

Reply by JanetK_CA on 7/22/08 10:46pm
Msg #256372

Good advice, Charles!

Larry, feel free to give me a call, if you still have questions -- but not before Sunday, please. Things are finally picking up for me a little bit towards end-of-month. Up to now, this has been the slowest month I've had since I got started, over five years ago... I don't do training or ride-alongs, but I'll do my best to give you the straight scoop about the nature of this business and what it will take.

With expenses all the way 'round being what they are these days, I hate to see people waste money on false promises and hyperbole from companies just trying to make a quick buck.

Reply by Larry Boucher on 7/22/08 6:58pm
Msg #256348

Well it seems from some of the negative comments (and I would say a little hostility from anyone wanting to do this part time) that it would not be beneficial to be a Signing Agent, especially in California. Thanks for your help.

Reply by Merry_CA on 7/22/08 7:32pm
Msg #256353

This can be a rather hostile crowd Larry... for many reasons (mostly ego and too much tome on their hands!).... but that aside, this is a dying business for everyone except a very few who have been at it for many years and have a well thought out business plan that they constantly tweak to keep viable. Trying to carve out even a part-time income as a NSA is not something that a NP in California should consider now or in the foreseeable future.... IMO

Reply by Merry_CA on 7/22/08 7:35pm
Msg #256355

"tome" is a typo! .... but, maybe not!.... think about it....

Reply by SoCal Signing Co. on 7/22/08 7:44pm
Msg #256357

ha ha ha
poor Larry

Not everone on this board is negative
some of us are pretty happy people

Lisa

Reply by Charles_Ca on 7/22/08 8:15pm
Msg #256362

At least content, Lisa. Unfortunately, some people just hate having pre-conceived notions whacked out of the ball park due to faulty reasoning. I have to wonder what it is that new people getting into this business think that they are bringing to the table that isn't already here, especially without doing the research: how do they think they will compete? I thought everyone was pretty civil actually.

Reply by jba/fl on 7/22/08 8:18pm
Msg #256363

I also was surprised that negative comments, attitudes were mentioned. I know I felt that since he was doing research prior to jumping in that I felt 'nicer' than on other posts that just announce they are in business, and thought the concensus was favorable. Oh well, just can't please all the people.

Reply by Larry Boucher on 7/23/08 2:32am
Msg #256391

Hi jba,

I apologize if I offended you. I didn't take your post as negative at all. I did call a couple of notaries today and was yelled and cussed at because I was a "newbie." So I guess I got really defensive on this board. I think if every field took that attitude towards new people, we wouldn't have any experienced people to take over. Anyways, I do thank you for your help.

Reply by jba/fl on 7/23/08 2:52am
Msg #256393

Larry - No offence taken; I am very thick skinned. Sorry you didn't call me - my reception would have been different for sure. We were all new at one time. There are those who come on here and say "I'm ready - tell me all to be successful, including your best companies", but you were not one of those so you did not deserve any bad receptions. You appeared to only wonder at certain things and be doing research to bring it all into focus. With minor exceptions, everyone was gentle with you hoping to help you make an informed choice.

Your conclusions are correct, but I will add, since you appear to want to do this parttime, continue your research so that you can apply to some companies who will use you even though you have less experience. Don't sell yourself short and take low fees (these are discussed here also, as to what is fair and reasonable for you to profit from the experience). Then when and if the market corrects itself you will be ready. It really may be a couple of years, or never as we now know it or knew it. Just because some company calls doesn't mean you have to take the job. Pick and choose carefully, and don't quit researching. You need to be in control, not controlled.

General notary work is in demand also - you can read about that in posts here too. Start w/msg #33325 and read everything - it will only strengthen you and your position. Good luck.

Reply by Larry Boucher on 7/23/08 2:28am
Msg #256390

Thanks for your help Merry. I guess I got a little discouraged reading some of the replies. I was looking to make a little extra income but reading some of the replies, I guess that's not a viable option, at least not in CA. Maybe I'll look at it again once the mortgage chaos settles down (whenever that may be). And don't worry about egos, I work in the between the drug business and the government, which has some of the biggest egos out there.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 7/22/08 8:19pm
Msg #256364

Larry did you really mean that? "hostility from anyone

wanting to do this part time"? I didn't think you were being hostile, misguided maybe but not hostile.

Reply by MichiganAl on 7/22/08 8:33pm
Msg #256366

Once again, someone that gets great answers and great info and thinks because it's not rosy and cheery that it's hostile, and once again the same couple of people that only have something to add when it gives them a chance to criticize forum participants.

Reply by rengel/CA on 7/22/08 9:56pm
Msg #256370

Hostility? Who was hostile?

The responses I've seen here have been truthful, not hostile. If you can't handle the truth, you can't handle this profession. I just did a search for notaries signed up on this site and there are 1544 in Orange County, CA
Signing agents who have been doing this full time for years are now taking part-time and full-time jobs to survive. That should tell you that this is not a viable time to be jumping in to this arena.
No one told you to stay out of this business, they just gave you the facts so you could make an informed decision. Where is the hostility???????

Reply by desktopfull on 7/23/08 12:33am
Msg #256382

Re: Hostility? Who was hostile?

Just read the entire thread again and I am also curious, "Who was hostile?" Absolutely no one was even rude to this poster. I think it's time to quit responding to any newbie at all. Let them learn to read the forum and learn for themselves from previous posts. They all seem to have over sensitive feelings and can't handle the plain truth. This isn't the get rich quick business that the XXX company promotes.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 7/23/08 1:04am
Msg #256385

Re: Hostility? Who was hostile?

Only the SS/NSA's who want to find as many newbs as they can to rape and pillage.
Don't you find it curious that certain SS's always try to turn newbs against the more experienced posters offering truthful advice?

Reply by Larry Boucher on 7/23/08 2:11am
Msg #256388

I apologize for my last post, I realize that "hostile" was not the right term to use. I was a little discouraged by the replies that you sent, although I realize that you were being honest. I was told me notaries on other boards not to become a notary in CA because they are "whining crybabies" and I guess I got on the defensive. I do appreciate all of your help and comments.