Posted by notarybird on 8/30/06 10:24pm
Msg #142400

Wild goose chase.

I have had a time with Countrywide the last couple of weeks. They contracted for a trip of 21/2 hrs at 95.00, with e-mail docs, then waited until I was ten minutes from the borrower's home to call the client and tell herr the paper work was all wrong, and he was cancelling. Trip one canceled. After several promises to the client, and several false starts, he contracted for another trip to this location. Just before I left, someone called at the last minute and told me I had to go further, another 200 miles, since the client worked in another city. They promised they would "take care of me". We signed at midnight, with the borrower in pjs and curlers, and I didn't get home until dawn.
The following week, after promising the borrower that her money was in the bank, they postponed the deposit because their computer cut off the verbiage on the rtc, the til, and the short pay. I was sent back to the wrong city, again. Her husband called her, and told her I was coming and why. I drove the extra 200+ miles, one way. She hadn't even known! We made the corrections, faxed the corrected replacemant docs, and sent them via UPS. I drove home, getting in at 2:00 AM.
Will they pay me the extra? I don't know. I did tell the Escrow company that if they sent me on a wild goose chase like that again, I would charge double, and tell other notaries as well.
If I hadn't kept all her adresses and contact information, I would never have been able to find her again, because they sure didn't tell me.
I work under some problems a lot of notaries don't have. This is an extremely rural area, towns are sometimes a hundred miles apart, lots of places have no cell phone access, and UPS and FedEx pick up once a day. If you miss the pick up, it takes another day to get the docs out. I have finally solved the fax back, and 90 mile round trip to mail out, by carrying a fax machine with me. Now if I can just get paid....

Reply by Sharon Kirby on 8/30/06 10:27pm
Msg #142401

My first two closings were for Countrywide. The 1st one at midnight. They paid me well over my requested fee and I received my check from Service Link within 2 weeks.

Reply by SueW/Tn on 8/30/06 10:33pm
Msg #142403

Am I reading this right?

original trip was 2 1/2 hours? Then added an additional 200 miles? Holy cow!

Reply by JM_NY on 8/30/06 10:38pm
Msg #142406

Re: Am I reading this right?

Did I read it right the original payment for 2 1/2 hr dr. one way?

Reply by BrendaTx on 8/30/06 10:36pm
Msg #142404

Notarybird...I am reading this with great appreciation for the 20-50-100 miles I travel one way. My jaw is dropping.

Reply by Bonnie_CO on 8/30/06 11:14pm
Msg #142414

Please correct me if I'm misunderstanding what you wrote, but you only charged 95.00 WITH edocs?! I do a LOT of rural, high milage closings and I wouldn't have gone out the first time for under 450.00! Then when they added on an add'l 200 miles, I'd have told them it would be another 300.00, at the very minimum, and if they didn't want to pay it, then find someone else to do it! And i'd have told me to fax the new confirmation showing fee adjustment before I drove another foot! I don't have any problem getting my requested fee from companies for the high milage closings, and you shouldn't either! Don't work for free, or in this case, you are spending money over and above what they paid just to do the closing.

Reply by Jill Adams on 8/30/06 11:20pm
Msg #142415

I hope that they appreciate your services. My area is mostly rural with towns spread out but not that spread out. You are one dedicated Notary.

I did have a signing today that I feel bad now about cancelling after reading your post. Originally it was scheduled to be in a nearby town. But when I finally got the paperwork, it showed the principals address was in the burbs(100 miles away), and not in a neighboring county(maybe 35 miles). There seems to have been a miscommunication between the lender and title company or whatever. Rental property. So.....what are ya going to do? eh?

You work with what you got!

Reply by CaliNotary on 8/30/06 11:26pm
Msg #142417

Because someone is foolish enough to drive 2.5 hours ONE WAY for a measly $95 you feel bad about cancelling one of your signings? Wow.

I'm really having a hard time believing the original post is true. I simply cannot believe that anyone who doesn't have some sort of mental deficiency would do that kind of driving for those kinds of fees, and then tack on an additional 200 miles without agreeing on a confirmed amount for the extra work. There is just no way, is there?

