Posted by Robert/VA on 5/20/08 10:55pm
Msg #248123

Working for Local Title Companies

Has anyone had any success in trying to "work" with local title companies? Do any of the companies ever need an independent "mobile" Notary to work in the evenings or weekends, if not so much during so-called "normal" business hours, or if the borrower or buyer can not come "in-house" with the title company Notaries? And if so, how did you contact these local titles....send them a resume, a business card, a visit in person?
Thanks in advance for any replies or suggesstions!!
Robert

Reply by Lee/AR on 5/20/08 11:04pm
Msg #248130

Generally speaking, if they even know what it is you do, you are their competition. However, some local TCs might use you if they get really, really, really busy and are strictly into the local market. Probably best to meet face to face.

Reply by Pat/IL on 5/21/08 1:44am
Msg #248144

Mail the company a thoughtful letter, emphasizing the value you can add to their service and how you can help set them apart from the local competition.

It is true that the independent mobile notary has facilitated the out of state competition. Brick and mortar closing offices have sat empty while title companies in Pittsburgh have hired signing companies to hire notaries across the nation to handle the functions that still needed to be done locally. It removed a large part of the business that was once local. That's business. It's also why you have been told you are the competition.

The national lenders are not going away. Nor are the foreign title companies that largely fuel the NSA industry.

If you can market yourself in a way that will make the local company think you will help set them apart from the competition, why wouldn't they give you a try? Times change, and so do business models.

Reply by Mona/MD on 5/21/08 6:56am
Msg #248156

Robert,

When business was better I did work independently for quite a few big title companies. There was plenty of work and plenty to go around. What I did to drum up my business was to cold call them and simply drop off a photo copy of my notary licence, TPL, and E&O. I had even designed a simply but distinctive business card, that when misplaced among other loose business cards was easily found due to the colors used. Now that things are slow I am working in the wine sales business and doing some settlements at night.

Getting back to your question, I would cold call title companies. They seem to be more responsive than just faxing everything over or dropping it in the mail. It indicates to them that you have taken the time to visit them and have all you information prepared. If you have a niche, such as a second language, even though business is slow don't be afraid to emphasize that. Also, let them know you will drive further than other witness closers, if you feel it will help you get some business from them. Be professional in dress and attitude.

I hope these suggestions help you and I wish the best of success.

Reply by Les_CO on 5/21/08 8:07am
Msg #248162

Three to five years ago almost all my business was from local Title Companies.
EOM I would spend all day for two days, in a local (close to me) Title Company’s office closing loans.( The only bad part was the continual plates of fresh baked cookies in the closing rooms) That office is now closed. Along with about a dozen others ( One TC had an office just for one builder, and I did many for them also….now closed) There are many, many people here in Denver that had YEARS of title experience (1-26 years, 1-19 years, 1-17 years) all smart, well educated people in management positions, as well as many with 3-5 years. All these people and many others are doing something else now. It is not just the NSA business that has fallen off. Now most of my loan signing business is ( I hate to say) from SS’s and out of state Title companies. I still believe that you can’t do any better than to find a local title company, and build a relationship with them. How I long for those days.