First let me say I am a "Signing Agent" in PA. I also teach as a "Signing Agent Instructor" through my own education company. PANotaryEducation.com I developed the course and curriculum 4 years ago. I was the instructor for the NNA here in PA for years and work for most national title companies since 2000.
I agree with most of the answers posted here, however there are a few points I will disagree with.
Any certification you hold is for your morale boost. A Notary is stll a "Notary", if you understand what the documents are then you really do not need to be "certified". Since by law you can not provide definitive info on the loan you need to call the broker or lender for that your confidence and presence at the table is what matters.
The NNA is now hooking up with title companies to require the 'signing agents' they use to be certified through them for the GLBA clearance they provide. They like other organizations are no longer for the notaries themselves but are now chasing the bucks. Sort of like unionizing the force.
Since I am no longer associated with ANY membership organization, I have more work than I can handle. Nowadays I typically do 2-3 closings a day on average. Things are picking up again in my area, but these are mostly REO's. I have held every cert available out there and NO ONE has ever required certification or asked me who certified me.
Notary Rotary is nothing but a nasty coffe clatch. Be VERY careful about signing up for websites. Contrary to the suggestions here... your reputation means a lot so watch where you eat.......I have never PAID any website for advertising! I do not belong to directories. I advertised on my own, got my own website and built my business. My relationship with title companies comes from networking with them directly.
These are just my personal opinions, but I do work everyday as a "Signing Agent" and do know the business. As for the fees, set a base fee by county increasing as distance goes form your base. Do not have addons mileage fees, traveling fees etc. One base fee, extra for piggybacks or edocs only. My fee includes everything and starts at $125 and goes to $200. But I cover 22 counties in PA.
Research is your best education and tool. Research what others in your area are charging and set them accordingly. If I can help in anyway let me know....
Barbara A Sonafelt
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