Posted by Barry Deemer on 2/27/13 7:33am
Msg #458100

Help a new Notary/Signing Agent

I am just starting my career as a Notary Public and Signing Agent in Maryland. One of my first contacts advised me to join the Nation Notary Association (NNA) which I did. Their website advertises a conference in June that seems to have several workshops that would help a newbie like me.
Do any of you have comments about the NNA and specifically the yearly conference they put on? Is it well attended? Are the workshops as helpful as they sound? Will I be able to meet companies that can send business my way?
What other associations or organizations should I be aware of?
Any comments (in good taste of course) and experiences will be appreciated.
Thank you all.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 2/27/13 7:40am
Msg #458101

For starters, were you aware that

In MD, you must have a TPL (title producer's license) in order to perform closings as a signing agent?
Page 6, # 18
18. May a notary perform official duties at real estate closings or
settlements?
A notary may not render services which may result in the issuance
of a title insurance contract; such services may only be performed
by a licensed title insurance producer, as defined in Insurance
Article, §10-101(i), Annotated Code of Maryland. According to the
Maryland Insurance Administration, “a notary who merely attends
a real estate closing or settlement that is conducted by another
person or entity and who merely witnesses signatures in
consideration of the statutory fees that a notary is permitted to
charge does not, in the view of the MIA, fall within the scope of
§10-101(i) and is not required to secure a title producer’s license in
order to perform such services. However, if the notary is the only
individual other than the buyer who is present at the closing and the
notary is presenting documents for signature which may result in
the issuance of title insurance, collecting escrow funds, or
otherwise performing any duty other than the witnessing of a
signature, the notary must also be licensed as a title insurance
producer. Bulletin from MIA to Title Insurers, Property & Casualty
03-18, December 1, 2003.

http://www.sos.state.md.us/notary/NotaryManual.pdf

Reply by ArtG/KS on 2/27/13 7:41am
Msg #458102

Barry I will only say that asking about the NNA is a huge can or worms. I wont post here about my concerns with them but they are clearly money into their own pockets driven, not benefit the notary driven.

The NR right here is your best bet.

Reply by Kathy Fletcher on 2/27/13 8:34am
Msg #458119

I do not agree with Art. I received my training through the NNA and I have attended many, many of their conferences. I am only regretful that I did not attend their conference the first year I became a notary. Yes, they do market their services but what company does not? Many are upset here that they continue to train our competition, but there are enough assignments out there for us all.

If you would like to discuss conference in more detail, please feel free to contact me.

Reply by CJ on 2/27/13 8:53am
Msg #458124

Lurk on here every day, and you will learn a LOT. n/m

Reply by HisHughness on 2/27/13 11:30am
Msg #458158

There is a vast difference between an organizatio or company

...that is driven by profit motives, and one which regards its primary function as serving its members.

In my view, and I think in the view of most experienced signing agents, the organiztion in question exists to support its profit-makig arm, which sells services and merchadise. One of the services it sells is training to become a notary, and in doing so I think it exaggerates both the need for new signing agents and the anticipated income. I also do not believe the organization has been a positive influence in maintaining far fees for the profession.

Incidentally, the organization reads this board, and complains to Harry about negative posts. And it has a lot to complain about, since it is largely viewed with disdain here. Consequently, it is never referred to by name. If you see a reference to XYZ, draw your own conclusions.

Reply by billie bbehymer on 2/27/13 12:20pm
Msg #458168

I just paid for my membership and wanted to know how long did it take for a membership to be displayed on the web?

Reply by JanetK_CA on 2/28/13 2:12am
Msg #458363

What membership are you talking about? NNA or Notary Rotary? I haven't been a member of the former for roughly 8 years - and in those days we weren't able to ever see our listing displayed on the web. It supposedly was only viewable by paying potential clients. I could go on, but I won't.

Do a search on this site for "NNA" or "XYZ" and you'll find an eyeful. Many of us here are not fans.

[Disclaimer: Everything I say about the NNA is just my personal opinion.]