The Federal Government is instituting several policies designed to minimize the impact of an expected recession. 

How Real Estate Agents Can Make MORE Money During a Recession

Find Out How to Thrive in a Economic Downturn When Homes Aren’t Selling

Are you a real estate agent wondering what you can do to make money during a recession? Learn what you can do to make money as the economy shifts. 
​​2/09/2022​
By Mark Wills - Course Instructor of Loan Signing System, Forbes Real Estate Council Member, and Best Selling Author 
It’s unavoidable… the chatter from economists and financial experts across the board is filled with talks of a major recession in the United States. 

During the last major recession, real estate transactions decreased by 45% from their peak of 10 million transactions in 2005 to 5.5 million transactions in 2008. 
​A decrease of this magnitude has a massive impact on real estate agent income across the nation. 
 
As a real estate agent, it’s important to ensure that you are prepared during a slowdown so you can survive an economic ‘winter’ and set yourself up to thrive once the economy turns around. 
 
So how can you make money as a real estate agent during a falling economy? 
The key to making money in real estate during a recession borrows a key lesson from one of the richest people in the world, Warren Buffett:
Never depend on a single source of income.

​~Warren Buffett
​The good news is that the second source of income is right under your nose within the real estate industry. And it’s better than you could imagine!

​The Best-Kept Secret in Real Estate: Become a Notary Loan Signing Agent

​As you may already know, whenever a home is purchased, your escrow officer hires a notary public to walk the buyer through their loan documents. 

Every single transaction you worked on that closed with a mortgage had loan documents that needed to be notarized… and the signing agent that completed that assignment made more money in an hour than some medical professionals, attorneys, or chiropractors! 

Many real estate agents don’t even know notary signing agents exist since escrow handles many of the closing aspects of the loan transaction. 

But they do exist… and you can make a TON of money. 

As a notary signing agent, you meet with the homeowner in their home, spend 30 minutes to an hour walking them through their loan documents telling them where to sign, and then you return those documents to escrow. 

And as long as you or your company isn’t involved in the transaction, you can complete the loan signing appointment (you can’t do them on your own home closing because it would be considered a conflict of interest). 

Here’s the best part… a loan signing appointment takes about an hour. And for completing that loan signing job, you can get paid $125 to $200. 

Look at your next closing statement and you’ll see the line-item for the closing:

A 1-Hour Signing Can Pay Up To $200 (or More)!

The Lucrative Real Estate Side-Hustle: Income Potential of a Notary Loan Signing Agent

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the median annual income of a Real Estate Agent is $48,690 (or less than $1000 per week).

This level of income can be made by a notary signing agent part-time!

Loan Signing Agent Weekly and Annual Income Potential

​In fact, a significant percentage of notary signing agents work on a part-time basis. If you simply complete ONE loan signing a day, you can make about as much as the average real estate agent!
1 Loan Signing per Day at $150 per signing x 6 days a week x 52 weeks =  $46,800

See Our Interview with Dev... a Part-Time Signing Agent that Made Over $8000 in One Month!

To see how much you can make as a notary loan signing agent, use our simple calculator below! ​

Signing Agent Income Calculator:

Notary Signing Agents Can Make $1000 in a Day!

It’s not uncommon to see signing agents load up their appointments on a Saturday and make $1000 in a day! ​​

Benefits of Making Money as a Loan Signing Agent

Making money isn’t the only benefit of being a notary loan signing agent. Here are some of the key reasons doing loan signings as a side-hustle makes sense:
  1. High Income: You can make up to $200 for completing a 1-hour appointment. Doing 13 signings a week at $150 per signing equals a six-figure revenue stream! 
  2. Quick Transaction: From the moment you get the loan signing appointment, to the time you receive your payment can be as short as a few weeks. Say goodbye to waiting months before a deal closes! 
  3. Ultimate Flexibility: You can work around your existing schedule. You pick up appointments when you are available so you can still sell homes and make extra money filling in the gaps with loan signings. 
  4. No Experience Needed: No experience, degree, or special certifications are required… just an active notary commission from your state. However, having real estate experience already can be a HUGE bonus! 
  5. Companies Are Looking for You Right Now: Unlike being a real estate agent, there is no selling needed to get a signing job. You simply sign up with a signing service or if you know escrow officers, you can get jobs sent to you regularly without having to ‘sell’ someone every time! 
This is exactly why I call being a notary signing agent, the best-kept secret in real estate! 

You didn’t know? That’s okay… most real estate agents have no idea how much signing agents can actually make. 

To see a full list of why becoming a signing agent is the best part-time income, click the button below.

