Posted by janCA on 3/11/10 10:00am
Msg #326462

Are people really accepting $85

for a Reverse Mortgage? May God help them! And to those services offering this paltry fee, this is just shameful.

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/11/10 10:03am
Msg #326466

I will admit I was out of the loop for close to 2 years for personal matters and now that I am back in I am very surprised to see how some take very low fees on any real estate related signature function. (and how some companies really have not changed and still offer as low as they can and find the ones willing)
I am also wondering how much it is hurting the ones like us that have been working the field for many years.
Either the ones doing it for so cheap are newbies and have not gotten the rope yet or they are in despair for money (which in this economy is understandable)

Reply by JandB on 3/11/10 10:05am
Msg #326467

They must be. I hope they do the math and realize they are losing money. I love doing reverse mortgages because the borrowers are usually pretty neat people but I block off 2 hours. It does not always take that long but you never know and there is no way to hurry them if they want to tell you about their life story. I charge extra and I almost always get it.

Reply by Robert/FL on 3/11/10 10:13am
Msg #326471

What you full-time NSAs seem to miss is, for notaries like me, who already have a full time job, getting $85.00 to spend an hour notarizing a few documents is easy money. You may say that it hurts all the full-timers, but people are generally looking out for themselves.

This is not to say I do loan closings, because I don't. But if a signing service called me today and said, we will give you $75 to go to a person's house 20 minutes away and notarize a few signatures, I would probably do it. Even if I had to spend $10 at Kinko's having the documents printed, after $10 in gas, I would still be getting $50.00 for an hour of work. No, that wouldn't bring in sufficient profit if I was doing signings full time, as I would need to buy paper and a printer and put more mileage on my car. But, it would be $50 in my pocket for not doing a whole lot.

Just to offer a different point of view...

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 3/11/10 10:16am
Msg #326472

Robert, that's because you're not taking into account

*ALL* the expenses involved - it's not just "notarizing a few signatures" - there's more expenses involved than just that..

And suppose that package has 28 notarizations, such as I've experienced? What's your position on that? Do you still feel $75-$85 is adequate?

Reply by Robert/FL on 3/11/10 10:20am
Msg #326474

Re: Robert, that's because you're not taking into account

Yes, I understand there are many expenses involved when you are doing loan signings on a full time basis. But even for a package with 28 notarizations; I do probably 85-90% of my notarizations for free, so $75 sounds good to someone like me.

Again, I'm just offering a point of view from the other side of the fence, so you can see why notaries who are just getting into the signing agent business as a side-job thing to bring in a few extra dollars are taking the $75 jobs.

Reply by CH2inCA on 3/11/10 11:25am
Msg #326505

Re: Robert, It's all about you...NOT

Not you personally Robert. But what we're missing here is that the BORROWERS are paying for someone who is a Signing Agent. They are not paying for general notary work.

I feel that the Signing Services are playing a deceptive game when they charge for a signing agent and send out 'just a notary."

just my not so humble opionion.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 3/11/10 1:01pm
Msg #326530

Oh, Robert...

If it were "just" notarizations? Sure... that's a great price. BUT... loan packages aren't ever "just" notarizations. That's the thing you're missing.

Too many notaries think they can just jump in and do the work thinking all they need to be is a notary. Not true!

Think of it like an orthopedic surgeon who has been called in replace your hip. Would you allow just any doctor to handle it, like emergency physician? Likely not -- because the ER guy doesn't have the experience and technical knowledge to make those kind of repairs. Oh, sure... he's also a doctor, and likely a good one under pressure... but being a doctor is only the basic part.

Notaries jumping in and taking low fees for real estate loan work, think all they need to do is notarize a few signatures are like ER doctors doing hip replacements. Technically, it can be done. But is it responsible? And do you really want to live the rest of your life with a hip replacement done by doctor who specializes in quick fixes? I don't know about you, but if I am having a hip replaced, I want a board certified orthopedic surgeon with experience in hip replacement.

Reply by Robert/FL on 3/11/10 1:07pm
Msg #326533

Re: Oh, Robert...

I have only posted the above info so you can see WHY people are taking these low fees.

I do not do loan signings, never have and never will. I am a notary and that is all I care to be. If the people on this board don't like that... tough. Go start a board for signing agents only. This is a notary board.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 3/11/10 1:09pm
Msg #326536

Re: Oh, Robert...

