By Mark Wills, Guest Contributor on January 5, 2021
Updated 1-5-22. You’re just starting out as a Notary Signing Agent, and the biggest question is: “Where do I find work?”
Here is an easy 3-step process to start getting loan signing appointments:
Step 1: Start by signing up with the major Signing Agent databases that signing services use to offer assignments Notary Signing Agents. These include:
SnapDocs.com
NotaryRotary.com
NotaryCafe.com
SigningOrder.com
Step 2: Next, sign up directly with as many signing service companies as you can. While there are only a handful of major Signing Agent databases, there are literally hundreds of signing service companies across the country. Finding them is as easy. Just do an internet search for “signing services in [your state].” Or you could utilize a list such as one found in Loan Signing System’s course or what’s found at 123Notary.
Step 3: Once you have signed up with each signing service, locate a phone number for each signing service and call them directly to introduce yourself. Remember to let them know you are here to help solve their major issues instead of just talking about you and your qualifications.
It’s that easy.
How signing services work
Remember, Signing Agents are hired by location and availability. Signing services not only use the major databases listed above to find signing agents, they also use their own database. This is why it’s so important for you to sign up with as many of them as possible.
The Notaries that are closest to the borrower's location first get notified that a signing job is available. If no one accepts the signing they will move farther away from the location until a Notary accepts the assignment.
A new Signing Agent can get opportunities for appointments early in their career because there will be occasions where no other Signing Agent will be available.
But there is something you, as a newer Signing Agent, need to embrace if you want to find work early on: In the beginning, a newer Signing Agent will be offered the lowest paying jobs and appointments with long travel times. Sometimes the ‘veteran’ Signing Agents turn down an appointment because it is too far from their location or the signing fee being offered is too low.
What veteran Signing Agents turn down is an opportunity for you. This is the BIGGEST reason you will get signing opportunities as a brand new Signing Agent.
Now, I know what you're thinking … If a veteran Signing Agent won't take an appointment, why should you?
Experience vs. Profits
To become a good Signing Agent, you need to think like a business owner and you need to have the right mindset. When starting out, gaining experience should be prioritized over profits. You can't command more until you actually have loan signing experience under your belt!
In all honesty, as an owner of a signing service, I can say from experience that newer Signing Agents don't deserve a higher fee until they can prove that they don't make mistakes and are reliable.
So my recommendation to you is to take every loan signing assignment you can in the beginning, and don't worry about distance or fee until you become a proficient Signing Agent. ONLY then should you start worrying about how much money you make per signing and how far you go for signings.
Through experience and good reviews for your signings, the fees will get higher and the signing appointments will get closer to your location. Get the experience and the money will follow ... and before you know it, you will be working directly with mortgage professionals and keeping the entire signing fee.
Mark Wills of Loan Signing System is a Notary educator, a mentor to more than 4,000 Notary Signing Agents and a Forbes Real Estate Council Member. For more information on how to market your loan Signing Agent business, please go to loansigningsystem.com.