Posted by JimAZ on 4/4/11 9:42pm
Msg #378650

General Notary work

After two years of doing signings for real estate transactions for re-fi's, purchases, reverse mortgages and loan mods I'm starting to get some calls for general notary work. The only question I have is how do I make money at (AZ SOS) two bucks a signature plus mileage. Am I missing something. Any input from experts will be appreciated. Please don't respond with I need to do 2000 signatures a month without ending your post with LOL.

Reply by topflyt on 4/4/11 9:49pm
Msg #378652

$2.00 is all you can charge? What about mobile charge? Here in California we get $10.00 per notarization plus a mobile charge if they want me to come to them...usually another $10.00.

Reply by jba/fl on 4/4/11 9:51pm
Msg #378653

Believe it or not, topflyt, some can charge 50 cents. Some

cannot even charge enough to cover mileage.

Reply by topflyt on 4/4/11 9:53pm
Msg #378655

Re: Believe it or not, topflyt, some can charge 50 cents. Some

OUCH!

Reply by John Schenk on 4/4/11 10:36pm
Msg #378672

Re: Believe it or not, topflyt, some can charge 50 cents. Some

I never walk out the door for less than $50, so probably not a good one to post in this thread. I give general notary services to the military for free, if they come to my office, and for the most part give the service for free for anyone that brings a single document to the office. It's good PR for the firm, although the firm didn't pay for anything having to do with me being a notary. It's kind of a pro bono part of the business for me. I LOVE helping our military folks out! Sometimes they just want to get married, and need a form notarized. FREE! Come see me at the office, and I'll even do it after hours as I'm usually here until 8:00 at night, or so. Just takes me a few minutes to record their info in my journal and notarize a doc, and I do quite a bit of stuff for FREE for military personell, and always will.

Insurance Defense Firms almost ALWAYS prove up their records by written deposition. Notaries should look to Defense firms, as a way of promoting themselves for extra work within their own communities, for extra ways of obtaining more income. Plaintiffs firms get their docs proved up by affidavit or business records or cost affidavits, at least in Texas. May work for some of you in your states, and may not. No matter where you are, the best place to find new business is to go for it through Defense firms for getting more money, and business. Records depositions can be a fruitful endeavor for records obtained from health care providers. You get hooked up, and you have the hospital, multiple doctors, emergency physicians, radiology, pathology, EMR, etc., etc.. Just something to look at for potential additional income. Lawsuits will be filed FOREVER. Get hooked up with a big defense firm and you may have income resulting from that FOREVER...at least until the defense firm dies or dissolves. REASONABLE fees to Plaintiffs firms "may" yield a monetary result, and might be worth marketing. A REASONABLE records depo on written questions, or cost depo on written questions, COULD yield a great return. Chances are, I will go into that in the future, but I just haven't had the time to fully do that yet. It may become a priority in the near future when I decide to sit on my butt and simply send folks out to do something I could have done on my own and make a profit.

JJ

Reply by JimAZ on 4/4/11 10:49pm
Msg #378674

Re: Believe it or not, topflyt, some can charge 50 cents. Some

Thanks John,

I also do military notarizations for free, not only because our AZ SOS requires it, but anybody protecting me deserves a free ride and our thanks. John, you have given me some good input and I will explore your good advice.

Reply by John Schenk on 4/4/11 11:20pm
Msg #378677

Honestly didn't know that SOS required Military notarization

for free in any state!

I think that's GREAT! However, I didn't know there were such rules that required that notaries perform military notarizations for for free. I've always done it, and GLAD to do it, but I never knew there were any such laws TO do it for free. I don't know if that exists in Texas, as I've never really gone to research that. I've always just told military personnel that if they come by the office I'll notarize their docs for FREE, unless it is a loan closing, of course.

Iif you have a link to the AZ statute on that, I'd appreciate it. May be a nationwide statute (i.e. Federal statute) that I just didn't realize that was there (and probably is there under limited guidelines), and if so, probably under some Federal statute that make may it mandatory for notaries in certain circumstances. I THINK IT'S GREAT, but I'm TRULY interested in knowing more about this, and my desire to research it in Texas also. I would expect their could be a Federal Statute on it, but I've not seen it in a state statute. Again, I'm all for it! It's a small price to pay, and one I hope we ALL pay, without going political here and being OT in this forum, which I think it is NOT! We SHOULD accommodate our Military in EVERY way possible! I've done it for free for many notarizations, but I may have done so as a duty, rather than a Free public service, which meant I did nothing for FREE at all, but something I was required to do by LAW. It would make what I "thought" I did as a FREE service to amount to NOTHING, if required to do so by federal or state statute. I don't see any state statute on it in Texas, but Federal law trumps state law.

