Posted by Kaci/TX on 6/8/10 11:09am
Msg #340200

Would it be poor form?

I work in an insurance company during the day. Oftentimes, out of state lenders call and ask for a dec sheet because Mr. XXX is doing a refi. Would it be a breach of ethics for me to offer my services as a signing agent?

I really hope that I don't get torn apart for this, I simply don't want to be unethical but thought that might be a good opportunity for me to get my name out there.

Thanks

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 6/8/10 11:15am
Msg #340201

Have you considered discussing it with your boss?? n/m

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 6/8/10 11:15am
Msg #340202

Re: Would it be poor form?....if it were me

I'd market to them on my own time....in the evening...day off...but NOT at the time they call for the dec page...

MHO

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 6/8/10 12:38pm
Msg #340215

agree with Linda H...its own your own dime not on co time... n/m

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 6/8/10 3:33pm
Msg #340250

in rethinking this situation, you better make sure you don't

have a confidentiality employment contract, otherwise, if you do get clients from this means, you might be in violation of your employment contract and could possible be fired, ASAP, for breach of contract or something to that effect...NOT A LAWYER, NOT LEGAL ADVICE, ETC. ETC.

Reply by A S Johnson on 6/8/10 11:16am
Msg #340203

It would a problem if your insurance day job had a problem with it.
on the side, you need to understand many title/escrow companies hae contracts with signing services the have to use to get signing agents.
It is worth asking.
The worst thing that can happen is they say no.

Reply by Kaci/TX on 6/8/10 11:20am
Msg #340205

My boss doesn't have a problem with it. He is very kind and understanding. He says he wished that the company we work for paid me more (he pays half my wages and the Ins Co pays the other half) so he really supports my work as a SA. He even allows me to use the office printer for docs as long as I bring my own paper, as it's much faster than my printer.

He said that he wouldn't have a problem with me saying something to the effect of, "And in case you need a Signing Agent, I am available outside of office hours." But it was his suggestion that I asked more "seasoned" SA's to make sure its not a no-no as far as our profession is concerned.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 6/8/10 5:26pm
Msg #340262

If your boss is OK with it, then it shouldn't be a problem. In fact, it sounds like he's encouraging it. As long as you have his permission, I don't think it's unethical.

Reply by 101livescan on 6/8/10 11:17am
Msg #340204

I would suggest you ask your supervisor their opinion of your offering your services to these folks. Soliciting business for your own profit while on company time.....I think your employer may have issues with this.

Reply by Kaci/TX on 6/8/10 11:37am
Msg #340206

Thank you all for your replies. I will market them on my lunch and/or after hours. I really appreciate this forum!

Reply by Grammyzoom on 6/8/10 11:45am
Msg #340207

If your boss is ok with it

and you have the opportunity, I would ask how they hire the signing agents for their refi documents. Then find out how you can be added to their database of qualified notaries. Opportunity is knocking - answer the door!

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 6/8/10 1:43pm
Msg #340230

As you asked your boss and he said it is ok, I say go for it

I agree with GZ and the others as well. I wouldn't make a lengthy sales pitch when they call, but mentioning it and getting contact information to contact them later is a good idea. If worked right, you could end up with a great contact stream of multiple companies. It should net you some really good business.

You do realize that I'm saying this because you are not in direct competition with me, right? If you were local, I'd be saying this is a horrible idea. LOL

Good luck!

Reply by jba/fl on 6/8/10 2:15pm
Msg #340237

I say go for it as well. Your boss gave you the green light,

don't wait for it to turn red.

If you do get something out of it, don't forget to plug your boss whenever you can, and a small token gift to him of your appreciation (nothing fancy - a bag of nuts, pun intended, sandwich from a favorite place, etc.) would be an apt gesture.

Reply by Art_PA on 6/8/10 2:36pm
Msg #340241

I see no problem or ethical issue. You may want to have an information sheet to fax with the dec page. You also may want to ask who in the company or which department arranges closings so you can contact that person directly. The underwriting department probably does not care about the closing & will probably not pass your information on. Good Luck.

Reply by BossLadyMD on 6/8/10 10:16pm
Msg #340289

hey can u put a plug in for me to any MD lenders ;) n/m