“The Successful Notary” – 12/08 Newsletter

by Sharon Hassler, Founder/Webmaster, GoGetNotary.com

Good News/Bad News
We all know the bad news, more unemployment and home values still decreasing. There’s no putting a pretty face on that. On the other hand, interest rates dropped again. What does this mean to a notary signing agent? A mini refi boom in the works? According to BankRate.com, the number of refinance applications tripled! And Bob Walters, chief economist for Quicken Loans, said, “The recent rate drop was a huge incentive for consumers to refinance into fixed-rate loans or enter the market to purchase a home. As long as rates remain in this range, it’s likely that strong mortgage activity will continue…” Also, the U.S. Treasury Department is considering a plan to offer 4.5 percent interest to first-time home buyers through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This looks promising so stay positive and start planning for 2009 now.

Get Ready for 2009
Update Your Info: Now is the time to get organized for 2009. First, log in to your GoGetNotary.com web page and update your info. A few notaries are reporting they’ve handled some loan modification signings recently, so be sure to mention you’re available for Loan Modifications somewhere on your web page, maybe under “Additional.” And, very important, on your web page and on your website if you have one, provide the date that you updated your information and say that you are actively seeking loan and loan modification signings! Many notaries have left the business but have not removed their web pages or websites which is aggravating for lenders and title companies. Let them know you’re still in business. Actually, while you’re at it, contact every company that ever gave you business to make sure they know you want them to think of you first for loan signings.

Save $15 Now: Take advantage of our plan-ahead-for-2009 discount. Sign up or renew before December 31st and save $15 off any of our four web page memberships. If you have or are considering your own website, grab one of the combo memberships and you’re practically getting the Internet marketing ebook for free! Enter this coupon code: PLAN2009

Review Your Business Cards: If you’re getting set for next year by ordering business cards, review the tips on Free Notary Business Cards and check out our three pages of business card samples for ideas. Business cards make a statement about your professionalism, so invest a little time to ensure they reflect positively on you and your notary business.

Online Stamp Store Opens
We launched our own stamp and supply store, GoGetStamps.com and we’re already filling orders. We’ve limited the types of stamps and embossers we carry to what we consider to be the more durable products in the market. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us through that store or GoGetNotary.

Signing Company Seeks Notaries
We recently heard from Notary Assurance, Inc., in Chandler, Arizona. They have some strong relationships with title companies needing signings nationwide, and they want to add dependable notary signing agents to their database. Visit our Signing Company Directory and scroll down to find their info.

Do More to Earn More
Alex Yvonnou, Mobile Notary and Signing Agent in Detroit, Michigan, has some tips on how to adapt to the loan signing slump. He says, along with opening your mind to other notary opportunities, you have to be proactive, and the holidays are a good time to take action. Don’t miss his article, “Do More to Earn More.” Alex designed and manages his website and does a great job. If you want to see an example of a professional notary site, visit DetroitNotary.com.

Notary.net Adds More Training
Our friends at Notary.net just received approval for training in Missouri so they now offer their unique online video training in 44 states. Visit our Notary Training Classes page to see if they have training available in your state and learn more about their video courses.

Bryce Hall Added to Advisory Council
We’re proud to add Bryce Hall, a notary trainer in Virginia. President of Mid Atlantic Mobile Notary Services, Inc., Bryce is a Notary Instructor and a CRESPA Real Estate Settlement Closing Officer (Title Insurance Producer). She has over 30 years experience as a notary and holds dual commissions in Virginia and Maryland. We look forward to a few articles from her in the coming year.

California Networking Group Meets in January
Cynthia James alerted us to a January 17th meeting of the Elite Notary Network in Temecula, CA. Cynthia says this group is “going strong and growing fast” despite the economy. If you live near enough to attend and want to start 2009 right, check out our Networking page for details of this meeting.

Members Only Section
In the new year, we’re going to provide some articles, videos and other resources for members only. This info will help your notary business and other sources of revenue, too. 2009 is the year to gear up and make the most of your Internet presence, whether you have a single web page with us or have a separate website, too. Economists are predicting 2010 will be the turnaround year, but let’s earn as much as we can in 2009 from new business generated by lower interest rates and other market stimulus programs! Don’t snooze through the new year and wait for 2010. Get busy now.

White List GoGetNotary.com’s Email Address
If you’re receiving this newsletter, you may have already added us to your “white list” of approved email addresses. Or maybe you haven’t done this yet and so far, so good… However, if you change your spam-filter level or your ISP makes changes, our newsletters and updates may get bounced. You’d be surprised at the messages rejected as spam from paid members, even brand new members, because we’re not white listed! AOL is the worst! Please take a moment to add us to your approved white list and remember to repeat that if you change your ISP or email address.

Happy Holidays!
That’s it for us for 2008. May all your wishes of health, wealth and happiness be realized in 2009. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year!

©Copyright Sharon Hassler. All rights reserved. Sharon Hassler, Founder/Webmaster for GoGetNotary.com, is a former loan officer, real estate agent and marketing consultant. She served as Communications Manager for First American Title-Arizona for 11 years. For more about Sharon, visit GoGetNotary.com/Get/Sharon.