I read what you said.

And I was trying to make a point. You were the one that brought up $85 for RMs...

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 3/11/10 1:10pm
Msg #326537

Sorry... I meant $75..... n/m

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/11/10 1:09pm
Msg #326535

Re: Oh, Robert...

I get a feeling that those notaries give up quite fast as they probably fax in the docs and are getting called upon mistakes ad have to go back and forth and waste a bit more of their time re-faxing everything and in the end ... well they realize that it is not worth it !
Especially if they go for a company that babysits their signers

I do rememeber my first loan signature ... oh boy ... had to go back twice ... from there on learned to read all my docs and took time to study every aspect of them and after a few got it down , so when one says that you do not need to know your documentation before you go out there ... I say *BS*

Reply by janCA on 3/11/10 10:19am
Msg #326473

Well, it pretty obvious you haven't done a RM

If there were "just a few documents" that needed notarizations, you bet I'd take that $85. There's more to it than that, Robert. And the only way you can have an opinion about it is if you've actually done a RM or any other loan signing. Otherwise, you really don't know what you're talking about.

Reply by Robert/FL on 3/11/10 10:21am
Msg #326477

Re: Well, it pretty obvious you haven't done a RM

You don't need to know a thing about loan documents to notarize them. And for companies offering $50 for a signing, they should know they aren't getting a loan doc expert.

Reply by PAW on 3/11/10 10:24am
Msg #326478

Re: Well, it pretty obvious you haven't done a RM

You're missing the point.... A BIG POINT. Being a signing agent is only 10% being a notary and 90% being a knowledgeable loan signing agent or real estate transaction 'closer'. Granted, if you are "just a notary", that's one thing, but we're not talking about "just a notary" type work.

Therefore you DO need to know a thing or two about loan documents to properly perform the duties of a signing agent!

Reply by Sir_Lawrence on 3/11/10 10:41am
Msg #326489

Re: Well, it pretty obvious you haven't done a RM

When these companies call me and ask me to take $75-$85 for a signing or (Believe it or not!) $35 for a RESPA, the answer is call Mickey Mouse Notaries, you don't want me. I know what I'm doing. That's why your seeing 4 pages of idiot instructions and warnings. Bottom line is you get what you pay for and I will never sell myself out, no matter what.

Reply by janCA on 3/11/10 10:28am
Msg #326481

So I guess you would be one of those

"point and sign signing agents", not really knowing what it is you are presenting to the borrowers. Which in turn, makes you look incompetent in the eyes of the borrowers.

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/11/10 10:33am
Msg #326483

Re: Well, it pretty obvious you haven't done a RM

You do not need to know a thing about loan documents???? hmmmm I will beg to differ about that ... do you know how many different loans are out there? and how each specific loan will require a specific document different than another loan? Do you know how many signatures we need to make sure we colect and we know about the number by each loan type? Do you know how many documents require signatures on top and bottom or signatures and initials?

No I do not agree that we do not have to know anything about loans as when we fax in our packages of sometimes over 100 pages we need to make sure all are correct or we are in for another trip or a pay cat or a no pay!

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/11/10 10:38am
Msg #326487

Re: Well, it pretty obvious you haven't done a RM

and sorry for the typos but statements like that get to me ... let's take a walk!

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 3/11/10 12:10pm
Msg #326513

Re: Well, it pretty obvious you haven't done a RM - Cari

" pay cat or a no pay!"

hmmm I am allergic to cats, so wouldn't take a pay cat

(Sorry Cari, couldn't resist - you know my sense of humour)

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/11/10 1:11pm
Msg #326539

Re: Well, it pretty obvious you haven't done a RM - Cari

poor Cari, taking the heat for me LOL ... it was Corrine (that would be me) Cat matter fact stood for *cut*

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 3/11/10 1:54pm
Msg #326576

Re: Well, it pretty obvious you haven't done a RM - Cari

Yup - I just realized that it should have been "Corrine" and not Cari.
That's Ok. you are both nice people
I knew you meant "cut"

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/11/10 10:35am
Msg #326485

Re: Well, it pretty obvious you haven't done a RM

would you mind linking your name? TYA

Reply by Notarysigner on 3/11/10 11:32am
Msg #326508

Re: We can all learn from his "other side comments"

....If a LO or Agent is not present at the signing I do my very best to make sure the borrowers know and understand the Docs they're signing. I feel very good about doing that.

