The following is a compilation from several experienced people that frequent this board, i.e., Brenda- TX (most of the list below is from her), Sylvia/FL, Art/MD. This appeared in a number of posts and I have copied and pasted it, and saved it for future reference, along with my general advice to newbies (Hugh, please excuse me for using your favorite term) that I usually post in response to questions about getting started.
If you know what a notary signing agent is, then you probably know whether or not you have enough background to wing it or whether you need to take a class.
Depending on the area that you are in, you may or may not be able to get work, i.e. many areas are saturated with notaries who fell for the NNA get rich quick scheme. Having said that, if you think you want to pursue this business, read every notary board you can find, learn all that you can learn, network (if possible) with other notaries and MARKET, MARKET, MARKET yourself. There is no fast road to success. Also be sure that you want the life style that we have to live (last minute signings, slow and or low pay, not being able to have much of a social life, especially from the 15th to the 25th of each month, be prepared to sit at a kitchen table trying to work while dinner was cooking, phones ringing and borrowers jumping up to answer, kids screaming, dogs barking, couples fighting, etc). All of us could tell you stories that would either curl your hair, or make it fall out,. You also should be someone who does not require a structured life because in this business (if you treat it like a business and not just pin money) almost everything is subject to change. It is not unusual to have five signings in your appointment book and end up with one or none due to cancellations or rescheduling! You will have little or no control over your schedule; you might have one for 9 a.m. and not another thing until 8 or 9 p.m. or 4 or 5 one day and then none for the next several days. And the problem with starting new in a saturated market is that everyone wants experience and references. When I started 3 years ago the business was at its zenith and the first 2 or 3 months, I was lucky to get 2 or 3 signings a week and I turned down nothing! I also worked at least 40 hours a week just trying to get business. Also, you will need a fast computer, a hi speed internet connection, a fast laser printer(PCL6), a plain paper fax machine, a copier, a reliable car and a cell phone with at least 1500 anytime minutes. Don't expect to recoup your initial investment for at least six to twelve months.
Here are some suggestions:
(1) Purchase Kathy Poston's book (see http://www.signingregistry.info) Consider the Signing Registry's mentor program.
(2) Purchase Monica's book (see http://www.amrnotary.com)
(3) Make sure to learn your state notary laws well.
(4) Do a google search for notary signing agent training.
(5) Read http://www.gomobilenotary.com and this forum to get the feel for what the job involves.
(6) Consult the Small Business Admin's site at http://www.sba.gov to learn how to research your area's opportunity. Crunch the numbers and see if you think you can make a business of it by the area you will serve.
(7) Consider buying Laura Vestanen's book on developing non-loan business. See her website at http://www.professionalnotary.com. Her book is about $10.
(8) Advertise yourself here for free as a mobile notary. Better idea - purchase the $39.95 membership and use the zip code tool and the list of signing services to market yourself.
(9) Read the link listed in my profile on what I did to get started.
(10) Ask your state's Secretary of State office if they recommend any courses for you.
(11) When you post here, if you want to get more specific help, create yourself a handle and include your state's two letter abbreviation (BrendaTX, for instance)
(12) Read http://www.NotaryDepot.com - get a free advertisement there.
(13) Get a website. (Try http://design.adaptiveview.com/ - $200 for the whole thing.)
(14) Have business cards made. (http://www.vistaprint.com)
(15) Some say read http://50statenotary.com, and some say not to read it. Victoria Ring writes a book with a good overview on the business. (Disclaimer: don't take anything anyone says at face value...do your own research, but you can get "concepts" from her book.) There is a section in her newest edition on marketing to title companies and lenders, if you are interested.
(16) Read forums and email a notary from your state, but don't pick someone from your own backyard or you may be disappointed. For instance, I would never train my competition. I think it's foolish to be trained BY your competition. A notary four hours away might be willing to chat awhile on the phone with you about how to get started for YOUR area.
(17) Peruse used book stores/thrift stores/library used book sales and pick up books on related industries such as mortgage, finance, real estate, property law.
(18) Consider a real estate finance class (Thanks Joan OH)
(19) Contact http://www.wildsignings.com for information on their training course. They sell a book.
