Posted by Brian_NY on 12/29/06 11:23pm
Msg #168337

"Direct" v. "Indirect" signings

According to the National Notary Association's course for Signing Agent Certification, "direct work", i.e., jobs with closing agencies/title companies and lenders can demand higher fees than jobs with signing agencies alone.
In the past, I have asked companies whether they were closing agencies or signing agencies, though have never gotten any other answer than "signing agency". Other than the word "Settlement" in the company title, are there any quick "tells" to determine the nature of the company? Furthermore, do people really charge different fees for signing agencies versus closing agencies and lenders? .........Thank you.

Reply by PAW on 12/30/06 6:44am
Msg #168349

Re: "Direct" v. "Indirect" signings - Is the work different?

I look at it this way; the work is the same no matter who hires me. Why should I be paid differently? I have one rate chart that I quote from, no matter if it is "direct" or "indirect" signings. Actually, in many instances, the work received from signing agencies involve more than those I get from many title companies and lenders directly. So, signing services should have a higher compensation rate! (Like that'll happen.)

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 12/30/06 10:06am
Msg #168355

I believe that "ability to pay" is a legitimate factor in...

setting your fees.
I do not have a set fee schedule.
When i accept a job, I factor in distance, time of month,
size of pkg, where I will be at or near the scheduled time,
volume of work from the that company,
"pita" factor of the job, etc, etc.
A signing service is one step above a NSA on the food chain.
They can only pay you a certain proportion of what they will receive and
remain in business. A lender or a TC has a lot more $$ to work with
and can afford to pay more to the NSA.
If I am offered (or can negotiate) more than the minimum that I would
accept for a prticular job, all factors considered, I am not about to
turn down the excess. Goes right to the bottom line and helps to
make up for the jobs that end up requiring way more time than expected
due to unanticipated problems.

Reply by Bruce_CA on 12/30/06 12:08pm
Msg #168371

Re: I believe that "ability to pay" is a legitimate factor in...

>When i accept a job, I factor in distance, time of month,
>size of pkg, where I will be at or near the scheduled time,
>volume of work from the that company,
>"pita" factor of the job, etc, etc.

Does anybody have any suggested"scripts" to find out all of this info?

Thanks
Bruce

Reply by PAW on 12/30/06 12:12pm
Msg #168373

Re: I believe that "ability to pay" is a legitimate factor i

Simply ask, "What are you authorized to pay?" Start the negotiations at that point with a counter offer if you feel it's too low, but ask for more than you're willing to accept. IOW, horse-trading.