When I leave I am confident I have reassured the borrower all is well. That is better then saying....sign here!

Reply by Cari on 3/11/10 12:36pm
Msg #326518

ROBERT/FL....UR A COMPLETE MORON... n/m

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/11/10 10:29am
Msg #326482

You are talking regular notarizations, we are talking closing documents and reverse mortages which is a different ballgame. I do plenty of natarizations in the area hospitals and my fees are totally different. I wouldn't do a reverse for 85.

Reply by PAW on 3/11/10 10:20am
Msg #326475

Part-timers and those accepting low fees ...

... are quite often not thinking or accounting for their TIME. They say $85 for an hours work, minus gas and paper leaves a $75 profit. Well, it doesn't, unless you are donating your time and effort. Considering signings, even some annuities, can take better than an hour to do, plus time to travel, plus ancillary charges for wear & tear on equipment, etc., eat up all that "profit" pretty quickly.

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/11/10 10:35am
Msg #326484

Re: Part-timers and those accepting low fees ...

so agreed ... no matter that we are prevented from giving legal advice we still do need to be able to tell the borrower what the document stands for when he asks before signing.

Reply by LndWelch/CA on 3/11/10 10:40am
Msg #326488

Re: Part-timers and those accepting low fees ...

What hasn't been mentioned - time wise - is the amount of time preparing for the signing and the time spent after as well.
I spend close to an hour familiarizing myself with all the documents and making sure everything is there BEFORE going to the signing. Afterwards I double check the docs before mailing them out. So each signing is at the very least over two hours of my time - add to that the travel time, cost of paper, toner equipment, etc. and if I only charge *%.00 I would be barely making minimum wage - at $50 I would be donating my services!

You're doing this for "extra pocket money". There are those of us who consider this a full time job and take it very seriously. I'm sure you'd be upset if your "real' job supervisor hired someone to do your job - just knowing the basics and paid half as much - and your hours were cut to part time because of it.

Think about it...

Reply by Grammyzoom on 3/11/10 11:20am
Msg #326501

Are we worth the same when slow as when we are busy?

I teach newbies how to become "Loan Document Specialists" and that involves so much more than just stamping a piece of paper and writing something in your journal (if you use one). All of us who take this job seriously know that. Each signing involves so much more.

One of the chapters I wrote is entitled "The Anatomy of a Loan". The notary is a key figure in the loan or sale process. If we screw up we can cost a lot of people, from the loan officers, underwriters, title officers, escrow officers, assistants etc. etc. etc., their livelihood. It is so important that we take what we do seriously, which I know most of you do, and we need to be paid accordingly.

We personally are painfully slow right now and it is tempting to take those low fees when offered. But I refuse to do that. I will not lower what I feel I am worth and it is tough when you need the money. When things get busy again, and they will, would I then still be worth the $75, $80 or $85 that I accepted when it was slow?

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/11/10 11:24am
Msg #326504

Re: Are we worth the same when slow as when we are busy?

Nicely said and so real

Reply by garland/CA on 3/11/10 1:20pm
Msg #326551

a good signing agent makes the whole transaction go smoother

the borrowers are often dependent on a competent signing agent to help them feel comfortable with the papers they are signing. Many are first time home buyers and are seeing their final documents for the first time. Many signings would be halted for no good reason just because the borrower doesn't feel comfortable with a whole stack of papers they don't understand.

We all know we cannot explain the loan terms or specfics of the loan, but we do need to know where to find the information they want, walk them through items on the closing statement, etc. if there are specific questions they can then call their LO, or we can clarify with title ("why are there two charges for property taxes on closing stmt"?, which I recently had and title then realized was a double charge by mistake.)

Imagine you show up at someone's home with a stack of papers that are one of the biggest financial transactions some people will make. They don't want to just be handed that stack and pointed to a signature line. The LO, title, lender are all affected by how smoothly the transaction goes when we are at their home! Not to mention it is in the borrowers' best interest also.

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 3/11/10 2:48pm
Msg #326604

GZ, you said it! n/m

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 3/11/10 2:46pm
Msg #326603

the amount of time preparing for the signing...