Reply by srnotary_CA on 8/30/06 11:32pm
Msg #142418

All I have to say is wait until they are suppose to pay then they tell you that the borrower canceled and you are not going to get paid because the loan did not fund. They did the same thing to me. GOOD LUCK!!

Reply by TitleGalCA on 8/31/06 12:29am
Msg #142432

Uh, not srnotary. These things should be discussed in advance.

Reply by Ndwa on 8/31/06 4:47am
Msg #142440

Maybe it's time to start monopolize and capitalize on the fact that you're in a rural area where notary is scarce.

Reply by BrendaTx on 8/31/06 7:26am
Msg #142453

Precisely, my dear Nd. I am guilty of not reading the first post thoroughly. $95 would yield no profit, but a deficit. For 200 miles one way - $500.

Reply by Jill Adams on 8/30/06 11:48pm
Msg #142427

Re: Wild CaliNotary chase.

What is up? Who are you to tell me how to feel? Were you a bully on the playground as a child? I think that any comment I make you would find a way to degrade it. So, what if I made a comment. Was it necessary to deride me? Or the other person?

If I hear of someone going above and beyond because they are dedicated to their job, I can support them.

I came from a responsible, hard working family. If you don't work, you don't get paid. Take a job, do your best. So in effect, I am not going to get paid for any work I gave up today. And it was definetly much more than $95.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 8/31/06 12:37am
Msg #142433

Re: Wild CaliNotary chase.

My god, Jill. Take a breathe.

He was only saying the reasonableness of a trip for a signing....not taking you to the local child psychologist for analysis because of bullydom. Bully's on the playground can be sweet, blond and blue-eyed also Jill.

If you want to ignore common sense and call it "derision" hey, girlfriend, go for it. For all those signings where you are going "above and beyond" by dedication? Support away. If a full day of work is worth $95 to you and it makes you feel warm and cozy...then it's all about you.

Just please don't squash other business owners (those that don't know better) by suggesting your way is correct beause it isn't. By a lot. Huge. So not. Did you read the original post????

Reply by Jill Adams on 8/31/06 12:56am
Msg #142435

Re: Wild CaliNotary chase.

Most bullys are. I read the posts and I am not your girlfriend. I did not ever suggest any way was better than anyother way. Who mentioned squashing business owners? Where did that come from. This board is getting too clichy like high school or like the west coast.

I read the original post. I am just wondering if anyone else did and got the same message I did. Because there is always 2 or more sides to every story and you have to take that into consideration. It also seems that everytime I post I get a derisive tone, and now you tell me I have no common sense, I have ruined the business owners, and I don't read.

Now I wonder about any advice you all have to give on this board.

You must be getting too much of that sun out there.

Reply by CaliNotary on 8/31/06 1:12am
Msg #142436

Time of the month dear?

You may want to call 1-800-ABCDEFG because nowhere in my post did I tell you how to feel. I believe my exact reaction to the feeling you described was "wow". Care to explain how that translates into me telling you how you should feel?

You've obviously got some issues and if you need to project them on me, so be it. Unlike you, I'm not a delicate wilting flower who feels the pain of the world. I've got a tough skin sweetie, I certainly can handle your PMS fit without even blinking.

Reply by FlaMac on 8/31/06 7:22am
Msg #142451

The beauty is good SA's don't care what Cali or TCgal say...

the amount of time they spend here chatting is all the proof we need that they have no work to do..we all no the reasons why. Ignore them...they are very bossy with thier opinions as tho we should listen to them...

Best bet I have found...discuss the docs with the borrower before printing. That way you can confirm that all is in order..and at the same time..you are reviewing the docs for errors. A loan package where the verbage has run off the page of the RTC..or any other doc...is most likely going to get rejected by TC and/or lender..even tho they are the ones generating the paperwork.

Some SA's prefer not to do this...its an individual choice. It depends on how much time you are willing to devote to your profession..and how accurate you choose to be with your signings. There are loads of SA's that state this is "not part of thier job". They seem to be the ones who scream the loudest when the loan doesn't fund and then thier fee is reduced.