(20) About documents - Learn what these documents are:
AFFIDAVIT FOR HOME EQUITY TRANSACTION-
AFFIDAVIT OF MARITAL STATUS-
AMORTIZATION SCHEDULE-
APPLICATION FOR P.A.I.D. PROGRAM-
AUTHORIZATION TO CANCEL CREDIT LINE-
BALLOON NOTE ADDENDUM-
BALLOON RIDER-
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT-
CONDOMINIUM RIDER-
CORRECTION AGREEMENT LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY-
DESIGNATION OF HOMESTEAD AFFIDAVIT-
DOCUMENT CORRECTION AGREEMENT-
ESCROW ACCOUNTING ADDENDUM-
ESCROW DISCLOSURE FORM-
FIRST PAYMENT COUPON-
ID LETTER –OR-IDENTITY STATEMENT-
INFORMATION PRIVACY ACT-
INITIAL ESCROW DISCLOSURE STATEMENT-
MORTGAGE OR DEED OF TRUST-
NAME AFFIDAVIT-
NON-IDENTITY AFFIDAVIT-
NOTE-
NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT, SALE OR TRANSFER OF SERVICING RIGHTS-
NOTICE OF PURCHASER-
NOTICE OR RIGHT TO CANCEL OR RIGHT OF RECISSION-
ONE AND THE SAME NAME AFFIDAVIT-
OWNERS AFFIDAVIT-
PAY OFF DEPARTMENT-
PAYOFF AFFIDAVIT-
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT RIDER-
QUIT CLAIM DEED-
REAL ESTATE ESCROW AFFIDAVIT-
REFINANCE AFFIDAVIT-
REQUEST FOR COPY OF TRANSCRIPT OF TAX FORM 4506-
SECOND HOME RIDER-
SETTLEMENT STATEMENT & SETTLEMENT CHARGES-
SIGNATURE CERTIFICATE AFFIDAVIT-
SURVEY AFFIDAVIT-
TRANSFER OF LIEN-
TRUTH IN LENDING-
UNIFORM RESIDENTAIL LOAN APPLICATION-
W-9
WAIVER OF ESCROW ACCOUNT-
~Some of these forms will be available to see listed at
http://www.efanniemae.com/ ~
Specifically at this link you can look for forms:
http://www.efanniemae.com/singlefamily/sf_forms.jhtml
(Find a brief explanation of these at http://www.nbsigning.com/dwnlds.htm [thank you Dogmonger!])
(21) Determine all zip codes you will service. Make a chart in Excel with these Column Headings
Zip -
City -
County -
Travel Fee -
Base Fee -
Total Overnight Fee -
Total eDocs Fee -
Travel Time -
(22) Figure these amounts for every Zip Code you service. Keep the chart over your desk, in your car and in your calendar.
(23) If you want to use a calendar online, try http://my.calendars.net
Buy an HP laser printer with the correct PCL drivers
Buy a fax machine (for outgoing faxes)
Subscribe to MaxEmail for incoming faxes
Buy a copier (or just get an all-in-one)
Make sure you have a cell phone with good reception and plenty of minutes.
Better to have DSL or Cable for downloading edocs.
Stock in Bayer aspirin for the headaches
Consider getting a digital recorder. Use to make notes etc while driving. Unless you have 4 hands, it's hard to drive, drink coffee, write down a phone number and name at the same time.
Always make sure you have ample supplies of legal paper, and refill toner for the printer cartridge.
If you do all of the above, YOU WILL BE A SUCCESSFUL SIGNING AGENT. However, there are no short cuts that I am aware of unless you have an uncle in the business.
