Any notaries out here?

I'm thinking of doing the test in December. I know a couple people that took the test this past December. One passed half of it, the other failed both parts. Who are you taking the prep class with?

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hungryone

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Not a notary, but my better half is (attorney as well). Make sure you always have your stamp/seal...he hits on a surprising amount of business (often very simple stuff) merely by always being prepared. (We live in a smallish town.)

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In Louisiana all that's necessary for a notary to execute the duties of his or her office is his signature. A seal is part of the legal requirements for other states, and a lot of people here "feel," better when you seal their documents, but the law here essentially states that, "your signature is your seal," in Louisiana.

Been a really interesting class. Thanks for sharing their experience.

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LSU1018

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I'm thinking of doing the test in December. I know a couple people that took the test this past December. One passed half of it, the other failed both parts. Who are you taking the prep class with?

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I've got heavy experience in the RE Finance Field. In my 20's I collected on mortgages, wrote up legal descriptions and worked on title research for a title company that catered strictly to mortgage companies, then actually originated for several years myself.

I don't know what your background is, but based on the subject matter we've covered since the beginning of the class, as experienced as I felt like I was...I would have absolutely BOMBED the test if I went in to sit for it dry. I would strongly urge you to take a prep course.

Just FYI - This year's "study guide," is over 500 pages.

Not saying you aren't intelligent or anything along those lines. Just saying that it costs money to get registered, to take the pre-assessment, etc. You might as well bone up and study beforehand and spend a little more.

As far as who I'm taking the class with, I am using SLU's Notarial Preparation Course. I looked up on the Secretary of State's website and based on the info there (I'm sure its not 100% accurate), the respondents to the course indicate a passage rate of 75% on the first attempt. This was higher than the LSU Prep Course believe it or not.

On top of that, they teach it at the Literacy and Technology Center in Walker which literally backs up to the cul-de-sac in my neighborhood. I walk to class each Thursday evening.

If I'm not mistaken, the test is much easier now than even when I took it in 2012. They eliminated the written portion (I had to write a will from scratch), so it's not nearly as difficult to prepare. IIRC, 60 multiple choice questions and a10-20 research/short answer questions.

I recently found out about these mobile notary networks that you can join for a small fee- background check is $50 and some will require extra E&O Insurance, which I found for $40/year. Once you register with them and get all your paperwork set, they'll contact you about mortgage closings in your area, and their pay for the job. From there, you either volunteer or skip it, and wait for the next opportunity.

Last week, I brought a gentleman his initial disclosure papers to sign (didn't have to be notarized) and they paid me $40 for less than 1 hour. Tomorrow I have a VA closing, and for that they're paying $85. I have to print the closing packages, which kind of sucks, but overall it seems worth it. Check out NotaryDirect.com and theclosinggroup.biz. Those are the 2 I signed up with. Depending on your flexibility and the number of notaries in your area. $100/week is definitely feasible.

I busted my arse over the class, studying for the test, then passing it on my first try- I'm getting the seal dammit!

You make your best money marrying people ... you do not make any money, worth your time, notarizing documents unless you have specific accounts (banks, businesses, etc) that have a need for an outside, well respected, notary with court testimony experience.

You can get a stamp at office depot. I was an originator and started doing closings. I still do some, but the larger companies charge $150, but only pay you $45. They will pay more, but it is usually extenuating circumstances, last minute, etc.

Most notaries won't do it, because when you travel, print the docs, ink, paper, etc. It isn't worth it at $45. Also, most closings are after hours; in not so nice areas. Think about it, most normal people will take off work, etc. to do something with their home.

You can try to charge it, but most companies won't pay more for travel. I get a notice every day by text or email, they even call me. I was so mad at DOC Pros, I told them don't call me anymore unless $150 is stipulated up front just to deal with them. I really pick and choose, closings takes up so much time.

Also, loan packages are almost 80 to 100 pages, you have to give the customer a copy as well; if the person doesn't read the docs it still takes over an hour. Put that plus travel and printing, you aren't making any money unless you get $100 or more. Also, large companies will hold your money for 30 days or more. They get paid as soon as it is out of recission, but they won't pay the notary for a month or more.

One week I went to every large city in the State, I charged travel on those. If you are in the mortgage business, you know the HUD has to be set prior to closing, so if you are making more money it is coming from the Attorney's fees; meaning title companies are not giving up their money very easily. I've sat at an office on a Friday and closed 5 or 6, but that was because the Attorney wanted Fridays off, those jobs don't occur anymore. Too much competition, too easy to become a notary. I wish you well, but You be spending dollars to make pennies. Also, I have a bond, e&o and other costs, that run me about 4-600 every few years, that is why I do it. Start figuring what ink cost you and you will figure out quick how much money you are losing.

FYI, in my post I acknowledged you originated. There was a ention if notary networks and I gave you a breakdown. I was trying to tell you what you should look forward to and be aware of, what to avoid. But hey; if you know it all, why the hell did you post on a message board.

Travel to unknown locations and going into strangers homes plus print costs for less than $100 a pop? Remind me to not become a mobile notary.