Posted by AJ_in_CA on 8/29/07 8:45pm
Msg #208468

Gotta put the word out there...

Recently, i have not only been getting stiffed by Signing Svs. but also a few lenders/title companies. Here is my most recent NO-NO list:

Angels on the Run
Golden State Financial/TransUnion (out of Irvine, CA)
Lifetime Financial
Haven Escrow
1st Choice (Jarrod)

Don't work for these companies!!

Between all these companies I have over $1300 that have not been paid. I've contacted some collection agencies - they want 50% of the total.

Anyone worked with collections before? If so, did it work and was it worth it?

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/29/07 8:59pm
Msg #208471

My .02 - if the collection agency is taking 50% it might be more economically feasible to sue each one in small claims court - at least then, assuming you can prove the debt, you can get 100% of what's owed to you plus your court costs. JMHO

Reply by AJ_in_CA on 8/29/07 9:17pm
Msg #208474

I've considered it but the amt goes from $100 on up to a few hundred $$. Just not sure if it would be worth it to go to court for $100 or anything that is under $500 total. Never been to court over these issues before.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/29/07 9:21pm
Msg #208475

The way I see it, do the math - you can sue them and collect $1,300 plus costs of collection..or give it to a collection agency and get $650...your call...

And BTW...my other .02 (I rummaged through my desk..<G> - $1,300 past due? - you might want to put those companies on a no-no-list...JMO

Reply by AJ_in_CA on 8/29/07 9:34pm
Msg #208477

Yes, these are definitely on my no-no list among others from the past. Thanks for your replies!

Reply by MistarellaFL on 8/30/07 11:27am
Msg #208581

My only problem with small claims....

It costs almost $100 to file, and filing fees cannot be recovered (at least in my 2 main counties)
So, if the fee was $150, I am only getting $50 if I get a judgement, and recovering that would be difficult.
If each company owed a significant amount, that would alter my reasoning, but if I had to sue
each company owing me a negligible amount, it wouldn't be worth it to me.
Should that be the case, even 50% would be better.

Reply by NorthernNotary JenniferGuinasso on 8/29/07 10:37pm
Msg #208482

Adding to the list ... Lawyers Title of Nevada

They owe me $200.00 for one signing that was 60+ days ago!

Reply by GLRMbile on 8/30/07 8:15am
Msg #208520

First Choice is out of Business n/m

Reply by Les_CO on 8/30/07 10:17am
Msg #208548

Re: Adding to the list ... Lawyers Title of Nevada

In my opinion…. If a Title Company owes you money you have lots of ammunition on your side. First, did the loan (assuming it was a refi) close? Second, did the Title Company solicit you to do the signing? Third, did you do the ‘signing’ (a large part of the ‘Closing’) by that I mean did you take documents to the borrower, and witness/notarize their signatures? Forth, was there any amount on the HUD allocated for “Closing Costs” or anything similar? Fifth, did you ask for your fee in writing? Sixth, can you PROVE all of this? If so I would immediately file a written complaint with the Nevada Insurance Commission, asking that the Title Company’s ability to do business in that State be revoked. That you believe they are involved with illegal business practices, and in violation of RESPA. That they charged the borrower fees listed on the HUD, then did not pay out those fees, but instead kept them for themselves.

I would send a copy of this letter to the President of the Title Company, stating that if you are not paid your fee within 5 days you will go ahead and file your complaint.
I bet you get an immediate response. That is if this Title Company office is still in
business.

If it’s some Signing Service, about your only recourse is Small Claims Court. Then even if you win, most of these deadbeats are ‘judgment proof’ anyway. So if you win, you still lose. (And most of them know it!)

Reply by akristy/CA on 9/26/07 2:33pm
Msg #213256

REPORT YOUR UNPAID FEES!!

CONTACT Jerald Carter [[e-mail address]]

He is leading a group of unpaid notaries, in effort to get us all paid by deadbeat Signing Service “First Choice”. Contact Jerald and tell him how much they owe you and he will add you to the list.