Posted by FlaMac on 3/20/06 7:20am
Msg #106902

Signings in bad neighborhoods...

I live in Orlando and there are several very high crime area's around town. You hear about drive-by shooting's every week. I always take someone with me to the signing if it's after dark and usually it's an employee of a bonding agency that I'm part owner of....and he's always armed..legally, of course. But, I did a signing over the weekend..and after it was over, got back in the car, pulled out of the driveway and was driving down the street. Before we got to the stop sign; we heard gun fire. Apparently, 2 door's down from the borrower; a gunfight broke out in the front yard.

My question is this...anyone have a nice yet creative way to tell the title company or the borrower that you're not comfortable going to the house? How do you tell the borrower that they live in a bad neighborhood without offending them? I read the thread where some lender's require a "neutral" place and disallow a closing at the BO's home. Although, I've never run into that requirement; I'm wondering if it's a good idea to ask the TC to use that "excuse" to the BO so that we can meet outside thier area? Anyone ever try it?

I got my full fee but it's still not worth it. If we had lingered at the BO's house for just 5 or 10 more minutes...we would've been in the driveway when the shot's were fired. Any suggestions...please e/m me. Thanks!

Reply by Teddog_CO on 3/20/06 7:23am
Msg #106903

Say NO to the job!!! Re: Signings in bad neighborhoods... n/m

Reply by hcampersFL on 3/20/06 7:28am
Msg #106905

Re: Say NO to the job!!! Re: Signings in bad neighborhoods...

I don't think saying NO to the job is the answer. I have had this problem before and am still searching for an answer myself. I think that the title company's should be informed because they have no idea what area is "bad" in your town. I also think a neutral location is the best idea I have heard.
Beverly

Reply by LilyMD on 3/20/06 7:28am
Msg #106906

Re: for example: Tell them you don't work in Crime Hills n/m

Reply by FlaMac on 3/20/06 7:33am
Msg #106913

Crime Hills? Hmm? I thought you were from MD? n/m

Reply by LilyMD on 3/20/06 7:36am
Msg #106917

Re: Crime Hills? Hmm? I thought you were from MD?

I now live in Maryland --- used to live/work in Orlando right out of college. Worked in Pine Hills, before it was called Crime Hills.

Reply by FlaMac on 3/20/06 7:41am
Msg #106919

You wouldn't believe how bad it's gotten...

but it's not just Pine Hills anymore. Now it's spread to the Millenia Mall-Dr. Phillips area and believe it or not...downtown Altamonte. It's like "pockets" of dangerous neighborhoods popping up everywhere. Anyway..you're right about saying "no" but I hate to tick them off...and we both know that my safety isn't going to be a priority with the TC

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/20/06 7:45am
Msg #106921

Re: Crime Hills? Hmm? I thought you were from MD?

Crime Hills, Tx (Bad part of town there) - been there and signed up there. Saw a high speed chase in one visit. I accept all here but would do between 11 am and 2 pm and NO LATER under the advice of one of the residents. Rev morts in Crime Hills and I know if my favorite LO has been there I can sure go. She'll even meet me if I needed back up...but so far, I have told her not to worry about it. Only three times. Not too worrisome in the middle of the day.

Residents in other towns I have been to (their Crime Hills) have told me to wait in town and they would escort me. It was at dusk in one...in dusk in another and they escorted me out.

Reply by Teddog_CO on 3/20/06 7:47am
Msg #106923

Brenda! "Don't take your guns to town Son!"Re: Crime Hills? n/m

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/20/06 8:08am
Msg #106943

Re: Brenda! "Don't take your guns to town Son!"Re: Crime Hills?

My .38? I always strap it up under my petticoat. (Gosh, how long has it been since I heard that word, petticoat?? LOL)

Reply by FlaMac on 3/20/06 7:53am
Msg #106929

I've had to walk away from several borrower's that were high

on crack when I got to thier house. And there is no way to screen for that one..at least no test that I know of that can be done over the phone

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/20/06 8:36am
Msg #106956

Re: I've had to walk away from several borrower's that were high

That is an incredible remark. Usually, crack causes people to be unable to borrow.

