Posted by Kaci/TX on 5/21/10 3:31pm
Msg #337516
Hi from Texas!
I'm new here, I've done two signings now and just found this site. I have a contract signing tomorrow and a closing next week. I don't even know how FASS found me for the first two closings, but they called and asked me to do a signing and the first one wasn't so bad, but the second one was a mess. They haven't called me back. I live in a rural area and had trouble finding the place and by the time I got to the house, someone had told the borrower that they had told me not to go, we were on the phone for like a half hour trying to find out what to do, found out they had sent me the wrong docs and it was just horrendous. However, I am still here trying to figure it all out. I don't know my way around the docs, but in reading through this forum am learning some. I got my notary because I am an insurance secretary and they offered it to me. I am just now learning that I can supplement my income quite well with mobile services. I would sure welcome any advice.
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Reply by MW/VA on 5/21/10 3:38pm
Msg #337521
How did you get into NSA work? You say "I am just now learning that I can supplement my income", yet you also say "I don't know my way around the docs". Sorry for the criticism, but there are too many notaries out there that believe they should be paid for something they don't know how to do. These are important transactions, and IMO should only be handled by those who know what they're doing.
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Reply by Kaci/TX on 5/21/10 3:53pm
Msg #337526
Like I said, I don't know how they found me but a singing company called me up and asked me if I could do it. I live in a small community and am the only listed notary within 100 miles. They said that they would send me a link for some online training, but it never came, so I took the time to educate myself. My sister is a realtor and is helping me to learn the docs inside and out, it was just hard in the beginning. Its not like I said, "Oh let me go and do something I don't know how to do." I asked questions and made sure everything was done correctly, it was just a hard way to get thrown into it. Thanks so much for the boost of confidence. I am still learning my way around, but at least I am looking for assistance. Have a beautiful day, seriously and try to be a little more encouraging maybe.
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Reply by Sylvia_FL on 5/21/10 5:20pm
Msg #337552
Kaci
According to "Find a Notary" on this site, you are the only one listed in your area - and I did a search on 30 miles. If I searched 50 miles there are only another two listed.
Study all you can, look to Brenda, Sid and Dorothy for help for Texas:)
As Sid, (or was it Dorothy?) pointed out Texas has some idiosyncrasies. (and I don't mean the three syllables in every word LOL)
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Reply by Mdene_AZ on 5/21/10 3:44pm
Msg #337524
It seems like when a person first gets started the difficulty is huge...just like what you experienced. However, keep punching away because basically, if you let it, it can be a learning curve and things things do get brighter.
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Reply by Kaci/TX on 5/21/10 3:56pm
Msg #337528
Thank you so much!
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Reply by Notarysigner on 5/21/10 3:52pm
Msg #337525
Kaci, don't read anymore today OR you'll be sorry. IMO Read what you can starting Monday and ask the person who hired you to do the signing to mentor you. You probably got called because you're in a rural area and they couldn't get anyone else. Get them on the phone when you get to the signing and make them stay on with you until you're finished. They may not call you anymore after that but you sure will learn a lot. IMO
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Reply by Kaci/TX on 5/21/10 3:56pm
Msg #337527
The signing I have tomorrow is a simple 16 page contract and the lady who called me was very kind and offered to walk me through the pages, so that was very helpful. As for the closing contracts, like I said in my first response, my sister who is a realtor has been teaching me the loan contracts a little at a time so its not overwhelming, thats why I haven'd accepted one since the last fiasco. I think I'm ready now and appreciate your suggestions. Thanks!
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Reply by A S Johnson on 5/21/10 4:08pm
Msg #337532
Kaci,
FYI thier are 425,000 active notaries in Texas.
I need to ask anout your "contract" tomorrow. Is this a "loan modification application where you are to pick any monies, check, postdated checks or credit information to charge thier account for any amount.
If this is true, mainly getting money for with the application is ILLEGAL, per our Att'y General.
Rule ! anyone or company asking you to get something signed will LIE, LIE to you to get it done. It's your neck not thiers on the line. You goto "jail".
Sid
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Reply by Kaci/TX on 5/21/10 4:13pm
Msg #337533
They're still negotiating a time and will be calling me back with the info. What do I need to ask/say? I don't want to do anything illegal.
