Posted by Laurily on 4/25/13 7:43am
Msg #467091

When Borrower wants a piece of the action

I've come across a few times at borrowers homes when one of them is a notary and makes a comment about doing what I do as a notary and they say things like " this is a nice gig you have I should start doing it because I'm a notary too" I cringe every time I hear this because they have no clue what it takes to be a NSA and I'm not about to reveal to them on how to go about doing it when it's clear that they would be my competitor in this industry. Has anyone else experienced this? What do you say to them?

Reply by ikando on 4/25/13 8:16am
Msg #467094

I get that comment often. Depending whether I think they're serious or not, I'll comment to the fact I only receive a portion of the fee on the HUD, or tell about some of the gross situations I've encountered. That usually ends the conversation.

Reply by Jack/AL on 4/25/13 9:00am
Msg #467103

Some shy away when they realize they'd have to live with their cell phone, work mostly in the late afternoons to late nights, go to all kinds of places to meet all kinds of people (and their pets), and do a lot of printing, reading, and shuffling of papers. Many who could accept those conditions are not detail oriented, as we must be in order to get the jobs done properly. Face it, we're a special breed, and many people just would not do what we do.

Reply by COpink on 4/25/13 9:30am
Msg #467109

I tend to make it sound really awful. I talk about all the certifications and testing you need to do (and pay for) before you can even get a seal. Then I talk about the late hours, how much you need to go to networking events and companies to get your name out, etc, tell a horror story or two and then they usually are quiet. I never reveal my resources!

Reply by Luckydog on 4/25/13 9:43am
Msg #467113

I guess I am different...I like my job and encourage them to try it. Starting out is not my competition by any means.

Reply by Pam/NM on 4/25/13 9:56am
Msg #467116

I tell them how much I love what I do

and that it took me a solid 3 years before I began to make a really comfortable profit and nearly that long to establish a good client base. I make sure also to caution about the down times.
They usually start with "what does it take to be a notary?" Unfortunately, in NM if you have a pulse, are at least 18, can read/write English, haven't been convicted of any felonies and can pony up the $20 for application and $50 for bond, you too can be a notary. I also let them know that it isn't easy to get quality training and that you must have proper equipment, should you want to use your commission to become a signing agent. Since I've been doing this in 2006, I've not had anyone follow through on what it takes to do this but I've had lots of people ask if they can contact me for help and advice when they decide to take the plunge. I keep encouraging one of my sons and my daughter (both college age), but they see the toll it takes and are hesitant. I really don't see many of my borrowers as future competition.

Reply by OR on 4/25/13 10:27am
Msg #467128

Re: Often I say.

I often say "yes but..... there are many times I work 17 hours straght and then I still have all the accounting to do. But you got to love that stuff when own your own business." Then I add that "you have to do much more then just be a notary to do this job, I am also an NSA." Then I go back to this loan signing. That makes them think twice.

Reply by ToniK on 4/25/13 10:18am
Msg #467124

I tell them

Give me a call if you're serious about getting this business. I'd rather school them on how not to get cheated in this business. I view it as a win-win situation for all involved. You never know the connections some of these people have.

Shoot I got a job offer from a BO who is a VP of my former employer when I used to work on an FBI contract. He said if I ever wanted to come back to work he'd try to get me on some contracts. He thought notary business was a good thing for his wife so she can get out the house. Lol

Reply by Shelly_FL on 4/25/13 5:29pm
Msg #467183

I suggest they go to NR to read the forum

(They will get a dose of reality) and judge for themselves if they are cut out for this kind of lifestyle.

Reply by Bear900/CA on 4/25/13 5:36pm
Msg #467187

Respond in Acronyms! n/m

Reply by jba/fl on 4/25/13 5:38pm
Msg #467188

ROFL! n/m

Reply by MW/VA on 4/25/13 8:45pm
Msg #467204

IMO it's because they don't really understand that it

takes more than a notary commission to do this job. I was one of those interested borrowers that asked questions of the person who signed my loan a few years ago. I can tell you that I had no idea how stressful this work is. I'm aware that it looks pretty easy at the signing table, but most have no clue what goes on before & after. ;-)