Posted by jojo_MN on 1/1/13 11:49am
Msg #448355

How NOT to conduct a signing

Another member in one of the networks to which I belong posted this "training video" in our forum. I am only posting this because it is an example of why there are so many notaries that don't know proper procedure. I was totally appalled that this is being used as a training video.

http://www.linkedin.com/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eyoutube%2Ecom%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DySUHcbqf244&urlhash=5KYO&_t=tracking_anet

Reply by ToniK on 1/1/13 12:31pm
Msg #448364

I saw that too. I didn't watch it cuz it was 23 mins long. But from the comments seems she left out alot.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 1/1/13 12:42pm
Msg #448369

That was interesting. I didn't want to spend 23 minutes on it but I did. I must say that I do things differently. I also would have had half the loan signed by the time she was finished with the HUD. I doubt the borrowers that I usually encounter would accept her explanation of the APR.

Reply by jojo_MN on 1/1/13 12:51pm
Msg #448372

I totally agree. Different notaries have their own way of presenting documents; however, they need to be totally accurate in what they explain. There are a few inaccuracies.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 1/1/13 1:06pm
Msg #448380

I also did not care for her explanation of why the payoff is different from what the borrower thinks her loan balance is. No mention at all of interest calculated through the funding date. And some TC's routinely add several additional days of interest onto the payoff just in case there are any delays.

With all that said, I do applaud her for trying to help new notaries.

Reply by jojo_MN on 1/1/13 12:45pm
Msg #448370

I applaud the fact she is trying to help other notaries; however, there are a few areas that really need to fixed if she is gong to be using this as a training video.

She didn't even look at the borrower's drivers license, just the copy and made the comment about how they should put the drivers license across the table so it won't get mixed in with the documents and then she would be without a drivers license.

My main problem is that she made the comment to the fact she loves snooping around people's houses. That is inexcusable.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 1/1/13 1:05pm
Msg #448379

Haven't watched the whole thing yet...but

right off the bat - she called the borrower to confirm and didn't identify herself. Those are the first words out of my mouth..

Does anyone else go line by line through the HUD like this? I'm curious.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 1/1/13 1:08pm
Msg #448385

NO! That was crazy going line by line.

When I sit down at the table, my first question to the borrowers is if they have received a copy of the HUD by email and if so did they review it? Most of the time they have received it. I am always happy to go over it with them and explain how it is laid out - but never line by line.

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/1/13 2:12pm
Msg #448408

If I sit down and they are nervous about the HUD,

then yes, I will go over it line by line. Some need it, some do not. However, I think it is good for every NSA to know the lines of the HUD to understand what it means.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 1/1/13 2:28pm
Msg #448413

I agree, Brenda.

I'd rather not have to go over it, but I'm prepared to do so, if necessary. I see lots of engineers and/or analytical types who will go over it line by line by themselves if I don't walk them through it, so I find it faster sometimes to do it myself. I don't go into as much detail and wouldn't have said some of the things she did, but I think this would be helpful to some newbies to at least understand some of the issues with the HUD, if not the perfect model of how to say it. I'm sure we'd all do things a little bit differently from each other.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 1/1/13 3:24pm
Msg #448423

Totally agree that NSA's should know how to go over the HUD

but I do not do it unless necessary - and I find that is rare.

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 1/1/13 1:32pm
Msg #448392

Re: Haven't watched the whole thing yet...but

Before I introduce myself on the phone, I always make sure i am speaking to the right person. I never introduce myself first. To me ot would be a breach of their privacy.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 1/1/13 1:45pm
Msg #448402

Well, yeah..I stand corrected- I thought that would be

obvious. My spiel is "Hi, may I speak with ____________." (speaking). "Hi, my name is , I'm a notary in , and I've been contacted to meet with you <day and time> to sign some documents". I don't specify loan docs or what type of docs - just an appointment to meet. And then it goes on from there.

Wow..you guys are so literal!!

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 1/2/13 10:11am
Msg #448462

Re: Well, yeah..I stand corrected- I thought that would be

I feel like I have to be literal in this business! Everything needs to be done very precisely! LOL!

