Posted by Karin Konseck on 3/1/11 7:07pm
Msg #374672

Looking for some inspiration!

Just recently got back into the game, my how things have changed in the past 3 years(This wonderful blog for 1). Sadly, it looks like some of the most discouraging things have not changed. Most importantly pay day... Can anyone offer me some good news and possibly some inspiration in this new/old adventure of being a Signing Agent? I would also appreciate any feedback as to which companies do actually have work, pay reasonable fee's & within a reasonable time frame? I can't think of any better group to ask then those of us who are runnung the roads to get the loans closed & the job done

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/1/11 7:53pm
Msg #374675

Karin, and others there is still notary work, but...

you are going to have to get serious about marketing for general mobile notary work and start looking at every facet of providing notary work without loans being involved.

Ask yourself a couple of questions to figure out some of your answers:

1) How much loan work will there be when interest rates go UP rather than DOWN? How much refi work will there be? How many people will refinance to get a higher interest rate?

2) How can you find out what lenders are doing what is left of the loans in your area? 90% of the time you can also figure out what title company is doing the work, as well. Go to that place and start figuring out how to get that loan work.

3) If the answer to #2 eludes you, go to signing central and sign up with all the companies with 4 and 5 stars.

There will never, ever, ever, ever be the easy-come-to-you-work like there was when the rates were going down. You're going to have to get out every marketing tool you ever had to make a mobile notary/loan business for yourself.

There is work there, but it won't flood your phone again right now.

Reply by Lee/AR on 3/1/11 8:44pm
Msg #374679

Re: Karin, and others there is still notary work, but...

I'm in chatty mode today...
"There is work there, but it won't flood your phone again right now", said Brenda.
I'll add, based on experience and nothing more, that the 'up' side of the cycle--which lasted an amazing 10 years has now entered the 'down' cycle... another 10 years? Less, I hope, but don't really believe.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 3/1/11 9:26pm
Msg #374681

"I would also appreciate any feedback as to which companies do actually have work, pay reasonable fee's & within a reasonable time frame? "

I've been in this business for 4.5 years after 25 years as a closing paralegal...

I just spent the better part of the day today going through each and every company that's listed in Signing Central, one by one, checking out the ones I've not heard from or haven't worked for in some time and making contact to be added to their lists....I'm up to the "p's".. we resume tomorrow.

I'd suggest starting there.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 3/1/11 10:20pm
Msg #374685

Linda, that's a labor of love = inspirational. Thank you

for illuminating the obvious: a perfect Monitoring Tool of our own making, for we tires-on-the-road, Mobile Notaries/Remote Closers.

Woohoo!

Reply by Stephanie_CA on 3/2/11 10:46am
Msg #374741

Re: Looking for some inspiration! I'm with you, Linda

I've been in this industry for 10 years and it takes work to build our lists of fantastic companies to work with. I am constantly "refreshing" my list to be as current as possible. I've never asked any person here at Notary Rotary for something I can do myself.
Good luck,
Stephanie

Reply by Susan Fischer on 3/1/11 10:06pm
Msg #374682

Adding to Brenda and Lee (ok, yes, I did just YouTube

Brenda Lee... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHKNk2He7vc&feature=related )

As Miss Piggy said when asked about re-entering the 'field;' "Circulate, circulate, circulate." (Hair flip)

Welcome back, Karin...Notary Land is still here, albeit ~leaner~, but that's what's great about Yankee Ingenuity = we find needs to fill.

And, I'll throw in a reminder for all of us: Pay Yourself First. Budget 10% off the top for Savings. It's for Ourselves. (easier said than done...)

Reply by Karin/VA on 3/2/11 7:04am
Msg #374695

Re: Adding to Brenda and Lee (ok, yes, I did just YouTube

Thank you to all that took the time to reply to my post. I will take all of your comments and suggestions into account and will keep moving forward. Hard headed as I am I will not give up on this business as there will always be a need for the services of a Notary Signing Agent that is willing to work in the trenches 24 hours a day... Just to share a funny little blip with.....Can any of you tell me what you should do when you arrive to the client's home and there is a skunk (as big as racoon) sitting on the front step of the front porch? lol...should we call the lending team with that problem?lol

Reply by LisaWI on 3/2/11 7:23am
Msg #374699

Re: Virginia and Skunks

"Can any of you tell me what you should do when you arrive to the client's home and there is a skunk (as big as racoon) sitting on the front step of the front porch? lol...should we call the lending team with that problem?lol"

LOL, that sounds like a chapter right out of the book Im reading about Virginia, Zebulon Mtn, and the people who live there.

Dont have a solid answer for your question except for I would be using my cell to call the borrowers from my car...........it could be there pet or maybe not.......

