Posted by Ellen Michaels on 12/6/07 8:01pm
Msg #224797

Loan Signing Companies to watch out for

I'm sure that all of you are feeling the "pinch" regarding lack of work. This year, I have literally had to chace down my companies demanding payment, even having to resort to having to hire an attorney to write a demand for payment letter.

Here's a brief list of companies NOT TO WORK WITH:

ANGELS ON THE RUN (southern CA)- The company is owned by two sisters. I have completed two loan signings for them. I was not paid on time, had to chase them down, got "sob stories" and was finally paid up.

ACCURATE SIGN UPS (Southern CA) Did a signing for them, took three months to get paid after an attorney's demand for payment letter was sent.

PRIORITY 1 (Ontario CA) Did a signing for them, had an attorney's demand for payment letter sent-no response. Will have to resort to other means to hopefully get paid.

ALL STATE NOTARY (Granada Hills, CA) I completed a signing for them-was paid. I was supposed to help with another loan signing only to find out from the loan officer five minutes before the signing was to take place that she wanted me to date the documents with an earlier date which is illegal! I refused to do the signing, just provided transportation (the loan officer doesn't drive the freeways) I charged a travel fee and was never paid. As it turns out, I'm not sure if the company is still in business. The cell phone has been turned off, the loan officer lost her job. I have sent e mails to the company but no response.

Reply by CaliNotary on 12/6/07 8:30pm
Msg #224801

"I was supposed to help with another loan signing only to find out from the loan officer five minutes before the signing was to take place that she wanted me to date the documents with an earlier date which is illegal! I refused to do the signing, just provided transportation (the loan officer doesn't drive the freeways) I charged a travel fee and was never paid."

Are you serious? You provided taxi service to a signing that you knew was going to be backdated? That is bizarre that #1, you would even agree to do nothing but drive the LO because she didn't want to drive herself, #2, that you would in any way get involved in an illegal loan signing, and #3, wouldn't insist on cash on the spot for your taxi service.

Reply by Mindy_WA on 12/6/07 8:43pm
Msg #224803

Cali..I read it differently..

Sounds to me like she was in the car, on the way to the signing when she found out. Sounds like she agreed to drive both herself and the LO, b/c LO doesn't like the freeway. Sounds like she did the right thing, and should be paid the trip fee.

Reply by CaliNotary on 12/6/07 8:49pm
Msg #224806

Ah, that makes much more sense :) n/m

Reply by Margaret Thornton on 12/7/07 12:04pm
Msg #224877

It took us 2 months to get paid from east coast settlement service from .Has any one else had this problem?

Reply by Terry Osburn on 12/6/07 8:42pm
Msg #224802

Basically, I have decided if I do any further signings, I will be paid at the time of signing.
No more free gratis. I am more than happy to return the fee per signature if escrow does not close however I will be paid for my gas and time. Otherwise I will do no further signings

Reply by CaliNotary on 12/6/07 8:48pm
Msg #224805

Then I think it's safe to say your signing days are over.

Reply by Philip Johnson on 12/6/07 8:52pm
Msg #224808

Do you pay in advance for your utilities?

Probably not. So why would anyone pay you in advance for a closing? I think you may need to rethink your strategy or start looking for another job.

Reply by Todd/OH on 12/6/07 11:36pm
Msg #224822

Re: Do you pay in advance for your utilities?

There are some situations that require payment in advance. Your analogy to utility companies is a little quirky. There are a few signing companies that will either pay me in advance or I hang up. They nearly always find another sorry soul. Sometimes you just have to put your foot down and say "Cash now, please."

Reply by Philip Johnson on 12/7/07 10:23am
Msg #224861

I see below you did a job for Lia.

When did they change to a cash upfront policy?

Reply by MikeC/NY on 12/6/07 9:07pm
Msg #224810

Maybe I'm a little dense today, but this doesn't make sense to me.

"I have decided if I do any further signings, I will be paid at the time of signing."

By who? The borrower at the table?

"I am more than happy to return the fee per signature if escrow does not close however I will be paid for my gas and time."

Aren't you entitled under CA law to charge $10 per signature notarized? Why on earth would you give that back?? You performed the notarial act, regardless of whether escrow closes. If anything, you have a stronger argument to demand that part of the payment - why are you willing to give it back?