I think that Msg #33325 is in need of a re-write to reflect the current realities of this business. That thread is definitely the best resource for new and potential signing agents who visit this board. But the reality is, the state of the business is not what it was when #33325 was written. There are too many notaries and signing agents and not enough work to go around.
Does anyone else share these same feelings?
Just a thought.
Reply by Marian_in_CA on 2/2/11 1:44pm Msg #371028
Nope, you're not the only one. Though the vast majority of the information is still good and valuable, some of it is no longer applies and is even non-existent.
It's still a VERY valuable resource, though.
Reply by John/CT on 2/2/11 2:19pm Msg #371048
You're right Marian, re: sections being out-of-date. The GMN forum used to be a lively and relevant board, but no more since they changed how you access it an reply to it. I haven't gone there in ages. Victoria Ring's referenced link is not only broken, but she has completely changed her business model. But, how to change Dorothy's classic without loosing the equally valuable discussion thread that followed? Beyond me.
Reply by Cari on 2/2/11 6:40pm Msg #371170
I agree Marian... n/m
Reply by Glenn Strickler on 2/2/11 1:54pm Msg #371037
Any volunteers? n/m
Reply by MistarellaFL on 2/2/11 2:16pm Msg #371043
Not re-writing, but additions to reflect the evolution(s) n/m
Reply by FlaNotary2 on 2/2/11 2:19pm Msg #371049
Re: Not re-writing, but additions to reflect the evolution(s)
I think there are already too many additions to that thread. Any more additions will probably be ignored because it has become overwhelming.
Reply by John/CT on 2/2/11 2:29pm Msg #371052
So, who's gonna decide which of the thread items to keep ...
and incorporate in the re-write, and leave out the others? Will this be done by Dorothy, someone else, or ... heaven forbid ... a committee? A daunting task.
Reply by FlaNotary2 on 2/2/11 2:42pm Msg #371055
I like the idea of a committee
I don't think I'd be suited for it as far as loan signing information goes - as most on here know, I don't really do loan signings - but I did write a (rather long) bit on notary protests that is towards the bottom of that thread, and I think it should be kept.
Reply by MarieG/CA on 2/2/11 2:17pm Msg #371046
I agree.
I'm actually new to the business and I asked for help, I was referred to that message which I printed out, read and re-read several times. Some of the stuff obviously no longer applies but also, there are a lot of things that have changed and that should be included.
I know, I would definitely appreciate it
Reply by Les_CO on 2/2/11 2:47pm Msg #371057
It’s not JUST that there are too many notaries, but too many cheap, unknowing notaries that have no conception of their value in the scheme of things, combined with diminishing business, and Title Companies trying to cut costs and increase profits at all levels. In my opinion the entire nature of this business has changed. At one time Title Companies looked upon us as a “free” convenience to them…allowing them to do business where they did not have brick&mortar offices and/or to present closings at the borrowers requested location, thereby freeing up the time of their escrow officers. The borrower paid for our services...not the Title Company, a great deal. Now many TC’s still want us to present, and get witnessed signatures on the closing documents (plus print/ship/take responsibility for) and the borrowers to PAY us, but to include our fees into their ‘closing costs’ charging the borrower $ 400/$600 plus including our services , paying us $50 and keeping the difference… (a HUD violation at least in spirit)
Who out there as a borrower would pay say….$12000.00 in ‘total closing costs’ yet choose to save $1.35 using a second rate, problematic courier service? Or save $27 by paying a newly commissioned, virtually useless notary, with no experience, no knowledge or conception of the transaction mechanics…to be responsible… legally… for the paperwork effecting (usually) their largest asset/liability? Would you? Ask the guy having a heart attack…Do you want the best cardiologist, Nobile prize winner Dr. Sam Jones..very expensive, just visiting here from Houston? Or Dr. Aaeesah Abdul Mujib just graduated from the Granada International School of Medicine, very inexpensive..but has a degree…. These borrowers are paying for the BEST…they deserve THE BEST! Charge what you are worth! Remember your ability, your convenience (you may have just saved them $50 in babysitter/parking/gas money) and your knowledge.
Reply by Lee/AR on 2/2/11 3:42pm Msg #371069
Haven't looked it over in a very long time, so a re-write may have some value. Maybe just adding an explanation at the beginning (some things no longer apply; some links are broken, etc.) would suffice. It is a daunting task, but still stands, imho, as the absolute best 'reality check' available--and it's free for the reading. One thing I will say is there is a terrific 'history' in that message and those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.
Reply by James Dawson on 2/2/11 4:11pm Msg #371076
I've noticed that quite a few people have notary training websites and quite a few members Hhere are also training notaries so the for "fee" training probably is the most up to date. It is NOT being shared for all to see.
For me I think what ever information that's going to be put out there should be State specific because there are soooo many variations. A rewrite of #33325, no it is a classic. A new one, state specific, maybe.
Now, could I find all the information I need without going to that message/thread? Yes. Newbies should be that resourceful also, NSA that is. IMO
Reply by Glenn Strickler on 2/2/11 5:39pm Msg #371129
Maybe Harry could make a spot for it
in the library.
Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/2/11 5:45pm Msg #371132
I was thinking a tab...quicker access... n/m
Reply by jba/fl on 2/2/11 7:51pm Msg #371199
I would have pressed "Like" button here! Good, Lee n/m
Reply by Stacie Hoover on 2/2/11 4:25pm Msg #371083
I have plenty of work. Thanks to Notary Rotary! I am a full time signing agent in San Diego County, CA. What is killing me is the cost of printing and now these lenders, title companies, et al, are throwing in a title report or appraisal, without telling me first, and wanting me to print it for the borrower. It's not right!
Reply by jba/fl on 2/2/11 7:55pm Msg #371206
Stacie: What kind of printer are you using? n/m
Reply by Cari on 2/2/11 11:42pm Msg #371277
Stacie, seriously, you're complaining about a few extra
sheets....what...you think printing out an extra 3 to 4 pages is going to break you in printing costs...are you using an inkjet printer.....?
Reply by jba/fl on 2/3/11 7:35am Msg #371298
I think she is....what else brings this reacation. n/m
Reply by Cari on 2/2/11 6:39pm Msg #371168
Robert why on earth do you purport to care about the NSA
profession, when you snobbishly choose NOT to do any work as a signing agent, and are therefore not directly affected by the NSA business at all?
In fact, most of your past posts prove to be more negative than positive when it comes to the NSA and the business as a whole.
Which leaves me to believe that you only post issues like this only to draw back attention to yourself ....so typical of brat needing never ending attention - "keep the notary protest part"...oh brother...
Reply by MikeC/NY on 2/2/11 10:55pm Msg #371253
Cari - too much snow to deal with?
Robert makes a good point - we keep referring new people to that message, and much of it is outdated. It would be a good idea to have a few really seasoned notaries get together and review it, make the necessary changes, and then perhaps try to convince Harry to hang it off the main menu as a resource rather than bury it in the message base...
I can think of at least 5 or 6 people I would like to see work on a project like this - it could be a really good thing if done right...
Reply by Cari on 2/2/11 11:36pm Msg #371276
"Cari - too much snow to deal with?" ... heckie yeah Mikey..
...though the msg is a bit outdated, it doesn't really matter. Most newbies do not take any time to read the Rules & Regs, especially when posting a question...
"If you plan to ask a question, Search the message archive for your answer first. Look for the following button in the forum. It is very likely your question has already been answered."
....TO DEATH....I would add...lol...
...I'd like to see NotRot put a list, or a Newbie Tab, somewhere in the Rules & Regs, with a list of those classic "helpful" messages/posts. Makes less cumbersome for the rest of us who have to read those same questions over and over and over again....
Reply by jba/fl on 2/3/11 7:33am Msg #371296
Re: "Cari - too much snow to deal with?" ... heckie yeah Mikey..
What makes you think that they will go there first? IME, and in our collective experience, they just jump in with the questions, then pout and huff and puff how rude people are on this forum. The real problem is that people don't want to read.
I don't know how many times people stand reading signs w/prices listed then turn and ask, "How much is this?" I would answer $15.95 and they would ask why the sign says $12.95. I would answer, "Interpretation fees" while they are asking for the printed price. People are lazy, just plain lazy. And, as Nicholson said:
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Reply by jba/fl on 2/3/11 7:34am Msg #371297
darn - need edit button
Reply by Cari on 2/3/11 7:50am Msg #371306
JBA....LMFAO...SO TRUE! n/m
Reply by JanetK_CA on 2/3/11 3:13am Msg #371286
Re: Cari - too much snow to deal with?
I think we're forgetting that the whole thing has all along been a volunteer effort. I, too, can think of a good number of people here who could do a great job at up dating it. I just can't think of any good reasons why they would want to spend their time doing so.
I think it is what it is - and anyone new is incredibly lucky to have access to it. It's probably the single best - free - resource out there about our business. Frankly, I don't feel too sorry for someone who has to be "inconvenienced" by having to spend time reading through all the different posts that have been added over the years or by having to invest some brain power to discern what is still valid and what isn't. It's only ever been a great starting point, after all. Each person needs to develop their own business plan and use their own best judgment when it comes to how they will run their business.
Reply by jba/fl on 2/3/11 7:46am Msg #371304
Hear, hear! Excellent point(s)! n/m
Reply by FlaNotary2 on 2/3/11 5:41am Msg #371288
Cari - your ridiculous rants aren't even worthy of replies n/m
Reply by FlaNotary2 on 2/3/11 7:39am Msg #371300
And BTW, you are apparently the only person on NR that still
has a problem with me.
Reply by Cari on 2/3/11 8:00am Msg #371310
nahhh...just one of the few that DARES to say anything...
...but I will tell ya (and I'm sure some feel the same about me), your popularity is equal to your unpopularity.
However, in spite of everything, keep posting because at times, you DO provide interesting topics of discussion, especially when your ego is in check and out of your posts.