That would make them professional. They probably just print and go. After all they only want to spend one hour total for the $50.

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 3/11/10 2:43pm
Msg #326601

Re: Part-timers and those accepting low fees ...

Paul, And that's IF they actually get paid by the company. What about the time involved in attempting to get paid from a low ball company?

Reply by Cari on 3/11/10 12:26pm
Msg #326515

"Are people really accepting $85?" UM YES...and for idiotic

reasons, because nothing is logical or sane about working for less than $XXX (or what your worth) whether it be a RM, Refi, Purchase, or whatever!

We, the very few of us now, that actually do this type of work for a living, full-time, and not just for 'beer money', are the ones being pushed out of this profession because of our insistence of getting paid what we are worth, and because of the ever so ignorant low-baller NSA, SS and/or TC.

It sickens me and you know what's worse? Is that the mature or very well experienced closing agents are finally buckling, and taking these low paying gigs, and then have the audacity to defend their actions on this forum!!! (....side note, if only NotRot could somehow put a button somewhere, and when pressed, a large 3D fist could come out and punch the $hit out of those individuals as to wake them up out of their fear...that would make my day)...anyway....

Soon we will not be able to make ANY type of living with this profession because the lowballers' insane mentality has somehow cushioned the logical part of their brain with, the ole', 'well, something is better than nothing". ................NO it is F'NOT!

The very second jobs were accepted for less than $XXX, regardless of the distance, or type of loan, package size, etc., it was all over!

The ramifications are slowly making its way nationwide and very soon I'm afraid, this type of work, will be worth doing ONLY to pay for 'beer money'!

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/11/10 12:34pm
Msg #326516

Re: "Are people really accepting $85?" UM YES...and for idiotic

saddly enough I cannot disagree with you and lately I have taken on more non-closing work than I ever did ... but closing for less than XXX is killing the ones having choosen this as a job ... sad reality ... and notice that the ones taking the low pay do not link their name to the post.

Reply by Cari on 3/11/10 12:39pm
Msg #326519

YUP! If only they would.....;) n/m

Reply by Robert/FL on 3/11/10 12:45pm
Msg #326521

Re: "Are people really accepting $85?" UM YES...and for idiotic

First of all, I do NOT do loan signings as I stated above. Secondly, I do not link my profile because I am tired of having my personal life being brought up on this board as it has in the past.

I hate to say it, but the signing agent profession will not be around forever. You choose to do this as a full time job, great, but if I were doing loan signings it would be part time and I would do no more than notarize the signatures.

Reply by Cari on 3/11/10 12:54pm
Msg #326525

Robert, then why r u on this forum? n/m

Reply by Robert/FL on 3/11/10 12:58pm
Msg #326527

I have every right to be on this forum

This forum is for NOTARIES not just for signing agents.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 3/11/10 1:02pm
Msg #326532

Re: Robert, then why r u on this forum?

Cari
It is a site for professional notaries. Although since its inception it has been used primarily for loan signing work.

Robert really doesn't need to link to his profile, we are all familiar with him! And if anyone wanted to check it they only have to do a search on his zip code.

See your PM

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/11/10 12:55pm
Msg #326526

Re: "Are people really accepting $85?" UM YES...and for idiotic

Matter fact I think it will be around forever just in a more hugh tech way.
And indeed you did mention that you do not sign loans however you also stated that if offered for a few bucks you would do it as you seem to imply that you do not need to know anything about a loan in order to close it.


And if you are worried about your personal life on this board than perhaps you must have *pushed* more than one button in the past.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 3/11/10 1:10pm
Msg #326538

Re: "Are people really accepting $85?" UM YES...and for idiotic

wait until he agrees to a loan signing for the $85, he finally gets the docs printed - after waiting way past the appointment time for the company to get the docs to him - he gets to the borrower and they have all kinds of questions that a loan signing agent would know the answer to, but not "just a notary", and the loan signing time extends into a couple of hours - I have seen that happen. So he just spends time printing out docs (and legal paper is not cheap) and gas getting to and from the appointment, he spends a couple of hours or so with the borrowers, but hey, he is getting $85 maybe, because as often happens with the low ball companies, he doesn't get paid.

