Posted by Kelly Shoup on 10/19/09 3:19pm
Msg #307823

Help!!!

I have my first signing tonight and to be frank, i have no idea what to do...... can anyone help???????


Thanks so much

Reply by Yoli/CA on 10/19/09 3:29pm
Msg #307826

You have no idea?!?!??!?!!???? In that case, why did you accept signing?

If you're serious about "no idea," you may consider: a) calling the ss or tc and rescinding the assignment so you can go out and get some instruction on the process; b) call the ss or tc, explain the situation and pray they'll guide you; or, c) contact another NSA near you for guidance.

Good luck!

Reply by GA/Atty on 10/19/09 4:01pm
Msg #307830

It will be easy. Just have the borrowers sign as indicated

exactly as their names are typed, notarize where indicated, and if the borrowers have any questions you can't answer, have them call their loan officer.

Then just kick back and wait for the money to roll in!

Reply by Les_CO on 10/20/09 8:43pm
Msg #308011

Re: It will be easy. Just have the borrowers sign as indicated

And don’t forget to buy a tote bag to put all that cash in.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 10/19/09 4:04pm
Msg #307831

Re: Help!!!...Kelly

One month ago you were a brand new notary looking to have your bond filled out - you've already completed all the training and have advertised yourself as a signing agent? My suggestion to you is to either (a) turn the assignment back and don't take any more until you've studied, studied, studied and have your notary law AND loan signing information down pat .... OR....(b) call the NNA and ask them what to do since they trained you and listed you as a certified signing agent.

Without knowing what type of signing you've been offered and without seeing the package it's difficult for us to respond and it's unfair to you AND your borrowers.

Take a deep breath and Good Luck.

Reply by Notarysigner on 10/19/09 4:40pm
Msg #307833

It may sound cruel but linda is correct...don't embarrass yourself, the Signing Agent Title or allow the borrower to suffer. Maybe you can contact another SA to do the signing an go with them to observe.....Just an Idea.

Reply by Karla/WA on 10/19/09 4:58pm
Msg #307835

I know when I started out, I was "along for the ride" for the first few...then I was the one who was the notary, but an experienced notary was there to fill in the details. I also role played with the person who trained me and I was thankful for that experience. Give yourself a little time to be successful and it's important to have a fundamental knowledge of the package you're signing. One never knows what your package will contain and 99% of the time, the ss or title company will not tell you any unique issues....therefore, it's necessary to know what you're doing or rely on those who you can learn from. Good luck....

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 10/19/09 5:00pm
Msg #307836

"I have my first signing tonight and to be frank, i have no idea what to do...... can anyone help"

Pray!!!

Reply by Maureen_nh on 10/19/09 5:07pm
Msg #307837

First, make sure you are not going to get last minute docs, that's a recipe for disaster. Make sure you have an hour ro review before you have to leave. If not turn it back and tell them you have time constraints
Check what you have against your signing agent manual. I hope you have a hand holder for your first time out. Fax backs can catch some errors and they are usually good about not beating you up.
Make sure they sign as printed and watch it--sometimes title and lender have different forms of the name.
Check everything before you leave the table and insist on quiet while you do.
Check again before you send docs out. Know your states form for acks and jurats, you may have to add venues or borrowers names depend on the doc and your state.
Good signing!!

Reply by Lynne/OR on 10/19/09 5:26pm
Msg #307839

You'll be fine. Everyone has to start somewhere!! It's not rocket science, just make sure of a few things:

1. Inform the borrower they must sign/initial exactly how their name is printed
2. Scan each document for missing signatures/initials before you turn it over and move on.
3. Don't fret about getting the notary portion filled out perfectly at the signing...you can just go back and fill in missing spots later when there is not so much pressure.
4. Smile and act like you've done this a million times and people will ask a lot less questions

Good luck!!!!

Reply by LKT/CA on 10/19/09 5:46pm
Msg #307841

<<<I have my first signing tonight and to be frank, i have no idea what to do...... can anyone help???????>>>

I disagree with all who infer that "this is easy.....not rocket science.....you'll do fine, etc". You should turn the assignment back to the company that hired you. I understand that everyone needs to "start somewhere" and it is one thing to be nervous for your first loan signing. ***But you should not accept a job when "you have NO IDEA what to do". ****

Would you hire an auto mechanic to fix your car when they have "no idea what to do"? Would you want a doctor diagnosing your illness who has "no idea what to do"? Then why is it okay for you to take on a major financial transaction when you have "no idea what to do"?

There is a HUGE difference between not having any idea what to do and and just simply being nervous that you must now put training in action....HUGE difference. You must take the time to learn the job. That means taking loan signing course or workshop - if you have no background in real estate, escrow, title, or similar industries. It means networking with a more experienced Notary who is willing to meet with you over lunch - your treat - and show you how to present a mock set of loan docs and give you other tips of the trade.

I was nervous for my first loan signing....everyone is. But I knew my Notary laws....took a loan signing workshop that had hands on training on how to properly notarize and present loans docs so when I had my first loan signing, though I was nervious, I knew what I was doing.

