Posted by David Hill on 9/3/08 5:23pm
Msg #263105

SCRIPTS

Hi i am axious for my first signing, what is a good script to use if and when the phone rings to do a signing So i don't sound like a newbie? Thanks

Dave

Reply by Michelle/AL on 9/3/08 5:40pm
Msg #263110

I told the Signing Company who hired me for the first time that it was my first signing. I told them that it was possible that I would have questions for them at the signing table. The person who hired me said she understood and she did remain available to me by phone up until I dropped the documents in the mail. It is up to you if you want to disclose the fact that you are new to the business.

I don't have a script to give you but you may want to check the newbie thread hear on NotRot (I think it's #33325...hmmm I may have left out one number - but if you search under newbie I'm sure you'll find it.) The newbie thread talks about this exact thing - accepting assignments. The one thing I would suggest to you is to find out if fax backs are required after the closing, and if they are make sure you include that cost in your fee.

Good luck.

Michelle
Huntsville Mobile Notary

Reply by Treasure Valley Notary - Tina on 9/3/08 6:37pm
Msg #263117

Oh this is Just Too Funny (NOT!)

What are you thinking??? I don't mean to be rude, but I will be to the point. . . IF you need a script, then you really have no idea of what you are doing. I will admit that this isn't a brain surgeon industry, but I sure as heck wouldn't want someone closing my loan and not knowing just what to say. All too often this is a borrower's largest purchase and I sure wouldn't want it screwed up and neither do they (wouldn't they just love to know that they are paying a premium price for a notary and getting the bottom of the barrel qualifications). Please do everyone a favor and know what you are doing before you actually do it.

And IF there are fax backs, it is great to charge extra for them, BUT not if they are checking your work because you told them you are new and really don't know what you are doing. But oh heck, you have a seal and that is all that really matters - right?!?

Now for what you really need . . . Before you start with getting a script, start with a good business plan. You will be doing everyone, especially yourself, a major favor. This is where every new business should start. It will save you in the long run. Because if you need the "script", then you are also going to need a fee schedule, and then you will need us to provide our best companies, and the list will go on.

We are here to support each other, but not to get you started. You need to get better educated.

Again, I am sorry if I've come across as being rude. That is not my intention. I wish you (and possibly future borrowers) the best of luck.

Reply by ZeeCA on 9/3/08 6:50pm
Msg #263119

Re: Oh this is Just Too Funny (NOT!)

you just signed up today. You have a blank profile. I don't think you will be getting much business from the N/R hits....

JMO.........

Reply by snoopdogMs on 9/3/08 6:55pm
Msg #263121

This is probably a teaser post just for a reaction. n/m

Reply by sue_pa on 9/3/08 7:56pm
Msg #263127

this is why I disagree w/so many others

who say to charge no less than $xxx no matter what. David should be PAYING his client rather than the other way around. David, by listing your information on this and other sites (I saw you asked on another site and that site, in my personal opinion, is FILLED with terrible info from people with little experience) you are advertising that you know how to fulfill the requirements of this job. You don't. How can you charge someone for your services when you don't even know what to say?

Reply by JanetK_CA on 9/4/08 2:41am
Msg #263155

I ssssooooo agree with you!! n/m

Reply by BrendaTx on 9/4/08 6:15am
Msg #263156

Scripts are one of the foundations of the SR's NSA book.

No criticism to either David for asking or the SR for having them. Just a comment.

Reply by sue_pa on 9/4/08 7:13am
Msg #263158

Re: Scripts are one of the foundations of the SR's NSA book.

Of course if someone doesn't know their job a script will help. Do I personally think someone should be doing this job in the field with only a script to help them? No I don't. Especially in a saturated area like his. Why someone would hire him when there are quite a few very experienced agents would be beyond me. But if someone else's script is available, he should be reaching into his pocket rather than coming and asking for someone to basically teach him what to say. I saw he asked on another board and someone gave him a very long rambling answer. If he tries that, my oh my. I'm guessing most of us have our own 'script' although it's not written down. We've found a way that works for us and we don't deviate unless the situation requires it for some reason (you know, the person who starts to scream at you before both feet are even in the front door, the person whose sole purpose is to sign quickly so they can pay attention to their child's soccer snack rather than a very important financial transaction, the person who wants in in depth legal and academic explanation of every sentence).