Very interesting topic to me, and for no monetary purpose.

TIA for your input!

JJ

Reply by Jim/AL on 4/5/11 12:15am
Msg #378681

Does that mean free VA loan closings in TX?

I perform free notarization for anyone who brings it to me, so long as it fits into my schedule and it is not something requiring more than 30 mins or so. Good PR and for what I could charge, it is almost not worth it...yup .50 cents per here.

Did a PA to AL car title transfer and bill of sale Saturday eve in my driveway for free...told them free on the phone numerous times and first thing he asked was "do you take credit cards"...free is free.

Reply by John Schenk on 4/5/11 2:57am
Msg #378685

Re: Does that mean free VA loan closings in TX?

I also stated the following in this thread:

"I've always just told military personnel that if they come by the office I'll notarize their docs for FREE, unless it is a loan closing, of course."

I don't do FREE mortgage signings, military or not. About half of my closings are for military, or actual VA closings. Was only speaking of closings that aren't refis.

JJ

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 4/5/11 12:03pm
Msg #378735

Free Notarizations in AZ for Military NOT REQUIRED!

Jim,
If it is required please post citation. Neither I nor my colleagues have ever heard of that.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 4/5/11 12:35pm
Msg #378738

Shoshana, I could be wrong but I think he may be

referring to this from page 31 of your manual: http://www.azsos.gov/business_services/notary/notary_public_reference_manual.pdf

"ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES
Title 26. Military Affairs and Emergency Management
Chapter 1. Emergency and Military Affairs
Article 3. National Guard
§ 26-160. Oaths or affirmations
Oaths or affirmations required in the military service shall be administered by any commissioned officer, or other officer authorized to administer oaths, and no charge
shall be made therefor."

Reply by ikando on 4/5/11 8:22am
Msg #378698

Re: Believe it or not, topflyt, some can charge 50 cents. Some

I have relationships with several estate planning attorneys where I meet them and their clients at the attorney's office to notarize the POAs, Trusts, Wills, etc.--the planning documents, usually for a couple, for a $75 fee. Takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. That covers all the $5/per allowed in Oklahoma, plus a small travel fee. Because of the relationships, I have been known to go out-of-town to help these attorneys meet their clients in their homes for the same fee.

But, the best part, I am paid on the spot. That's the main reason I like general notary work.

Reply by SouthernOK on 4/4/11 10:02pm
Msg #378657

Here in OK it's $5.

Reply by JimAZ on 4/4/11 10:07pm
Msg #378663

Yep,,, two bucks a notarization plus mileage at around 40 cents a mile. Got a call today for a bill of sale notarization two miles away. If I hadn't been "busy" I would have made a whooping $5.60. What am I missing? Arizona hand book says it is a felony to charge more.

Reply by Scott/NJ on 4/4/11 10:03pm
Msg #378658

Here in NJ, as long as you notify the people beforehand, a travel charge is allowed.

If someone wants a simply acknowledgement, just one- I tell them they have options: 1. Go to their own bank and they will most likely do it for free. 2. Go to a UPS Store and they will do it for $10. 3. If they want me to come to their house, right now, I will do it for $30.

Some people accept my terms, others thank me and go to one of the other places. I always get the job when the caller calls me after 5 or 6pm.

If it is a little more involved, like a PoA on a will, or involving credible witnesses, I ask them whether it is an acknowledgement or a jurat that needs to be notarized. I usually get dead silence. Then I let them know that the bank teller or UPS person may not know which one is which and would they like me to look at it. I usually get those jobs.

I've also gotten several calls to go to a hospital for a notarization. For some reason, once I tell them my fee of $30, they thank me and I never hear back from them. What am I doing wrong with that? Do hospitals typically have Notaries on staff or something that do it for $2.50?

Reply by Scott/NJ on 4/4/11 10:04pm
Msg #378660

Ouch! I hate when I make typos!!! Where's the edit button??? n/m

Reply by jba/fl on 4/4/11 10:06pm
Msg #378662

It is called proofreading prior to posting

or use a word processing program, then paste into NR>

Reply by HisHughness on 4/4/11 10:20pm
Msg #378667

***It is called proofreading prior to posting*** Not really

Actually, it's called editing. Proofreading is an entirely different function. A proofreader compares a copy, or proof, of a printed item with the original text, and corrects the proof to conform with the original. Proofreading involves no exercise of editorial or independent judgment; it is done entirely by rote.

With the advent of type set directly from a writer's computer, the function of the proofreader has been virtually eliminated throughout the printing/publishing industry. The proofreader has gone the way of dodo birds, 8-track tapes and $200 refinance closings.

