Posted by Anonymous on 1/31/05 11:05am
Msg #18847

Extra request

Nationwide Appraisal called me this morning confirming my appointment and asking me to call borrower and advise them to have: picture ID, Statement of benefit, current pay stubs and previos year W2. Is that normal for a notary to do and should I ask for more pay to do it?

RON/ VA

Reply by Jon on 1/31/05 11:07am
Msg #18848

I consider everything you mentioned a normal part of the job, included in the fee you negotiated for the signing.

Reply by Ernest Adams on 1/31/05 11:10am
Msg #18850

Yup; nothing "extra" in those. n/m

Reply by ColleenCA on 1/31/05 11:24am
Msg #18852

Yes, the first thing that you do after agreeing on the signing is call the borrower and ask for all of the requirements stated above, and to confirm the appt. time. I have not had the opportunity to go out on a signing as of yet (no offers from sa's for the fee that I want), but I know it is standard procedure to make sure that everything is ready for the signing to make it go as easy as possible. Also, if they don't have proper id, it gives them the chance to have 2 credible witnesses at the signing. Hope this helps.

Reply by Lee/AR on 1/31/05 12:28pm
Msg #18863

Uh...Colleen, 'credible witnesses' are NOT a matter of 'borrower convenience'. First, B should get the proper IDs when possible. I know you didn't specifically say that, I just wanted to clarify the use of witnesses.

Reply by ColleenCA on 1/31/05 12:50pm
Msg #18865

Yes, I realize that. Proper ID always first and foremost. If none possible, then 2 credible wittnesses are acceptable. Just pointing out that a phone call to the borrower with all requirements spelled out up front is a must.

Reply by CaliNotary on 1/31/05 1:25pm
Msg #18873

If you haven't actually done any signings yet, why on earth are you giving advice on what to do at a signing? It's nice that you're trying to help, but it seems very premature to me.

And remember, all state laws are different. Just because California allows 2 credible witnesses to identify a person doesn't mean that identification laws are the same in other states. Unless you're sure you're talking to another California notary, it's definitely best to steer clear of general advice like that, or at the very least be sure to preface it with "California law states...." or something similar.

Reply by ColleenCA on 1/31/05 1:29pm
Msg #18874

Gee, so sorry. Just trying to help. Of course I am referring to Calif. notary laws. I was only offering my advice as to what to do before hand as standard procedure. So sorry to have offended you!

Reply by Terri - CA on 1/31/05 3:01pm
Msg #18890

Actually, I knew from whence she spoke because at least she posted her name and state, therefore, I surmised that she was referring to CA, didn't have to state it in her message. Further, the "annonymous" poster should have posted the state they are in so that they would get proper info.

And for what it's worth, newbie, never done a signing or not, her information was right on target. It's clear that Colleen has done her research and is ready for that first signing!!!

Good Luck Colleen!

Terri
Lancaster, CA

Reply by ColleenCA on 1/31/05 3:49pm
Msg #18894

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support, it is much appreciated!

Reply by CaliNotary on 1/31/05 4:53pm
Msg #18904

I understand that, but I also try to remember that there are a lot of people who read this board who don't know that there are different notary laws in different states. I'm trying to think of the bigger picture, for those new people who actually do take the time to go back and read the older messages to learn stuff.

Of course, that's probably too much effort since there are only about 5 new people who have ever done that

Reply by CarolynCO on 1/31/05 9:22pm
Msg #18948

**"annonymous" poster should have posted the state they are in so that they would get proper info.**

Anonymous posters stay behind the black curtain so as to hide their identity -- if they won't post their name, initials, or some other handle, why would they post their state?

Reply by Anonymous on 1/31/05 11:27am
Msg #18853

Thanks to everyone. I usually call to confirm appointment but had never been asked to do all that other stuff. If it is part of the expectation I will do it. Thanks again for the input.

Ron/VA

Reply by janCA on 1/31/05 11:41am
Msg #18856

For NASCO, it's an absolute requirement to have the borrower supply a copy of their ID to send back with the docs.

Reply by TIM on 1/31/05 6:20pm
Msg #18922

Ron What Part of VA are you in.

Reply by Jan/CA on 1/31/05 8:41pm
Msg #18942

If you look on page 2 of the closing instructions, (Citibank Heloc) it tells you what the borrower needs to bring to the closing.

Reply by CaliNotary on 1/31/05 1:07pm
Msg #18869

How much extra pay do you think you deserve for taking the 10 seconds it would require to tell the borrower what Nationwide wants?

Reply by Anonymous on 1/31/05 1:55pm
Msg #18879

It is not the extra time, it is the extra responsibility. I guess wrongly, I was thinking that all prep is done by the loan officer or signing company and I did the notary thing, not their quality control also. And to you calinotary, there is always a wise arse trying to belittle anyone who asks a question isn't there.

Reply by jojo_MN on 1/31/05 2:22pm
Msg #18885

Have to agree with CaliNotary on this one. It is always the notary's responsibility to confirm with the borrower and let them know of any stipulations they know of at that time. Not everyone has a scanner and printer available at their house to make copies and gives the borrowers a chance to get copies before the notary arrives. Some notaries carry digital cameras with them if the borrowers don't have the copy.

Also, it gives the notary a chance to confirm spelling of the names in case they need to be corrected before the documents ship to you and if they have to pay out at closing it's a good idea to let them know that anything over $250 (or more with some lenders/title companies) needs to be with a cashiers check or money order.

Anyone that complains because they have to take 10 seconds to ask these questions should not be in this business. They can go work somewhere that pays $5- $10 per hour. Sorry if that sounds sarcastic, but it's true.

Reply by CaliNotary on 1/31/05 4:46pm
Msg #18900

"And to you calinotary, there is always a wise arse trying to belittle anyone who asks a question isn't there. "

You asked if you should charge extra. I asked how much extra you thought you should charge for 10 seconds of extra work. That's not belittling, that's a valid followup question to your post.

And FYI, relaying to the borrower that the title company needs copies of paperwork is hardly quality control, it's simply relaying a message. Maybe if you stopped trying to make more of this job than what it is you'd feel less belittled when people respond to your posts.

Reply by BrendaTX on 1/31/05 2:30pm
Msg #18887

Ron - This is one of those situations where I tell myself: If you don't want to do the job like they want it done - don't take any more of them."

It's an annoyance for sure when we have to break from our usual rhythm--at least I find it to be so. However, the longer I do this, the more flexible I get because I see more and more sets of documents which require things like this be done.

Sigh.

I gotta work, so I will comply more often than not as long as my commission is in tact, the company pays on time, and requests are not too ludicrous to manage.

Reply by CaliNotary on 1/31/05 4:48pm
Msg #18902

SPELLING POLICE!

"my commission is in tact"

I didn't want you to think that I didn't love you enough to make an issue of this

Reply by BrendaTX on 1/31/05 5:04pm
Msg #18905

I am so happy, I could hug myself.

Reply by TIM on 1/31/05 6:08pm
Msg #18919

Ron Where in VA are you?

TIM

Reply by Anonymous on 1/31/05 7:15pm
Msg #18928

Hampton Roads