cNsa5
March 9, 2024, 10:47pm
2
@lesliehollister67 Great question!
The following thread by Allan is quite insightful and well worth your time to review:
To preface this, I’ve been a lurker on these forums for quite some time and I’ve noticed a ton of expectations lately that seem too unrealistic. I’m a NSA out of Michigan and have been one for the past 7 years. I usually pull in at least 8k worth of business every month but it takes a LONG time to get to that point. I see a ton of newer notaries looking to make fast money or expecting SS or TC to come to them over seasoned notaries while they have very little experience.
A few tips that I’d sug…
Also, within that thread there are a few jewels of helpful information.
My experience is that same as yours, Al.
Your expectations synopsis is spot on. It’s all about transitions. I liken it to Tarzan swinging through the forest from vine to vine . . . important to have a good grip on your next “lifeline” before letting go of your current one.
Another Amen. I want to add that I see posts in many places from newbs going way overboard on equipment. If money is no object, sure, go top shelf, but all you really need is a gently used laser b/w printer from eBay, a cell phone and a scanner. Even a multi-function will do UNTIL you know that this gig will do what you need it to do financially. As you build up PROFIT, you can upgrade & the ol’ multi-function becomes your backup.
You’ll get to where you want to be with patience. I liken this to taking a road trip; you know how you see those cars on the road that’s speeding by like bats out of hell? Usually, you can catch up with them at a point b/c they burn out on going at that speed after a while, or they get pulled over by the cops or worse…my point is driving the speed limit gets you where you want to be quicker than speeding down the road. AND, it’s less risk that way! Don’t let the money be your only motivating fac…
Sober advice from the writer of this terrific article!
I’m about to foster a relationship with a title company and I think I’m ready even though I’m a relatively new notary/signing agent. 40 years in the banking industry sprinkled with lots of expert witness work has seasoned me. Yet, I try not to have unrealistic expectations.
90 closings a month seems super-human to me (that’s over four a day!).
I am taking what I can get, even though I have calculated that I’m barely making minimum wage. H…
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Also, these 2 posts will be very helpful to you as well . . .
The answer to getting direct work from TCs is VERY area-specific. In my ‘small town/rural’ AR, I am viewed as ‘the competition’ by local TCs. Yet I know of a mother/daughter team that do ‘out of office’ signings exclusively for a TC in 1 of AR large cities for a flat rate $150, regardless of location. I also get a lot of direct work from out of state TCs thru the #s site.
Over the years, my experience has been a mirror-image to Arichter.
Receiving Signing Orders from Title Companies/Escrow Officers (TEs/EOs) is truly VERY area-specific. The EOs often state that all work is performed ‘in-house’ (by their own employees).
More often than not, certified notary signing agent (CNSA) Independent Contractors are perceived as ‘competition’ by local TCs.
On a very sporadic basis, local branches of Nationwide TCs will reach out when staff are on holiday and they need a…
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There are two there are 2 by CherylM that leave the sugar-coating behind & Tells-It-Like-It-Is . . .
Always turn down $75. Let them get what they pay for, a good NSA would never accept such a cheap fee. I made a mistake accepting $85 a few weeks ago only to find it was a $5 million property seller package!
These agencies are gouging notaries all over the nation. They commonly paid $100 11 years ago for a purchase or refi. There’s since been $25 inflation and cost of living adjustments they don’t want to acknowledge.
On the other hand, DigiCert type of signings pay $75 and consist of 2pages…
Well I don’t know how or why under the age of 50 youthful ladies get into NSA work because it’s a volatile industry that has no real bright future teetering out. It’s really been reduced to part time extra cash for 50+ seniors. It’s no longer the goldmine of a career prior to 2008’s collapse.
Being in title and escrow jobs is where younger people need to be working if they want a stable income in this industry. NSAs are being taken full advantage of by agencies and the industry wants to pay the…
.Notary Cafe database that will edify & illuminate the scenario for you. Just access the Search Function (see the Magnifying Glass ). Use the Keywords: “title company” or “escrow company” in separate searches.
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