Take a Break From the 6 Month Real Estate Sales Cycle

Are you tired of waiting months to get paid on a transaction? Real Estate Agents have one of the longest sales cycles in the sales industry. A typical sales cycle for a real estate agent might look like this:

Real Estate Sales Cycle

  • Working with a lead to obtain a listing: 1 month (or more)
  • Preparing a listing to sell: 2-4 weeks
  • In the market: 1-3 months
  • In escrow: 1 month
  • Get paid: 7-14 days from close of escrow
  • Once closed, go through the entire cycle again. 
  • Total time: 4 to 8 months
In a ‘hot’ market, the real estate sales cycle can be as short as 3 to 4 months. During a moderate economy, a 5 to 7 month sales cycle is tolerable because there’s enough activity to smooth out your income over the year. 

However, it’s a different story during a slower market. When a recession hits, the span of time between commission checks can expand. 

So how do you fill the gaps in your real estate income during a downturn?

Answer: Do loan signings part-time to make money during slow real estate sales months.

Why? 

Because the sales cycle for a notary signing agent is much, much shorter.

Notary Loan Signing Agent Sales Cycle

  • Obtain a direct loan signing job from an escrow officer: 1-7 days
  • Complete the loan signing appointment: 1 day (one to three hours total)
  • Get paid: 7-14 days from close of escrow (the signing appointment usually occurs within a week of closing)
  • Once you complete the signing, you simply stay connected with your escrow officer until they have another loan signing appointment. No additional sales needed.
  • Total time: 8 to 23 days 
​Compare a 5 to 7 month sales cycle to a signing agent’s sales cycle of 9 to 20 days! 

The best part about being a signing agent is that you don’t have to constantly fill your pipeline. You simply talk to escrow officers (that you already know!) and use a simple message so they hire you. Once you do a good job for them, they will start using you frequently for their signings. No more cold outreach. No more long sales presentations. 

The shorter sales cycle allows you to ‘fill the gaps’ in income with loan signings during months when you’re not closing real estate transactions. 

When you know you are about to have a slow month because your pipeline is low, you simply get loan signing appointments to make up the difference! 

Making money as a loan signing agent is the perfect way to smooth out your real estate income during slower months! 

During a Recession, Loan Signing Activity Can Go UP!

Now you may be wondering, well if home sales go down, won’t the lending side of the real estate industry dry up as well?

Here’s the key to why doing loan signings is the best second income stream for a real estate agent:

During a recession, home sales go down, but home refinancings can actually increase!

To put it simply...  in a bad economy, interest rates are a key factor to recovery… lower interest rates equal more home refinancing transactions… and more home refinancing transactions means that you can still make great money when home sales lag.

The lending industry is one of the unique industries that the government prioritizes and is one of the first to be strengthened as the economy takes a turn and starts to contract. 

Why?

Because the cheaper money is to borrow, the more people spend thus driving the economy back upward. 

The lower mortgage interest rates are, the more people will refinance their homes, which can lower their payments and give them extra cash to spend. 

This gives people more disposable income to spend on things like going out to movies, buying new cars, spending money at restaurants, and other activities that drive our economy.

Government Stimulus Can Help Loan Signing Agents Stay Busy When Real Estate Agents Are Slow

​Because of the recent events, the U.S. Government has made some unprecedented moves to ensure the economy moves forward. 

Of course, the big news of 2020 is that the Federal Reserve announced that the Federal Funds interest rate dropped to near zero! 

The Federal Funds rate directly affects adjustable rate mortgage rates and can indirectly benefit fixed mortgage rates (the Federal Funds Rate and fixed mortgage rates have some correlation; however, they are not directly tied to each other and can sometimes even move in opposite directions).

Additionally, they announced a $700 Billion (and then subsequently, an ‘unlimited’) quantitative easing policy adding significantly more liquidity to the lending market!

History is a Good Indicator: More Loans Equal Busy Signing Agents

The last time the Federal Reserve took a similar approach was in the Great Recession in 2008… the following year, home loan originations rose nearly 30%...over 2 million more home loans were funded than the year prior! 
So while home sales increased about 2% following the economic recovery package in 2008, home loan originations increased nearly 30%!

As a result of the recent push to grow the economy, there have been an unprecedented level of refinance applications in 2020 and notary signing agents are busier than ever! 

Millions of Loan Documents Will Need to Be Signed

If you are a real estate agent interested in becoming a notary loan signing agent… get started sooner rather than later! This year, millions of loan documents will need to be signed. 

Signing agents are needed now more than ever!

Despite the chaos in the markets, this is the time to gain your foothold in the notary loan signing agent industry. And Loan Signing System is here to help you be prepared. 

Use this time to educate yourself, gain new skills, and have a competitive advantage as the economy goes through this cycle.  

Notary Signing Agent: The “No-Brainer” Real Estate Side-Hustle

Now can you see why making additional money as a notary loan signing agent makes sense for a real estate agent? And, given the requirement to become a notary public in your state is relatively easy, there’s no reason not to get started. 