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Reply by A S Johnson on 5/21/10 4:36pm
Msg #337539
Call me if you would like about tommorrows assignment.
The "Signing Central" in the tool bar above is your friend.
find the listing and rating of most companies is on the right logo for "siging services"
Just some other info.
My home county, Parker has 2383 active notaries.
To the east id Tarrant with 31,743 active notaries.
You are lucky, Hutchinson has 336 active notaries.
Moore 283 Notaries
Carson 120 Notaries.
I would say you are not the only Notary in a 100 miles.
Sid Johnson 817-613-7002
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Reply by Kaci/TX on 5/21/10 4:44pm
Msg #337543
Well, I was told that I was the only mobile notary listed on the search sites within 100 miles, which was probably a lie from FASS trying to encourage me to accept, thank you for clearing that up for me.
I will call you shortly, I greatly appreciate your kindness.
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Reply by Kaci/TX on 5/21/10 4:34pm
Msg #337537
I just wrote on my notepad, "per Texas Atty Gen, it is illegal for a notary to pick up any monies monies, check, postdated checks or credit information to charge the borrowers account for any amount on a loan mod app" so that when she calls me back I know what to say if she asks me to pick something up. She offered me $50, I figured that's okay since its only 16 pages and its literally walking distance.
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Reply by A S Johnson on 5/21/10 4:39pm
Msg #337540
Kaci
Picking up monies is for a Loan Modification Application ONLY.
You will many times pick up checks, NO cash, for re-finance assignment, settlement companies, other comapnies that get a credit card application sign so the can charge for thier services
Sid
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Reply by MW/VA on 5/21/10 4:43pm
Msg #337542
Kaci, it sounds like a loan modification (not necessarily a
loan mod app--there's a huge difference). Loan mods are really easy and are only a few pages. You will be able to tell when you get the docs (a loan mod will be from a major lender). I'm glad to see that Sid offered to have you call him with questions. Also, here on NR, under Notary Supplies there is a really good training manual. From what you've said, you're in a very rural area & notaries are in short supply in that area. Good luck.
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Reply by Kaci/TX on 5/21/10 5:45pm
Msg #337553
Re: Kaci, it sounds like a loan modification (not necessarily a
its a debt consolidation
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Reply by A S Johnson on 5/21/10 3:57pm
Msg #337529
Kaci,
My name is Sid Johnson and I am in Weatherford, have been a Tx Notary for 15 yrs and a signing agent for 10 yrs. By the way My1st signing, as many of us "old timers", was for FASS.
I have, again as many of us, long ago stopped accepting assignments from FASS because if thier low fees, "low balling", hand holding and their "white glove program, you don't do some "stupid" requirement on thiertime frame you lose your standing (by the way, may be the reason they haven't called you anymore).
Now, where are you?
What do you or did you do before you tried being Notary Signing agent?
Sid Johnson
Weatherford TX 76086
917-613-7002
[e-mail address]
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Reply by Kaci/TX on 5/21/10 4:01pm
Msg #337530
I am an insurance secretary, going to school to meet the requirements to open a Bible preschool. I am in the huge, 2 stoplight metroplex of Borger. I learned my lesson with FASS, after they hung me out to dry at that second signing, I will not accept assignments from them again!
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Reply by Kaci/TX on 5/21/10 4:04pm
Msg #337531
My two upcoming signings are with "National Vendor Solutions" and "XP Notary".
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Reply by Ali/IL on 5/21/10 4:36pm
Msg #337538
It sounds to me like you talk but, don't listen. Please excuse me if I am judging you wrongly.
I sold real estate for 17 years. In the last five years of signings I have learned a lot! You better get educated about this .I have seen documents now that I had never seen while selling real estate.
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Reply by Kaci/TX on 5/21/10 4:42pm
Msg #337541
The reason I am in this forum and asked for advice is to get educated. Please allow the only One who is fit to judge to do the judging, even He sees fit to wait until the end of my life.
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Reply by MW/VA on 5/21/10 4:45pm
Msg #337544
You can pull up message 33324 using the orange search button
at the top of the page. It is a very long thread, but contains a wealth of info.
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Reply by Kaci/TX on 5/21/10 4:45pm
Msg #337545
Re: You can pull up message 33324 using the orange search button
Thank you
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Reply by jba/fl on 5/23/10 8:30pm
Msg #337839
It is #33325 n/m
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Reply by Ali/IL on 5/21/10 4:47pm
Msg #337546
I too am a Christian.