Reply by Charm_AL on 8/31/06 10:19am
Msg #142502

Re: The beauty is good SA's don't care what Cali or TCgal say...

flacmac....you have got to be kidding me!!! ROFLMAO
Discuss docs with borrower before printing? Like they have a clue and can confirm what you are printing?

If people were charged for the advice and good and bad experiences they have freely learned from the likes of Cali, TG, Brenda, Sylvia, Paul, Bob, etc....
They would stand in line!

You on the other hand, as proven over and over again ad nauseum, haven't a clue on notary law and the signing industry etiquette. It's quite funny to see you rear your ugly head full of mis-information every once in awhile where you think there's an opportunity to put well qualified and experienced SAs down.

Reply by BrendaTx on 8/31/06 10:43am
Msg #142515

Re: The beauty is good SA's don't care what Cali or TCgal say...

Well...here's a statement that I can agree with FlaMac. You are correct.

Good signing agents don't care what CaliNotary or TitleGal says because they already know their stuff, and may or may not agree with Cali or Sue. So what? Cali and Sue are both so confident in what they say that they don't give a monk-e-mail's tale what is said.

People who overreact to those who disagree with them have trouble identifying boundaries. What CaliNotary says doesn't excite me in the least...unless he tickles my funny bone.

People who get jazzed every time they get their feelings hurt are not only thin-skinned, they have no skin. They cannot figure out where "they" end and "someone else" begins. Therefore, when an outside influence challenges them in any way, it's "Oh my gosh, Katy bar the door." Simply because they take it personally...as if they are somehow less because someone else on this board said so. Ridiculous.

Cover up your buttons people...better yet, disconnect the wires. And, every time those testy buggers get reconnected, practicing disconnecting again. It's a never-ending process.

Reply by SueW/Tn on 8/31/06 11:37am
Msg #142540

FlaMac....I couldn't disagree more

I normally don't speak in negatives but your post could get a newbie in more trouble than their insurance could cover! Tell me something, how do you possibly know who it is on the phone you're giving all this confidential information to? How do you identify that person? Sheesh, I'm careful not to mention "mortgage docs" on the phone when I confirm my appointments for fear of NOT talking to Mr/Mrs. Borrower specifically! NO ONE wants their personal information divulged to anyone! IF you operate this way you're on a slippery slope with no professional discreation whatsoever! IF Mr. Borrower wants to know bottom line on the HUD I strongly urge him to speak with LO, period. You don't appear to have any respect for the word "confidental", you are as far removed from being a professional as anyone I have ever seen.

Reply by BrendaTx on 8/31/06 11:39am
Msg #142541

Re: FlaMac....I couldn't disagree more

Sue, you are such a professional, and you are also correct.

Reply by SueW/Tn on 8/31/06 11:55am
Msg #142550

TY Brenda for the compliment...

I've learned alot from just watching and listening to you. I've also learned that while there's alot of technical jargon we must learn this job also involves an abundant amount of common sense. Mix in some ethics, some honesty and a desire to live up to your oath and you've got yourself a professional! I certainly know this, IF I were refinancing and IF the SA left a remarkable message "I'm bringing your mortgage at 6" OR IF that SA relayed personal information to whomever answered the phone, the LO would be looking for another client. Certain things are private, my weight, my age and my financial situation are MY business only. Now I'm off to do more research on our endeavor!

Reply by hcampersFL on 8/31/06 9:45pm
Msg #142714

Re: FlaMac....I couldn't disagree more-Sue

I agree with everything you had to say! I got a call today from a new Company and they made a point of telling me NOT to disscuss terms over the phone. They then called my back and said the BR's phone # would not be included with the confirmation and if I had any problems with directions etc. they had a number to call for them. Seems the lender has a new policy about signing agents talking to the BR's before the appt. and losing the loan for them.
Of course I made sure that I had it in writing that if it was a no sign I would recieve full fee! ;o)
Beverly

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 8/31/06 1:01pm
Msg #142576

Regarding time spent on the board

This week has been one of my more prolic weeks to post. It has also been the busiest week that I've had in a long while. In just the first 4 days of this week, my income is going to equal or exceed what it did the majority of the weeks during the Refi boom! I say this not to brag, but to dispute your claim that because someone is on the board frequently they must not have any business. I maintain that we have the business because we ARE on the board most of our non-signing time. And although my spelling many times is not right on, you really should proof read before you post.