In fact, if all you did was get your notary commission from your state and add an additional credential to your real estate resume, wouldn’t it be worth it?

If you just did this part-time and completed a few signings jobs a week and made an extra $1000 to $2000 per month, would it be worth it?

And if you simply filled these next few months of slower home sales with signing agent income to be sure you could thrive once the economy turns around, would it be worth it?

Get Our Free Training and Learn How to Become a Notary Loan Signing Agent

​If you said ‘yes’ to any of the previous questions, the good news is becoming a loan signing agent is easy. You simply need a notary commission from your state. Most states simply ask you to fill out an application (although there are a handful of states that require that you pass an exam). 

To get my 9-step checklist to become a notary loan signing agent in your state, enter your email below. You’ll learn step-by-step how to become a notary public in your state. 

I’ll also send you a 1-hour webinar masterclass sharing more information about what a notary signing agent is, how much a signing agent can make, the total cost to get started, and how to get signing agent jobs. 

So don’t delay… Warren Buffett, one of the wealthiest people on the planet, recommends getting a second source of income. And there’s no better time than now to build and grow your second source of income as a notary loan signing agent! 
If you're ready to jump in and start learning how to earn more money as a loan signing agent, select your course below!

Get Ready. Start Learning Today!

​All of our courses come with a 30-day, no-questions-asked money back guarantee! ​

Select Your Level of Training and Support:

Don't Take Our Word For It... See What Our Students Are Saying!
I am writing this review because Loan Signing System has been such a blessing to me. I took the course, passed the exam, watched the videos over and over again... I followed all the steps Mark gave us to succeed. I am now working with two escrow officers at a title company. They love how I do signings and they said most of the signers they have been using always miss dates or initials.
Because of Mark's course, I can say I never miss dates or initials. Everything Mark has said in this course has come to pass in my life. I would encourage anyone who is interested in being successful in the loan signing business to take this course... IT IS A MUST!! 

~Vanetta Clark
I've been a loan signing agent since 2016. Doing it on my own with no idea and taking anything that was tossed my way. Mark and the Loan Signing System was a godsend! Not only with the teaching, but he provided the knowledge that gave me the confidence in knowing that I can walk into an escrow office and present myself "knowledgeable" about this business. Thank you Mark!

~Letitia Hopson
This course is AWESOME!!! Mark is extremely knowledgeable and makes these classes fun as well as full of information. Listen to the lessons over and over...until you get it. I love the Facebook group! Thanks Mark for teaching this old dog ALL these new tricks.

​~Heather Boies

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Making Money as a Notary Loan Signing Agent is Waiting for You...

​Frequently Asked Questions

​How long is the Loan Signing System course?

Loan Signing System courses contain over 8 hours of primary training and another 5-6 hours of bonus training videos if you watch it straight through. The course includes a full loan signing you can watch, several audio recordings of actual loan signings, and a step-by-step video of how to go through an entire set of loan documents. ​You can learn at your own pace. Learn it all in a few evenings or over the course of several weeks or months. It's up to you. 

Is this for beginners or advanced loan signing agents?

​The best part about the Loan Signing System is that it has so much content that it provides incredible value for both beginners and advanced notary loan signing agents.

Beginning loan signing agents will find topics like how to get your notary commission, how to easily get your first loan signing, and how to do a loan signing with confidence.

Advanced loan signing agents will find topics like getting signings directly from escrow officers and mortgage professionals, how to do a loan signing to escrow standards (not signing service standards), and my most advanced tips on how to build and market your loan signing business.

What qualifications are needed?

​You don’t need a degree or any special certifications. You just need a notary commission in your state and the know-how! You truly can start with no education or experience! 

Getting a notary license (known as a commission) is very easy. In most states you simply need to apply. Some states require simple 30 question tests. In either case, it generally takes two weeks to two months to get your notary commission. A link to exactly how to get your notary commission is in the course. 

Should I wait to get my notary commission before getting the course?

No. I recommend getting the Loan Signing System course before any other step because the Loan Signing System is designed to help you avoid the common pitfalls most signing agents take when building their business. I link to easy and low cost ways to get your notary commission in your state and supplies so you can save the headache and your money! Getting the course first will walk you through how to become a successful signing agent step by step even if you're starting from scratch! 

What if I already have my notary commission?

​If you already have your notary commission, congratulations... the most time-consuming part is out of the way and you can immediately start making money as a notary loan signing agent! You simply need the knowledge and the step-by-step training, which is what the Loan Signing System provides you! I have had students with their notary commission start the course and get signings the very same week!

​How long do I have access to the Loan Signing System course?

You'll get immediate and unlimited access to the Loan Signing System training course videos.

