Posted by Lisa/WI on 6/3/05 7:23am
Msg #42045

? to Snow Country Notaries

Came across a thought the other day while driving to a signing......I understand the commitment we hold for these appointments, but my question is has anyone ever had to cancel an appointment because of bad driving conditions in the winter? And if yes, do you get any flack from the company who hired you? Also, for no shows in the winter, do you think 15 minutes to wait is more reasonable for us considering it might be 20 degrees below zero, and waiting in a car with the engine running for a long period of time is not safe? Just thinking ahead.

Reply by Tess/ME on 6/3/05 7:44am
Msg #42047

Re: I, too, am a Snow Country Notary

Maine can get really snowy sometimes. However, I have not, yet, had to cancel due to weather conditions since it seems the refi's slow down quite a bit in this area during the winter months from Nov - Jan But, I have been on some "scary" mountain roads and had I known what they were like before I took the assignment I would not have gone because I don't think any amount of money is worth my safety or possibly that of any others on the road.
To avoid having to wait for anyone, when I call the borrowers in the winter time I give them my cell phone number and confirm that they WILL be there and also ask for their cell number as well (Since most people have cell phones now). I really am not concerned about the snowy months unless we get a blizzard since the road crews here are great at getting "on top" of the situation and the clearing of snow is done quickly compared to other areas I've lived in. BUT, I have gotten stuck on dirt roads in the spring time. Here in Maine we have 5 seasons, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter & MUD.

Reply by BrendaTX on 6/3/05 7:51am
Msg #42048

Flash flooding here has made me think very carefully about going. I have gone through some pretty bad conditions...in a yellow slicker suit...drove at a crawl...still went...saw bad 18 wheeler accident due to water/visibility.

Thought of my mom, sons, self...decided never again if I think it is really unsafe. Local weather condition reporting will back up your decision. Better to lose a client than to lose a life or limb. In my case, a storm can pass in a few hours, or block routes to rural places for days. Sometimes bridges wash out, roads can disintegrate. Just have to use my best judgment.

Reply by Charm_AL on 6/3/05 7:58am
Msg #42050

I have nothing to add other than I'm soooo glad I got out of Chicago's nasty winters and went south...however on the occasional winter icy storm, the whole town shuts down because of the terrain here. you can literally drive off the side of a mountain without trying!

Reply by Kimberly_IN on 6/3/05 8:01am
Msg #42052

Just this past winter I had a deal where I wasn't able to go to a closing due to weather conditions. In fact, I knew that a big storm was coming in when the ss called to schedule the app't. I was up front with them and said that a storm was coming in and that we were to due to get a 6" of snow and that this may not close...and that if they aren't comfortable with that that they could going ahead and try to find another notary. I was the only one in the area, so they didn't have a choice. Well, needless to say, a big storm came in and it was a level 3 where I was going. (not aloud on the roads on a level 3, just in case the level system is an Indiana thing) I called the ss and told them that I wouldn't be heading out until the storm cleared, if it cleared. The selfish man on the phone didn't care about the condition and just wanted me to get to the closing, regardless of how unsafe it was. It didn't get closed, haven't got an order from them since. Didn't have that many with them anyhow. But, I'm still here.

Reply by HisHughness on 6/3/05 8:31am
Msg #42056

We have a similar warning system in Texas.

Level 1 is when the rattlesnakes begin to sweat. Level 2 is when paper burns by itself from the heat; flame-retardant clothing is required. Level 3 is when automobile tires begin to stick to the pavement; the freeways are dotted with immobilized vehicles. Level 4 is when the oven is turned off and used to insulate foodstuffs >>from<< the heat. Level 5 is when all the Californians pack up and move back home. Local festivals are held after each Level 5 day.

Reply by stamper_WI on 6/3/05 8:48am
Msg #42059

The worst time I had was when it dumped, while at the closing, 2" of fresh snow on top of 4" earlier in the day (and the rural road crews had gone home for the night) . This area is ridges and valleys and a lot of the township roads are 33' wide and windy... and of course I was in a valley and had to get over the icy ridge. This was a Primerica loan so the rep was present...and he had a 4 wheel drive. So I followed him in my little Jetta and he made sure I got to the plowed roads. I have no qualms about protecting my safety. If theres a winter storm coming I think pretty hard about it...the cell phone doesn't work in a lot of these areas if I needed help. In the grand scheme of things, that fee does not cover the trouble I could be in.

Reply by Lynn on 6/3/05 9:26am
Msg #42066

Safety comes first. I cut my Signing area down in the winter. They only put salt and sand on the curves here, and the straight roads can get slicker than snot -- all to protect the environment (they don't worry about the safety of people). I also am refusing to go down dirt roads anymore -- it costs more to get the car repaired then they paid for the signing.
My mechanic told me last winter to look into a specific tire for my vehicle -- I did and I'm glad I spent the extra $$.
There are many people who don't understand what a snowstorm is or why we can't go because of the weather -- if they don't understand, then you really don't need to work for them.

Reply by maryinsocal on 6/3/05 1:53pm
Msg #42114

man I don't even miss that weather issue...I was living in Ontario Canada for tha past 6 years...I am back in San DIego now! thank god!

Reply by MaggieMae_CA on 6/3/05 4:33pm
Msg #42149

Where in San Diego Mary?

I'm in North Park... 2 blocks from Morley Field... Minutes from Balboa Park and the WORLD FAMOUS San Diego Zoo!

God! I love it here. Sure beats the cold, ice and snow in Northern NJ.

Reply by SarahBeth_CA on 6/3/05 4:37pm
Msg #42151

Re: Where in San Diego Mary?

I love the zoo. But it sure is a long drive for us now.

Reply by maryinsocal on 6/3/05 7:16pm
Msg #42173

Re: Where in San Diego Mary?

I should have said SD county..I am in Vista ..I spend alot of time in San Diego Down town though...around 10th and ash.I am doing the Real Estate cram thing this weekend at hotel circle...exam on Mon. So I am stuck in downtown all weekend...but better then a snow storm in Toronto anyday!!!