Posted by Tom/NJ on 4/8/09 1:34pm
Msg #284081

New Notary Help Wanted

Hello All,

I just became a notary late last month to supplement some income doing signings, though I have been in the military since I was 19(I am now 26) so I really do not have any experience with real estate/financing or anything in that regard.

I have spent the last few weeks looking up at this forum and a few others trying to get a feel for what I would need to know, though I would love to get a mentorship of a sort, exchange emails with an experienced closing agent/signer. I would like to get a feel for how a typical signing would go, what I really should know, what are some typical questions a borrower would have, etc.

End state, I want to take the certification course with NNA to get an idea of what types of documents and what each document is that I would need to know. Unfortunately I don't have that kind of money for the course right now.

Sorry if this has been posted for before, like I've said, I've looked through much of this forum and searched things out, but some stuff I could not find answers to. I'm also not looking for contacts or anything like that. My cousin works for TCT, which is what got me into the notary biz and I have applied to probably 50 different companies listed on NoRot in the Signing Central section..I've actually already had a few calls already that I had to turn down because I did not feel comfortable enough to take right away.


Thanks,
Tom

Reply by Lee/AR on 4/8/09 2:08pm
Msg #284090

You're on the right track. Keep reading this board and read/absorb/re-read message 33325--both of which will give you a much better education than that 3 letter place you mentioned. Trust an oldie on this. And your 'in' at TCT won't hurt.

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/8/09 2:24pm
Msg #284095

Thank you. I can see already I should avoid that one source of education.

Reply by davidK/CA on 4/8/09 2:10pm
Msg #284091

Four suggestions for you:

(1) Don't spend a dime getting "certified". In reality what counts is experience, and since there is no officially recognized "certification" other than your State Notary Commission you will be adding a title that means nothing to most hiring companies. Does having a driver's license automatically mean you are a excellent driver or does it mean you possess the basic qualifications to legally drive a vehicle? I believe that most NSAs on this board think it would be a waste of money, especially from a certain source.

(2) Don't quit your day job. While the real estate industry has somewhat of a upswing lately as a "newbie" you will be competing for a finite number of assignments against many well established Notary Signing Agents in your locality with thousands of signings under their belts, who have developed contacts and relationships over the lean years and are now working hard to get those contacts to call them first.

(3) Don't expect most NSAs to be willing to mentor you, even for a fee. This is a very tight- lipped highly competitive business, and most NSAs will not disclose their "secret methods and contacts" to you and thus potentially cut their share of the business. You have to do it all on your own, one signing at a time. If you can't do that then your potential for success is doubtful.

(4) If you still want to try this business keep reading Notary Rotary, and be sure to purchase a Premier Membership. It's a very valuable resource as compared to membership in a certain national organization.

Of course, all of the above is just my Constitutionally protected opinion.

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/8/09 2:22pm
Msg #284093

1- Point taken. I guess it was more for learning what the documents were all about and what I would be required to know, though I guess I'll just go and pick up a book from B&N on the topic instead.
2-Not much of a day job to quit. I'm going to be waiting another seemingly 2 years for a government career to kick in.
3-I guess mentor was not the proper terminology I meant to use. Just was looking I guess to see what I am supposed to do for a signing. I can figure out the marketing portion for myself.
4-Will do.

Thanks!

Reply by BrendaTx on 4/8/09 2:30pm
Msg #284096

Tom: You seem very smart/quick study.

So....If I were you'd I'd purchase the Signing Registry Training Guide (sold HERE in the supplies section) and forget about the NNA's course if it is higher than the SR manual I mention.

However, I will say this...I have never heard anyone say that the NNA's training course was bad.

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/8/09 2:36pm
Msg #284099

Re: Tom: You seem very smart/quick study.

Okay thank you! I just purchased a NJ Notary Law Primer and will take a look into the Signing Registry Guide as well

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 4/8/09 2:51pm
Msg #284103

Re: Tom: Where did you get the Law Primer? n/m

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/8/09 2:58pm
Msg #284105

Re: Tom: Where did you get the Law Primer?

Found it on Barnes & Noble website. Was a used copy for $5, can't beat that..They have a bunch of other states books as well..

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Florida-Notary-Law-Primer/National-Notary-Association/e/9781891133107/?itm=40

That is the Florida one

Reply by jba/fl on 4/8/09 3:05pm
Msg #284108

Re: Tom: Where did you get the Law Primer?

Linda and I both asked because we know that the NNA Law Primer has inaccuracies printed within. Well, in the Florida one anyway.

