Posted by SherryB - FL on 8/1/05 9:33pm
Msg #56290

Sylvia and Kandi

I just wanted to say that I own a signing agency too and I was so impressed with some of what both of you have been posting. It is really nice to know that there are other SS's out there that understand the importance of building a relationship with the SA's. Sylvia..you are a complete wealth of knowledge and I truly enjoy reading your posts as i am sure everyone else does as well. Kandi...it is soooooo nice to know that there is someone out there who is in the same boat as me. I had posted previously regarding THE PERSPECTIVE OF A SIGNING AGENCY and got quite a lot of positive feedback. I think I am on a mission to try and bridge the gap between SA's and SS's...I sort of felt it my duty to try and give people a better understanding of what it is like to own a SS and to let them know that we are not all bottomfeeders as stated by some posters...

Thank you both for all of your posts!

Reply by MJ FL on 8/1/05 9:41pm
Msg #56293

Hi Sherry! I know that you know that all SS's are not created equal. You have a good thing going and it is built on integrity. If more them operated the way you and John do, the bridge that you are building wouldn't be needed. Continued success!

Reply by SherryB - FL on 8/1/05 9:57pm
Msg #56294

Thank you for that wonderful compliment...I think I may know who you are...are you in the Palm Coast vicinity?

Reply by Nancy in Florida on 8/1/05 10:01pm
Msg #56295

Hi Sherry,

I am glad to see you on this board, you are truly one of the best SS to work for and it is truly a pleasure doing business with such a great company.

Reply by Sherry B - FL on 8/1/05 10:04pm
Msg #56296

I am glad to be here...thank you too for your wonderful compliment....and if this is the Nancy I think it is, (Cape Coral)...we truly appreciate the job you do representing us. We were very fortunate to find you!

Reply by Nancy in Florida on 8/1/05 10:15pm
Msg #56303

Yes, it is and thank you.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 8/1/05 10:08pm
Msg #56298

Thank you Sherry

When I started my signing agency, I made a couple of vows. I vowed that I would always treat the signing agent as I want to be treated by the signing agencies I worked for (but often wasn't!). I vowed that no matter what, my signing agents would be paid full fee if they went out to do the signing, whether I got paid or not. And because I am paying whether I get paid or not, then it only made sense to pay right away. Why hold on to the signing agents money - because if they have been out to do the signing, then it is their money, not mine.

I have kept those vows for the past couple of years, and will always keep them.

Reply by MJ FL on 8/1/05 10:11pm
Msg #56300

No. Marla :)

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 8/1/05 10:13pm
Msg #56302

Re: No. Marla :)

Huh? Am I missing something?

Reply by SherryB - FL on 8/1/05 10:18pm
Msg #56305

Re: No. Marla :)

I just assumed that MJ was a different closer that I worked with in east FL and Marla was letting me know that it was her...LOL CONFUSING HUH?

What the heck are we all doing up this late anyway????

Reply by PAW_Fl on 8/1/05 10:23pm
Msg #56307

Re: No. Marla :)

>>> What the heck are we all doing up this late anyway???? <<<

Darn good question. But I must admit, it's been a pleasurable reading experience.

Reply by SherryB - FL on 8/1/05 10:24pm
Msg #56308

Re: No. Marla :)

I do agree PAW...Unfortunately, I know my one year old will be up at the crack of dawn...awwww what the heck..this reading and posting can be addicting....

Reply by SherryB - FL on 8/1/05 10:16pm
Msg #56304

Re: No. Marla :)

Sorry Marla...I am so glad Wendy shared you!!!! ;) Just so you know...checks went out today....Thanks for the WONDERFUL job that you do!

Reply by MJ FL on 8/1/05 10:32pm
Msg #56310

It's my pleasure!

Alright! I wasn't expecting that until end of the week at the earliest. You made my week!!! By the way, I'm glad Wendy shared also. It's been great. I look forward to many years to come.

...and with that, good night all!!! I have to get some rest incase I get an early call from one of my terrific SS's early tomorrow

Reply by SherryB on 8/1/05 10:36pm
Msg #56311

Re: It's my pleasure!

I'm out of here too...My beds a callin...

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 8/1/05 10:39pm
Msg #56313

Re: It's my pleasure!

And I have a signing to do at 8:30am - an hour away from me!!! Yuck!

Reply by TrayKy on 8/2/05 9:15am
Msg #56361

Re: It's my pleasure!

Hello Sherri and Sylvia. Sorry to pop in on your post from last night. I was just curious if the Wendy you guys speak of is a SA in and around Destin. If so is she ever on this msg board. She actually got me and my wife into this business and was just a pleasure to be around. I kinda wanted to thank her if that was her you speak of. Thanks.

Reply by SherryB on 8/2/05 9:18am
Msg #56364

Re: It's my pleasure!

The Wendy that works with me was formally a signing agent and she lives in Trinity (near Tampa). Sorry..I wish I could help.

Reply by TrayKy on 8/2/05 9:30am
Msg #56367

Re: It's my pleasure!

