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 Dear Signing Agents,
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  1 person liked this post.
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jbelmont
California
3106 Posts |
 Posted - 07/15/2009 : 2:24:43 PM
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For new notaries:
Don't expect or have specific goals for how many signings you will get per month. This business is topsy turvy and not predictable. The name of the game is knowledge and connections. If you are very smart about all notary procedures, you will make a good impression. If you know lots of signing companies and they had a good experience with you, then you have a large "net" and will attract business when there is business.
Advertise on all the major notary directories online and yellow pages.
NNA has good books for learning more about notary procedure. 123notary has very helpful loan signing courses which give knowledge.
Don't believe anyone who tells you that you will make $200 per hour and get lots of business right when you start. You have to build your way up in this business step by step. The seasoned notaries get the majority of the business because they are good and know people. The name of the game is to become good and get to know people, then you will get more and more market share.
Also read our tips page about how to get the most out of your listing. This is accessible from the resources page. That can triple your business right there by using all the tips.
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theinsurancelady
Washington
38 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2009 : 12:34:09 PM
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My goal is to complete ten signings a month. (This is not my primary income.) Over the past 18 months, I have only missed the goal once. Sometimes four or five will come the same week and that's why I don't have a "weekly" goal.
I found this on-line booklet helpful in putting together a marketing plan of my own:
http://texas-signing-agent.com/free-notary-book/book.htm
I am in rural Eastern Washington. I have a set fee for my home county (same price across the street as across the county) and increased fees for the neighboring counties.
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Renee
Michigan
549 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2009 : 03:29:08 AM
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The question is far too subjective The only answer is "depends!"
How well do you market yourself? How experienced, knowledgeable and polished are you? What is the saturation level in your area and how much business is available? How well do you negotiate? Are you full time or part-time? All these factors carry a heavy weight on their own, as well as in combination.
No denying these are tough economic times across the nation, and that just ups the ante across all those factors.
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ashleynotary
9 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2009 : 9:42:37 PM
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| Thanks for all of the tips. Is it realistic to get a couple loan signings per week right now? |
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LindaH
Florida
1754 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2009 : 1:42:48 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by ashleynotary
So here's my questions regarding the signing agents:
*With the NNA, they claim that you will be part of a big signing agent network to begin attracting business...is that true?
Yes you'll be part of the entire network of notaries who belong to the NNA and have taken their certification test and been listed on their website - it is huge...
That being said - I was a member for 3 years and listed there for two - I can count on one hand the number of good paying assignments and good clients I got from that listing..
Word of advice - list here...test here - my best assignments and best clients have come from here and Notary Rotary....one assignment from someone who found me here pays for my yearly listing...you can't go wrong..
One other thing.....the amount of business you bring in is not going to rest solely on the NNA, 123 or Notary Rotary or any other directory - a lot of it is your own hard work in learning your job and marketing yourself....market, market, market...
My totally biased opinion...:)
Linda
www.notarydepot.com/notary/lindah
http://www.notary.net/websites/LindaHubbell
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crtowles
California
553 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2009 : 08:36:16 AM
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Hi Ashley,
You got some really great tips here. I am sure you will find them useful. With regard to the car magnets. I do use them and find that they are very helpful. Mine read. 'Need a Notary' Call Carmen at 310 210 6319. You can get hem made from PAW, http://www.pawnotary.com/
Good Luck!
~Carmen |
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PWinFL
Florida
469 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2009 : 04:22:45 AM
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*With the NNA, they claim that you will be part of a big signing agent network to begin attracting business...is that true?
Some agents that are listed on the NNA's list say they get assignments. Many of them say the fee is at the low side. I for one, never got an assignment in the three years I was listed as a signing agent.
*Does the book you mentioned, the "Professional Skills Training Guide" work with WA too?
The training guide is for doing loan signings. It is applicable in all 50 states. Any time there is a uniqueness for a situation, the author, Kathy Poston, has attempted to describe the differences. For example, some states us Deeds of Trust as the security instrument, while others use a Mortgage. And some states use both. Both Mortgages and Deeds of Trust are explained.
*How much does a signing agent actually get paid for a signing generally?
That is a tough question. The fee an agent makes is dependent on many factors, such as amount of competition in your area, distance to the assignment, type of loan, whether or not documents were edocs or overnight delivered, etc. Each signing agent needs to develop their own 'rate sheet' ensuring that their costs are met and a profit is realized. Having said that, I've seen or heard of signing agents taking $50 assignments and some as high as $200. Again, you must calculate your minimum fee that covers ALL your expenses (don't forget your time!) and still leave a margin of profit. IMO, $50 for a signing assignment does not cover expenses today. 5 years ago, probably, but certainly not with the cost of doing business today.
Read this board, and others, and you will get a sense of what some agents are charging and making.
Never drive any faster than your guardian angel can fly.
I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Florida,
and I may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.
Visit us online at http://www.PAWnotary.com |
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ashleynotary
9 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2009 : 7:19:42 PM
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So here's my questions regarding the signing agents:
*With the NNA, they claim that you will be part of a big signing agent network to begin attracting business...is that true?
*Does the book you mentioned, the "Professional Skills Training Guide" work with WA too?
*How much does a signing agent actually get paid for a signing generally?
Bobbi, thanks for the advice too. I was thinking of combining the notary services with being a loan signing agent too. |
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BobbiCT
Connecticut
135 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2009 : 09:35:53 AM
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"How do notaries charge enough to actually make a decent living?"
In short, they don't.
