Posted by Rick_NY on 3/21/06 11:21am
Msg #107370

A Thought About NSAs Accepting Gratuities

In New York, it is very common to give a gratuity to a title closer, especially at a purchase. In my experience, it has been sometimes extended to me as an NSA. Obviously, the borrower/buyer has to feel that you did a good job. In my opinion, it is perfectly fine to accept such additional compensation.

On the other hand, when I owned a mortgage brokerage firm, a nice couple I did a mortgage for offered me a tip ($20.00, as I recall) at the end of a closing. In that case, I very politely declined.

These days, as an NSA, with the declining fee structure and rising costs, I wouldn't dream of turning down a gratuity. The highest one I have received was $150.00, which really made my day.

Anybody else get some generous gratuities in their NSA travels?

P.S.--There are some people who say it is illegal because it is not disclosed on a HUD. They are usually r/e lawyers who HATE to see someone else make a buck!

Reply by cyndi_ca on 3/21/06 11:26am
Msg #107372

The only "tip" i've gotten is, "Don't look directly in the sun" LOL

Reply by Charm_AL on 3/21/06 11:44am
Msg #107381

never been offered a tip, but was offered a check for a closing that didn't take place by the borrowers. Of course I turned it down, but they were feeling so bad I took a glass of Iced Tea

Reply by Beth/MD on 3/21/06 11:51am
Msg #107383

Never have gotten money. Does water count? What about Christmas cookies?

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 3/21/06 12:10pm
Msg #107390

I have not accepted tips since I was a kid hanging out at a friends service station pumping gas for customers and working for tips (I guess I just gave away my age). In my retail job, I worked in a worked in a world where tips were a definite "no-no" As a notary the few times when I have been offered a tip, I politely say, "You are already paying me, but I do apperciate the thought." I did have one enterprising borrowor slip a tip into my brief case when I wasn't looking. Still can't figure that one out as I always thought that I kept a good eye on my equipment.

I did thumb through the CA handbook and could not find anything about it being illegal, so I would say it would be a matter of personal ethics unless it is prohibited in your state. My own choice is not to take any, but that is strictly a personal matter and is not meant to pass judgement on anyone who does.

Reply by kkdmiddleton on 3/21/06 1:03pm
Msg #107414

I got pizza once? Does that count? lol n/m

Reply by Ilona_OH on 3/21/06 1:06pm
Msg #107416

My only tip was Crazy Legs in the Fourth at Belmont. n/m

Reply by LauriecPA on 3/21/06 1:10pm
Msg #107419

Re: My only tip was Crazy Legs in the Fourth at Belmont.

I had an old guy give me a bag full of paperbacks one time.

Reply by thnotary_NY on 3/21/06 2:29pm
Msg #107447

A question on one of those quick tests that these SS like to give when you apply was, what would you say if offered a gratuity at the end of the closing.? My answer.? Thank you very much.!

Reply by kkdmiddleton on 3/21/06 2:36pm
Msg #107450

Mine was during the signing. The bo bought lunch. I was being polite and only took one piece, and they kept saying, eat! eat! there's plenty. lol Love those kind of closings.

Reply by CMSNJ on 3/21/06 3:57pm
Msg #107499

I did a closing for a woman who does promotionals for DOVE. She gave me a case of pocket size deodorants. At first I thought she was trying to tell me something but I think she was just being nice PS....Anyone need deodorant??

Reply by Charles_Ca on 3/21/06 9:30pm
Msg #107567

Don't tell Charm but I've gotten goat cheese and

Du_____ss _r_b once or twice. I decline money but got a real start the other day when someone dropped a few buds in my briefcase. Fortunately I have an acquaintence who knew how to dispose of them buy incineration! Mendocino has a completley functioning underground economy that just baffles me!

Reply by Charm_AL on 3/22/06 7:20am
Msg #107635

Re: Don't tell Charm but I've gotten goat cheese and

duress rub, rib? doesn't sound too healthy...buds? as in home grown? hmmmmm...and I'm thinking an ice tea is all that!
Note to self:
Look up Mendocino

Reply by TitleGalCA on 3/21/06 9:45pm
Msg #107570

Sadly, Rick, most Californians think we can retire on a single signing....they are too busy asking me "so, hey, how do you get into a gig like this? I hear you make bank!!"

(Actual words of a 30 yr old borrower). No gratuity's offered, even after I tell them "dude, I get sixty bucks when you close! Word."