Even with high tech loan signings will be around for a very very long time as a notary is still needed.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 3/11/10 1:08pm
Msg #326534

Robert doesn't need to link to his profile...

We all know exactly who he is.

He has been picked on... but I think he brings it on himself.

Reply by Robert/FL on 3/11/10 1:11pm
Msg #326540

Re: Robert doesn't need to link to his profile...

I don't think I bring it on myself.

I think I view being a notary as a public service which I am very proud to offer. Others here only view it as a money maker. I prefer to discuss notary topics, others prefer to read only the posts that say "So-and-so doesn't pay" or "Paper deals??".

Sorry but, there are other types of "professional notaries" than just signing agents. There are probably more legal assistant notaries such as myself than there are signing agent notaries; this board just happens to be dominated by NSAs.

I am at the point where I don't care what the people on this board think. I enjoy posting and debating notary topics. If that means my reputation with signing services goes down because my posts are offensive, I don't really care. The only notary income I get is from weddings - a whole different ball game than loan signings.

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/11/10 1:16pm
Msg #326544

Re: Robert doesn't need to link to his profile...

In my humble opinion a NOTARY needs to be able to perform on all demands.
Now it takes a bit more to be an NSA than just a Notary, however I can guarantee you that all of us NSA's also accomplish regular Notary work as well ... we just do not talk about it as really there is not much to say on the subject if you study your coureses and look up the changes set by Law.
On the other hand (and still in my humble opinion) being an NSA requires a bit more wits and that is why we get a bit better paid.
Many NSA's will be approached by the low ball payers and in the end if they like what they are doing they will start to say NO and go with the better payers.

Shopping for the right companies starts at Walmart and ends at Sax.

Reply by Robert/FL on 3/11/10 1:18pm
Msg #326547

Re: Robert doesn't need to link to his profile...

"... all of us NSA's also accomplish regular Notary work as well ... we just do not talk about it as really there is not much to say on the subject..."

That's where we differ. I think there is a LOT to say on the subject and that's why I bring it up all the time. Many people on this board look at my posts and say, "What was the point of this?". I really like being a notary and I really like talking about notary topics. You would think a notary message board would be a good outlet to do that.

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/11/10 1:24pm
Msg #326553

Re: Robert doesn't need to link to his profile...

I do not say you do not like to be a Notary, I do as well and I work about any time of the day and night as I was lucky enough to get several hospitals and hospices on my list ... however the documents signed as a Notary become pretty generic after awhile versus the NSA's that cnstantly encounters different policies and documents never seen before.

You just cannot put down the NSA's the way you did in one of your posts ... that's all.

Reply by HARRY_PA on 3/11/10 1:19pm
Msg #326550

Re: Robert doesn't need to link to his profile...

I have to agree with Robert. If he tells his clients that all he will accept responsibility for is notarizing documents for the fee offered that is his contract. He continues to have the guts to make himself a target and add to the debate. You don't have to agree with his style, but it is his.

Harry

Reply by garland/CA on 3/11/10 1:34pm
Msg #326559

SS and Title expect they are hiring an NSA

you said you don't do NSA work but it makes sense to take $85 loan jobs, saying you would do it as a general notary and come out ahead. Then you are not doing it as an NSA.

However, SS and title companies expect they are hiring an NSA - someone experienced in loan signing transactions. Otherwise the borrower could just go to the UPS store, have the few docs notarized in the package, and then sign everything else on their own and send it back to title. SS, title, lenders, LO and realtors all know that would not make for a smooth transaction and their own businesses are too dependent on the transaction being done properly to let that happen.

Reply by Robert/FL on 3/11/10 1:35pm
Msg #326560

Re: SS and Title expect they are hiring an NSA

"you said you don't do NSA work but it makes sense to take $85 loan jobs, saying you would do it as a general notary and come out ahead. Then you are not doing it as an NSA. "

I didn't say I would be doing it as an NSA. I'm not an NSA.

Reply by garland/CA on 3/11/10 1:38pm
Msg #326564

Re: SS and Title expect they are hiring an NSA

exactly my point. SS and title companies that are calling us are expecting an NSA. They expect knowledge and experience and interatction with the borrower to answer basic questions, or point them to information in their loan docs.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 3/11/10 1:43pm
Msg #326566

Re: SS and Title expect they are hiring an NSA

That is true Susan
When I am calling for a notary to do a loan signing, I am looking for an experienced loan signing agent. I also always check with the state notary website to see how long the person has been a notary. Too much at stake for the borrowers to have someone inexperienced with loan signings to go out there. My reputation is on the line.