A Notary PUBLIC commission, in most states, is an ancillary service to your other business income. Notary public fees are usually capped by your State commissioning office. For example, a Conn. notary can charge a maxium of $5 per notarization and 35 cents per mile for travel. Conn. notaries do not "make a decent living" as notaries; they do use this as part of their other income; i.e., signing agents, witness closers, and a PUBLIC service as part of their business model to attract customers (banks, accountants, lawyers, walk-in mail box and copy services).
I don't know of anyone who became a Notary PUBLIC believing they could make a living at performing notarizations. As stated below, make sure as you receive payments that your business model includes state and local tax reservse so that you don't get a nasty surprise when you do your tax returns (owing more than you've put aside for your taxes). As an independent contractor, at year end you may want to include a contribution to Social Security.
Bobbi in CT |
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PWinFL
Florida
469 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2009 : 05:29:30 AM
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There are some who do say the NNA course is "okay" albeit expensive. In my personal and professional opinion, I recommend (and use as a teaching tool) the Professional Skills Training Guide. In the more than 125 pages of the guide, you will learn what it is to be a signing agent, how to perform a "witness closing" and how to run your signing agent business. The guide is provided in a three-ring binder so pages can be changed easily and quickly when updates are published.
(Click here to view the Table of Contents.)
Never drive any faster than your guardian angel can fly.
I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Florida,
and I may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.
Visit us online at http://www.PAWnotary.com |
Edited by - PWinFL on 07/13/2009 06:47:14 AM |
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ashleynotary
9 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2009 : 6:55:00 PM
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For the car magnets, what about just keeping it simple like stating
"24/7 Mobile Notary
(888) 888-8888"
Also, for loan signings, how do you get started? I was going to take the loan signing course on NNA...is that a good one??
Thanks |
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PWinFL
Florida
469 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2009 : 6:26:10 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by ashleynotary
Yes I am studying all of the laws right now.
Has anyone used car magnets for travelling notary advertisements?
Good for you.
As for car magnets, yes I use them on all my cars. Actually, I sell a special kind. You can see them on my web site (Resources / Mini-Mart).
They have more than paid for themselves and from what others who bought them have told me, they are pleased with the product and results. (A fair number of 'clients' have made multiple purchases. Especially those who do more than just notary work.)
Don't expect to get loan signing assignments from advertising since your target audience probably wouldn't see the signage. But for general notary work, it is well worth the investment.
Never drive any faster than your guardian angel can fly.
I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Florida,
and I may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.
Visit us online at http://www.PAWnotary.com |
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ashleynotary
9 Posts |
Posted - 07/11/2009 : 8:37:04 PM
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Also, how do notaries charge enough to actually make a decent living??
The WA laws cap the charge at $10 for a signing, so what are the general rates for charging traveling fees (where I'm assuming the profit is made)?? |
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ashleynotary
9 Posts |
Posted - 07/11/2009 : 8:31:25 PM
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Yes I am studying all of the laws right now.
Has anyone used car magnets for travelling notary advertisements? |
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joanbergst
California
360 Posts |
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PWinFL
Florida
469 Posts |
Posted - 07/08/2009 : 05:18:56 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by ashleynotary
Any tips on how to get started such as marketing, pricing, business details, etc?
After fully understanding and knowing your notary duties inside and out, I suggest getting a copy of The Signing Agent Professional Skills Training Guide, authored by Kathy Poston (founder of the Signing Registry). You can order the guide at the National Signing Agent Registry website (http://www.signingagentregistry.com/TrainingGuide.aspx).
Never drive any faster than your guardian angel can fly.
I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Florida,
and I may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.
Visit us online at http://www.PAWnotary.com |
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LindaH
Florida
1754 Posts |
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ashleynotary
9 Posts |
Posted - 07/07/2009 : 7:01:49 PM
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| Any books, resources, or educational tools that can help expand my knowledge for the notary business? |
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LindaH
Florida
1754 Posts |
Posted - 07/06/2009 : 05:03:31 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by ashleynotary
I'm almost a new WA state notary, and I was wondering if there were any tips to help me get started. There's no required class, but I got started with the NNA and am studying the materials currently.
Any tips on how to get started such as marketing, pricing, business details, etc?
Thanks
That's going to depend on what your goals are, what your business plan is, what your experience is...how aggressive do you need to be? Is this going to be your bread and butter or do you have other income to pay the bills. Are you going to be a mobile notary doing strictly general notary work? Do you intend to do loan signings? If so, what is your experience with mortgage loans and the paperwork involved in a closing? How much competition do you have in your area (do a "find a notary" search here with your zip code - will tell you how many notaries you're competing with that are listed ON THIS SITE ALONE).
THAT, IMO, is your starting point - you need to know where you're going with this, keeping in mind if your goal is to be a successful loan signing agent, the economy being what it is you have your work cut out for you. Setting your goals and your business plan will determine your marketing techniques, pricing and business details. Your standard notary fees are set by your state - other fees are something only you can decide once you've done your research.
Good Luck.
Linda
www.notarydepot.com/notary/lindah
http://www.notary.net/websites/LindaHubbell
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CopperheadVA
Virginia
420 Posts |
Posted - 07/06/2009 : 04:34:18 AM
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Go to the chat board on NotaryRotary.com and do a search for message # 33325.
Additionally, just keep in mind that the NNA is going to send you solicitations for products and services for as much money as you are willing to give them. You can do a search for XYZ on NotaryRotary for info about how many notaries do not feel the NNA has our best interests at heart. (We started referring to them as XYZ because of message # 151566 on Notary Rotary.)
CopperheadVA
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ashleynotary
9 Posts |
Posted - 07/05/2009 : 3:18:27 PM
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I'm almost a new WA state notary, and I was wondering if there were any tips to help me get started. There's no required class, but I got started with the NNA and am studying the materials currently.
Any tips on how to get started such as marketing, pricing, business details, etc?
Thanks |
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