The days of someone entering this business with no background should be gone. I cannot for the life of me imagine why anyone (even a $45 company) would hire someone that doesn't know what they're doing. I'm guessing if someone keeps track of poor David that he will be gone within 6 months because he, like so many others, has no background and is asking strangers to teach him (at no cost) the very basics of his job.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 9/4/08 8:49am
Msg #263161

Sue, although I agree with your post here..I think there's

a misunderstanding (unless I'm reading everything wrong) - your posts address the issue of a signing agent going in and conducting a signing with no idea what they're doing - and I agree that's disaster from the getgo....BUT I believe David was asking about a script for negotiating with the company that calls to hire him...how to deal with them on the phone to ensure adequate payment and maybe what to ask to cover all bases and avoid surprises when the package arrives or he gets to the signing....JMO and I could be wrong but I think that's what he meant (and I did read the other posts elsewhere - and didn't respond)...

Reply by Lee/AR on 9/4/08 8:57am
Msg #263162

Re: Sue, although I agree with your post here..I think there's

Think Sue's point is if he's so unprepared & clueless that he asks for a 'script' for a canudo call--which can be gleaned right from this board if he reads just a few pages & sees the yowling we do about undisclosed faxbacks, huge pkgs., etc.~~ what's he gonna do at the table?

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 9/4/08 9:09am
Msg #263163

Lee, I agree - that's why I was kind of tentative ...

about my post - of course, this also could be a plant post too since the original poster hasn't responded at all..<<shrug>>

Reply by notaryinmo on 9/4/08 9:29am
Msg #263165

Re: Lee, I agree - that's why I was kind of tentative ...

As a relative "newbie" myself, I've been on NotRot quite a bit day since I've been a MO notary, I read msg #33325 a few times, as well as reading well thought out posts from experienced NSA's. Reading intelligient posts and utilizing the search button (works quite well), I've learned how to address calls that come in for a NSA. At one point a company called me that didn't have a good rating on NotRot. Since I felt confident that I could (and did) tell the caller that since the company didn't have a good rating, I wanted to make sure of payment arrangements were handled in a timely fashion. True to their word, I was paid in less than 15 days. It's possible that newbies can learn from reading, researching and heeding advice. I thank the NotRot veterans every day that I get a call for Notary services.

Reply by sue_pa on 9/4/08 10:16am
Msg #263167

Re: Sue, although I agree with your post here..I think there's

okay, could be. I didn't think of it that way when I initially read the post. So, going on your initial reaction, what would be wrong with ... Thanks so much for calling me. I appreciate it. I am new so why don't you tell me about the order.... That way he's not trying to convince his client he actually knows what he's doing because as was stated ... if he doesn't know how to get through the initial call (which he could figure out by reading the older posts) what is going to happen at the table.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 9/4/08 10:24am
Msg #263169

I hear you, Sue...let me turn this on myself as an example

when I first started out the telephone negotiations were the worst (and still are sometimes) but after my 25 years in real estate closings in CT I *KNEW* what to do at the table - it was selling myself and pushing for the appropriate fees that was difficult for me ... I read past posts here here and kind of winged it and got by ... I'm good at closings but never been good at negotiations - and I think maybe that's where he was going with his post...that's all...just my thoughts.

Reply by sue_pa on 9/4/08 10:39am
Msg #263171

Re: I hear you, Linda

When I started doing 'signings', I was also completely baffled by the way this business worked (still am some days). There was basically nothing I didn't understand about closing a loan in Pennsylvania but the 'signing' business took me a while to grasp.

Reply by sue_pa on 9/4/08 10:41am
Msg #263172

oops

I don't do a lot of 'negotiating' that others seem to do. Someone calls with a location, date and time and I give my fee. My fees are high enough that splits, fax backs, etc., aren't a concern. I still mumble and grumble when I see an extra large package, a stacking order sheet, etc., but again, my fees cover whatever is required.

Reply by cdoty_IL on 9/4/08 9:24am
Msg #263164

Re: this is why I disagree w/so many others

I have to agree with all the above comments, If you do not know what to say when you get your first call.....that is gonna be evident to the person on the other end of the phone. And this leads to the next question, what do you know?? You can not train yourself in this industry by reading a book, or you will have alot of trial and error closings in the beginning and then you wont be in business for long with that reputation. You need to have proper training or previous job experience that gives you the necessary knowledge (I worked in the Mortgage loan industry for 8 years and a notary for 4 prior to becoming a signing agent). Getting a home loan is not a small transaction for any borrower and you need to know your stuff before you jump in and start stamping away.