My opinion is that you should give the job back until you KNOW what you are doing.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 10/19/09 6:16pm
Msg #307849

Well stated LKT

Everyone is probably nervous on their first loan signing. I know I was, and to make things worse my father passed away the morning of the signing.

As you say, it is one thing being nervous and a totally different thing not having a clue.
Hope Kelly has good liability insurance (not just notary E&O).

Reply by MistarellaFL on 10/20/09 8:15am
Msg #307871

What is the deal?

The fellow in a later post wants to know "which docs" get notarized....
Are SS's frustrated?
Unable to conjure up experienced NSAs who will accept $50 for a loan signing?
Are they randomly finding notaries? Offering them the XYZ dream?

Reply by Denese McAlister-Ott on 10/19/09 5:56pm
Msg #307842

you can call me ASAP 561-674-0055
I will be happy to teach you a quick review
do you have the documents?

Reply by Philip Johnson on 10/19/09 6:15pm
Msg #307848

Look confident and follow along as the papers unfold. n/m

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 10/19/09 6:17pm
Msg #307850

Re: Look confident and follow along as the papers unfold.

and when asked a question, respond by saying "sorry, I am just a notary" LOL

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 10/19/09 6:18pm
Msg #307851

You have no idea what to do?

I'm with Sylvia... your better start praying'.

I'm wondering how you managed to GET a signing if you didn't know how to talk to them about it or what to do. How did you negotiate your rate? I really hope you didn't just accept $65.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 10/19/09 6:21pm
Msg #307853

Re: You have no idea what to do?

One month ago she was just becoming a notary...I'm wondering if she has a laser printer yet...

In fact, I'm wondering if this is for real at all...and I find it surprising that the owner of ANOTHER signing service has offered her help...unless, of course, A Quality is the one who hired her. But if ABC hired her then ABC should be guiding her and answering her questions, not XYZ company.

If this is for real, my best advice to Kelly is call your hiring party.

MHO

Reply by LindaP/OH on 10/20/09 9:02am
Msg #307875

Re: You have no idea what to do?

I don't know what you are charging, but I also don't know how you can charge anyone anything when you don't know anything! PLEASE!!! Get some training BEFORE you inflict yourself on the unwitting public. Sorry if I am unkind, but there is more than meets the eye here and you need to know what you are doing, there are MANY courses available here and on other sites. Good luck!!

Reply by Frank/NC on 10/19/09 7:52pm
Msg #307857

If you are nervous that is normal. If, in fact, you have no idea, give up the signing and get out of the business. By now I would hope you have a "good" idea of what the job is like. Sorry if this sounds somewhat brash but you should know whatever is in the manual for your State and also be aware of what is expected of you.

Reply by John Schenk on 10/19/09 8:47pm
Msg #307858

Hope if you kept it that it went well for you, Kelly. The first one is the toughest. They DO get easier as you go on, but there's weird situations that will present themselves from time to time. Always try to take the time to familiarize yourself with the docs. All refi's are the same, just different, as are the rest of them. Different lenders and title companies will never send them to you in the same order as the other will, but as you go on you'll get more and more familiar with the docs and where the siggies and initials will be on them. Some require initials on almost every page and some you will have that require absolutely no initials on any of the docs, just as one I closed tonight. Seems to be the loan application that most notaries miss getting all the sigs on. Sometimes they will actually send you a "sample" loan application showing you where all the sigs need to be, and you come to find out that it doesn't even match the loan app your borrowers are signing. I used arrow stickers or sign here stickers on my first few closings...worked for me. I have never had to go back. After a few trips, you'll spot where they have to sign or fill out info and then you'll get a new kink thrown at you. Never be afraid to pick up the phone and call the SS or title, and highlight their numbers on your confirmation and/or instructions so you have that contact number and person ready to call. Be sure if it's going to be a late closing that you have late numbers to call, no matter how long you've been doing this.

Anyway, best of luck to you.

JJ

Reply by BrendaTx on 10/20/09 9:11am
Msg #307877

The question occurs to me in this 1st signing thread...

(And, this is to the entire thread...not just JJ. I just taked on to here.)

To the OP - go through the docs and figure out in one sentence how to sum up the document. Figure out where the important points of the documents are in print. In other words, study.

To the others...I'm curious:

So, what were the experiences of any who have posted ... which led to their first signing appointment?

I would have been scared solid if I had gone to an appointment without having years of experience with legal real estate documents.

But, as we all know...if having years of legal asst. experience, or other kind of related legal, mortgage, lender, title experience was a requirement...then lots of us would not be here.

So, IMWTK...was the "thing" that made you more ready than the original poster? And, if your background in your experience/work history was not related to this biz...how did you prepare?

[I'll be off the radar for a few days but, I'll be reading on my phone. Like I said--> IMWTK!]

Reply by Notarysigner on 10/20/09 10:03am
Msg #307884

Re: The question occurs to me in this 1st signing thread...

