There are only the notaries who short sell what they do and accept a low ball offer or a lousy fee.
There is a constant lament in the forum like it’s the industry’s fault initial fee offers are so low. But no one makes anyone do a 150 page refinance for $60. There are only the eager notaries who grab whatever they can so they can turn around and complain about it.
No one makes anyone do anything at a fee lower than is profitable. I never found this forum the first year I worked. Probably a good thing I would have been depressed all the time. I did a lot of work lower than I should have but gained a lot of experience. After a year, I actually published my fees. Which are not as high as some and never as low as a service tries to hire us for. But my first year as a loan signing agent I made a grand total of three mistakes that made me return for a fix. The next year I stopped taking whatever fee was initially offered.
Every region is different. You have to gain experience in your region to understand what the standard rate is going to be that you can ask for. And it’s not the signing services fault. They cannot be blamed for making more money to support their own business. Either learn to counter offer or find a new hobby. Because the forum should boost your moral and encourage a better attitude and a great attitude is a must have if you are self employed.
It’s a long weekend, enjoy it. And find something else to talk about other than how bad the pay YOU YOURSELF accepted is. Because that’s not how your fees are ever going to improve.
Sorry for the rant, but honestly people. There should be help and encouragement and good advice here. Not a constant complaint you don’t get paid enough for your oh so valuable time. Have a nice weekend.
6 Likes
Thank you for sharing your insightful perspective on fees and the intricate dynamics within this industry. Your points are not only valid but also resonate deeply with many of us working in this field. I am particularly drawn to your statement, “I did a lot of work lower than I should have but gained a lot of experience”. It seems to perfectly capture the shared experience and the essential learning curve that so many of us navigate in the beginning of our careers. At the beginning of me becoming a loan signing agent, I have also encountered similar, invaluable guidance from seasoned notaries across various online forums, including this one, which consistently emphasizes the critical importance of this initial learning period, even when it involves accepting rates that might not be ideal from the outset. While it’s understandable to feel frustrated and express our opinions about what can seem like “low ball offers or lousy fees,” it’s essential to maintain a healthy perspective. It is okay to “rant” and vent about these feelings, as long as it doesn’t devolve into self-destructive patterns that can lead to depression. Here’s my takeaway: once an individual moves past the “learning curve” and gains knowledge and experience, they must put that applied knowledge to use to build and operate profitably. It’s okay to acknowledge the truth about this business; yes, there are “low ball offers,” and that’s part of the art of negotiation. Yes, these low ball fees are lousy! Here’s the great thing: we do not have to settle or sell our services at these low rates. For things to change, we have to make a change!
3 Likes
I counter almost every offer I receive that I have any interest in. I get some and I don’t get some. Either way, it’s okay. I’d rather not work than feel like I was taken advantage of.
2 Likes
I started my journey in April of this year. Have I taken some fees I shouldn’t have? Sure. Do I feel okay about it because I have a full-time job…also yes. Do I still accept those fees as I gain more experience and confidence…No. Am I okay with missing out on signings because I countered and it wasn’t accepted…also yes.
1 Like