Reply by PAW on 9/4/08 10:22am
Msg #263168

Re: this is why I disagree w/so many others

>>> You can not train yourself in this industry by reading a book, or you will have alot of trial and error closings in the beginning and then you wont be in business for long with that reputation. <<<

I disagree with the above statement. Doing "closings" and signings is not rocket science. Granted, it does take some basic intellectual skills, attention to details, and a good sense of reasoning. The "Professional Skills Training Guide for Signing Agents", written by Kathy Poston, the founder of the Signing Registry, is an excellent learning aid for those who can absorb and understand information presented in written form. (The guide is available here, in the Notary Supplies section, and on the NSAR website.) It is full of examples and dialogs (even scripts) on how to do a signing as well as how to run a successful signing agent business.

Classroom training is usually better than "book learning", but live training is not always available and can be too costly. Studying a well-written guide and asking pertinent questions in forums such as this, should provide a good solid basis for being a Signing Agent. As time goes on, the best teacher, experience, will fortify the basic knowledge with more knowledge and skills necessary to be a Professional Signing Agent.

Reply by cdoty_IL on 9/4/08 1:12pm
Msg #263193

Re: this is why I disagree w/so many others

Maybe I should make myself better understood where I am coming from......I did not say you could learn "nothing" by reading a book....I read in the past and still read books regarding the SA business, mortgage industry, etc and learn from them.

But my point is....you can not get "everything" you need to know from that book. Most books I read are not state specific. And in some cases, such as my state of Illinois...notaries are not required to take a class or pass an exam. As long as they have no criminal background they are pretty much declared a notary.....so in my state (unfortunately) you have notaries jumping in the biz with no clue about basic notary work little likely mortgage docs.

I have those books you referenced and have found them helpful...but learning the general notary rules and lending requirements specific to your state (such as IL being a marital state) are important and not covered in any books I have read.

Reply by PAW on 9/4/08 8:06pm
Msg #263224

Don't expect to find "notary" procedures in "signing agent"

books and training material. Most books on being a signing agent makes an assumption in the beginning. That is, the reader already knows and understands their notary procedures.

If you want an excellent "primer" on notary procedures, including a lot of state specific information, then I suggest the "Notary Public Hanbook - Principle, Practices & Cases" by Alfred E. Piombino. It is available in a National Edition as well as "state" editions.

As for state specifics on real estate and mortgages, covering things like spousal rights, you would need to get a Title Underwriting guide or manual. But those issues are ancillary to learning how to be a Signing Agent. It is not up to the Signing Agent to determine whether or not a spouse has to sign a document. If the title company says only so-n-so signs, then that's who signs. Granted, an exemplary signing agent would know to question it, but it's not required. It's that acquired knowledge that comes from experience that makes an everyday "certified" signing agent a Professional Signing Agent.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 9/4/08 8:25pm
Msg #263226

I think you're way off base here, Sue...

Knowing what to say has no relation to knowing what to do - not everyone is a born salesperson, and a lot of folks get tongue-tied on their first few calls. Does that mean he shouldn't be trying to do the job?

Be thankful that there's a newbie who knows his limitations, rather than one who has a sense of entitlement...

Reply by Computer Solution Concepts on 9/4/08 9:58am
Msg #263166

No problems dealing with new notaries

Hi all. I am a closing company that finds notaries all over the country for various title companies. While it's nice to deal with seasoned notaries, I do not have a problem dealing with new notaries. My title companies all give very clear written instructions on what they need in each state. The rest is just getting the docs signed.

So, Good luck David! If I have a closing in your area, I will give you a try.

Reply by sue_pa on 9/4/08 10:33am
Msg #263170

Re: No problems dealing with new notaries

I have a question and we've never been able to get a straight answer from a signing service previously. Last month I completed an order for you (thank you). It was a 'regular' fha loan - meaning lots of docs. Why, in a saturated area such as Davids (not my area) , would you give him a try? I'm guessing, without actually looking, you could find 50+ experienced closers in his vicinity. I'm not talking about rural areas or areas where the notaries must drive 50-75 miles minimum on every order but areas like Davids, Philadelphia. I cannot imagine sitting down at the table with someone who doesn't know what they're doing while I complete one of the biggest financial transactions of my life. We all know our 'real' job is to get the signatures on the paperwork but for some reason it's just not that easy. A closers confidence with their job and with the paperwork instills confidence in the borrowers. A mumbler/fumbler (not implying that is David at all) sitting there would make many people uncomfortable and in some instances (from the posts we read) cause the borrowers to ask the closer to leave.

