Posted by CSAOH on 2/16/10 7:59pm
Msg #323071

Training Program

I am pretty new as far as a signing agent is concerned. I got certified by the NNA but just did not feel that it was very beneficial. I looked around at some different training programs to find a good fit. I was on the Cafe site and saw a link for Notary2Pro training. I decided to dive right in. The training was pretty simple and straight forward - took about 4 hrs and then there was a 50 question test. The reason that I would recommend this training is this: There are over 50 docs for your reference. They have included notes on how to explain these documents to borrowers as well as instruction on where and how to have each document signed and/or notarized. They also have an auditorium where students can go in and chat with each other for 6 months. It is a newer training course so there aren't a lot of people usually available to chat. Carol, who runs the course seems to very hands on. She gave me her phone number and told me to call her with any questions regarding any docs or questions that I may have in the field. Sort of like a mentor. That in itself to me is priceless.Wow, with most training companies you are just a number . I would check this out if you are a newbie. Let me know if you have any questions.

Reply by jba/fl on 2/16/10 8:08pm
Msg #323072

Sounds like Carol has created a niche for herself benefiting others. Was this very expensive?

Reply by CSAOH on 2/16/10 8:18pm
Msg #323073

It was $89 - not really cheap but not too bad - if anything it gave me more confidence with loan docs and more importantly it gave me someone to call if I need anything. Seems a little different then other training programs out there. I paid twice that for my NNA training.

Reply by jba/fl on 2/16/10 10:22pm
Msg #323088

I think you got a much better deal also.

Welcome. I don't know how long you have been here, but if not long you may or may not have noticed our constant reference to message #33325. It is a long thread, but many, many items all related to loan signings are covered, including some of the greatest and best tips you can find anywhere by some very creative, intelligent people who are very concerned with promoting the notary signing agent as a viable, reliable, necessary and respected commodity.

Business is very slow right now around the country, although there is much to be said for marketing when things are slow. And slow in some areas is not necessarily indicative of all areas. The orange search button is invaluable as a tool also - it seems that if anyone has had a question there is an answer somewhere in the messages. Newbies have problems here when they announce they are new, what's next. Kind of demonstrates their lack of preparation to work and reliance upon others to lead them or hand over what they need with little done on their own behalf. A quick assessment tells me you are not in that category so no need to be afraid. If a search doesn't turn up the answers you need (notice I didn't say "like" then ask away unafraid.

Again, welcome.

Reply by John Schenk on 2/16/10 9:40pm
Msg #323080

Is this PROMOTIONAL?

You're not linked and haven't seen you post before, although not saying that you haven't. Searched your name and it didn't come up.

JJ

Reply by CSAOH on 2/16/10 9:49pm
Msg #323081

Re: Is this PROMOTIONAL?

no John - sorry I should have linked to my profile - I am a "newbie" so I haven't posted here before

Reply by CSAOH on 2/16/10 9:54pm
Msg #323083

Re: Is this PROMOTIONAL?

not to mention that after reading a lot of posts, I am a bit scared to post of here... yikes, this forum is pretty tough on "newbies"

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 2/16/10 10:06pm
Msg #323084

Welcome neewbie.... :-) n/m

Reply by John Schenk on 2/16/10 10:16pm
Msg #323086

Re: Is this PROMOTIONAL?

Pretty tough on "newbies" that post for the first time promoting a new site, without being linked, for sure. May be a wonderful site, but it seemed promotional to me in the post. Haven't checked it out, as I'm going to bed, and Certainly not a decision I make in any way.

Newbies get blasted for not reading stuff on the first page, and not doing a simple search. I think that some folks don't remember that when you hit this site the ORANGE search button doesn't mean squat. It becomes a life tool, once you figure out that it's there. Hopefully folks will chill a bit on that and simply give the advice to use the search button, which is for the most part the advice that is given, unless someone is in a really cranky mood. LOL Usually when an answer is on the first page or two, that's when they REALLY get cranky!

First time poster promoting a new site...that's gonna get you a response here.

Best of luck to you! May all your closings be error free!

JJ

Reply by CSAOH on 2/16/10 10:21pm
Msg #323087

Re: Is this PROMOTIONAL?

just to clarify - not really promoting a new site - just training - I think they just used the cafe to advertise

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 2/17/10 12:01am
Msg #323097

Get a website

Welcome aborard.

Without a website you won't stand much of a chance of being hired.