Reply by Charm_AL on 3/20/06 8:39am
Msg #106957

Re: I've had to walk away from several borrower's that were high

several statements are incredible, as usual.

Reply by Beth/MD on 3/20/06 8:42am
Msg #106958

Re: I've had to walk away from several borrower's that were high

How would you know if someone were high on crack? Ever seen someone high on crack?

Reply by SatomiCO on 3/20/06 8:53am
Msg #106961

Re: Every comment is just a happy face to you, isn't it? n/m

Reply by LilyMD on 3/20/06 7:56am
Msg #106931

Re: Crime Hills? Hmm? Brenda, be careful...

I always err on the side of caution. I've also been in some less than stellar areas. A couple of times, I've brought my husband along for the ride. Thank goodness those appointments are few and far between for me.

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/20/06 8:00am
Msg #106936

Re: Crime Hills? Hmm? Brenda, be careful...

Maybe I have gotten to comfortable with people. All I see is people any more. No matter where they live...going into people's homes is a very "intimate" thing as one young guy told me - his parents sold furniture and carpet...he understood about getting involved with bwrs for a slice of their lives and just really starting to "bond" during the shortest of appointments.

It's that thing about going into homes that has really opened my eyes and helped me to grow as a person...but I am NOT bullet proof. You are right. I need to be more careful.

No one does the nsa any harm because they want their loan. I don't care what side of town it's on...the nsa is doing them a service they want. It's given me a feeling of false security, perhaps.

Reply by LilyMD on 3/20/06 8:03am
Msg #106938

Re: Crime Hills? Hmm? Brenda, be careful...

What you're saying is correct. They're not going to harm the NSA because they want their loan, but let's face it, the rest of the neighborhood just sees an outsider. No, you're not bullet proof. Always be cautious.

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/20/06 8:06am
Msg #106942

Re: Crime Hills? Hmm? Brenda, be careful...You are right

as usual, Lily. Thanks for that reminder.

Reply by FlaMac on 3/20/06 7:30am
Msg #106909

Thanks..tried that but it didn't fly with the TC...

who is a very good account for me. In January, they called with a signing...told them very bad area and I'd have to pass...they called a newbie...newbie got to neighborhood and turned around and went back home. TC called...I had to go to newbie's house..pick up docs and then go to BO house by midnight. Very scary...and the problem is that this is maybe one out of ten signings for them...BUT..YOU are right...saying "No" would prevent me from getting shot

Reply by Teddog_CO on 3/20/06 7:45am
Msg #106922

Bad Area!

No to signings at their home! #1 you are a women #2 notaries are not in the business of doing signings in a "Fire Zone" (you may apply to Notaries Iraq if you so desire) by all means request Hazard Pay.

People are aware of their area's rep! I've had people say they will meet me at a resturant or even the library. They did the signing in the AM hr's because "they don't go out a night!"

You're safety first! Or you may never do another job for your Good customer.

Reply by FlaMac on 3/20/06 7:51am
Msg #106926

You're right..I'm sending TC an email today and..

even with the escort..it's starting to really FREAK me out I was shaking for 20 minutes trying to drive out of there.......

Reply by SatomiCO on 3/20/06 7:56am
Msg #106932

Re: I suppose Hazard Pay could by the casket. n/m

Reply by SatomiCO on 3/20/06 7:53am
Msg #106928

Re: My OWN safety comes first. Sorry your own doesn't.

SSs and TCs have no idea if an area is high crime rate or not. Heck, they can't even tell the distance "well, it's just an itsy bitsy ways on the map." If company and/or BO won't meet in a neural place, my own safety comes before any amount of money. I don't have a problem at all with saying No. Bullets don't have names on them.

