Posted by SoCal_Money on 8/30/06 12:01pm
Msg #142148

How do you present the borrower's copies? File folder, env?

I'm just curious on what others do. I always print hard copies for the borrower and just use one of those large black clips. I stamp "Borrower's Copy" across the top page and hand them over at the end of the signing. The other day, I pull them out of my soft-sided briefcase and several of the pages are bent pretty bad. Before the borrowers noticed, I laid them face down on the table and said my goodbyes.

Does anyone use manilla file folders or envelopes to put the docs in before they are handed over? I looked at some "side opening" Kraft (those brown ones) envelopes but they were about $30 for 75. I know some notaries are starting to just burn the copies on CD but I feel more comfortable with hard copies. Any ideas?

Reply by cassiewi on 8/30/06 12:07pm
Msg #142153

I do the same as you n/m

Reply by Signing_Doc on 8/30/06 12:09pm
Msg #142154

Re: How do you present the borrower's copies? File folder,

I use legal sized file folders from OfficeDepot/OfficeMax...clip all copies at the top with an ACCO Medium binder clip...and put on the front of the package a letter from me on my letterhead stating the following...

Documents printed by “Doc” Stuart
On mm/dd/yy


For questions, please contact “Doc” Stuart at [e-mail address] or call
702-501-5724


This not only give it a nice cover page, but lets them remember you for either questions on the signing...or future business. (Got the idea from PAW).

"Doc"

Reply by cassiewi on 8/30/06 12:12pm
Msg #142155

Re: How do you present the borrower's copies? File folder,

That's a good idea, do you use the manilla folders?

Reply by Brad_CA on 8/30/06 12:28pm
Msg #142166

Re: How do you present the borrower's copies? File folder,

I use a legal size envelok folder with velcro flap. Then, I place an adhesive clear plastic business card holder on the front of the flap with my business card inside. The folders are available at OfficeMax for $1.89 each. They also have the business card holders. It looks very professional, and clients, lenders and TC's have given me very positive comments. It has earned me repeat business. Binder clips look tacky.

Reply by Diga2Lin/FL on 8/30/06 1:30pm
Msg #142195

Re: How do you present the borrower's copies? File folder,

I LOVE this idea....and I just drove by Office Max two hours ago!!!...AARRGGHHH...

Ah well..another day..

Reply by Gary_CA on 8/30/06 12:25pm
Msg #142164

Maybe not perfectly professional...

But most realtors I know hand over copies like that in the very nice, very expensive file jacket (like a folder but closed ended) that they get from their FAVORITE TITLE COMPANY FREE... even if it sin't the title company for the job.

It wouldn't be cool for a notary to abuse that the way realtors do, but they're around and easy to get from a buddy of a buddy of a buddy...

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 8/30/06 12:25pm
Msg #142165

I use legal size manilla folders. I walk in with two sets of docs in two different manilla folders. This helps keep the pages straight and neat. I use a black binder clip on my copies. I have two reasons for putting the clip on my copy only. That way I know immediately which copies are for the lender and which are for the borrower (some times there are extra copies of HUD, Mortgages, etc in the lender package). When I'm finished, I reclip the lender docs and give them their copy in their manilla folder. That way I'm not giving out a binder clip to each borrower (I know they're not that expensive, but every little bit helps). I'll even reuse my manilla folder until it starts looking too bad, that way I'm only going through one new folder per job (take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves). Sometimes, if I have the time and feel inclined, I will print off a sheet of press a ply labels and attach it to the outside of the borrowers copy which says "Borrowers Loan Document Copies". Most borrowers seem to like the folders. I've found this to be the most professional way at the least amount of cost.

Reply by cassiewi on 8/30/06 12:36pm
Msg #142170

Guess I'll be making a trip to Office Depot today

I certainly don't want to appear tacky. Good ideas all!

Reply by Paul_IL on 8/30/06 12:45pm
Msg #142174

Lately I have been giving the borrowers their copy on CD in PDF. I make a hard copy of the HUD and RTC and payment coupon if present.

Everyone loves to PDF on CD as it is easier to store. I always give a hard copy of the HUD because I always tell them to take it to who ever does their taxes as there May be deductible fee on it.