What I am trying to say is to slow down. Look over all the previous posts. You can do a search sometimes that will help better.
I wish you well. It is a very tough time right now for this.
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Reply by Kaci/TX on 5/21/10 4:48pm
Msg #337547
Thank you for the advice and the well wishes!
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Reply by A S Johnson on 5/21/10 4:50pm
Msg #337548
Something I ourlooked,
Google Maps if also you friend. Look up the address and print that out. Then make notes of how to get to where that map picks up
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Reply by Kaci/TX on 5/21/10 4:53pm
Msg #337549
I love google maps and I now have a phone with GPS, the only problem is that in Skellytown, the place I am going tomorrow, they don't have 911 addresses yet, still switching over, so its one of those "call the borrower for directions" things because GPS does not show me where Postal stop 3, box 4 is. LOL. I really do love living out here though.
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Reply by EastTxNotary on 5/21/10 5:14pm
Msg #337550
Hi Kaci, I think the previous poster meant to direct you to message #33325 for "everything you need to know to be an NSA".
I, too, am in a very rural part of Texas and agree that google is your friend and very helpful in determining where you are headed for an appointment. With that said, I don't leave home till I speak to the BO and get directions and a phone number that I can call in the event their directions are unclear.
I highly recommend you take some time to read the thread mentioned above for guidance. Watch the postings on NotRot. There are many good Texas NSA's who post regularly to this site.
And KNOW that Texas has some idiosyncrasies you won't find elsewhere.
Good luck!
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Reply by A S Johnson on 5/21/10 5:19pm
Msg #337551
Right, the 911 address are required by federal law and have only been on the books for 20 years.
The good news is your are right, you seem to be the only listed in the several list I access.
This should be plus for you, you can check the rating of a company out to see how they pay.
Another plus, you shpuld be able to get good fees, your fees.
Mine: $75 for a signing and $35 to down load and print a package with about 120 pages or less (I did one the other night that was 235 pages) I have some of 185 pages, these larger packages get an extra charge When I can know about them when I ask for "my" fee.
Very important for you, travel fees. I include Parker in my regular fee.
You are on the edge of Hutchinson Co and just accross the line from Moore and Carson cos.
You might want to take a Texas map and draw a 20 or 25 mile circle form you home for your regular fee.
Out side of that, then it is $30 for each 50 miles, round trip. Trip fees start at my door not where my normanl service area ends.
I base my fees on $30 per hour for the time it takes to do the job.
Because of where you are, the nearest Notary Signing Agent (NSA) is 50 miles in Amarillo, you should get it.
Stick to you "guns". Most of the time will get your fee approved, there is no one else.
Good luck
Sid
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Reply by Kaci/TX on 5/21/10 5:48pm
Msg #337554
Thanks for that info, and I found out its a debt consolidation. Still don't know if we're doing it or not, they haven't been able to contact the borrower for scheduling.
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Reply by 101livescan on 5/22/10 9:40am
Msg #337646
Before you take your next assignment, spend a little time going through a package you may have in your email if you're doing edocs. Learn the components of a package and the critical documents. Know that the borrower must date the documents, should strive never to have strikeouts because they're not paying attention, they sign exactly as their names appear, and that your notary seal and signature are on every notary instrument. If you understand every document's purpose it will help you feel more comfortable at the table, and what is the purpose of the note and DOT, especially.
I wish you luck. I think you're experiencing what I call "beginner's luck", and I wish you well! Being in the right place at the right time is key to success in this business.
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Reply by Doris_CO on 5/22/10 11:17am
Msg #337665
Kaci, I haven't seen anyone point out that in Texas certain loans must be closed in a title or lawyers office and you will have to pay a certain amount for the space and time. You might be aware of this requirement, but if not, you should check this out.
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Reply by Kaci Lusk on 5/24/10 9:56am
Msg #337886
So the closing on Saturday wasn't bad. It was a Debt Consolidation Application and was quick and easy. It was literally two blocks from my house and took all of 20 minutes. I had less than in hour in the whole thing including printing docs, faxing the lender and mailing originals, so the $50 wasn't a bad fee.
Thanks to everyone for your wonderful suggestions. I am going to go read the suggested thread today.
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