Posted by Kathryn on 2/1/11 7:38pm
Msg #370948

State of Georgia

I know that Georgia is an attorney only state for closings, correct? But can any of you give me any suggestions as to how to use my job (certified closing agent for 11 years) in a small town in Georgia? I want to move near my grandbaby and daughters.
PLEASE... any suggestions? Thanks so much!

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/1/11 7:58pm
Msg #370951

Go to work for a title company or an attorney?

You can be independent there but only notarizing...you can't do signings as you know them now....well, as I've said before, you can - heaven knows they're done all the time by non-attorneys in GA....how lucky do you feel? And is it worth the risk.

I, personally, wouldn't do it....start putting out feelers to TC's and law firms in the area.

MHO

Reply by BobbiCT on 2/2/11 7:36am
Msg #370970

Agree with Linda .. n/m

Reply by BobbiCT on 2/2/11 7:48am
Msg #370972

Agree with Linda .. Any Georgia paralegals out there?

Prepare your resume - bearing in mind that "notary signing agent certification" may carry no weight with attorneys or title insurance companies. Get "to whom it may concern" reference letters from lenders or title companies that you work with now; highlighting your "years" of experience in the real estate field and ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Good references from "name brand" companies will be more impressive than from signing agencies (which may not be well known in Georgia).

Search for lawyers with offices near your daughters, mail out your resume. I don't know how Georgia title companies operate; there's always employee backroom operations, I don't know what need they'd have for a "signing agent's" skill set. Consider offering to work "part time" with "flexible hours" at their convenience. I am not sure how Georgia title companies operate; however, as you know, there are boom and bust days in residential real estate. It gives the law firm the opportunity to "try you out" without committing to full-time salary in hopes of full-time work to cover your employee costs. In case you aren't aware, attorneys cannot fee-split with non-attorneys; i.e., you may find yourself in an "hourly rate" situation rather than % of a closing fee.

Best of luck to you. (I'm happily very close to my grandbaby and children ... which is why I'm sitting here buried under ice and watching more coming down .) Check out legal assistant and paralegal organization websites for Georgia information ... and contacts that may be able to give you information. Like here, they won't do the work for you or "give away the bank," but they will at least give you your options and point you in the right direction.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/2/11 8:32am
Msg #370979

Also, refer back to replies you received to

Msg #297972 and Msg #298277 from 2009...may be some tips in there..