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| Messages in this Thread |
 |  Almost everything you need to know to become successful - Dorothy/MI on 4/22/05 11:00am |
|  Good job, Dorothy-MI! n/m -  Brenda Stone on 4/22/05 11:07am |
|  Thank you again, Dorothy and Brenda, et al!! - Mary Mantz on 4/22/05 4:42pm |
| further evidence of a slow down - anon on 4/22/05 11:48am |
| Loan Signer Training - Anya/LA (CA) on 4/22/05 1:04pm |
|  Re: Loan Signer Training - MaggieMae_CA on 4/22/05 3:23pm |
| Re: Loan Signer Training - Mary Mantz on 4/22/05 4:45pm |
| Added to thread #33325-Counter-point View- NSA training - BrendaTX on 7/13/05 9:06am |
| Re: Loan Signer Training - Carlos/CA on 12/10/10 12:10pm |
| Re: further evidence of a slow down - Stephen_VA on 4/22/05 2:51pm |
| Re: Almost everything you need to know to become successful - chelleCA on 4/22/05 2:11pm |
| Re: Almost everything you need to know to become successful - Knotaree DC on 4/22/05 3:49pm |
| Re: ALMOST everything you need to know to become successful - JanetK/CA on 7/18/05 12:33am |
| Details and Accuracy are Important - adding to #33325 - BrendaTX on 7/14/05 11:00am |
| Re: Almost everything you need to know to become successful - Laura_NH on 4/22/05 10:50pm |
| Re: Almost everything you need to know to become successful - Sansan7 on 5/18/05 9:11pm |
| Re: Almost everything you need to know to become successful - David Woodul on 5/30/05 5:30pm |
| CA-Almost everything you need to know to become successful - Elda Garibay on 6/1/05 2:17pm |
| Re: Almost everything you need to know to become successful - sweetpea, al on 6/1/05 5:50pm |
| Re: Almost everything you need to know to become successful - nkroyall on 6/7/05 4:17pm |
| Additional information - Not an entitlement - Dorothy/MI on 6/13/05 8:57am |
| Bookmark 'em - BrendaTX on 6/13/05 9:32am |
| Re: Additional information - Not an entitlement - Judith_VA on 6/13/05 3:00pm |
| Re: Additional information - spell check - SamIam_CA on 6/13/05 3:27pm |
| Recommended Reading: As a new NSA..here is my perspective - BrendaTx on 6/13/05 9:32pm |
| Re: Recommended Reading: Added Nicole to #33325 thread n/m - BrendaTx on 6/13/05 9:33pm |
| Re: Additional information - Not an entitlement - NJDiva on 9/29/10 10:00pm |
| Adding to "Success" thread #33325 - Here's eDoc practice. - BrendaTx on 6/13/05 9:36pm |
| HP Printers/Printer Command Language (PCL) by PAW_Fl - BrendaTX on 6/17/05 8:51am |
| Re: Adding to "Success" thread #33325 - Here's eDoc practice. - katsr_CA on 8/31/05 2:40pm |
| Re: Adding to "Success" thread #33325 - Here's eDoc practice. - DTNotaries on 3/16/06 6:59pm |
| Re: 2nd link doesn't work any longer - Jodith/WA on 1/2/10 6:25pm |
| Jodith, this is a very old thread (4 years) - BrendaTx on 1/2/10 6:31pm |
|  Re: Jodith, this is a very old thread (4 years) - Jodith Allen on 1/2/10 6:39pm |
| Re: More advice from Brenda/TX - Dorothy/MI on 6/16/05 9:55pm |
| Beginner's FAQs (Compliments of AngelinaAZ) - BrendaTX on 6/17/05 5:13am |
| Making the Confirmation Call...by Iris-WA - BrendaTX on 7/12/05 2:56pm |
| What Ernest CT says about the Confirmation Call - BrendaTX on 7/12/05 2:58pm |
| Why people are reluctant to post TC info from Nd_WA - BrendaTX on 7/21/05 8:10am |
| Re: Why people are reluctant to post TC info from Nd_WA - tfarmertx on 7/23/05 8:02pm |
| Acronyms regarding loans by Brian/CA - BrendaTX on 7/21/05 9:07pm |
| Re: Acronyms regarding loans by Brian/CA - linda/ca on 7/23/05 9:51pm |
| Re: Acronyms regarding loans by Brian/CA - linda/ca on 7/24/05 3:19am |
| End of Month - Bonnie/FL Explains - BrendaTX on 7/24/05 12:48pm |
| Accepting an Assignment / Quoting Fee / EOM (+ to #33325) - Brenda Stone on 7/26/05 4:13am |
| Small claims court for #33325 by Nicole & by Melody - BrendaTX on 7/26/05 5:05am |
| Quoting your fee to SS's...ASK like THIS - TCMN on 7/26/05 5:19pm |
