Reply by Marian_in_CA on 5/10/09 10:53pm
Msg #287957
I am a VA, and I think that the biggest advantage to the Signing agent field is the level of comfort with technology. VAs are likely to have better computers, printers, and other mobile technology that makes it easier to be a successful signing agent. I did an Amtrust e-sign yesterday, and the e-portion of the signing when very smoothly, and the borrower even commented on it. I guess they were having a tough time finding a notary in my area who could do an e-signing. Some didn't have the equipment, and others just refuse to do it.
Since I just moved and am still new to this area (at least as far as being a notary is concerned), I'm not on a lot of call lists yet so people are finding me after they've exhausted other resources. This one on Saturday came from the NNA's website. As much as others have indicated they never got work from there, I have received quite a bit, and all decent paying at that, too.
Second? Since VA's are, by nature, independent business owners, they get the mindset needed to be a signing agent. A lot of notaries think they can just jump in and be a signing agent and run their own business...when they really have no idea what they're doing. The ones who say, "How much should I be charging?" or similar things like that are the ones that won't be around long.
But neither of those really directly correlate as a benefit between being a VA and a notary/signing agent.
Now, being a NOTARY, I have found...is beneficial to being a VA. It's not even so much that VA clients needs my notary services, but they have commented that one of the reasons they called or chose to work with me is because I am a CA notary who has been background checked and is a trusted "public official" -- now none of that really even matters to the job, but it gives them a sense of security knowing that I am not just a fly by night VA with a questionable background.
Honestly, they are two entire different "hats" that one must learn to keep somewhat distinct.
However, I have done some VA work for some signing agents. I don't want to advertise my VA services on the board...so I hope nobody is thinking of that this way. But I've had at least 3 signing agents contact me for small jobs like business cards, custom loose certificates and correspondence. And, all three of them indicated they chose me because I understand what they do... and they didn't want to have to explain it. It's similar to VAs who help Real Estate agents/brokers, those who help attorneys, coaches, etc. They like to hire VAs who have a background and knowledge of what they're doing.
But as far as any direct benefits? Eh... likely not. In fact, sometimes it confuses people and I often have to turn away work. I have received a few calls from people who ask me to help fill out a legal form and then notarize it for them. Obviously, I can't do that.
|
Reply by Marian_in_CA on 5/11/09 1:57pm
Msg #288014
Charles, I am a member of the IVAA, yes. You can verify that on their website in the membership directory. I have taken the Ethics Check exam... but am still waiting on the results. It's been a week now and I'm not sure what the hold up is. I have to pass that one before I can go on to the CVA or RESS exams. All of the exams are VERY difficult. I'm going to go for the CVA first... but I've got to save up for it. They charge $120 and it's pretty intense, but for good reason.
There are only 23 members of the IVAA that have the CVA designation. Only 23! And there are, like 1100 members. Some of them don't feel it is necesarry, others too expansive, and others just can't pass it.
|