Reply by ananotary on 8/30/06 1:01pm
Msg #142181

Paul..I do the same. Everyone LOVES it also! n/m

Reply by Tina_MA on 8/31/06 8:54pm
Msg #142704

>>>.....I have been giving the borrowers their copy on CD in PDF.<<<



I'm curious, do you ask the borrowers if they own a computer before doing this?

Reply by JO_PA on 8/30/06 12:47pm
Msg #142175

I use 12" x 18 1/2" recycled envelopes from Staples (17.58/100) and a binder clip. No danger of the docs getting dirty, wet (in rain or snow) or falling apart and losing one.

Reply by hcampersFL on 8/30/06 12:57pm
Msg #142180

I use the manila file folders also. I have the BR copies out and any questions that arise as we go along they can write down on their envelope to ask LO later. Also have them make a note about calling for appraisal etc. They always seem to think this is a good idea, this way they don't forget what their questions are.
b.

Reply by MelissaCT on 8/30/06 1:24pm
Msg #142191

I had lined pads made up with my information (yes, a bit of marketing) that I always offer for jotting down questions as we go.

Reply by Ernest__CT on 8/30/06 2:22pm
Msg #142215

Melissa: Will the average printer print and pad? n/m

Reply by NCLisa on 8/30/06 1:09pm
Msg #142187

I use envelopes, and staple my card to them. I can never get a hold of 1/2 of my borrowers to confirm the appt., so I don't know if they are computer literate or not.

Reply by MelissaCT on 8/30/06 1:20pm
Msg #142189

I clip them with binder clip, with a couple business cards. I also arrange bwr's copies (if I have time) to have HUD, note, request for copy of appraisal, 1st payment info/coupons and escrow acct details sheets on top. RTC & TIL goes on top, as well, once they've signed their copies from main pkg.

Reply by Ernest__CT on 8/30/06 2:19pm
Msg #142214

Legal-size manilla envelope ...

... for the borrower's copy. I print a large self-adhesive mailing label with
Documents for
[borrower's name(s)]
[Date of signing]
Ernest Adams, Mobile Notary Public
[home phone] [cell phone]
appropriately spaced, and stick the label on the upper left hand corner of the envelope.

Avery makes nice labels and software. Everything except the borrower's name and date are on the "master" label layout, with the borrower's name and date on the custom label 1, label 2, etc. That way I can print labels for 1 through n signings at once without having to cut and paste.

The manilla envelopes are not expensive when you buy a bunch at a time. I usually buy 100.

The lender's copy of the docs goes in a manilla folder. When the lender's folder has been used enough times to begin to look worn, I retire it to become a file folder for a borrower (see below).

For each borrower I make a file folder. (Notice that I said "borrower", not signing. I've had repeat signings for the same borrowers.) The borrower's last name(s) gets written on the folder, then the confirmation, MapQuest directions, etc. get put into it.

When heading to the signing, the lender's copy folder and borrower's copy envelope go into my briefcase. The folder with the directions, etc. goes on the seat beside me. (I write the starting odometer reading on the directions sheet(s), the odometer reading at the signing location, and the ending odometer reading. These data get entered into Excel.) I don't have to worry about the directions getting mixed with the docs, and I always have the contact information easily available if there's a need.

At the signing table, the first thing I do is show the borrower's their envelope and explain that they have copies to keep. I do NOT give it to them! It goes back inside my case until the signing is over. That avoids having two copies of docs on the table, with the attendant risk of docs getting mixed.

When the signings are over for the day, the file folder with the docs gets emptied into the FedEx / UPS envelope. The folder with the directions, etc., gets filed alphabetically. Using third-cut folders enables alphabetical filing easily.

Thank you to everyone who Posted suggestions here over the years! I'm not saying that my system is better, just that it works for me.

Reply by Cheri Armentrout on 8/30/06 2:38pm
Msg #142220

Re: Legal-size manilla envelope ...

I use a manila legal size folder with the customer name, lender and date on the tab, I staple a biz card to the inside top left corner.

Reply by Barbara O on 8/30/06 3:12pm
Msg #142249

Re: How do you present the borrower's copies? File folder,

I put their copy in a manilla file folder. I also have plastic legal sized expanding jackets that I use - lender's copy goes in the green one, borrowers in the blue one - so they don't get jostled and wrinkly looking in my briefcase.

The manilla folders are really cheap if you buy in bulk at Staples or similar company.