I did a last minute loan Friday night - the original notary backed out at 5:30 for a 6:00 appt. I got there a little after 8:00 (call came just before 7:00). Because this company is a notorious low payer ($75 for what was a large fha package) and they know I don't work for those fees, I am guessing they spent the better part of an hour calling everyone else in my area. When he got to me he agreed immediately to my $150. I do know this company never calls me unles desperate and I'm guessing if I told him $250 he'd have paid it at that point in time but that's not me - my regular fee is fine. Anyway, I do have a point here. These borrowers were VERY uncomfortable and antsy after speaking with the original notary (by the way, she has VERY little experience and a VERY pitiful profile). The original notary told them their paperwork wasn't ready. They kept asking me why their paperwork wasn't ready in time for the other notary to show up and we all know the rest of the drill ... on and on. I got them calmed down and it still took an hour to sign. If they had actually found someone without confidence to send to this house I cannot imagine what would have taken place.

So my question is, this day in age with experienced closers everywhere (again not talking about the rural / unpopulated areas), why would you hire someone with no experience?

Reply by Lee/AR on 9/4/08 10:46am
Msg #263173

Good question for SS, Sue. Let's hope they reply. n/m

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 9/4/08 10:49am
Msg #263174

Re: No problems dealing with new notaries

Sue, I know how much you love them so I sent you a P/M...<G>

Reply by MichiganAl on 9/4/08 11:43am
Msg #263185

Because they'll likely accept a cheap fee, that's why. n/m

Reply by sue_pa on 9/4/08 12:14pm
Msg #263186

Re: Because they'll likely accept a cheap fee, that's why.

That's why I thought she'd be a great one to ask because there was no real haggle on the fee and she didn't appear to be a low baller. I asked for $150 - she said $125. I took the order.

Reply by Computer Solution Concepts on 9/5/08 11:52am
Msg #263269

That is untrue.....

When I call a notary I already know what I can pay, based on the fees of the loan. Believe it or not, we do not base the pay on the experience (or not) of the notary.

I believe that most people in the mortgage business believe that it is the notary's job is to get the docs signed by the correct borrowers and following all legal requirements of your state. I think that we make the basic assumption that you know how to do this, because you completed certain classes/training to become a notary.

Selling or explaining the loan or interest rate, or certain docs that they don't understand is really the job of the loan officer, lender, or title company. It's awesome that the more experienced notaries have the knowledge to do A LOT of this for them. But, in my opinion, a lesser experienced notary has every right to refer the borrower back to the appropriate source.

I'm no champion for the "newbies" (as you guys call them), I simply stated that, given the proper circumstances, I would give them a chance. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Reply by PAW on 9/5/08 7:57pm
Msg #263328

You are obviously misled and do not understand our role

>>> I believe that most people in the mortgage business believe that it is the notary's job is to get the docs signed by the correct borrowers and following all legal requirements of your state. I think that we make the basic assumption that you know how to do this, because you completed certain classes/training to become a notary. <<<

There are NO classes or training for a Notary Public that instructs them in the proper procedure for signing any document, much less real estate transaction documents, such as deeds and mortgages. A Notary Public is limited in their capacity, which includes identification of the signer, taking acknowledgments and giving oaths (or affirmations). This is less than 10% of the duties of a Notary Signing Agent.

The other 90% is the role of a Signing Agent; to ensure that the signers are signing the documents correctly according to how the lender and/or title company want them done.

If you think that an everyday, off the street Notary Public, with no training other than "notary" training, can be successful in doing this job, then I submit that your business is doomed to failure. Lenders and title companies expect things to be handled correctly the first time. Why do you think that many of them ask, "How many signings or closings have your performed?" instead of simply asking, "Are you commissioned?" It's because they expect a Signing Agent to be able to answer basic generic questions and at least understand the real estate transaction at hand. Heaven forbid that you send "just a Notary" to a purchase closing where there are real estate agents, loan officers, attorneys and who knows who else, when the Notary is expected to conduct the closing.

Reply by Computer Solution Concepts on 9/5/08 8:39pm
Msg #263338

You run your business and I will run mine....