What a fool you must be. You first post about your safety. Now you post about passing on a signing because of a "bad area." In the same breath you write that a newbie never got to the signing you turned down and they went back home. TC calls you once again for the very same signing you passed on and you take it. You DIDN'T have to go to newbie's house to pick up the docs and you DIDN'T have to go to BOs house by midnight.

Signing had to be done by midnight. You were the one with the control and ability to call the shots. You were the one that all you had to say to TC was, "Yes, I will be happy to do the signing at such and such time and at such and such neutral location."

I certainly don't understand your insertion of a happy face when speaking of getting shot!

Reply by Teddog_CO on 3/20/06 7:57am
Msg #106934

Re: My OWN safety comes first. Sorry your own doesn't.

Wow! Do I agree with you. Just use your head (while you still have one!) Midnight? are your nuts. No company pays enough for that kind of peril.

If a city is that bad I would Relocate my butt to another state and city. End of that subject!

Reply by Beth/MD on 3/20/06 7:58am
Msg #106935

Re: My OWN safety comes first. Sorry your own doesn't.

If I'm not comfortable with an area, I'll tell the TC so. I'll arrange for borrowers to meet me in a safe area or I don't do the appt.

Reply by SatomiCO on 3/20/06 8:00am
Msg #106937

Re: Plain and simple. n/m

Reply by hcampersFL on 3/20/06 8:04am
Msg #106939

Re: Plain and simple.

I have to agree that the Midnight story is a little much. Don't quite believe that one.

As far as picking up and moving...Well that isn't always possible. Sounds good in theory but not everyone can just up and move. It just doesn't work that way.
Beverly

Reply by Teddog_CO on 3/20/06 8:06am
Msg #106941

Beverly I would sure "find a way" RE: life & limb. n/m

Reply by SarahBeth_CA on 3/20/06 11:43am
Msg #107010

Re: Beverly I would sure "find a way" RE: life & limb.

Been there, doing that, finding a way. My children are too precious not to.

Reply by Teddog_CO on 3/20/06 3:07pm
Msg #107098

SarahBeth_CA

I think we've all been there! There's always a way! Not easy , but it can be done. You have to approach the problem like a tenacious Bull dog.

Reply by SarahBeth_CA on 3/20/06 3:57pm
Msg #107126

Re: SarahBeth_CA

I am Bull dog here me growl!!!!! We're relocating to Texas. Got the house sold. Just waiting for a final transfer date. Anything worth doing is worth doing Big; especially since everythings Big in Texas.

Reply by SatomiCO on 3/20/06 8:11am
Msg #106947

Re: Plain and simple.

I agree that not everyone has the option to up and move. However, that doesn't mean that we go into known areas that are crime ridden and unsafe in daylight let alone at midnight.

I don't have any problem with the word "no" coming from my mouth!

Reply by Teddog_CO on 3/20/06 8:05am
Msg #106940

Satomi and Beth

You're Smart gals! I take my (family sized pooch) with me after dark and I do Not go into well known bad area's. I have every intention of collecting my Social Security-without any bullet holes in my bod! lol

Reply by Beth/MD on 3/20/06 8:08am
Msg #106945

Re: Satomi and Beth

I plan on being around long enough to complain that I have no Social security to collect!

Reply by Becca_FL on 3/20/06 8:34am
Msg #106954

Ditto n/m

Reply by Becca_FL on 3/20/06 8:36am
Msg #106955

I do the same as you Beth/MD n/m

Reply by Charm_AL on 3/20/06 8:22am
Msg #106949

"any suggestions"???


any fool knows to pass up the opportunity of getting killed on a job. Geeze, where's my aluminum cap?

Reply by Shane_OH on 3/20/06 8:27am
Msg #106951

Some of the nicest borrowers.....

Live in some of the worst areas of town.

If you don't feel going into a certain area, then don't take the signing, or politely request that it be scheduled elsewhere (like at a local mcdonalds/library or something)....

Reply by cyndi_ca on 3/20/06 8:30am
Msg #106952

Re: Some of the nicest borrowers.....