| Birth, Labor & Delivery of a mortgage loan - by Renee Kovacs - BrendaTX on 9/19/05 1:07pm |
| Clues to spotting a Signing Services to void by Charles_CA - Iris Grayson on 9/19/05 4:11pm |
| Pricing and Fees by NorCalDar on 10/7/05 - BrendaTX on 10/7/05 1:47pm |
| Re: Pricing and Fees by NorCalDar on 10/7/05 - Nathan Ellsworth on 10/19/05 11:19pm |
| I disagree - the $10 @ is justified - ALL SONOMA MOBILE NOTARY - Judith Neeley on 2/19/08 9:13pm |
| Required Reading - NSA 101-Orientation by Roger OH - BrendaTx on 11/14/05 3:56pm |
| Required Reading - NSA 101 - UPDATE to #33325- by Roger OH - BrendaTx on 5/17/06 5:24pm |
| Adding #76283 to the thread of Message #33325 - BrendaTx on 1/27/06 12:21pm |
| Jersey Boy's 2 cents... Adding to #33325 - BrendaTx on 2/3/06 10:21am |
| Re: Almost everything you need to know to become successful - Brenda Stone on 2/5/06 3:50pm |
| For Income Tax starting place, see Msg #94550 - BrendaTx on 2/5/06 3:52pm |
| A Lesson on Attitude for New SAs... - BrendaTx on 2/9/06 3:00pm |
| A Lesson on Attitude for new SA's .... by JanetK_CA - TitleGalCA on 2/9/06 8:27pm |
| above post by JanetK_CA, not TitleGal N~M - TitleGalCA on 2/9/06 8:28pm |
| Posted from msg 95364 - Brenda_TX - Newbie Msg for Today - Dorothy_MI on 2/10/06 2:37pm |
| Re: Posted from msg 95364 - Brenda_TX - Newbie Msg for Today - lulu on 2/10/06 3:11pm |
| Msg List - Going Mobile - adding to #33325 (From BeccaFL) - BrendaTx on 2/13/06 10:20am |
| Mobile Office - adding to #33325 (From BeccaFL) w/ Keywords - BrendaTx on 2/13/06 10:25am |
| From CharlesCA - Adding to 33325 - True Professional Society - BrendaTx on 2/13/06 3:07pm |
| Tina of MA re: Fees - When to renegotiate a fee - BrendaTx on 3/28/06 4:06pm |
| The Other Side of the Coin (back by popular demand) - BrendaTx on 3/28/06 5:04pm |
| Discussing the title company solicitation....added to #33325 - BrendaTx on 3/31/06 2:55pm |
| No HUD with the package from PAW-FL //added to #33325 - BrendaTx on 4/2/06 12:59pm |
| Signing errors through the lenders eyes by Renee Kovacs - TitleGalCA on 4/5/06 11:31pm |
| Re: Almost everything you need to know to become successful - Anonymous from 71.66.111.249 on 4/30/06 6:24pm |
| Deed of Trust/Mortgage by Atty - Kevin/CT added to #33325 - BrendaTx on 5/2/06 12:28pm |
| Re: Deed of Trust/Mortgage - PAW - Added to #33325 - BrendaTx on 5/2/06 12:30pm |
| Notary Certifying Copy - See Thread beginning w/Msg #117135 n/m - BrendaTx on 5/2/06 12:32pm |
| Additional Info -- especially if you live alone - Dorothy_MI on 5/5/06 1:28pm |
| Manufactured Homes / Finding Info by Lawrence OK - BrendaTx on 5/7/06 7:55pm |
| Adding to #33325 - My First Signing & Marketing by eboughey - BrendaTx on 5/11/06 7:43am |
| Adding to 33325 - StamperWI - Standard Fees Calculation - BrendaTx on 5/12/06 9:18am |
| Msg to New Signing Agents from Sylvia_FL added to #33325 - BrendaTx on 5/17/06 11:44am |
| Demand for payment letter - adding to 33325 by droman_IL - BrendaTx on 5/18/06 7:22am |
| New Signing Agents-Read This First! Adding to #33325 Marlene - BrendaTx on 5/19/06 9:24am |
| Signing prior to printed date ReneeK - added to 33325 - BrendaTx on 5/19/06 9:32am |
| Re: Signing prior to printed date BarbaraL-CA added to 33325 - BrendaTx on 5/19/06 9:37am |
| How to get help on this forum - CaliNotary added to 33325 - BrendaTx on 5/19/06 4:48pm |
| About Backdating... by ReneeK adding to 33325 - BrendaTx on 5/22/06 1:59pm |
| Professionalism and Responsibility - BrendaTx on 5/27/06 2:22pm |
| Apostille (or apostilles) Adding to #33325 [by Gerry VT] - BrendaTx on 5/31/06 5:55pm |
| Addition to 33325 - First & Second by ND-WA and CMS-NY - BrendaTx on 6/1/06 10:39am |
| By BrendaTX 5/26/06: *...for those who understand business* - Ndwa on 6/2/06 4:20pm |
| Id on the Amish - Stamper/WI - adding to 33325 - BrendaTx on 6/6/06 7:04pm |
