In the Press

HUD Grant Creates More Opportunities for Homeownership

The Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development has designated $41.7 million for use by 362 state and local housing counseling agencies to help families become first-time homeowners.

The influx of new government money is not only a shot in the arm for those seeking to become homeowners, but it creates an opportunity for Signing Agents as well, said Ryan Edwards, Vice President of Operations at Vital Signing, Inc.®, a national signing service based in Riverside, California.

"I think it's a great opportunity on both ends. But beyond the initial loan signings for a first-time homeowner, the counseling will ease fear and uncertainty about borrowing," Edwards said. "There will be more chances for refinancing and equity loans, which in turn will stimulate the Signing Agent business." by Armando Aguirre for NSA Now.

Notary Signing Agents, State of the Industry Roundtable

Mr. Barber formed Vital Signing in 1997. He is a Notary Public and he has clients across the nation, in addition to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam: "Right now, the mortgage industry is feasting. It's the simple economics of supply and demand... America's very much a service-oriented country and will demand service. However, the mortgage industry is having a hard time - with all due respect to our panelists - dealing with this demand... Using the signing company, lenders are able to keep the employees productive selling and processing loans, as opposed to spending time signing documents... [It] enables lenders to provide better customer service by providing in-home closing at unconventional work times and dates...You're now able to do closings at six, seven, eight, nine o'clock at night, and it would not be unheard of to do them at 10 or 11 o'clock at night, Saturdays, Sundays or holidays."

Mr. Barber pointed out the opportunity for Signing Agents to earn a good living and also the ability to be independent and self-employed: "You have to be very dedicated and serious. The challenges that we face are quite numerous. Signing Agents need to be educated and precise in order to maintain job security and success. We're going to use those Notaries that can follow procedures, be professional and really get the job done. Those are the people who are going to get the business from us." based on the Report from the 26th Annual Conference of the NNA in Orlando, Florida, May, 2004

Vital Signing Expands Service

Thanks to the low interest rates and the still active housing market, there's still plenty of work in the loan document signing business, whether one is going out on assignment or working in an office.

There's so much business, in fact, that Riverside, California-based Vital Signing, Inc.®, has opened up a second office in Miami, Florida, and plans are underway for a third office in Phoenix, Arizona.

"It's been absolutely incredible around here. We've had people working seven days a week," said Cory Barber, president of Vital Signing. "We've had to open up a second office. I don't want our employees burning out."

How has Vital Signing been able to flourish in the face of so much competition and a cooling of the housing market?

"We have a great group of employees that are dedicated to customer service and a commitment to excellence. That's what it's all about," Barber said. "We make sure that our Signing Agents are competent." by Armando Aguirre for NSA Now, June 2004

Learn from Mistakes: Give Attention to Detail

"Everyone makes mistakes, but if you learn from them and go forward by paying close attention to the details, you'll be OK," said Patty Rodriguez, manager of Vital Signing's West Coast office in Riverside, California. "Admit the mistake and go forward. The worst thing you can do is try to cover it up.".. One of the most important things a novice can do in helping to avoid these pitfalls is to take a Notary Signing Agent training course, Rodriguez said. "There's a lot to know. You can't expect to get a commission and know what's expected in this business," she said. "That's why the NNA's certified training course is so important." by Armando Aguirre for NSA Today, winter, 2005

2005 Outlook for Signing Agents Looks Good

2005 Outlook for Signing Agents Looks Good The 2005 outlook looks good for Notary Signing Agents, thanks to continuing productivity in the mortgage and housing markets.

"We service those who primarily refinance loans and that has continued to be strong for us throughout the year," said Patty Rodriguez, a branch manager for Vital Signing's Riverside California office. "One of the keys to our success is the high level of competence our Signing Agents have acquired through training. Notaries with the proper training are the ones who have our attention." by Armando Aguirre for NSA Today, winter, 2005