Reply by jojo_MN on 1/1/13 2:37pm
Msg #448414

Re: Haven't watched the whole thing yet...but

I do always go thru the HUD line by line with the borrowers. In some states it is illegal to go thru the specifics unless you have a license to do so (which I do), so you need to make sure you’re not doing UPL. I always (just as Carol does) go thru the HUD, TIL and Note at the beginning of the signing because if there are questions, they can usually be answered in those documents. If I can’t answer the questions, we call the title company or lender for answers.

Many times, we have caught issues such as Appraisals, insurance, or property taxes being paid in advance. Sometimes it is as easy as getting the proof of payment and sending back with documents so they money can be added to their proceeds check or having a new HUD settlement statement sent for signing at that time or during the rescission period.

I also go thru the information listed on the Mortgage to see if any corrections need to be in spelling of names and vesting etc. Some companies require redraws if there are mistakes in any of these areas, while others allow lining thru errors, correcting and initialing the changes by whoever is signing the document. Always check with hiring party for directions.

Reply by Simone E. Lewis on 1/5/13 1:02am
Msg #449007

I have read thru 50 replies to this post and all of you...

miss the most important step to identify the borrower. I was surprised too that she asked the borrower for her identification and then copied the information from the copy without looking at the original license or identification. I also noticed and hope when she teaches CA notaries that she teaches them to take a thumb’s fingerprint for the journal.

In my opinion, it was a bit borderline of being UPL, of too much explanation in description the HUD. One can introduce the HUD by saying these are the closing cost, present the HUD so they can check the figures themselves. And on with the interest is 3.2 % for 30 years, the monthly payment is, and it is due on such and such a date, and there is no pre penalty charges if you pay it off early, the lender is such and such. It is fast and precise and to the point.

She also said the impound account was a requirement from the lender. Wrong again, It is never a requirement and neither is the company that they choose for their hazard insurances.

It was a bit unprofessional in the approach with the remark of the phone and the snooping but it is a stepping stones for newbie’s and it was done with a good intention.

Reply by Grammyzoom on 1/1/13 1:04pm
Msg #448376

I don't know if this post will be accepted or deleted but I was told by one of my students that this comment slamming a video I did had been posted here.

I have not posted on this forum for probably a year and a half. For any of you who remember, I used to post here occasionally with information I felt would be helpful. One day I announced that I would no longer be posting here because I became sick and tired of the bashing that takes place on this forum, especially of "newbies". It seemed that anytime a new person asked a question someone or several someones were so ready to make these people feel stupid and unwanted.

So, just to be clear and to defend myself, I want all of you to know that the video was intended, not to go through the details of an entire signing, but rather to demonstrate the flow of taking an assignment through being paid so that new people who had never had the opportunity to be a part of a signing might get some sense of what a signing is like. We have had about 550 views and the feedback has been extremely positive.

We now have over 300 graduates and for the first time ever, there are a lot of companies who are willing to hire our grads even if they have no experience. I would say that this speaks highly of the way we are teaching notaries how to become Professional Signing Agents.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 1/1/13 1:06pm
Msg #448382

Carol, I've referred a lot of new notaries to your program

as I've heard a lot of success stories about it.

That said, I'd strongly suggest you re-do this video - it's fraught with inaccuracies.

Reply by Grammyzoom on 1/1/13 1:18pm
Msg #448387

Re: Carol, I've referred a lot of new notaries to your program

Linda,

Linda, I do appreciate your referrals. I do want to say that we did not rehearse it and totally winged it because we wanted the video to be very natural.

Someone made a comment about the drivers license and if they will look again I was handed the copy and did ask for the original.

Again, this video was created just to demonstrate the flow rather than details. It was not created to go through an entire set of documents or through all of the details of a signing. We teach this all these details in our course. We wanted new people to understand that they can be themselves, have a little fun but show the need for NSA's to make the borrower(s) feel at ease and comfortable. Gaining the confidence of the signer(s) is crucial to a successful signing.