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 3/11/10 3:14pm
Msg #326624

They just don't want to pay a reasonable fee for NSA's n/m

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/11/10 1:53pm
Msg #326572

Re: SS and Title expect they are hiring an NSA

No if you do it than you are acting as one. That means you took the class, you were background checked and you are able to prove your background check and FBI check when requested by the lender.

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/11/10 1:54pm
Msg #326575

Re: SS and Title expect they are hiring an NSA

and some lenders do request all that info (JP Morgan being one that I am sure off)

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 3/11/10 1:56pm
Msg #326580

Re: SS and Title expect they are hiring an NSA

Actually Corrine,
There really is no need to take a class, and not all companies require a background check.

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/11/10 2:25pm
Msg #326596

Re: SS and Title expect they are hiring an NSA

well every single company I work for as asked for my background and indeed the course is not required but darn recommended ... can you see a Notary becoming a NSA without any knownledge?
I took the course online and refreshers and it helps.

Reply by PAW on 3/11/10 2:33pm
Msg #326598

Re: SS and Title expect they are hiring an NSA

Since there is no "official" course, what course did you take? I agree, that anyone entering into this field, if they are not familiar with real estate transaction closings and mortgage loan closings in particular, then a good course would be most beneficial.

As far as background check, I've only been asked twice. One company would not accept the check that I had done, and the other accepted it without hesitation.

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/11/10 2:54pm
Msg #326607

Re: SS and Title expect they are hiring an NSA

I took the online one with NNA and than online found the book and educated myself before going into the field as I realized that you needed to know what it was about ... during the years passing by I just check on regular bases that nothing major has changed.

And the background check has been in the last 6 months that the requests have been made which makes you wonder if it is just not for fraud purpose as well all know that fraud is becoming a part of lfe but on each JP Morgan loan with different TC's I had to refax my background check.
JP Morgan seems to be picky on it and BoFa several times as well.

Now years ago nobody was asking nothing but that seems to have changed.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 3/11/10 2:43pm
Msg #326602

Re: SS and Title expect they are hiring an NSA

"can you see a Notary becoming a NSA without any knownledge"

Yep When I started doing loan signings, long before the NNA got into the signing agent business (I think they got into it in 2002 or thereabouts), there were no classes to take.

I only ever had one company ask for a background check, because their lender was dealing with military members in their homes and required background checks, but the company paid for the background check.

Reply by MW/VA on 3/11/10 1:54pm
Msg #326574

Re: SS and Title expect they are hiring an NSA

We get that, Robert. The forum title is "discuss work". Except for NSA's, there aren't many who are in business as notaries. You have indicated that you have a job & I assume you receive a paycheck.
We are in business & it's a whole other ballgame, so prevailing fees are a major concern.
You have made it clear that you don't respect the concept. You're entitled to your opinion. It's not necessarily a good idea to push you agenda as being more important than the topics discussed here. For many of us, discussions on low fees being offered, companies that don't pay, tech issues, etc. are very important. We can get information on notary laws from our state's SOS or from great organizations like the ASN.
Being an NSA is a very demanding profession. We are mobile, running here & there to get the job done.
While in-depth discussions on points of notary law might be interesting, we don't necessarily have the time to look at everything through a magnifying glass.
I have respect for the fact that you esteem the Notary profession as you do. Yet, you continually show disrespect for notaries that are in a different aspect of the profession than you are.
Maturity might teach you than an "agree to disagree" approach might serve you better.

Reply by Robert/FL on 3/11/10 1:56pm
Msg #326579

If you don't like my posts don't read them... n/m

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 3/11/10 1:57pm
Msg #326582

Yes, we'd all do well to just ignore your posts

now you mention it.