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/17/10 2:19am
Msg #323098

Welcome aboard. I'd be interested in contact info as I'm soon coming up for renewal of my commission. You'll do alright, I can tell. Stick to your guns, stop, look and listen, etc. It won't take you too long to find out who knows what they're talking about, who thinks they know what they're talking about and who's full of more stuff than a Christmas turkey. IMO

Reply by JanetK_CA on 2/17/10 3:09am
Msg #323099

James, it sounds like this poster is from Ohio. I'm pretty sure you'll want someone from CA for your required renewal class.

To original poster (OP): you've already made some points here by your comments about the NNA and the attitude you've shown, so I wouldn't worry if I were you. The newbies that get blasted here are the ones who come looking for someone else to make their life easy. Most of us worked hard at building our businesses and didn't expect any handouts or anyone to turn over their business plans to us. Simply do your homework first - or at least make a good effort - and if there is something you've tried to figure out on your own or you've unsuccessfully searched for the answers, ask away. There are some great people here with tons of expertise. And you never know... you might end up asking a question that could lead to a discussion that could help us all learn something.

Reply by janCA on 2/17/10 9:50am
Msg #323107

James, NR has a great 6-hr renewal program. It's free!! n/m

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/17/10 9:53am
Msg #323108

Thanks Jan I'll look into that program for n/m

Reply by Yoli/CA on 2/17/10 10:04am
Msg #323109

Re: Thanks Jan I'll look into that program for

6- hour program for free??!?!?!?!?!? I took the NotRot 6 hour program last June and paid for it. Interesting ....

James, you may also be interested in the 3-hour program for renewing rather than the 6-hour. It wasn't available through NR in June but my understanding is that it is now.

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/17/10 10:12am
Msg #323113

Re: Thanks Yoli I'll look into that program too!

Both of you, a great big thanks for showing your willingness to help. Hopefully I'll be able to return the favor.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 2/17/10 9:15pm
Msg #323256

Re: Thanks Yoli I'll look into that program too!

If you haven't renewed since the new law took affect (which is highly unlikely), you do need to take the six hour program. The next time we all renew, we only need to do the three hour program.

I also did the one here (for free for Premier members) and found it to be excellent. The test was much tougher than the state one!

Reply by janCA on 2/17/10 11:18am
Msg #323120

Yoli, did you order the book?

The 6-hr course is free. The book is $19. I did everything online. It's a very good refresher course. I do highly recommend it to anyone that is going to renew.

Reply by Yoli/CA on 2/17/10 3:09pm
Msg #323165

Jan: Didn't buy book. Still don't see anything for free.

Even the online course has a price. Maybe it's area specific.

Reply by Harry [NR] on 2/17/10 6:41pm
Msg #323222

Re: Jan: Didn't buy book. Still don't see anything for free.

It's free to Premier Members. In the same way you can access significant product discounts in the store, you must be logged-in to your account before clicking the Notary Supplies tab.

Harry
Notary Rotary

Reply by janCA on 2/17/10 10:10pm
Msg #323273

Thanks, Harry, I thought I was losing it. n/m

Reply by Grammyzoom on 2/17/10 12:12pm
Msg #323129

Oh my gosh! Someone just called to tell me about your post.

Thank you soooooo much for the kind words about our training course. I am terribly proud of what we are doing and really want to raise the bar for loan signers. As I mentioned to you, we are professionals and we need to maintain that level of service.

It is a terrible thing when a notary tries to build a new career as a loan signer and due to lack of education their chances of becoming a success is nipped in the bud.

On a personal note, I KNOW you will be a huge success! Don't forget to call if you need anything at all.

Carol

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/17/10 2:06pm
Msg #323152

Is this who I think it is? You and C____ have completed your project?

Reply by LKT/CA on 2/17/10 1:03pm
Msg #323140

Yes, I have a question

Your post says: I am pretty new as far as a signing agent is concerned.

Your profile says: Professional and very experienced with loan docs. Certified Signing Agent with 10 years experience as a Loan Officer and Real Estate Agent.

Here's my question: What could be offered in Notary2Pro training that is absent in a 10 year real estate and loan officer career ?

Reply by Tara Perry Professional Signings on 2/17/10 3:22pm
Msg #323169

Re: Yes, I have a question

I do have experience in the mortgage and real estate industry but have never been in charge of the docs......mostly where to sign and where to notarize. I am sure that I could have winged it with no certifications or training but thought it would help my confidence as well as my marketability