If I re-do the video at some point in time, yes there will be some changes and yes, once we are experienced we all find different ways of doing things.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 1/1/13 1:23pm
Msg #448390

I feel you should have included the notary administering an oath to the signer in the video. That is an extremely important aspect of our job as a notary. I understand that different notaries will of course conduct their signings differently, but I feel some of your explanations of docs in the video were not completely accurate. But good for you for helping new notaries to get started - yes I agree that training is better than being new and having no experience.

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/1/13 2:06pm
Msg #448407

Carol, IMHO, the negative remarks were not warranted.

First of all, you did not ask for it to be posted here.

Secondly, from what I watched of it, I saw a professional video that was created for the purpose of marketing a business.

Your video is nicely done.

As far as the copy of the DL, wasn't the DL lying right beside it?

Reply by Barbara Ray on 1/1/13 1:33pm
Msg #448394

This video was clearly listed as a DEMONSTRATION video not a TRAINING VIDEO. We created the video to show the flow of a signing and to spark interest for anyone who would want to learn the business. Granted we all have our OWN way of doing the signings; including myself and I was trained by Carol ~ yes I am her daughter; even my father, the LSA now, has his own way of doing things.

If you think that Carol purposely omitted information or didn't cover the signing completely has totally missed the mark maybe......those of you who think otherwise...need to sign up for notary2pro.com and see exactly what Carol teaches. She has been in the business for over 35 years as both an Escrow Manager and a LSA. If she didn't know what she was doing she wouldn't have over 300 successful graduates nationwide (and over 525 students currently) who have benefited from her expertise.

If you have doubts about Carol's course visit www.notary2pro.com and look at our testimonial page...feel free to contact anyone and everyone on there they will tell you just how informative and well taught her courses are. Let's stop bashing each other as we have more important things to worry about...so to all of you happy new year.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 1/1/13 1:51pm
Msg #448405

Happy New Year to you too Barbara

Maybe you should click on the link..you'll see, right above Carol's picture..the following:

"Notary Signing Agent Training ."

And I did go back and look at the point she made about the license - yes she did ask for it - however, she did not inspect it and she completed her journal from the photocopy.

I think it's a good effort, but it should have been polished before published. Far too many newbies will rely on it and it falls short in many ways. I've heard nothing but good about Carol's program, which is why (1) I always mention it to newbies; and (2) I feel this video does not do her justice.

JMHO

Reply by LKT/CA on 1/1/13 3:21pm
Msg #448422

When the video starts, after the logo it says "Training Video". It would have been a good (and wise) idea to have at least five experienced NSAs review this video before it was posted online. JMHO

Reply by Sally/CA on 1/1/13 4:39pm
Msg #448427

Because I had taken the Notary2Pro Course when I first started my loan signing business, (which helped build my confidence in performing loan signings immensely) , I did not view the video as a training video. I thought it very informative in seeing how someone else handles the flow of their closings. I applaud anyone for trying to help new people in this business as in the beginning it is very scary going into a field without the knowledge necessary to feel confident. This video was a "free" service which I appreciated.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 1/1/13 2:45pm
Msg #448417

I think this is a promotional piece for Notary2Pro

Well, I just did view the whole thing. I'm not going to try to get into any details here of what I do differently - and there is quite a bit there that I could comment on - but there's also several things that I do similarly.

My impression is that this video - posted on YouTube - is designed strictly to market Notary2Pro's training service, something else on which I agree with Brenda. Carol isn't the one who posted it here, to her credit, and I don't think it should have been posted here. I've never taken any of her classes, but I suspect this wasn't intended to be a comprehensive training on how to conduct a signing.

For a complete novice, she did cover some elements that might not be obvious and are probably useful to know. However, I think the new person should keep in mind that some of the comments are better thought of as a help in your understanding rather than something that should be closely duplicated in a signing. Also keep in mind that this is just the tip of the iceberg, in many ways.

Reply by LKT/CA on 1/1/13 3:00pm
Msg #448419

To Grammyzoom

How many notary colleagues did you ask to watch your video and provide feedback BEFORE you posted it online? I watched the video in it's entirety and, like the other posters, would have said and did some things differently. As the saying goes: The devil is in the "details".