​What if I'm not satisfied with the Loan Signing System course?

All of my courses come with a 100% money back guarantee. I am committed to your success and am truly invested in your success. If you don't like the course for any reason within 30 days, and as long as you haven't received the Loan Signing System certification, simply let me know and I'll issue you a full refund. 

​Does this work in my state?

The good news is that lenders don't make 50 totally different sets of loan documents for the 50 states. And although laws and some documents vary from state to state, the Loan Signing System course is designed to teach you the fundamentals of doing loan signings so you can do a perfect loan signing in any state with any document. Always follow your state's notary laws and best practices (provided in your state's notary commission course and secretary of state). Loan signing agents are most commonly used in escrow states. Learn more about escrow states here.

​Does the Loan Signing System include a signing agent certification?

Absolutely. The Loan Signing System includes a certification so you can demonstrate that you've taken the most complete loan signing agent course and passed the exam with a 90% score or better. You can showcase your Loan Signing System Certification on some of the largest loan signing agent databases such as Snapdocs and Notary Resume and put the Loan Signing System Certified Agent seal on your business cards and other marketing materials. ​

Where is the Loan Signing System Certification recognized?

Loan Signing System is the premier loan signing agent training taught by Mark Wills. He has trained thousands of signing agents from coast to coast. He owns a loan signing service and the Loan Signing System has been widely recognized from some of the largest signing agent databases such as Notary Resume and Snapdocs, as well as escrow agents (the people that hire notary signing agents). 

How do I know I'll get loan signings? 

​The good news is where there are homes, there are loan signings! So if you look around and see homes, that means you can make money as a loan signing agent! 

Here's the better news... it's very easy to become a notary loan signing agent. You don't need any special education or degrees. You simply need a notary commission. 

This ease of getting into the business generally causes a higher supply of loan signing agents. Which some people fear because that creates more competition. But this is the exact reason why you can get a lot of loan signings. The low barrier to entry to get into the business causes most signing agents to be lower quality, untrained agents. Because a course is NOT required to get started.

So when you take my course, you will literally be better than 90% of the loan signing agents in the market. And that is the reason why you can get more loan signings than anyone else. If you ask any escrow officer (the people that hire loan signing agents), a good signing agent is worth their weight in gold and are hard to come by. And when they do find a good signing agent, they tend to feed them loan signings regularly. 

I'll teach you step by step how I became the top loan signing agent in my market, so you can do the same!

Do I need any other certifications?

​As a loan signing agent, you actually don’t need a certification to get your first signing. However, to build a successful signing agent business, you should get the Loan Signing System certification as well as the NNA Signing Agent certification. The NNA is the largest and most widely known training for notaries. And two of the largest title companies require that you have it. However, the training is basic and may not fully train you to actually build a successful loan signing business.

I link to the exact NNA certification within my course. The NNA certification is only $65 and includes a background check. Start with the Loan Signing System certification, and when you are doing signings, get the NNA certification. 

What does the monthly mentorship entail?

If you purchase the Six Figure Loan Signing System Course, you’ll get access to my live mentorship where you can ask me any question about building your business, LIVE! You’ll see me on video and you can type in your question before or during the biweekly sessions. Plus all sessions are recorded so even if you miss it, you’ll still be able to watch it. My students often refer to it as a “must-have” and it’s the perfect way to get all of your questions answered as you build your loan signing agent business.

What if I can't afford the full payment?

I offer convenient monthly payment plans on all of my courses. You get full access to the course upon your initial payment!

What if I have questions or problems?

My goal is to make becoming a successful loan signing agent as smooth and streamlined as possible. If you ever have any issues or questions, I offer a number of resources to get your answers. I have a private Facebook group for students so you can ask other students and successful agents. Most loan signing agents have had the same questions and comments as you in the past and are a great resource and support group for you. I also have live chat available during business hours. And of course, you can email me at mark@loansigningsystem.com.

What are the payment options?

I offer secure SSL encrypted payment options from every major credit card, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. 

What You'll Get

The Loan Signing System will teach you step-by-step how to become a successful notary loan signing agent with engaging online videos using real world examples. Here's what you'll get immediate access to:

Learn How to Do a Perfect Loan Signing

All of my courses come with the Loan Signing System certification and will teach you how to do a perfect loan signing to escrow standards (not signing service standards). 

Learn How to Get Loan Signings

Not only will you learn how to automatically get loan signings through signing services, but my Professional and Six Figure courses will teach you how to market yourself and get loan signings directly with escrow officers so you can get paid more per loan signing. 

Mentorship & Advanced Training

You will have all of your questions about growing your loan signing business answered with ongoing mentorship in my Six Figure course. Plus you'll get special training directly from escrow officers so you can be hired for more loan signings.