Posted by Anonymous on 2/23/06 7:16pm
Msg #99393

Signings in public places

Hello are their any other notaries out there that do thier signings in public places other than the borrowers home because of safety reasons?

Reply by CaliNotary on 2/23/06 7:38pm
Msg #99399

If you're not willing to go into the homes of strangers, don't be in this business. To be successful you need to work within the norms of how things are done.

The whole point of our service is to provide convenicence to the borrowers, and making them drive somewhere to meet you isn't convenient.

Reply by Anonymous on 2/23/06 8:17pm
Msg #99423

So are you saying in other words if you want to do the buisness you have to take risks?

Reply by CaliNotary on 2/23/06 9:29pm
Msg #99449

If you consider the nature of the work risky, then yeah. But it's no more risky than being a plumber, electrician, cable installer, etc. There are plenty of jobs out that that require going into the homes of strangers.

If it's a concern for you, you really should cut your losses and find something else to do. You'll never be successful in this industry if you're not willing to do what the job entails.

Reply by Jersey_Boy on 2/23/06 7:40pm
Msg #99401

I am within 20 miles of what was once refered to as "the worst city in the United States."

Crime rates are terrible in this city, and I avoid it at all costs. The problem lies in the fact that this city is technically in my coverage area. When I get a call to go there, I will simply tell the SS or TC upfront that I do not go into borrower homes in this area, and that if I am to do the signing, the borrowers will have to meet me at a public place.

The County Library has a branch in this particular city. The library is open till about 8 or 9 at night, and they have a very brightly lite parking area. This is usually where I like to go, if not, it's McDonalds, Starbucks, heck, I've even signed in Walmart.

Reply by Crystal Evans on 2/23/06 7:50pm
Msg #99404

So were they willing to meet you in a public place

Reply by Jason on 2/23/06 8:02pm
Msg #99411

Same as Jersey Boy

There is a very dangerous town in my county. I will not go there.

Meth Lab City.

I offer to meet borrowers in a nearby town or my office.

Most TCs take me up on it when I explain the problem.

Reply by Janlee_MI on 2/23/06 8:35pm
Msg #99437

You close where the borrower wants too.

I have closed loans in coffee shops, McDonalds, Starbucks, and even my home. I close where the borrower wants to close most of the time. But sometimes time restraints make it impossible and even sometime the clients dont want to close in there home.

That is what you are offering. Other wise they would not be a signing agent industry, they would still do closings at title offices.

But be prepared to go to most areas.

Reply by Crystal Evans on 2/23/06 9:06pm
Msg #99444

Re: You close where the borrower wants too.

That's what I kinda of figured because people DO NOT want strangers in their home no matter who they are. For the safety of the borrower and the agent I think it would be best to meet in a public place.

Reply by CaliNotary on 2/23/06 9:32pm
Msg #99451

Re: You close where the borrower wants too.

"That's what I kinda of figured because people DO NOT want strangers in their home no matter who they are. "

Not true at all. 90% of my signings are done in the borrower's home. Whether you think it's best to meet in a public place is irreleveant, it's what the borrower wants to do that's relevant.

Seriously, if you're going to try to convince yourself that you can do this your way, you're in for a mighty big fall. The examples in this thread are few and far between and are all referring to very specific areas. There are exceptions to every rule, don't be foolish enough to base your business on the exceptions.

Reply by Becca_FL on 2/23/06 9:38pm
Msg #99453

Crystal...

I think you misunderstood. We offer a convenience to people and we go into their homes at their convenience. I will not go to crack town after dark, but have only had this request 3 times in two years. It's your business, make your own rules, but be prepared to fail if you will not go into borrowers homes.

Reply by Pamela on 2/23/06 11:30pm
Msg #99484

Reply: Signings in public places

I have just started listing with many of the signing companies. Many ask me to submit my list of cities and/or zip codes for which I choose to work. There are a few communities for which I will not venture into and do not (and will not) include them on my list!


Pam

Reply by Becca_FL on 2/23/06 11:54pm
Msg #99491

Pamela...

Smart move, but they'll still call you. Know the zips and areas that are questionable and let the Co. know you'll call right back, when you are off the call you have on hold. Then, check the address in mapquest, yahoo maps, ms maps, etc..

Reply by Pamela on 2/25/06 12:09pm
Msg #99910

Becca, Thank You!

Thank You for the insight!

Pam