You say the intent of the video is to show the "flow" of a loan signing, then I think it would have been better NOT to include the details because the details gave me the impression of a training video. I would have viewed the video a demonstration if it showed the following: When you present the HUD, the video can show you say: This is your settlement statement and it....... Then the audio disappears, the music comes on and it shows you and the signer in conversation over the HUD without the *details* of what you say. Then audio returns and you say: This is the NORTC and it...... then the music comes on and it shows you in conversation, without the *details* of what you say, further explaining the NORTC.....and so on, and so forth through the critical. So basically, the audio has you saying the title of the document only.

IME, had you done that, the video would be more of a "demonstration" than a training. Some of the facial expressions and comments could have been left out - one being the very obvious "snooping" comment. The other being the comment about the phone being your lifeline and how you make money. I would have just said to the borrower that I may need to answer my phone but will cut the calls to 30 to 60 seconds. Regarding the facial expressions....you frowned at the call for the last minute signing. I didn't see the point of that. Either your schedule would permit you to do the signing or it wouldn't. Just showing you checking the schedule as you did was enough.

I also <personally> have a pet peeve about licking fingers to turn pages. I've always hated that and think it's disgusting. The office supply stores sell those rubber fingertips, which I buy and use at signing or GNW appts. Your heart is in the right place but had you ran this video by at least five other professionals before posting, I believe it would have greatly help to fine tune the video and taken the confusion out of whether your video was for demonstration or training purposes. I hope you take the comments here as constructive criticism rather than being slammed or attacked.

Reply by PJM/MI on 1/1/13 3:01pm
Msg #448420

HOLY HECK! It took her HOW LONG to accept the assignment?

Reply by Dennis reno on 1/1/13 5:03pm
Msg #448430

Video demo

I've been in broadcasting over 30 years and you sure can't please everyone. In production it's "never" a finished product and it can always be improved upon. I think many are missing the point....this is just part of a basic approach go give new signing agents an "idea" of how a signing should progress. Yes, we all do things differently.....but you have to start with the basics. I appreciate other notaries point of view and I know I can learn something from everyone. Take what you like and build upon on it.....if you see something you don't like then don't use it. If you have ideas thank can benefit others then share them. It's easy to pick apart something until you've tried to do it yourself.....especially when it comes to writing, recording, and production......when it's not your specialty. Carol, I appreciate your efforts and know that this is just the beginning. Keep up the good work.

Reply by Karla/OR on 1/1/13 9:42pm
Msg #448448

I was working as a Paralegal in a law office when I first heard of the NSA job. I wasn't particularly happy with what I was doing, so when my best friend mentioned her re-fi experience, this peaked my interest. She gave me the notaries name and number - I called and the gracious lady gave me details.

I would have appreciated such a video like Carol's to give me an overall (basic) picture of the NSA's job to see if it was something I would be interested in pursuing. It would have helped put me at ease, especially on my first few signings (post training).

There were things Carol portrayed in her video that I currently do, others I can do, and those I wouldn't do. I wouldn't say I like to snoop around. :O) That was probably one of those things that we say and wish we could take back!!

Each one of us has to create our own comfortable way of doing signings, but be open to suggestions that could improve our way of doing things - the other side is to be closed minded and cocky.

Reply by Claudine Osborne on 1/1/13 10:16pm
Msg #448449

I have seen the video and at first I was a little surprised at some of the details or lack of..But we are looking at this as experienced NSAs..We have had time to hone our skills and learn from our experiences..This is a training video for people to get a feel for what we do..So from that angle it makes a little more sense..and I can accept it as it is..I definetely see some things I would never do and she omitted some important things..like introducing herself in the confirmation phone call for starters..But Im not going to pick on Carol she has put together a training video for newbies..What have others done to help a newbie?

Reply by Kelly Gendreau on 1/1/13 11:00pm
Msg #448450

Wow, isn't this a great example of that old saying "no good deed goes unpunished". I really appreciated Carol making the video available. I am brand new to this business and actually saw it the day before my first signing. When you are new, there is so much to remember it is overwhelming and the video gave me an idea of how the meeting might flow. I have been a corporate trainer in the past and have always felt that the trainees that participated in role playing were more apt to "get" what we were trying to teach than those that just tested well. I looked at it as a role play and not as a surveillance video. It was helpful to me and I appreciate the intention.

