Posted by SLP_VA on 7/27/06 2:10pm
Msg #135576

Ok..So I Had To Learn the Hard Way

Recd. a call from National Document Signing Services yesterday asking me if I could do a signing for them that night. Advised I was swamped with closings for the evening. I was then asked if I could do it tomorrow if borrower could change the day. I said I could. He called back and said borrower could do it today and asked if I could backdate the docs (red flag, red flag). I told him absolutely not. He then called back and said it was Ok to date docs for the day of signing. I said fine.

OK, I get back to my office last night and do a search for this company and see all the negative remarks. Too late now..I already accepted and confirmation and documents had been received. I don't back out of a signing after I've already accepted so I called the borrower to confirm the time for today. I figured I would have to fight for payment if/when the time came and if a bad experiance, would never work with this company again.

Today I call the borrower to remind her to have a copy of her D.L. at the closing to send back with the docs. She replied..."Oh, I'm sorry Stacie, I should have called you. They sent someone out last night to close the loan". OK. imagine the look on my face when she told me that. I had printed all 250 pages (2 copies) and was all set to go to my appts for the day.

When I called National Documetn Signing Services back, they acted like they were suprised at this. The guy that contacted me stated he would call the borrower and call me back. Of course I don't expect a call back from this guy. I billed them a print fee, but from the comments I read, I guess I can chalk it up. If I don't get a response back from them regardin if they will or will not pay my print fee, I'll be contacting the title company directly.

Sorry all...Just had to vent a little. I am hopping mad as I have 3 closings scheduled and had to turn down 2 based on this appt.

Reply by Michele Cogburn on 7/27/06 2:34pm
Msg #135580

I had a similar occurance about a month ago, a company the guy called Hurricane Mortgage. He stated that docs were improperly completed by another notary and wanted to know if I would fix them. Upon call back to confirm he stated that he needed to explain that he needed me to change the date to coincide with the original date of the loan. I told him that there was no way that I could do this even if I chose to. Most of these people requesting this illegal act already know that it is wrong. They just know that if you as the notary signed and notarized it the owness is not on them if it backfires. Ultimately yours in the signature that is held to the highest level.

Reply by CaliNotary on 7/27/06 5:47pm
Msg #135630

"I don't back out of a signing after I've already accepted so I called the borrower to confirm the time for today. I figured I would have to fight for payment if/when the time came and if a bad experiance, would never work with this company again."

I do not remotely understand this line of thinking. There is a time and place for nobility in life, but screwing yourself over just because you said "yes" when called for a signing isn't one of them.

There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with backing out of a signing if you find out that the company that hired you treats its notaries like crap. In fact, what you're doing is the complete opposite of nobility, it's people with your mentality that allow these companies to stay in business and continue to screw us over. So thanks for that, we all really appreciate it.

You have absolutely no right to be hopping mad. You knew what kind of company you were dealing with, yet chose to do the signing anyway. And now not only did you lose that signing, you turned down two others AND will likely have to eat the cost of printing out docs. You're the one who chose to bend over so willingly, so how can you possibly be surprised that they stuck it to you when you did?

Reply by Becca_FL on 7/27/06 7:48pm
Msg #135648

Cali, so very well said. n/m

Reply by SLP_VA on 7/27/06 10:13pm
Msg #135653

Cali

Cali,

1st of all, if you re-read my post, you will understand that I DID NOT know what kind of company I was dealing with as this call came when I was out. I did not search the company until after I was back at my office and by then I already had the docs and confirmation. Had the caller said SOX while I was out, then of course I would not have accepted. I had not heard much about this company as I don't frequent the board as much as some.

Secondly, I've read where a few companies were on someone else's NO NO list, but not on mine as they were OK to me. I will always give a company a chance once and determine from there if I will work for them again. I had every right to be hopping mad as that was my perrogative, just as you have every right to be who you are. Who are you to tell me I had no right?

For you to say I am the one who allow these people to stay into business and continue to screw notaries over is insane. You have no idea of my mentality little man. Please get over yourself.

I'll say it again. I learned the hard way. Live and learn.

(SIGH)...That's all I can say to your little post.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 7/27/06 10:40pm
Msg #135661

Re: Cali

It was not a "little post" but was accurate.

Cali is addressing the very thing that threatens the future of independent SA's. Bad Signing Services.

He said:

***There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with backing out of a signing if you find out that the company that hired you treats its notaries like crap. In fact, what you're doing is the complete opposite of nobility, it's people with your mentality that allow these companies to stay in business and continue to screw us over. So thanks for that, we all really appreciate it.***

Because you didn't "know" or gave the benefit of the doubt (the noble idea), you got screwed yourself. By paying attention to the reputation of SS's that don't pay, and not working for them, whether before or AFTER accepting the assignment, the whole independent industry is better for that decision.

Still - it's no fun to carry the industry on one back. It takes everyone.

Reply by SLP_VA on 7/27/06 10:48pm
Msg #135664

Re: Cali

Little to me TitleGalCA. I know there are bad signing services, but I have to determine for myself and not depend on what others may say. As said before, some SS or TC may be a bad apple for some, but not for me. It's my determination that will make me not use a company unless the reputation is well known like SOX. Once I'm burned that's it.

While I appreciate Cali's post in what he was saying, I don't appreciate the way it was said.

Like I said, you live and you learn.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 7/27/06 11:05pm
Msg #135670

Re: Cali

I have no doubt you can determine who to work for and who not to!

The way of delivering a message varies according to lots of personality issues. My only point in dropping in to the discussion was to say I agreed with the point Cali made...which never meant I "disagreed" with you. Just perspective, which is what it's all about here.

Peace.

Reply by SLP_VA on 7/27/06 11:29pm
Msg #135686

I Hear You TitleGalCA..

And very true with what you said I above. I respect your point.

Have a good night.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 7/27/06 11:33pm
Msg #135690

You too, and a nice weekend. n/m

Reply by AngelinaAZ on 7/27/06 10:50pm
Msg #135665

Re: Cali... the nobility issue...

I understand... sort of. I usually give companies one shot... except SOX, I've never worked for them. If a company is treating me OK.. I will take the commentary with a grain of salt (unless it is from a core of notaries that I respect and know do good work). Not that I don't listen and learn... but sometimes the advice comes from those that I would NEVER refer a signing to because they are BAD at what they do... why would I ever give credibility to them?

As far as cancelling appointments... I have a hard time doing it because of the borrower. I am in a remote area and sometimes I am the ONLY hope... the Lone Ranger so to speak. Most of the people out here are turning their pennies in for gas money and are chomping at the bit for that 3 days to be over so they can get their money. Nine times out of ten... I won't cancel either. To me it doesn't represent nobility... it is more of a professional responsibility. I should have looked them up and declined the signing ahead of time. If I accepted it... there is usually a reason. If they are polite, accept my fee, have favorable terms and conditions... I won't cancel just because I looked later and read a few bad comments.

Reply by larry Schaffer on 7/27/06 10:51pm
Msg #135666

anyone ever get paid

i did a signing for these people last night. the contact was a guy named Hector. has anyone had a good experience with these people