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Almost everything you need to know to become successful
Posted by Dorothy/MI of ? on 4/22/05 11:00am Msg #33325
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



 
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