Reply by jba/fl on 4/5/11 7:24am
Msg #378690

Objection & Correction:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proofreading

Proofreading (also proof-reading) is the reading of a galley proof or computer monitor to detect and correct production-errors of text or art. Proofreaders are expected to be consistently accurate by default because they occupy the last stage of typographic production before publication.

Proofreading vs copy editing
The misperception that proofreading is related to editing is a common one, and the term proofreading is sometimes used to refer to copy editing, and vice versa. Although there is necessarily some overlap, particularly regarding queries (see below), proofreaders typically lack any real editorial or managerial authority, having only the option of querying items for typesetters, editors, or authors to consider. To clarify matters at the outset, some want-ads come with a notice that the job advertised is not a writing or editing position and will not become one. The lesson is that creativity and critical thinking by their very nature conflict with the strict copy-following discipline that commercial proofreading requires, that proofreading and editing are fundamentally separate responsibilities.

[edit] Self proofreading/copy editing
Primary examples include job seekers' own resumes and student term-papers. This kind of material presents a special challenge, first because the proofreader/editor is usually the author; second because such authors are usually unaware of the inevitability of errors and the effort required to find them; and third, as finding any final errors often occurs just when stress levels are highest and time shortest, readers' minds resist identifying them as errors. Under these conditions, proofreaders will see only what they want to see.

There are numerous websites offering detailed advice on how authors should check their own material.[2][3][4] The context is that of a one-time effort, neither paid nor deadline-driven. Some tips may not be appropriate for everyone, e.g., read upside down to "focus on typology", read backward, chew gum, listen to music, and don't use fluorescent lighting.[5]
________

Actually, proofreading is not to be confused with editing as stated in Wiki - and the profession is very much alive and well. Self-checking can be referred to proofreading.

Reply by jba/fl on 4/5/11 7:35am
Msg #378691

A simple google of the word "proofreading" produces

enough to know that the art is not dead, extinct and worth a $200 refi. Aside from proofing my copy/paste I have edited it as well, but only for formatting and ease of reading. This is part of page 1 of the search -

Proofreading
To give you a chance to practice proofreading, we have left seven errors (three spelling errors, two punctuation errors, and two grammatical errors) in the ...
What this handout is about - Proofreading and editing - Some tips - Editing
www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/proofread.html - Cached - Similar

Proofreading - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaProofreading (also proof-reading) is the reading of a galley proof or computer monitor to detect and correct production-errors of text or art. ...Professional Proofreading - Self proofreading/copy editing - In fiction - See also
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proofreading - Cached - Similar

Purdue OWL: ProofreadingApr 17, 2010 ... Summary: Proofreading is primarily about searching your writing for errors, both grammatical and typographical, before submitting your paper ...
owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/561/01/ - Cached - Similar

Power ProofreadingPower Proofreading. Kids' Place · Kids' Place Houghton Mifflin English · Education Place · Site Index. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. ...
www.eduplace.com/kids/hme/k_5/proofread/proof.htm - Cached - Similar

ProofreadingProofreading is not an innate ability; it is an acquired skill. The following exercises will help you master it, or at any rate will impress you with how ...
www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/proofing.html - Cached - Similar

proofreading and editing tipsProofreading & Editing Tips. A compilation of advice from experienced proofreaders and editors. General tips for proofing ...
www.lrcom.com/tips/proofreading_editing.htm - Cached - Similar

How to ProofreadProofreading means examining your text carefully to find and correct typographical errors and mistakes in grammar, style, and spelling. Here are some tips. ...
writing.wisc.edu › Writer's Handbook - CachedProofreading Symbols and AbbreviationsSTET, Let it stand, The proofreader uses this Latin term to indicate that proofreading marks ... Proofreading Strategies — from Bowling Green University ...
webster.commnet.edu/writing/symbols.htm - Cached

Expert Proofreading and Editing Services! The Proofreaders ...Editing and Proofreading Services - The Proofreaders - We Catch Everything! We Proofread with Precision! Proofreading Services include Editing - Legal ...
www.theproofreaders.com/ - Cached - Similar

Proofreading Makes Perfect - Harcourtwww.harcourtschool.com/activity/language_arts/.../g03home.htm - Similar

Reply by NJDiva on 4/5/11 12:03am
Msg #378680

Yeah, Scott, I agree...it's my understanding that in the state of NJ, we can only charge $2.50 per notarization, but there is no limitation or regulation on how much of a travel fee we can charge. The one I did tonight with the copy of the passports was an easy $30 and only a half mile from my home.

Reply by JimAZ on 4/4/11 11:15pm
Msg #378676

It is interesting I didn't get any responses from AZ notaries. PM me if the rules are lax. I get tired of turning people down that are in need of a notary asap.