I have been in the Mortage Business since 1987, starting in California and then moving to Ohio. I have closed thousands of loans, and I have never had a serious problem with a single one. I also have never had a problem using a new notary.

This is my last reply on this topic.

Good luck to you all.

Reply by Computer Solution Concepts on 9/5/08 11:36am
Msg #263268

Re: No problems dealing with new notaries

Hi Sue,

Thanks for the great job you did on our closing!

I totally understand what you are saying, and for the most part agree. In the situation that you just described, a seasoned notary was needed to calm the situation. On problematic deals, I would definately look for a more experienced person.

But on the average, run-of-the-mill closing, I don't mind giving the new guys a chance. We always give clear, concise, written instructions on what we need. I mean no disrespect to the experienced folks, but the new people usually read and follow our instructions to the tee. Believe it or not, some "experienced" notaries think they know it all and don't even read our instructions. We get docs back signed incorrectly, using the wrong color of ink (restricted in some states), with no copies of ID's, and in a few instances the borrower refused to sign certain docs that they didn't like or understand, and instead of calling me (I always give my cell phone number, just in case), we get the docs back incomplete and it holds up funding.

I guess I just like to give everyone a chance. Everyone has to start somewhere.

I understand that it must be frustrating for the experienced folks. I've worked in offices where a newer or less experienced person has gotten a promotion that I thought I or someone else more experienced deserved. So, it's similar, and I do understand.

Just for the record, I did reply to David privately and tell him to fill out his profile. I never call notaries from NR or any other site who have NO info in their profile.

In your case, in your area, I would always call you and offer the closing to you because I have worked with you in the past. I even call my notaries back with signings that are a little out of their normal range, just to give them the first right of refusal. If you were unavailable I would search for others.

Good luck. I look forward to working with you again in the future!

Kristina

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 9/4/08 11:34am
Msg #263184

Re: No problems dealing with new notaries

With all due respect your "title companies may give clear written instructions on what they need in each state. The rest is just getting the docs signed." is not correct.
Not only is it following title companies instructions and getting the docs signed, it also involves correct notarizations. I also, as most on here know, have a SS. I have given new notaries a chance after vetting over the phone regarding correct notary procedures etc, and when they have faxed me back the notarized pages after the signing (which I ask for the first time any signing agent does a signing for me) they have been done correctly 99% of the time.
I have used "seasoned" signing agents who have been recommended to me by other signing services. I still have those "seasoned" signing agents fax me back the notarized pages the first time they do a signing for me. You will be surprised how often those "seasoned" signing agents do not fill out the notary certificates to comply with Florida notary law.
When I call them about it, they always say no-one has said anything before and they have done many signings.
Following title companies instructions and getting the docs signed correctly is only part of the signing.
You say you will give David a try. Will you guarantee David's work to the title company that hires you? Will you know if the notary certificate has been filled out correctly according to notary law in David's state?

10-1 if there is an error in the notary certificate it will probably go unnoticed, as many title companies, lenders, are not fully familiar with how the notary certificate should be filled out for each state. But if ever a question comes up, even several years from the signing, and the notarization isn't "complete" because of slip shod notary work, whose shoulders will that rest on?

Reply by Computer Solution Concepts on 9/5/08 12:08pm
Msg #263270

Re: No problems dealing with new notaries

It would rest on the shoulders of the Title company, as they take the legal responsibility to ensure that all docs are signed completely and legally, prior to funding.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 9/4/08 8:28pm
Msg #263227

There's no real script for you to follow. What you want to know from them is where the job is, what type of loan is being signed, email docs or overnight, what their requirements are (fax backs, follow up reports, etc), the size of the package (if possible; sometimes they have no clue), and what their payment terms are.

Based on all of that, decide whether you even want to do the job.... If so, quote them a price, and be prepared to negotiate - don't accept "this is what we pay" unless it's within your acceptable range, and don't be afraid to walk away if you can't reach an agreement.

NEVER accept an assignment unless you get confirmation of your fee. ALWAYS check the company out here on NotRot to see if others have had problems. Don't be afraid to toss it back to them if the package that comes in doesn't match what you agreed to or they have a really bad reputation.

Good luck!

Reply by paaz on 9/5/08 10:12am
Msg #263262

When I first started. I typed up my script and left it right by the phone so I would be ready when the first call came. I agree you absolutely must tell them it is your first assignment and they will understand.

Good Luck,