Posted by anonymous on 6/14/05 12:47pm
Msg #44547

big city parking fees $$$

I live in a large city and many of my closings require me parking several blocks away from my assiignment.When I do have to park in a city lot, and pay a minimum of $18-$25 to park , I expect to be reimbursed and negotiate w/the signing company beforehand.Of course, I do try to find a less expensive parking lot or a meter.But, in a downtown situation, filled with highrises, this can be a challenge.Today, I called the signing co that I have a signing w/tomorrow after talking to the borrower and finding out I HAD to park for about $20...The co refused to reimburse me and I ended up turning down the job...Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I do not consider this an actual travel fee, as this is less then 8 miles from my home, but I don't think my fee should be reduced by $20... these signing co's in small towns need to realize the expense sometimes incurred in large metropolis areas.........

Reply by Liz on 6/14/05 2:32pm
Msg #44590

Just another point of view from a signing service

I can definitely see how this could be one of those situations that could not be avoided... but from a small signing service point of view.... we are now at about 700 signings per month, and I guarantee you, we do not have clients that pay us the $200-250 per signing you see here posted all the time. We get a lot of volume, but have to keep our prices low and our service high in order to get these big accounts, and keep them. It is always unnerving to get a call from a notary, who we have already negotiated with, who wants a higher fee. By this time, we have already sent the invoice to the client, so they can have it for the hud. It just feels bad to us. I have notaries who will negotiate a higher fee with me when they are at the borrowers home! They are not negotiating for an additional service, or a further distance. Nothing that has been added onto the deal. (of course, if a service is added, or it is a particularly difficult signing, I will add an additional fee) I would rather a notary tell me at the beginning of our conversation, that there may be an additional fee for parking, tolls, copying, etc.. so that I can run my business in the most efficient manner also. I know a lot of notaries think signing services are these huge companies out to get them... but I think with most, they are run by notaries, who got more business than they could personally handle, and expanded. Just people trying to make a living, like everyone else.

Reply by anonymous on 6/14/05 3:42pm
Msg #44611

Thanks for a signing service point of view...I do understand the companies don't want to hear about raising gas costs,mileage,tolls, but I still think a $20 or higher parking fee should be an exception and really taken into consideration.As I said in my earlier post, I do try to find an alternate cheaper parking lot,but in a downtown area it is close to impossible . I have had situations where I quoted the signing co a parking fee, but found a cheaper lot to their surprise. So, I am not out to to get the signing service, I just don't think I want to spend $20 to go on a closing. I really don't think I am being unreasonable.But as a notary who does have this happen quite often lately, I am just trying to find the best way to negotiate this with the signing companies.This is the first time a company told me flat out "we don't reimburse" and quite frankly I was surprised. Thanks for the imput.

Reply by thnotary_NY on 6/14/05 4:03pm
Msg #44618

Keep reciepts and add it to your expenses on the C form.

Reply by patricia on 6/14/05 4:20pm
Msg #44623

sometimes it helps to find out if the borrower can provide a parking space. I have taken appointments on the condition that the borrower can guarantee me a parking spot. Many times they can.