Posted by cntrlcalntry on 12/7/05 12:55pm
Msg #80957

whiting out fax # on docs.

Had a mortgage officer ask me to white out the fax # on the doc, make a copy then have the client sign the copy with no fax #. I said thanks but no thanks. Dont know if this is something that is ok or not? Just wanted to cover myself but for future reference???
Thank You.

Reply by Art_MD on 12/7/05 1:11pm
Msg #80958

This is acceptable in my opinion. I've done it several times - especially on DOTs.

Art

Reply by cntrlcalntry on 12/7/05 1:15pm
Msg #80961

Thank You, I appreciate the information.

Reply by Brad_Ca on 12/7/05 1:17pm
Msg #80962

Never use whiteout. If you do, it appears that you may be trying to alter the document. Just draw a straight line through it. Then initial it. The County will not accept these documents if they catch it.

Reply by PAW_Fl on 12/7/05 1:30pm
Msg #80969

You missed a critical step in using the white-out cleanup. When a document, such as a DOT is faxed, it often has the fax header at the top (or bottom) edge of the page. To eliminate the fax header information, white out the header then COPY THE DOCUMENT which then will not show the white out. Do this BEFORE the borrowers sign.

When working at the title company, we do this all the time to make authorized corrections to deeds, mortgages, DOTs and other documents prior to closing. Never would we use a document or page that has the white-out on it, that's why a copy of the document needs to be made first.

Also, never change the document contents. Let the title company and/or lender to that and send a new copy to you. (Removing the fax header is not, imo, considered altering the document contents.)

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 12/7/05 1:58pm
Msg #80980

What I've found out working at the title company is that white out tape is the best thing to use for that. At least in Michigan, a mortgage will not record if it has the fax header on the top. The county clerks do not consider that an original (even if they sign in blue ink). Thus you have to cover it up and make a copy and have them sign the copy.

Reply by CalimnCA on 12/7/05 1:34pm
Msg #80972

In this case it is okay to use white out, what the lender wants is a "clean copy" for title and recording. If you white out the fax information on the very top when received and then make a copy it is a clean copy. You are not altering the contents of the original document but rather cleaning up the document. If you are uncomfortable with this practice ask the sender to email you the docs instead. There will be nothing to white out and everyone will be happy.

Reply by Brad_Ca on 12/7/05 1:51pm
Msg #80977

Thank you for the clarification.

Reply by SarahBeth_CA on 12/7/05 2:04pm
Msg #80981

In CA, the only issue I would have when it comes to a doc to be notorized that "cleaning up" the doc borders on "preparing" the doc. You are after all altering what you recieved. It's completely different for a tc to do this in thier office. However once the doc comes to our offices they are subject to our laws. I know that is a real anal way of looking at things, and I probably wont be hunted down for it; but sometimes I would rather be anal than possibly risk something. I'd love to know what the SOS would say about it. Yes e-mail is the way to go for this.

Reply by PAW_Fl on 12/7/05 2:26pm
Msg #80983

If the hiring title company gave you the direction and authority to "clean-up the document" then there's no issue concerning whether or not you are "preparing" the doc. If that be the case, then you shouldn't be altering as necessary or adding any dates to the RTC. That would be more in line with "preparing" docs than removing stray marks (fax header) from the document.

Reply by Brad_Ca on 12/7/05 2:34pm
Msg #80985

I agree with SaraBeth. It may be anal to some, but you always have to c.y.a. Especially in California.

Reply by John_NorCal on 12/7/05 5:06pm
Msg #81002

I'm with PAW on this. I believe in c.y.a. but you have to use common sense. What are you really withholding if you are taking off a simple fax header?