Reply by Jahari Davis on 8/31/06 1:22pm
Msg #142582

Re: Time of the month dear?

Cali, that wasnt even necessary. You've again sunken to a new low.

Reply by Charm_AL on 8/31/06 1:24pm
Msg #142583

Jahari...stirring again..grow up, it's not to you! n/m

Reply by bestcal on 8/31/06 9:19am
Msg #142485

Re: Wild CaliNotary chase.Titlegal-what are you saying?

What are you saying?That none blond and blue eyed are Not sweet and that bullies are usually not blond and blue eyed?

Reply by Regal/NC on 8/31/06 7:33am
Msg #142456

This is a Joke right!!!

I don't believe ANYONE in their right mind would conduct "Business" in the fashion mentioned.

Reply by Becca_FL on 8/31/06 9:12am
Msg #142484

It has to be a joke. Who in their right mind would do all

that running and printing for $95? It's got to be someone bored and looking to stir the pot. Troll? JMO

Reply by Brenda/CA on 8/31/06 2:17pm
Msg #142594

Re: It has to be a joke!

I agree this has to be a joke, or a very naive person with no business plan at all. If you have correctly stated all of the facts, then you just performed a charitable service. I am still trying to comprehend why you would print docs and drive 2 1/2 hours for $95.00, and think you are making any money.

Reply by Pam/MS on 8/31/06 8:27am
Msg #142476

Re:Question - Notarybird

I also live in a very rural area and have thought about taking my extra fax machine with me - but - who let's you plug it in and use their phone line? Do you ask the borrower? Thanks!

Reply by SueW/Tn on 8/31/06 8:58am
Msg #142480

I had to go away and think about notarybird

I have read the replies and because I too am fairly rural I think I can understand your thought pattern although you truly are getting too low of a fee if all you said was factual. I think if I were in your shoes I would make my home office available ONLY for fees such as you state. I'm with Brenda on this one, IF you have to travel that far higher fees are definitely in line and if there's no one else to do it, you my friend have the best of both worlds. You should be able to name your fee and GET it without any problems. I don't know of any industry that pays less that .15/mile though so I'm leaning towards this being a bogus post.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 8/31/06 12:08pm
Msg #142555

Re: Re:Question - Notarybird

Pam, I do just that when I am under the gun and waiting on a last minute HUD or whatever.
Take the laser fax and plug it in the brw's phone line.
I have been known to take my laser printer to the brw's too, after confirming they have internet access.
I have (on rare occasion) printed full docs in the brw's living room.
But the fees this poor soul is getting is tragic.
I would have negotiated a better deal, but live and learn, maybe next time she will after this feedback.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 8/31/06 6:41pm
Msg #142679

A take-away lesson for this thread for newbies

I haven't read every bit of this thread yet, but I'm seeing two general points of view here, regardless of how it has been put. (And I'm going to take this post at face value because others obviously need a little attitude adjustment, too!) Bottom line, I think the difference has to do with thinking like an employee vs. thinking like a business owner.

As a business owner, you dictate your terms and fees, not them - especially if you're the only game in town! If that's the case, you can definitely call the shots. You should have some system for calculating your fees that accounts for your time, gas and additional wear and tear on your vehicle. (You should know what these costs are and add enough for a reasonable profit. Don't forget to include all the other costs of doing business you have, such as insurance, equipment replacement, supplies, just to name a few.) Then you tell them what it will cost them for you to do the assignment. If the terms/conditions change, everything is up for renegotiation. These people are not your boss and can't tell you how to run your business. I'm not saying get uppity with them, but it's possible to be polite and firm.

I applaud your work ethic and desire to complete the assignment in very difficult circumstances. That will serve you well in getting more business. But I doubt you want to be a non-profit enterprise!! ;> Why beat yourself up if you are losing money? hth