I have to agree with you Shane. There is no reason to politely ask to have a diff location. TC's and SS's aren't out there. Or simply calling the BO and discussing it with them. It's not rocket science . It's common sense. DUH!

Reply by Cris_AR on 3/20/06 10:13am
Msg #106981

Sometimes I do not know until I get there, as long as the borrowers are not engaging in some sort of criminal activity I will continue.
I have a lot of rural, out in the woods signings that can get a bit uncomfortable at night, I doubt a borrower would do anything that can hold up the loan, it just would not make sense, if something happens to me the loan will not fund on time kwim?
I do leave my mapquest directions on my desk in case I do not make it home.

Reply by Winston_Tn on 3/20/06 10:36am
Msg #106994

I am amazed yet again at the obvious absence of innate common sense, and the seemingly obtuse logic you apply to this quandry. As a 10 year veteran of this business and nn? years of life, you have not developed a feel for jeapordy or risk?. How have you eluded the intrinsic quality of probabilistic event and risk analysis?

I would submit that you have been negligent, and in essense increased your risk, having not adapted proactive tactics that would lower your profile, insuring an increased likelihood of safety.

I personally sense that your question is designed not with sincerity, but with the intent of invoking self-directed attention or controversy, so let me answer you this way...

Most shootings occur during the summer - the highest number is
recorded in August - when school's not in session and high unemployment is most evident.
Most incidents occurred at night on public streets in the inner city.
The weapons most commonly used were handguns.
Gang members are 60 times more likely to die from homicide than the general population
Those who live near or conduct business where gangs are active are also at high risk.

My advise to you is therefore specific and customized for you alone;

Accept all high-risk asssignments during the summer, especially August.
Attempt to schedule at night, as late as possible.
Of some importance... join a gang.
Most important...never say NO, and keep repeating this creedo;

I will be $40 richer...and ...Life has no meaning in the absence of adrenaline...

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/20/06 12:24pm
Msg #107015

Quotable WinstonTn

"Life has no meaning in the absence of adrenaline..."

Even if this one did not originate with you, Winston, you are definitely quotable.

You are causing women across the USA to swoon (well...a few anyhow) with your tongue-in-cheek posts. A few of us have determined we should start a list of contenders for The Perfect Notary Man Calendar.

However, we are extremely fickle and cannot determine who is going to get the big layout for the December 2007 spot. Is it YOU...or is it MichiganAL. (Secretly, I also believe that RayTx has potential to be listed near the top of the list. He's not the writer you guys are, but he did make me laugh in an email with "He needs to grow another leg on his back so he can kick himself in the rear." Laughter is weighted heavily.)

For the most part the list of traits and rating methods shall remain secret.

Gentlemen, please go ahead and begin to forward your best quote and your competition photos to us. We will be in contact with you guys (top 12) to have you submit photos for the 2007 Calendar - **The Perfect Notary Men of NotaryRotary.com** (BTW - this is not for real...we can always dream though can't we?)

Reply by Beth/MD on 3/20/06 12:43pm
Msg #107024

Re: Winston, I adore you...you are definitely an asset to

this board. Love your answer!

Reply by Charm_AL on 3/20/06 1:22pm
Msg #107043

Re: Quotable WinstonTn

*** A few of us have determined we should start a list of contenders for The Perfect Notary Man Calendar. ***

Bren, I think you're on to something here....I want on the judge's booth, I'll be the Simon!

Reply by cyndi_ca on 3/20/06 2:01pm
Msg #107057

Re: Quotable WinstonTn/Charm

Ya know how you get visual. Well I'm getting it. LMAO thanks

Reply by MichiganAl on 3/20/06 2:23pm
Msg #107065

The competition is already over

Heck, Winston is even making MY knees a little weak (in a manly kind of way). Somebody give him a superhero moniker already. I'm thinking Professor Charles Xavier, the founder and leader of the X-Men.

And for the record, I had a snappy, witty comment ready to go when I first say her post, but I decided it was just too easy. I mean, gun fire as FlaMac is leaving the neighborhood? The jokes are endless.