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/8/09 3:08pm
Msg #284113

Re: Tom: Where did you get the Law Primer?

Oh okay...I'm seeing now that it is in fact published by NNA..

Reply by Lee/AR on 4/8/09 3:06pm
Msg #284109

Primers are State-specific. U know that, right, Tom? n/m

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/8/09 3:07pm
Msg #284110

Re: Primers are State-specific. U know that, right, Tom?

Yes I do...I got the NJ one.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 4/8/09 3:07pm
Msg #284111

Re: Primer...be very careful...

I had 2 of the FL primers - one I got when I certified through NNA, one was given to me prior to my move here - I threw them both out - they contained too much inaccurate information...

Don't use it as your only source of info and double check everything you read in it with your state laws...and Julie's right - download your state handbook (AND your state statutes for reference) and use those as your bibles....not the primer....

JMHO

Reply by BrendaTx on 4/8/09 3:08pm
Msg #284112

Re: Tom: Where did you get the Law Primer?

Just be sure to find your NJ laws online (if they are there) and compare it to the bound edition you have from the NNA (the one you ordered from B~and~N. It’s been said that they don’t necessarily state things exactly right for all states….just California…the ones they seem to be most familiar with.

(By the way while I am thinking about it, I endorse this particular Texas Notary handbook for Texas notaries which you can buy at this site: http://www.texasnotary.com. It is well-written and so far I have not found error in it as far as Texas procedures go....and nope, that's not my site. Not advertising myself. )

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/8/09 3:10pm
Msg #284114

Re: Tom: Where did you get the Law Primer?

I've got the states website bookmarked for easy access...I planned to just compile some cheat sheets regarding this stuff for easier access..Maybe it was redundant getting the primer, though it was only $5 so it could be worse...Live and learn

Reply by jba/fl on 4/8/09 3:03pm
Msg #284107

Same question Tom...

You can go online to NJ's notary website and download their handbook - that is really sufficient. And free.

http://www.statenotary.info/newjersey/

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 4/8/09 2:43pm
Msg #284102

Re: Agree with BrendaTx

The Signing Registry Training Guide is the best.

Reply by MW/VA on 4/8/09 3:21pm
Msg #284117

Welcome to the NSA profession & good luck. The experienced notaries have already given you some great advice about where to get some training. If you haven't already done so, check you zip code to see how many notaries are already in your area. That # won't be completely accurate, because there are notaries who don't list/advertise on any of these sites. Again, good luck.

Reply by Todd/OH on 4/8/09 8:10pm
Msg #284166

Get familiar with the docs

That part can't be stressed enough. There is a reason for each document with a particular few being HIGHLY critical. Miss them or make a mistake and the deal is done along with your business.

The potential for error is very high and even the experienced make mistakes that they shouldn't. The potential for success is there - it takes some years.

Like any business - you have the passion for this or you don't. If you lose interest after six months because your "numbers" aren't where you want them, the passion was never there.

I've been in mortgage banking for 20+ years - been doing the signings on my own for nearly 4 yrs. This is a slow time - I envy anyone with the guts to be starting now. DON'T quit the day job just yet.

Reply by Claudine Osborne on 4/8/09 8:12pm
Msg #284168

email me

Tom..If you would like please email me..

Reply by Susan Fischer on 4/8/09 9:28pm
Msg #284178

Howdy, Tom. This job just dropped into my lap. I got a

call one sunny afternoon, said I was referred by someone who knew me, and asked if I could do a signing, and I said, "I'm sure I could. What are the's the process?" She tickedoff the deal, and after chatting with the borrower, getting directions, and confirming the appointment, and receiving the over nighted docs the next day, I was off.

Arrived a few minutes early, and was graciously welcomed, and I let on this was my first 'signing,' as we walked to the office. She said, "That's ok, neither have I. I'll put on some tea, and we'll get it done together."

Common sense goes an awfully long way. Eventually, you have to dive in, and "just keep swimming, just keep swimming..." as my favorite fish, Dora sings.

You'll do just fine.

Happy Trails!

Reply by Tom/NJ on 4/9/09 5:42am
Msg #284202

Re: Howdy, Tom. This job just dropped into my lap. I got a

Thanks Susan for the words of encouragement. I know I will never fully be confident until I do just dive in, though I am the type that likes to be as prepared as possible for the first time I do dive in and avoid becoming overwhelmed.

Reply by jba/fl on 4/10/09 10:52am
Msg #284324

It is time to hold your nose

and jump into the deep end of the pool.

As I stated previously, know how to fill out your notary block no matter what the language says or carry your own to attach. Master that and you will be fine.