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 4/5/11 7:10am
Msg #378687

Aside from weddings, gen. notary work is all I do

They come to my office during business hours (or after hours/weekends by appointment), I charge $10 per notarization. My office is literally 1.5 miles away from my home so I don't charge a travel fee in this circumstance. I rarely travel, but when I do the travel fee is based on a case-by-case basis (how many notarizations, how complicated of a notarization it will be - nursing home, etc., how long I will have to wait, how far away it is from my current location).

We are fortunate in Florida that there are no restrictions on travel fees. Our laws are silent on the matter, but our handbook apparently allows it:

*****************************************************
If you are asked to travel 25 miles to a hospital in a neighboring town, are you willing to do it? If so, you may want to charge your customary fee for the notarization and a small fee for travel expense. [...] make sure that your customer understands your fees prior to performing the services. We recommend that you always give an itemized receipt for your services.
*****************************************************

Doing general notary work, however, is very rewarding - even if you aren't making a lot of money from it. This is what notaries were commissioned to do - help everyday members of the public with their everyday needs. With general notary work I always feel like I am truly acting as a public servant, as notaries should be.

With general work you never know what you are going to get until the person gets their with their document - this is what makes the job interesting. You learn to deal with every circumstance, and learn to always exercise your notarial duties within the law regardless of how complicated the individual circumstances may be.

Reply by Stephanie_CA on 4/5/11 11:47am
Msg #378731

Re: Aside from weddings...and here I thought you were a

Certified Notary Signing Agent, reading your responses to "Signing Agent" inquiries. (Very direct).
It is obvious you have read up on the Signing Agent Industry.

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 4/5/11 11:50am
Msg #378732

I am a Certified Signing Agent, but I choose not to do

signings.

Yes, I am "read up" on the NSA industry and know a lot about it. But I choose to not be actively involved in the industry. (Signing services couldn't afford me! )

Reply by Julie/MI on 4/5/11 7:49am
Msg #378694

I'm a $10 + travel state and it's STILL not worth my time

Royal pain in the patootie.

Nursing homes plan on being there at least 45 mins as it seems you have to sign in, and the person's family member are late or cannot find parking, then the person needs to be shifted into a comfortable position, then I have to ask the questions to make sure they are lucid and signing of their free will.

General public often want copies of their drivers licenses notarized and I'm quite tired of explaining that we cannot do that. Trying to explain the difference between an acknowledgement & jurat, etc. I refer them to the ups store.

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 4/5/11 11:53am
Msg #378733

Re: I'm a $10 + travel state and it's STILL not worth my time

>>>I'm quite tired of explaining that we cannot do that. Trying to explain the difference between an acknowledgement & jurat, etc. I refer them to the ups store.<<<

Isn't this a neglect of duty? Notaries are appointed to serve the public. If you are turning the public away because $10+travel isn't enough for you or because its too much trouble to be bothered, then you don't understand your true purpose as a notary. JMHO.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 4/6/11 2:38am
Msg #378842

Re: I'm a $10 + travel state and it's STILL not worth my time

I think that a lot of the difference in thinking comes from how a notary makes their livelihood. [This isn't a criticism, just an observation...] When you collect a salary from a full time job and notary work is incidental to your primary occupation, it's much easier to consider a notary public a "public servant". When being a notary IS your primary occupation, you need to look at it from the point of view of a business owner.

BTW, I doubt if many of us were actually "appointed", which to me implies that the position is offered to them. I'd bet that the vast majority choose to seek a commission and then are successful in being approved for it, whatever the process might be for their state. Just a little nitpick...

Finally - and I think this is the key difference - it's my personal opinion that there's a huge difference between a notary in a store front that advertises notary services turning away someone who walked in the front door, and a mobile notary choosing to not accept a potential job that requires the notary to leave their place a business and travel to the signer's location (or any other location, for that matter). I do think it would be inappropriate for that storefront notary to turn someone down if they present a legitimate request for service, have proper ID and are willing to pay the allowed fee. It's also illegal in some states, including my own.

Reply by MW/VA on 4/5/11 9:03am
Msg #378707

I do some general notary work, but it's a fill-in between signings. I do accommodate those with real need for a mobile notary--hospitals, nursing homes, elderly, etc. VA notary fee is $5 but I charge a minimum of $25 w/travel. Yes, I understand it's much more lucrative in CA where the fee is $10. Each state has different rules about the travel fee. I'm surprised you haven't had a response from a AZ notary about that. Good luck.

Reply by KRH/AZ on 4/5/11 11:27am
Msg #378724

Hi Jim,
You are correct. Many times I do simple general notary work (when it fits in and is close by) for free. In Arizona, you cannot really count on general notary work at all. What I mostly do is work for law firms. I think John gave you excellent tips on using your notary commission for other work.