Reply by Robert/FL on 3/11/10 2:04pm
Msg #326588

Go ahead. No skin off my back. n/m

Reply by Cari on 3/11/10 1:46pm
Msg #326570

i'm to the point where i am done with you....for now... n/m

Reply by MW/VA on 3/11/10 1:55pm
Msg #326578

Where's Becca? She'd love this one! n/m

Reply by PAW on 3/11/10 2:04pm
Msg #326589

Re: "Are people really accepting $85?" UM YES...and for idiotic

>>> if I were doing loan signings it would be part time and I would do no more than notarize the signatures <<<

That says a lot, but the part of your statement contradicts the latter part. If you are doing loan signing, then you would be doing more than just notarize the signatures. That's like saying, "If I were doing bankrupt processing, it would be part time and I would do no more than notarize the signatures." Or, "If I was a legal assistant for an attorney, it would be part time ..." You get the drift?

As for discussing notary concepts and precepts, that is fine. But there are times your approach and content makes me think your doing nothing more than tilting at windmills.

Reply by MW/VA on 3/11/10 2:33pm
Msg #326599

yes, trolling!!! n/m

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 3/11/10 2:53pm
Msg #326606

I would do no more than notarize the signatures...

Then Robert, you would not be a signing agent.

Reply by Robert/FL on 3/11/10 2:55pm
Msg #326609

I am *NOT* a signing agent, and have never claimed to be one n/m

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/11/10 2:56pm
Msg #326610

Re: I am *NOT* a signing agent, and have never claimed to be one

it all comes don to the fact that you stated that you would do a closing for 85 dollars as pocket money.

Reply by Robert/FL on 3/11/10 2:56pm
Msg #326611

Re: I am *NOT* a signing agent, and have never claimed to be one

OK, what I should have said was, I will notarize loan-related documents for $85.00. I did not ever say, and if you look at my track record on this board you will see that I have never said, that I explain documents to borrowers in any way, shape or form.

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/11/10 3:13pm
Msg #326621

Re: I am *NOT* a signing agent, and have never claimed to be one

In my opinion a Notary must be in a position to explain any document to a customer.

This saturday coming will be a venture for me as I accepted to work for a time share company and no clue what I will see but I have done some research on what I could be seeing on docs and that is what a notary does. If you would notarize on any loan related document you also need to know what the document is about.
Why I took this job for saturday, well cannot do closings as we have an evening wedding to attend so took a closing for the early morning and time shares after that. Will I regret it? Probably!

Reply by Robert/FL on 3/11/10 3:14pm
Msg #326625

Re: I am *NOT* a signing agent, and have never claimed to be one

"In my opinion a Notary must be in a position to explain any document to a customer."


Sorry, but when *just a notary* explains a document to a customer, that is UPL.

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/11/10 3:24pm
Msg #326635

Re: I am *NOT* a signing agent, and have never claimed to be one

not it is not, I expect my clients to know what they sign!

Reply by Robert/FL on 3/11/10 3:25pm
Msg #326637

That is UPL. n/m

Reply by MW/VA on 3/11/10 3:50pm
Msg #326639

It is NOT UPL to review the docs with the borrowers--that is

a requirement. UPL is ADVISING the client/borrower of the legal or financial ramifications of signing the documents. Again, you know NOTHING about what it is we do.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 3/11/10 3:57pm
Msg #326640

Re: It is NOT UPL to review the docs with the borrowers--that is

Corrine inadvertently used the word "explain" instead of "identify" - I find a lot of signing agents say "explain" when they are not explaining.

it is definitely not UPL to inform the borrowers that "this is your note, this is your interest rate, this shows you when your interest rate adjusts" etc etc etc.

Reply by cawest/PA on 3/11/10 4:33pm
Msg #326652

Thank You so much

yes indeed I should have used *identify* ... argh see what happens when english is your third language LOL

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 3/11/10 6:52pm
Msg #326712

Re: Thank You so much

You are so welcome
(of course my assistance in educating you on this little matter is going to cost you a box of Belgian chocolates when you go home


hmm your third language. Let me guess - Flemish and French are the others????

Reply by Reverse Mortgage of America - Jessica on 3/11/10 6:14pm
Msg #326691

ugh...yeah, i'm one of them. BUT i've explained the circumstances in prior posts when i'll accept a job for less than what many believe is the norm.
keep in mind, 99% of the time i am not hired by a ss but directly by borrowers. it's usually a favor for a good business contact and involves almost no travel or printing the loan docs.
when i travel...my fee is "normal"
i can already hear keyboards flying off desks!