Let’s not forget those occasions where you are offered a fair fee and the process takes longer, doesn’t start on time or there are issues with scanning - this is specifically in regards to real estate transactions. Of p course it makes one appreciate that the closings that go perfect.
There are a number of extenuating circumstances that add to the cost of your services that you will not appreciate to calculate until you have experience. But try to consider everything. Will your assignment take place at a time that you may encounter rush-hour traffic? Add at least 30 minutes to your commute calculation if so. This diminishes your availability for other assignments. It helps to know alternative routes and backroads in the areas you cover (sometimes your GPS is of little help to you).
Will you take assignments that occur after normal business hours (evenings, weekends, holidays) these assignments should be calculated at a premium (increased) rate - but the SSs will not offer them as such (ask for it)! I take assignments that often require ferry travel. You are depending on someone else’s schedule to make this happen, over which you have no control. If you have a scan back that is required within 2 hrs of closing, this will NOT happen in that timeframe. Be prepared to negotiate this in accepting the assignment so that it will not count against you when you are unable to provide documents as much as 4 hrs (or more) later. We talk often about the technical aspects of the job, but how are you with personalities that are completely foreign to your way of being? We seldom talk about the human factor in this job. Are you perfectly chill with needy/screaming children, pets that need attention, breastfeeding mothers, controlling husbands who will answer every question for their wives (even if he is not on the documents), smelly or unkempt environments, people who are later and/or have no consideration for your time constraints – especially those who insist on reading every page of each document? Time is $$, remember that.
RON assignments can also go exquisitely wrong. You may have a home office setup that works perfectly for you. But, I have had signers sign into their RON portal on their smart phone while at dinner or at a bar. Imagine that distraction. I’ve also had a few people think they can complete RON while traveling in their RV! Reception is iffy, and more often than not we lose reception in the middle of the transaction. There are drawbacks to everything and you really need to be a seasoned notary to know how to navigate all that you may encounter. And even us professionals get thrown by the unexpected once in a while. You will soon discover that the $30-$50 assignment will pull you into a hole quickly. Not trying to discourage you, but this is about being your own boss with the tenacity and thick skin required for the job. Good luck on your journey.
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Dawnsnotary and cNsa5,
Thank you, both for your valuable feed back : )
I guess I have to prioritize what is most important, conducting a notary business and at the same time, be balanced.
I truly regret that I did not do my homework BEFORE I got in to this area of business. There is a reason for everything.
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Hello Pattthegog, Texas does have a lot of notaries in the state facts! Texas isa very big state and no state has an unlimited amount of notaries they can commissions. Just hang in the and never give up on your business. You can inquire on this pathform of the best scheduling companies to sign up with. Good luck!
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Thank you, Ms. Maritza!
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