Reply by Karin/VA on 3/2/11 7:30am
Msg #374704

Re: Virginia and Skunks

lol, I did just that...borrower answers the phone ..I tell her that I may be a few minutes late due to the skunk on her front porch and she responds with...OMG, where is my cat? lol... Just thought I would remind all of you that you are not alone in the crazy adventures...One of the best parts of the biz to me...You never know what the day will bring

Reply by Karin/VA on 3/2/11 7:32am
Msg #374706

Re: Virginia and Skunks

Lisa, What exactly does this book say about the people that live in VA??

Reply by LisaWI on 3/2/11 8:26am
Msg #374718

Re: Virginia and Skunks

Its more of a book about the nature and its surrroundings on the Mountain with people who live in the area. Think of it like this, a lot of books will talk about a certain city and the people who live there, this one talks about Zebulon Mtn and the people who live on and around the Mountain. Its fictional and the author is brilliant with humor about everyday life on the Mountain and she paints a really nice picture of the wonderful nature that exists there.

Reply by Karin/VA on 3/2/11 8:34am
Msg #374720

Re: Virginia and Skunks

Lisa, that sounds like a wonderful book I notice you are in WI...I grew up in Minnesota and want you to know that it is truly beautiful here in VA however I am still partial to the northern states Best wishes to you.

Reply by LisaWI on 3/2/11 10:58am
Msg #374747

Re: Virginia and Skunks

Its funny you mention that....we were just to Minnesota last year for a mini vaca. Absolutely loved the landscape. We met some people while we were there (Blues Fest) who have lived in Virginia and we have talked about moving there. Its definately on our list of maybe's Or at the very least visiting there.

The book is Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver if youre interested in reading it

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/2/11 7:48am
Msg #374710

I look for a niche.

I predict there's not going to be a smorgasbord of work such as in the past.

For those who are trying to boost a mobile notary business, make a list of every type of document that you have seen notarized or have needed notarized.

After that, go to the internet and pull down every kind of document that needs notarization that you can find.

Figure out who has those documents and set up a marketing plan to reach those who need notarization.

Reply by Philip Johnson on 3/2/11 9:49am
Msg #374731

Is a niche, kinda like a snipe?

If so I spent what seems my entire Boy Scout career looking for one and never found one.

Reply by MW/VA on 3/2/11 7:35am
Msg #374708

I'd love to be inspiring, but the reality is that there is a major slow-down in the biz. Feb. was the slowest month I've had in over 4 years. Rates are still good, but values are down & affect many potential clients. Most of what I've been seeing in the last year is streamline FHA or VA refi's. I'm thinking the brokers have about run out of marketing those. No matter what, don't settle for low fees. Out costs are higher now with gas, etc. & it's not the time to cut rates. Good luck.

Reply by Stephanie_CA on 3/2/11 10:41am
Msg #374740

Karin...

I have a small but fantastic list of Title Companies I work with. It took hard work to build my list, regardless of how many are on the list.
I, personally, cannot fathom who would pass on information to you.
Karin, start marketing and build your list as many of us have done. Nothing conmes easy, so, please don't expect anything handed to you on a selver platter.
Do the work.
Times they are a changing. Get back in the game, so to speak, and work on building a list you are happy with.

Reply by Karin/VA on 3/2/11 11:11am
Msg #374754

Re: Karin...

Thanks Stephanie, I can appreciate your comments/suggestions. This forum is just 1 of many avenues that I am investigating. I honestly didn't expect to hear from any NSA's in VA however, I was hoping for suggestions from NSA's in all other states as I would not be considered their competition. You make a valid point though..Why would anyone help me to get back up on my feet in this business? Well, I guess the best way that question could be answered is this..... Karma... I wish you well & appreciate your honesty.

Reply by aries/CA on 3/2/11 11:35am
Msg #374758

Why don't you try and market yourself to lenders, brokers, attorneys and escrow offices. I do more for them, than SS, they pay more, and you get paid within a week. You can't get paid any faster with SS. Just a thought.

Good Luck!

Reply by Karin/VA on 3/2/11 11:50am
Msg #374760

Great idea's!! Thank you

Reply by Victoria_NJ on 3/2/11 1:43pm
Msg #374784

Inspiring News - closing 8-10+ per day in NY state

the business IS out there - how long it will last is another matter

Reply by Sandra Clark on 3/2/11 6:33pm
Msg #374857

Re: Inspiring News - closing 8-10+ per day in NY state

yeh right! I take most postings with a grain of salt, this one needs a whole shaker.

Reply by Victoria_NJ on 3/3/11 12:18pm
Msg #374961

We closed 15 on 3/2 in NY - 10 scheduled for today

If you are a NY notary looking for additional closing opportunities, please feel free to sign up on our website.

I welcome good, qualified notary closers to our team.

Reply by jaxson on 3/2/11 4:01pm
Msg #374812

10+ a day Victoria? Riiiiight!