Posted by Jen/CA on 2/8/06 6:34pm
Msg #95664

Opinions please - Payment Issue

I did a signing back on 10/11 for a Company that I still have not received payment for. I contacted the Company in late November to follow-up concerning payment and was told that escrow had not yet closed because the borrower was in the middle of a divorce, Company said that they would follow-up and get back to me. It is now February and I hadn't heard anything so I called again about a week ago to find out what was going on. Company said that they thought this had been settled and would follow-up and get back to me. A few hours later, I received an e-mail stating that due to EOM, it may take a few days to hear anything from Title concerning the this closing. About 5 days later, having heard nothing, I sent an e-mail requesting follow-up info....No response. So 2 days after that I sent another e-mail stating that I would appreciate information regarding payment as it has now been almost 4 months since the signing was completed. I indicated that I may contact the Title company myself to see what is going on. I received a return e-mail in about an hour stating that I could contact the Title Co. if I wish, but I was contracted by Company, so I should deal with Company. Further, Company stated that escrow still had not closed and they would keep me posted. (Message was very cryptic..it seemed as though I was bothering them by asking about this delinquent payment). So I responded that I agree that I had been contracted by Company for the work, not Title Co....which is why I could not understand why I haven't been paid yet...by Company. The services I provided are due and payable to me regardless of whether or not escrow closes (there were no errors on my behalf). I was very respectful in all of my dealings.....Do you think I am right? I think I have been very patient. Company does not have a policy that if the loan doesn't fund...no notary pay or anything....In fact I think this is a company that is highly regarded.

Opinions/Advice appreciated.
Thanks!

Reply by Beth/MD on 2/8/06 6:45pm
Msg #95665

This sounds like a similar story I've been receiving from an L.A. based company. Is your company in CA?

Reply by Jen/CA on 2/8/06 6:46pm
Msg #95666

No they are in Ohio.

Reply by Anonymous on 2/8/06 6:50pm
Msg #95668

Jen, I assume you have records from the work order, such as e-mail work order request. If it were me, I would place a quick call to the borrowers if you have the number. I would say, Hello-I'm sorry to disturb you, I came to your home and assisted in notarizing loan documents with you in Oct. 05, the funding is complete now, correct? Thank you so much I just wanted to update my file.
At least you will know if the Company is giving you the run around.....and this may help you to decide what further action you want to take.

Reply by Anonymous on 2/8/06 7:13pm
Msg #95672

It sounds like you're depending too much on verbal and electronic communication. Did you send them an invoice? Did you send them a collection letter letting them know that the account was past due? What did they say when you said you would turn the account over to a collection agency? In short, I would ignore you too if all you did was sent me emails and called me on the phone. You're being too nice for someone who hasn't been paid in 4 months. Sue the b*st*rds!

Reply by Mung/CA on 2/8/06 8:36pm
Msg #95683

It isn't The Document Guardian is it?

I'm still trying to collect for a signing I did on 11/22/05.

Reply by Jersey_Boy on 2/8/06 9:58pm
Msg #95686

Payment Issue.

Fax them an invoice with a cover letter stating that if payment is not received in blah blah business days, you will be forced to turn the account over to a collection agency. It usually works for me....

then again, I am still fighting with a company over a signing I did on 11/18.

What a fun world we live in!

Reply by Jenny_CA on 2/8/06 10:35pm
Msg #95691

Re: Payment Issue.

I did a signing in November and just received a check today that was dated for December, this was from a lender.

Reply by marko727 on 2/9/06 4:14am
Msg #95720

Re: Payment Issue.

Hey, what a coincidence. So am I, and one from 11/11 as well, both with Notary Biz.

Reply by The Notary Biz on 2/9/06 1:23pm
Msg #95845

Re: Payment Issue.

Marko,

Please call me. I have no outstanding pay. I pay within 30 days period. This is the most important thing to us.

888-849-1193 Liz

Reply by Kevin Ahern on 2/10/06 5:53am
Msg #95995

Put a call through to the county recorder's office to find out if the mortgage was recorded. The recorder should be able to give you this information off a computer screen if you give the recorder the borrower's name and address. If the mortgage has been recorded the escrow has closed. The date the mortgage was recorded will give you some idea when escrow closed. Request a copy of the front page of the mortgage and the page showing the recording date. Send a copy to your client along with a demand for payment marked FINAL DEMAND. If you do not get paid, put it into collection.