Sorry for your loss and difficult times that often follow. I take notary assignments for seniors preparing for their expiration dates and at 75 have attempted to put my life in order so they won’t have to deal with issues. You are a very kind and thoughtful daughter. Work will pickup eventually but have a feeling will not see great increase until 2026.
2 Likes
Noticed your named “bmcnotaryrepublic” instead of Notary Public. Was that intentional? What state is your business ??
2 Likes
Yes I totally agree, I was wondering what happened that it really slowed down, not good. I received some but the prices are low.
2 Likes
It seems to me that interest rates and high prices for homes are the culprits in this slow environment. I think the Fed is keeping rates artificially high since inflation appears to be in check and the job market is relatively good. What we have is a strata of homebuyers (25-45 years old) who don’t make enough money to afford the high down payment requirement or the monthly mortgage payment (plus, sky-high homeowner’s insurance, astronomical HOA fees, maybe PMI and, of course, outta sight property taxes). Alas. . .
2 Likes
@Bobby-CA Yes, accurate assessment of the current market conditions influencing our business sector. 
Thank You!
2 Likes
I agree. But are any of you accepting the low order and then asking for the increase after being accepted? This has worked for me on 70% of the low ball signings I’ve accepted.
1 Like
I’m in Florida and YES! April and May was steady and I stayed booked weekly. June has been EXTREMELY slow and rates have dipped. My pivot is to move into Apostille services due to the immigration and deportation in Florida, in hoping this will increase my business
I’m also the culprit that accepts the low ball signings and counters it AFTER they sign it to me. 95% of the time I get the increase👍🏽. If not I decline cordially.
2 Likes
Everything is slow. I’m in Mesquite TX and my revenue has dropped by 60% since August of last year. I decided to pivot. I started the process of rebranding my business back in March, completed so notary “niche market” training and now I’m in the marketing & test run phase.
I have my own office, so 90% of business is in office and about 10% mobile service.
At the moment, I still get at least 1-2 Loan Modifications directly from the homebuyer. I charge $65 for a single set, $85 duplicate set & $100 if it’s in triplicate.
Consider adding Apostille services. Also, introduce yourself to Trust & Estate Planning Attorneys in your area and let them know you’re available to assist their clients with their trust & estate packets. Reach out to the Medical Records Dept. at your local hospitals and other medical providers and offer your services to them.
One of the local hospitals here contacted me to come and notarize medical records for them because one of their employees, who is a notary, was out and they needed them done ASAP. They have called me out twice in the last 13 days. The first visit I notarized 12 documents and they paid me $165. The next visit (6/23) I notarized nine documents and I was paid $135.
So, if you’re experiencing a drought, I would highly suggest pivoting and identifying who your potential customers and clients are. There’s someone or some company out there that needs you, but they don’t know how to find you. So, just take time to go and introduce yourself and let them know that you’re a notary and how you can assist them. If you don’t have a Google listing…get one. And always answer your phone.
I hope this encourages you. I’m rooting for you!
4 Likes
Great advice Felicia!
1 Like
@felicia_cooper541 Yes! Absolutely the best choice.
As I often express on the Notary Cafe forum threads, D I V E R S I F Y your business & your professional services. 
Here is a recent post that goes into detail on this topic:
1 Like
Some companies don’t like that. Because you’re grabbing any order to get it and then discussing fees. Some companies will not contact you again. That’s from an NNA Newsletter discussing how notaries get on a do not use list. It may not keep working. Just a word of caution.
#FiechiaC, Years ago, I took on some low-paying jobs and tried to get more money after. I quit doing that fast, the time I spent on trying to renegotiate fees just didn’t add up. Not to mention, I didn’t want to get a bad rep or mess up any relationships. Now I have a fee schedule profile, if an order doesn’t fit my profile. I just ignore the notification and focus on other business activities.
2 Likes
Not for me, Feb and March I did 3 each, April 6, May 16 and so far for June 20. I counter on every order because they low ball. I’m only part time after my 9-5 and off days.
I have a nonprofit and i still need income. Volunteer work is unpaid, not nonorofit work. Your point is taken, however.
1 Like
If you can make a profit . Fine..
I dont make a profilt on low fees so either they pay a fee i can live with..or i dont take the job.
If you do this notary work to pay your bills , then you have to think the same way.
$50. Per hour of time to do the job.
Covers your expenses ( usually).
.include print and prep
Travel
Sign time
Scan backs?
Gas
Paper toner
Insurance
Drop time
Size of package
All of these are business expenses…
I’m fortunate ..i have direct business. That pays me well.
No middle men signing companies.
But we all start at the bottom.
The market is way off compared to 2 years ago.
Sorry to be blunt,but i dont recommend anybody entering this business at this point in time.
Too difficult to make a living ..look for something else
2 Likes
Terrible. The last one I did was over 6 weeks ago. The main problem is that companies send out closings, but when I reply that I’m available, I either get no reply or the one with the “white glove” answer. Not only are their fees getting lower all the time, but all of them seem to follow the same procedure as “Snapdocks” which doesn’t accept everyone no matter how many years or experience you have. I’m really fed up with it all. Yes, the cost of NNA is almost off the chart. Who can afford to keep going at this rate? My background screen just expired, and I’m over their outrageous prices!!! I’ve been a NSA since 2007, and the fees now (18 years later) are lower than when I started.
percent!This is my second Housing Bubble as a Signing Agent. I started in CA, moved to HI just before the collapse. Everyone said it would never end and the market values would just keep going up. Wrong. This time I am in TX and this month has shown real slowdown. These bubble burst go throughout a 5 yr span. The dominos have started to fall. They claim that nationwide the mortgage applications are down 60%. More than the interest rates being too high, the Market values are ridiculously high! And every time the market slows, the Title and Signing Services want to cut your fees. We need someone to regulate this industry(Signing Services and Signing Agents). Hang on.
In this area HELOC is big. Especially for those who refinanced between 3-4% and did not max the value of their mortgage in 2021-2.
But when interest was 3-4% I noticed people maxing out on the value of their property. And they can’t do anything now.
I am surprised when I see posts from new Notaries and they don’t understand why they aren’t getting work. I went Into the biz when interest rates were low and I could get 5 appointments a day.
I am doing okay but lose the local business to new notaries doing signings for $75 or $80.
If I can sustain the number of signings I am doing right now - I will feel fortunate. But I am driving a LOT.
1 Like
The NNA had a fee requirement or suggestion in the beginning of the “Signing Agent” role. I believe they asked Notaries/SA’s not to accept anything under $80-85 to keep the standard. In the beginning, scan backs, oversized packages etc. were extra fees. Unfortunately, new SAs have to have at least 10 signings under their belt to get work, and the lower fees offered would take them. I honestly don’t know how these people claim you can get $200 per job?! Not with the Signing Services monopolizing the industry.
Now that the Signing Agent is an established profession and the market is saturated with agents the Services won’t bend on the fees and are cutthroat with the split of fees. And with that said, I also have to defend some of these Services because some of the Title are not giving full fees to them with the contract. We are Signing Agents more than Notaries, there should be regulation on how/what we are paid and when we are paid. The Signing Services should be protected also. I believe they call us Notaries to get out of having to follow any regulation.