Posted by hcampersFL on 12/30/05 10:43pm
Msg #85387

Going into "bad" neighborhood's

Do any of you charge a higher rate to go into certain zip codes? I have been getting calls for jobs in some pretty unsavory locations and I think I might raise my rates for that zip code after dark. Its scary when you stop at a light and people are trying to open your doors to sell you crack.
b.

Reply by eXpedN_TX on 12/30/05 10:44pm
Msg #85388

I personally stay away from such areas. No amount of money is worth my safety. There are too many shootings in TX to go in to those bad areas. I would consider trying to meet the borrowers in a safer location.

Reply by Becca_FL on 12/30/05 10:55pm
Msg #85389

My life is worth more than an extra $25 bucks and so is yours. Let the scheduler know that the location is a bit unsavory and you don't go there after dark or anytime, but you would be glad to meet the borrowers at a mall, library, etc.

Reply by CaliNotary on 12/30/05 11:43pm
Msg #85404

I've gone into plenty of bad neighborhoods in LA after dark and never had any problems. If I've learned anything doing this job, it's that people aren't that different wherever you go, and there are no safety guarantees anywhere. Bad things can happen in good neighborhoods just as easily as they do in bad ones.

I do think that it's ridiculous to charge extra for it. If an extra $25 or $50 is going to make you more comfortable about it, then you were never really uncomfortable to begin with. You getting paid more doesn't make it any safer.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 12/30/05 11:57pm
Msg #85407

You either choose to venture into neighborhoods unsavory, or not. The option is yours. Charging more is silly; an extra fifty bucks isn't worth it. If I feared for my safety, $50,000 wouldn't be worth it.

If you're uncomfortable, choose a public location. Find out the title company that's insuring the transaction - they always have places to meet, and can accomodate many after hours signings.

Or simply don't accept the signing. As someone self-employed, it's up to you.

Reply by Anne/IL on 12/31/05 12:39am
Msg #85419

I have taken some signings in not so good neighborhoods but when I do, I make sure that my husband comes with me and stays in front of the house inside the car. He also send me a text message on my cell phone every 15-20 minutes to make sure everything is ok on the inside.

I choose not to turn it down because I don't discriminate this way, I have known and met some great people in bad neighborhoods and some terrible and mean people in $500,000 homes in good neighborhoods.

That's the great part about being self-employed...LOL

Reply by CaliNotary on 12/31/05 12:47am
Msg #85421

I wouldn't call turning down these signings discrimination. Safety concerns are a very valid reason not to do a signing.

But you're definitely right about the quality of the neighborhood not reflecting on the quality of the person. One of the most psycho borrowers I've ever had lived in a house that was worth over a million.

Reply by Beth/MD on 12/31/05 7:18am
Msg #85432

That's not discrimination. If not going into a bad neighborhood alone was discriminatory, do you think paramedics would actually wait for a police escort in some areas? Do you really think cab drivers would actually pass up fares in those areas? Let's be honest, some areas are known for a higher crime/danger rate. So how is it discriminatory?

Reply by hcampersFL on 12/31/05 8:37am
Msg #85440

I have never had a problem with any BR's in any of these locations. They all seem to be very surprised that I would actually do a signing at there home.
Last night was difficult because when we were done the BR's son walked me to my car and then told me to lock my doors and to be very careful because when people see a "white" person driving around and they come to a stop they think that they are going to buy crack so they will open the doors and try to get in the car with you.
That shook me a little.
One of the problems in my county is that one of the worst parts of town is also the Historic district. So from one street to the next there can be a world of difference. It sounds crazy but it is true. There is a lot of re-vamping. This is great for these neighborhoods who are so in need of it, but for the streets that haven't been improved on it is really sad.

Reply by Cari_MO on 12/31/05 9:42am
Msg #85453

I don't think it is discrimination either to turn them down. You have to think about what is right for you and your family ! However you just need to make a choice if you are going into those markets or not. Charging more is wrong. These people have the same rights for services like everyone else. With that being said. I have been going into these markets for 20 years. And have never had in problems at all. I service the Kansas City Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas metro area. Hope this helps.

Reply by LilyMD on 12/31/05 9:45am
Msg #85456

I think choosing not to go into an area you're not comfortable with is less discriminatory than charging more to do so.

Reply by Anonymous on 12/31/05 10:01am
Msg #85460

We have an area in the inner city that is very bad; a shooting a day. I do get quite a few requests to go to that zip code. I won't go there, but the customers always agree to meet me at the Burger King on the good edge of the neighborhood. They are not offended and so far so good.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 1/2/06 12:27am
Msg #85560

If I were you, I'd be worried about my husband's safety! Sitting in a car in an area of heavy gang activity (if that's the issue) could be very risky. I agree with the rest. If I don't think it's safe, I just say no or find a safer location to meet. Fortunately, I don't run into that very often.