| Newbies - a lesson on attitude by Janet K - adding to 33325 - BrendaTx on 6/8/06 10:54am |
| Date Clarification - Roger OH - adding to 33325 - BrendaTx on 6/23/06 2:52pm |
| Considerations for getting started/Dorothy MI /add to #33325 - BrendaTx on 7/9/06 1:15pm |
| For the Newbies.. Things to carry with you/ADDING TO 33325 - Brenda Stone on 7/17/06 1:24pm |
| More Things to carry with you/ADDING TO 33325 - BrendaTx on 7/17/06 1:41pm |
| Re: More Things to carry with you/ADDING TO 33325 - BrendaTx on 7/17/06 1:55pm |
| Re: More Things to carry with you/ADDING TO 33325 - Brad/AZ on 4/3/07 2:30pm |
| Slow down in Business - Surfers or Signers - add to #33325 - BrendaTx on 7/19/06 2:11pm |
| Adding to 33325 - From One Newbie to Another - Great advice - BrendaTx on 8/12/06 12:05pm |
| Re: Adding to 33325 -Check list of compter needs for working - hcampersFL on 10/30/06 7:10am |
| From one Newbie to another…Sharon Nunley - BrendaTx on 2/9/07 6:43am |
| Re: From one Newbie to another…Sharon Nunley - BrendaTx on 2/9/07 6:44am |
| History of the loan industry and how it affects NSAs today - Laura Vestanen on 3/18/07 6:36pm |
| If you're a newbee and take $50 signings, PLEASE read - Laura Vestanen on 4/2/07 7:54pm |
| Update to Famous Message 33325 - Tim_Mphs/TN on 4/28/07 3:02am |
| Re: Almost everything you need to know to become successful - Stella Gonzales on 5/3/07 7:23pm |
| Dressing Professionally - by kcg/IN - adding to #33325 - BrendaTx on 5/4/07 12:12pm |
| All of the VA Crespa questions - by Shannon Va- +'d to33325 - BrendaTx on 5/28/07 9:18am |
| First, learn the basics of signing. Added to #33325 - BrendaTx on 9/4/07 6:41am |
| Important for NSAs in Illinois, Maryland, So Carolina, Mass - Laura Vestanen on 11/11/07 5:35am |
| Before you think about starting - by CJ in CA - add to 33325 - BrendaTx on 11/15/07 2:47pm |
| NSA Professional Standards - MistarellaFL on 8/16/08 11:36am |
| The Client/Vendor Relationship -- a MUST see video!! - Marian_in_CA on 5/31/09 4:28pm |
| True skinny: Notary advocate / presentment / honor-dishonor - Laura_V on 10/1/09 5:54pm |
| Re: True skinny: Notarial protest / certificate of dishonor - Robert/FL on 11/12/09 11:51am |
| Believe in yourself! - John_NorCal on 10/24/09 10:22am |
| Forgot to add..... - John_NorCal on 10/24/09 12:52pm |
| Our fees + their relevancy to state of industry - Laura_V on 10/29/09 11:25am |
| Re: What is a good rate to set and keep? - Laura_V on 11/25/09 11:57am |
| A perspective on our business Posted by JanetK_CA 1/5/10 - Laura_V on 1/5/10 6:34pm |
| Post by Les CO re the current state and probable future of.. - Laura_V on 1/12/10 10:05am |
| Better is not always cheaper & Cheaper is not always better - Moneyman/TX on 12/4/10 1:11am |
| You are an Independent Contractor...not an employee... - Lee/AR on 4/12/10 8:16am |
| Buddy's Lessons - For New Notaries 101 - BrendaTx on 6/2/12 9:03am |
| SS&TC Research Our Industry-We are Certified for God's Sake - bygrace/PA on 6/21/12 6:33pm |
| Decide if you are a Checker, Poker or Chess Player - bygrace/PA on 6/21/12 6:37pm |
| Tipsabout using signing central and NR forum from NJDIVA - SheilaSJCA on 8/23/12 11:07am |
| Please send information to... - Olivia Mosley on 1/13/15 11:56am |
| Olivia Mosley - you are in old files - jba/fl on 1/13/15 8:05pm |
| Sequence of events - Lender to NSA by Deborah Breedlove - BrendaTx on 9/27/12 10:15pm |
| Re: Almost everything you need to know to become successful - Janice Stephens on 10/19/12 12:36pm |
| Don't work for Low Ball, No Pay Companies - BrendaTx on 10/20/12 1:46pm |
| Sample Loan Document Package - BrendaTx on 11/25/12 3:58pm |
| Re: Sample Loan Document Package - HisHughness on 11/25/12 4:23pm |
| LOL~! n/m - BrendaTx on 11/25/12 7:45pm |
| Key Tools for Maximizing NSA Success (adding to 33325) - BrendaTx on 2/4/13 6:32am |
