Anybody know anything about being a notary public?

Question

I am considering getting my license as a notary public. Any suggestions, experience, opinions, ect. And how do you generate customers when your home based.

Answer 1

First of all, much will depend upon where you are located. Obtaining your notary commission is subject to your state's rules and laws. In some states you must take an exam (such as FL), and in others, you just pay your fee and send in an application signed by 2 other notaries or Justices of the Peace - that is the case in NH, where I am.

Your potential earning power is also subject to your location in 2 ways: the state determines what fee you can charge per notarization, and if you are thinking of getting into the Mortgage Loan Signing Agent business, there are a handful of states that require an attorney, and thus don't allow NSAs to introduce mortgage docs. MA is an example of that.

Back when interest rates were falling and almost everyone wanted to refinance, there was a need for notary signing agents, but now that has slowed down significantly and the demand for NSAs has lessened. Do some research in your area before jumping in. Good resources are the National Notary Assn at www.nationalnotary.org, and my favorite forum, notarycafe.com as well as many others that will appear in a search. Generating customers for this business involves marketing your services, and particularly signing up with Notary databases such as that offered by the NNA.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I am and have been a notary for the State of Texas for many years. I became one initially because I worked for a family practice physician and there were many documents that I notorized for our patients over the years and just kept my notary after leaving there. I never charged anyone because I did it as a service for the practice. However, I do know that it is a business that can generate monies. You can run ads in your local newspapers, have business cards printed and leave at various locations such as clinics in your areas and/or go to those businesses and provide your services along with courier service for the documents you notorize. This is just a suggestion. You do have to keep good accurate records for the state if you charge for your services.

Answer 3

A Loan Signing Agent or Notary Public is a state commissioned Notary who specializes in the process of witnessing the signatures of the parties involved in a real estate loan transaction.

Their responsibility includes obtaining signatures and notarizing documents for lenders who offer mortgage loans. It is vital that these notaries are competent and complete the signing and notarizing in a professional, reliable and accurate manner.

The National Notary Association certifies some as Signing Agent. Others hold credential from other agencies that test their knowledge of loan document signing procedures and the Notary Public Laws of their state.

A Notary Public who becomes a Mortgage Loan Signing Agent can expect to earn $50 to $125 per transaction for witnessing signatures, notarizing the required documents, returning the documents to the lender, title or escrow.

As a mobile notary public who signs loan documents you set your own hours and enjoy the benefits of having your own business. Some Loan signing Agents work part-time other work full-time in their business. To be successful you will need to learn how to market your service and how to price your services for higher profits. You need to understand how to put your name in from of people looking to find a notary or those that need a notary on a regular basis.

Some topics you will need to give attention to in developing your business plan are:

· Why are you starting the business?
· What will you name your business?
· Are you comfortable with marketing and selling?
· Who will develop your marketing communications?
· Do you understand financials and the role of finance and accounting in a successful business?
· How comfortable are you with technology?
· What are your short and long-term goal and what sacrifices are you willing to make for success?

Notary Loan Signers witness the signing of important documents such as real estate transactions, insurance, marriage and divorce papers, and letters. A state exam is required for certification. This service is in high demand for professionals such as realtors and title companies.

Their work is usually conducted from home, in restaurants or title company offices.

http://needAnotary.net is a great resource for getting work to start your notary practice. This site will get you off to a wonderful start in having companies and people call you that are willing to pay you higher fees for services.

Answer 4

Not easy to get customers; most people who become notaries do it for convenience or as part of their job, as there is little money in it. When I need something notarized, I just take it to the bank; they'll do it for free.