No problem. Sorry for spelling you name wrong. Wendy was such a positive person about this business that she got us on our way. It is a lot different in Ky compaired to Fl. I'm still not sure of her full name, I just know she does closing in Destin, Fl and she was very professional and kind. Thanks for the reply and have a great day.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 8/2/05 11:05am
Msg #56387

Re: Sylvia and Kandi for SYLVIA

***And because I am paying whether I get paid or not, then it only made sense to pay right away. Why hold on to the signing agents money - because if they have been out to do the signing, then it is their money, not mine.***

This is so smart of you Sylvia - from a business persons point of view. It creates loyalty on the part of your SA's. I wish all the SS on this board will read this and pay attention, this is just SMART business and creates a goodwill, trust (instead of a lack of trust), and mutual respect. Those three things are sadly missing in the approach so many SS's take - hammering SA's for their lowest rate, being rude over the phone, etc, withholding payment for corrections, late payments and SA's having to beg for payment that's rightfully their's. The fact that you recognize that puts you way ahead of the power curve.

Good job.

Reply by Charles_CA on 8/2/05 10:33am
Msg #56381

Re: SSs and SAs, some points

Greetings:

I would be one of the first to claim that all SSs are not the same. As with any community there are the good and the bad. However there are several problemw that I see as a businessman that stand out. One of the major points is pay. Anyone can start a SS: there are no requirements I am aware of. The other problem is ethics: again anyone can start an SS. It is my belief that the first to organize their side will come out the winner. If the notaries are capable of organizing the SS will be at their mercy and vice versa. Frankly, and I've been very vocal about it, I find SSs superfluous. The way the system works currently there is a great amount of abuse that goes on. I guarantee you it will change though possibly not to everyones satisfaction. In my opinion if you are not part of the solution then you are part of the problem. Perhpas the SSs as a group should try and get the offending ones to clean up their act.

Reply by SLB SIGNING SERVICES, INC. - Sherry on 8/2/05 11:11am
Msg #56389

Re: SSs and SAs, some points

Charles...It would be a wonderful world if what I did would in some way effect the offending one's. I think the SS's that operate with honesty and integrity are an extremely important part of this industry. I know of many SA's that really prefer working with the "good" SS's. One of the reasons being is that we are much more forgiving than working for some TC's directly. For the most part, we take the heat when things don't go as planned. We FLOAT the massive amounts of moneys that sometimes never get paid. We are also much more forgiving when you turn down a closing from us. Some TC's will never call you again if you turn down a closing. Of course I am a big advocate for SS's because I own one but I do truly feel that if operated correctly, a SS can be a real benefit in this industry...some may disagree but that is why we are all allowed to have our own opinions!

Reply by Charles_CA on 8/2/05 11:37am
Msg #56395

Re: SSs and SAs, some points

I easily agree with most of what you've said. I am merely suggesting that perhaps the SSs should unite and clean up your end of the business. There are continuous pay issues. I would like to see actual proof of SSs being paid 45 days after closing by the title company who ordered the signing. I know for a fact that there are predatory SSs out there, and I am sure that you do to. I also know that there are great SSs out there who are a pleasure to work with. Having been a licensed real estate agent in California since 1985 I have seen a lot. I have specific standards I set for working partners (I am an independant contractor and I consider my business relationships as partnerships) for instance, in real estate, I only work with title companies who own their own title plant and explain why to my clients. I have specific requirements with SSs for whom I do signings: one of which is my terms of payment. I have a high level of dedication and will do whatever it takes to make things happen. Several weeks ago I made an error in a signing (I am not infallible). I was on my way to Southern California when I received a call on my cell from the SS. I turned around and drove back almost 4 hours to make sure that I was able to make the correction in time to make the scheduled recording in the process cancelling my trip. No complaint, to me its part of the job. I see this level of dedication in other real estate agents I work with and among title officers I know: I have yet to see that kind of dedication from any SS I've worked with.

Reply by SherryB on 8/2/05 11:44am
Msg #56398

Re: SSs and SAs, some points

I too agree with most of what you are saying but I just dont see what I can personally do to clean things up. As far as SS getting paid late...I can give you a perfect example...Today, I JUST received $4000 in payment for the month of June from one of my clients...I did pay all of the closers even though I wan not paid. It DEFINATELY happens...take my word. I have outstanding invoices totalling $5000 from one TC (Atlas Title - OH BEWARE) that I am currently in a legal battle to collect and yes again...all SA's have been paid.

Maybe if we all use our heads, we can come up with ways to make TC's and SS's accountable for non payment, etc. Any suggestions would be great because I am in the same boat as the SA except on a grander scale...LOL

Reply by Monica - FL on 8/2/05 10:59am
Msg #56386

Sherry, I would like to sign up with your agency. sounds like you have your head on straight. If you would like a reference, I have worked to Sylvia several times. My profile is on the NNA signing agent site. My e-mail address is: [e-mail address]. Thank you. Monica

Reply by Charm_AL on 8/2/05 11:10am
Msg #56388

Re: Sherry...

I can't recall if you've mentioned the name of your company. Are you strictly based in FL? If you have work in northern AL., I'd love to help you out. My information is in my profile here. TIA

Reply by SLB SIGNING SERVICES, INC. - Sherry on 8/2/05 11:14am
Msg #56390

Re: Sherry...

We JUST expanded nationwide and have yet to receive an order in AL. If you would like to send me some info on yourself, I would be glad to review it....you can also visit my web site to see what we are all about too...www.slbsigningservices.com

Reply by Charm_AL on 8/2/05 11:23am
Msg #56393

Thanks! will do....n/m