For those of us without a history in this business it could be a shock, the first time.
For me I prepared by going over the Docs page by page referencing my training manual. I put sticky (yellow) for signatures and where notarization applied (red). The assignment was in my neighborhood which made it easy and the SS KNEW it was my FIRST and guaranteed support.
Over the last two years 40% of my work comes from this SS. I was very fortunate and still extremely thankful to Doug for the opportunity. No he is not a low-baller, pay is very competitive and always within 30 days.

Reply by Notarysigner on 10/20/09 10:50am
Msg #307900

Re: The question occurs to me in this 1st signing thread...

Oooh yea, I had a clue because I had recently gone thru the process from the borrower perspective.

Reply by SharonMN on 10/20/09 10:22am
Msg #307889

Re: The question occurs to me in this 1st signing thread...

In response to Brenda's question about what past experience people have had:

I had been working in the legal department of a financial company for more than 10 years when I started doing loan signings. I did take the NNA course which I found very helpful as far as getting an overview of the loan signing process, how the industry works, etc. BUT, I decided to take the course and become a signing agent because I thought it would be a good fit for me since (a) I'd already been a notary for years and knew my notary laws, and (b) I already had years of experience presenting contracts, corporate documents, and other legal papers (some of which the lawyer had just handed to me moments before) to executives and explaining in one or two sentences what the document was and why (and where!) they needed to sign it.

I would say other than knowing how to be a notary, it is most important to know how to scan a complex document in 5 seconds and figure out what it is.

The thing that came as a shocker to me is the last-minute nature of the business. I had no idea signings were routinely scheduled just a few hours before the appointment. Being able to deal with that is the other important thing.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 10/20/09 12:44pm
Msg #307915

Re: The question occurs to me in this 1st signing thread...

Before I accepted my first assignment, I had been reading here at NotRot for well over a year. I had the NNA book (yeah, yeah.... but it did help a little bit) and I researched everything I could so that I DID know what I was doing. There's no way I'd have accepted a job until I felt comfortable with the general nature of the the documents I'd be presenting, the vocabulary involved and definitely my notarial skills.

I was VERY nervous, though... I think I almost we tmy pants I was so nervous. I got really lucky in that the SS that gave my my first assignment gave me the package almost a WEEK (!!) in advance, so I had time to review it completely and become familiar with a "live" package. It was a simple single borrower re-fi. I totally lucked out looking back on it, but I was still nervous.

However, I was comfortable enough that I could answer her questions, present the documents, and point her to the items she needed.

That said, I recognize that I'm a little bit anal retentive about being prepared for things. I am descended from a hearty stock of Mormon pioneers and was born and raised (and now live here again!) in the center of earthquake country. "Be Prepared" is kind of imprinted in my genetics. Hee hee.

We all start somewhere, that's true. But starting by declaring that you have no clue what to do is just plain odd. That's like promising you'll fix your neighbor's transmission and then asking, "How do I open this trunk?" -- while standing and the front of the car.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 10/20/09 1:03pm
Msg #307919

Re: The question occurs to me in this 1st signing thread...

"That's like promising you'll fix your neighbor's transmission and then asking, "How do I open this trunk?" -- while standing and the front of the car"

ROFL!! Too funny!!...

Reply by Charles_Ca on 10/20/09 1:39pm
Msg #307928

Not much Brenda, just 30 years brokering RE and Loans! n/m

Reply by Charles_Ca on 10/20/09 1:41pm
Msg #307930

BTW that's commercial RE and Loans where I wrote the docs

and contracts from scratch and then told escrow and title what I needed in the package.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 10/21/09 2:39am
Msg #308057

Re: The question occurs to me in this 1st signing thread...

I had been a notary for a year and 1/2, so I knew my notary law. I started by taking one of the first ever classes the NNA held in Southern California. To give you an idea of what I thought about that, at the first break in the morning (which was right after their first selling pitch), I was on the phone asking for my money back (but that's a whole other story...) I then spent a few months reading and studying about the loan business and docs. It didn't occur to me to ask for a ride-along or to ask for someone nearby to train me - and I didn't really know anyone I could ask. As I started to find work, I asked my client when I wasn't sure about something. Probably lost a client or two that way, but I learned a lot!

My first assignment was overnight docs (which most were in those days), so I went through page by page in advance and marked with flags every single place where a signature or initial was needed. I then read over any documents I didn't feel comfortable with and referred back to my training materials a few times. I was nervous as he77, but I got through it and I don't think either the borrowers or the signing service knew it was my very first one (although I have no illusions that they pegged me as an experienced signing agent! )

Reply by BrendaTx on 10/24/09 7:03pm
Msg #308573

Lots of good advice on how to get ready for first signing

in this thread. I had a combination of background, Janet's way and Marian's way.

Those things should make a person realize how to jump in WITH a clue.

Reply by jnew on 10/20/09 5:47pm
Msg #307968

Turn down the assignment until you know exactly how to handle a closing. This is going to be a bad situation for yourself, the closing agency, the lender and the borrowers. Find a person in your area who works for a closing department at a lender, attorney or title company and get some one on one advice. Also be willing to pay for the training, it will pay you dividends in the end.