Reply by HisHughness on 1/2/13 8:10am
Msg #448453

WOW! Reading this thread, I am moved to think ...

... that there are those among us who could help train salt water crocs in how to be cold-blooded.

Carol Ray started her signing agent training business from scratch. Within a relatively short period, she has put together a well-rounded program that appears to turn out a graduate better qualified than most such programs. She's done some things differently than I would have done, she's done some things better than I would have done, but the critical thing is that she has DONE them. That's more than I can say, and I gather more than anyone who has contributed to this thread can say.

Lighten up, folks.

Reply by 101livescan on 1/2/13 9:07am
Msg #448455

Re: WOW! Reading this thread, I am moved to think ...

Agree, Hugh. Members of this board should appreciate that Carol has worked hard to craft her business. While there are some flaws, she has taken the major step to show new notaries the basics of a loan signing. Since we don't get this training first hand, I would not be permitted in my area to take someone along to observe the process due to privacy issues. Many people I see would not be comfortable, often I'm showing my own credentials to prove my identity.

Let's be a kinder forum in 2013, more professionalism, less hypercritical posts.

Reply by shawna on 1/2/13 9:23am
Msg #448457

Re: WOW! Reading this thread, I am moved to think ...

Kudos to Carol for taking the newbie under her wing. How many of you were like a deer in headlights when you did your first signing? I will admit I was. Thank you Carol for your dedication to our industry.

Reply by jojo_MN on 1/2/13 9:55am
Msg #448459

REVISED - How to Conduct a Signing.

I feel very badly about posting. Someone within my network sent the original post to me and others with lots of criticism there . I then watched the video and was shocked because of some inaccuracies in what she was saying in the presentation. I was under the impression that she was a signing service training notaries what to say. I was listening to the CONTENT of what she was saying in the mock closing, not paying attention to the process itself. I also didn't realize that she was the same Carol that was teaching the classes.

I love the fact that she helping notaries learn the process. I started this profession with absolutely no help from anyone and didn't even know that Notary Rotary existed. This video would have been an immense help to me in the beginning. Unfortunately, I would have probably explained exactly the same as she did (minus the snooping remark--which I now know she was saying in jest) not knowing how to correctly explain. And yes; I do know now that had it been a real closing, she would have explained everything correctly.

I have never taken her class, but have had many good comments on it in the past. Had I know yesterday it was her, I would have just contacted her directly. Have been awake most of the night trying to find a way to take back the post and apologize to her.

In the future, I will write all posts, save in a document. Wait a day, re-read, then post if I think it is important enough to share with the general public.

Have a great year!

Reply by dgd/CA on 1/2/13 10:50am
Msg #448470

Re: REVISED - How to Conduct a Signing.

Carol is a delightful, non-spiteful individual and professional. Her contact number is listed on her profile... she is just a phone call away....

Reply by Simone E. Lewis on 1/5/13 1:14am
Msg #449009

Re: I think it was done with good intention but ...

I have read thru 36 replies to this post and all of you miss the most important step to identify the borrower. I was surprised as some of you mentioned that she asked the borrower for her identification and then copied the information from the copy without looking at the original license or identification. I also noticed and hope when she teaches CA notary that she teaches them to take a thumb’s fingerprint for the journal.

In my opinion, it was a bit borderline of being UPL, of too much explanation in description the HUD. One can introduce the HUD by saying these are the closing cost, present the HUD so they can check the figures themselves. And on with the interest is 3.2 % for 30 years, the monthly payment is, and it is due on such and such a date, and there is no pre penalty charges if you pay it off early, the lender is such and such. It is fast and precise and to the point.

She also said the impound account was a requirement from the lender. Wrong again, It is never a requirement and neither is the company that they choose for their hazard insurances.

It was a bit unprofessional in the approach with the remark about the phone and the snooping but it is a stepping stones for newbie’s and it was done with a good intention.

Thank you Carol!