Posted by MichiganAl on 5/24/06 8:34pm
Msg #122126

The tide is turning, don't give up.

I've been contacted three times this week from mortgage or title companies that no longer want to work with signing companies (THEY contacted ME). Two of the three are solid opportunities. The mortgage company that contacted me yesterday is a small office, 10 -15 loans per month. They specifically said they were unhappy with the quality of signing agents being sent out through the two SS they were using. They were tired of not knowing who was going out and want a signing agent that they can deal with directly and be assured that their borrowers are being handled with the care they require. I hope this is a sign that more mortgage and title companies want to control who is representing them in front of their borrowers. Cheapskate signing services beware. Treating a signing like an assembly line isn't going to satisfy your clients in the long run.

And another reminder about quoting fees. Yesterday, this mortgage company asked me my fee. I didn't answer. I met them today, we talked about what was expected. They again asked me my fee. I asked them what they were expecting to pay. They quoted a fee $50 more than the fee I would have accepted. It pays to keep your mouth shut.

Reply by Erin C. Wall Signature Services on 5/24/06 8:46pm
Msg #122128

This is exactly what I am slowly finding as well. What a wonderful, upbeat and enlightening post. I just did a loan app signing (17 pages) and was paid nicely. True the SS won't call back when your price is too "high" for them, but LO's seem to have me on speed dial and I couldn't be happier. Thanks MichiganAl for that message. The tide is rising.

Reply by Anonymous on 5/24/06 8:53pm
Msg #122130

Well I just got this email today from a title company I used to work with:
"Looks like we do have you for that county...but we can get the same
notary for a cheaper price using ****(signing agency)***. If you want, you can
call me after the end of the month and we can talk about prices.

I couldn't believe the signing company was asking for less money than I charged them. So I guess a few of them are lowering their fees as well. Why bring in another party and add to the confusion?!?!

Reply by Erin C. Wall Signature Services on 5/24/06 8:58pm
Msg #122132

The gall to save a few bucks. I charge very fairly and less if it saves me windshield time. If you keep me in my small town, I can lowball. Put me on US1 and it's a different story, not to mention the amount of docs involved. I always check the county recorder's website 15 days later and I find my docs recorded. That is my justification for my rates.

Reply by MichiganAl on 5/25/06 12:28am
Msg #122156

Don't burn the bridge behind you.

They may be back after a signing or two goes awry.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 5/24/06 9:48pm
Msg #122139

Al, I have been hearing that for a few weeks now. My business has been steadily increasing, and LO's & TC's are telling me about the same as you heard.
That is great news, and I'm glad someone else is hearing/benefiting from it.

Reply by patricia on 5/24/06 10:00pm
Msg #122140

I seem to be getting most of my calls from loan reps and lender offices, they are telling me the same thing, too many notaries have no idea how to handle these transactions. They are very expensive in the big picture.

Reply by Nicole_NCali on 5/24/06 11:13pm
Msg #122147

Countrywide L/O said..

I had a countrywide l/o that I have closed 15 of his loans say "dealing with the SS is costing my clients extra money." He also thought that with that a couple of his targets were not met due to the SS. I keep my trap shut and just do the signing. I have a solid fee that I think is fair.

I am guilty of doing a e-doc signing recently for a SS for a cheap price (not $50), but about %25 below my normal pricing for an E-doc. I must have been really dozing at the wheel on this one, but the company has a good reputation and the borrower was a delight.

I love catering directly to the mortgage companies or title companies. In this method, you control the signing from start to finish such as the time, you know first hand when the docs expire, you are familiar with the loan package, and you build a relationship with the broker or the L/O.

Reply by Restless on 5/25/06 1:24pm
Msg #122239

Great Job. Your hard work and marketing is paying off. Thanks for a great post.