What is a Notary Signing Agent (NSA) Network?
An NSA Network is simply a group of independent NSA's that pool their marketing efforts, and promote the whole Network rather than simply promoting themselves, individually. This increases the exposure of each Network member exponentially! Every time a member presents their own information to a client, they include information about the Network.
One of the more well-known and perhaps one of the first NSA Networks was the birth child of Brenda Stone. Her Texas NSA Network (and her generosity in sharing ideas and information) paved the way for the many other state networks that followed.
What Rules or GuidelinesDo NSA Networks Follow?
Most NSA Networks are informally structured, not formally structured (as in a business entity or corporation, for example). They're generally formed by a small handful of independent NSA's who decide to put a Network together - and they will then establish their own specific criteria as to whom they will invite and/or accept into their group.
Since one of the distinct advantages of belonging to a Network is the marketability of that group as ‘hand-selected professionals', most network founders establish a pretty rigid set of criteria for the membership. This will include their own established guidelines for experience levels, required certifications or number of signings, and will also cover such things as what behaviors or ethical practices must be adhered to.
Most of these Network groups ban the practice of charging any type of fee when referring business to another member - which is another added value that is used to market the networks to potential clients. The number of members within any particular area is generally limited (to prevent over-saturation), but includes enough members to ensure to the client that they will always have someone to suit their needs.
Why Use an NSA Network?
First - Ease of Use, coupled with pre-screened NSA's. The Networks market by providing access to their membership's contact information (sometimes a printed roster, perhaps via a website, etc) and high-light the efforts that went into scrutinizing their credentials and/or expertise.
Second - The Bottom Line. Contracting an NSA directly and by-passing any third-party service is cheaper. Rather than paying someone else to select the NSA, it is generally considerably less costly to directly select them yourself.
Third - Working directly with the NSA will help to eliminate the headaches of miscommunication, and gives everyone direct & immediate contact with a person who's been verified to be highly professional. As we all know, the closing procedure is often fraught with such last minute needs for critical communication!
More Added Values to Using an NSA Network:
Network members work together, are in continual contact with each other and usually have periodic meetings to discuss current industry issues & changes. They are a combined unit having the same goal to provide the best possible services to their clients.
Because of the careful selection of the members, if one cannot complete the signing, they will confidently refer you to another member who upholds the same standards of professionalism.
What NSA Networks Don't Do:
There is generally no referral fees allowed between the members. They simply refer each other as a part of the commitment to the Network. Each individual member of a NSA Network is responsible for setting their own fees, are each contacted directly and hired directly by the clients.
Networks do not tolerate unethical or unprofessional behavior, and have their own set guidelines for resolving such issues. In an NSA Network, one member's actions are a reflection of the entire Network as a whole, and the absolute highest of standards is critical to their success.
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