Posted by Elizabeth Soliday on 6/21/07 11:12pm
Msg #196452

Email is not reliable

A few times people have said they emailed me and I never got it (Hotmail). I would not rely on it for confirmation of change of fees, etc. It is a better business practice to take the person's word for it. There is a fine line between being professional by getting something in writing and being distrustful. Speaking from experience...

Reply by Pat/IL on 6/21/07 11:39pm
Msg #196453

Re: Email is reliable enough

Speaking from experience here, too, always get it in writing. It has nothing to do with being distrustful. Memories get foggy over time and conversations are remembered differently. I'm just sayin'.

Reply by spnotaryplus on 6/21/07 11:48pm
Msg #196454

Re: Email is reliable enough

Anything not in writing leaves an opening for arguement on what was agreed on. Keep confirmations and any additional information. For example had an SS agree to up my fee a few bucks. Stated okay and sent me a confirmation. At payment time the amt was for what was orignally discussed and orig. confirm. not the amended agreement. Thanks to e-mail and fax I was able to disprove her statement on the phone. Sent back the e-mail confirm while I was on the phone arguing about the fee. She felt silly when she read it. Forwarded it to her accounting dept. Also when a change is made to docs prior to closing....always get it in writing if possible. Speaking from experience. In most cases trust goes out the window when it comes to money.

Reply by PL on 6/22/07 8:59am
Msg #196473

You're kidding right?

To use your line of thought, why do we have the borrower sign the note and DOT? I'm sure they are good for it, why muddy the water with that nasty note and DOT? There is nothing un-professional about getting the particulars nailed down in writing. if you don't get it in writing how does one prove what happened 60 days ago when you are underpaid for your assignment? Trust with verification, I believe is the only way to do business especially this business.

Reply by Terri_CA on 6/22/07 3:40pm
Msg #196492

Elizabeth many ISP's block e-mail to/from hotmail accounts. Anyone doing loan signings need to invest (read pay) in reliable e-mail service, that is the cost of doing business. If you are using a hotmail address, then request your customer (ss/title etc.) to fax it to you instead.

Terri
Lancaster, CA

Reply by CaliNotary on 6/22/07 4:32pm
Msg #196501

I'm with you Terri. I would think that the stigma of a hotmail account alone would be enough reason to use a different email address. It just comes across as cheap and unprofessional to me and I definitely associate it with spam.

Reply by Elizabeth Soliday on 6/22/07 6:19pm
Msg #196517

Terri, I started the business with my hotmail email and I have advertised with it everywhere. It's not just that easy to switch to something else. I definitely disagree with paying for an email account, I have a very low overhead and intend on keeping it that way.

Reply by rengel/CA on 6/22/07 4:28pm
Msg #196500

I work in a law office and I don't so much as blow my nose without documenting it in writing! It is standard CYA (cover your behind) in ANY industry.

my .02

Reply by Elizabeth Soliday on 6/22/07 6:23pm
Msg #196518

So if you can't get it in writing - in time - you just leave them high and dry? I don't think there are many companies out there who are "out to get you".

Reply by ZeeCA on 6/22/07 6:30pm
Msg #196521

it only takes one......... n/m

Reply by jba/fl on 6/22/07 8:11pm
Msg #196534

Call them If I don't have the confirmation w/correct fee then I call and tell them I am ready to go to closing but I can't until I get my confirmation (or corrected one). How long does it take to get an email. Then I call the bor. and let them know of the delay in getting docs but they are not forgotten. This is money, not bacon, and I can't bring home the bacon until I get my money, and it needs to be right.

Reply by Michelle_KY on 6/22/07 7:34pm
Msg #196527

Hotmail was never reliable for me and neither was my ISP email address. Try gmail. I've never had any problems with it.

Reply by SueW/Tn on 6/23/07 10:41am
Msg #196633

"a better business practice"

Ethically you could be right BUT the days of your word and a handshake disappeared decades ago. We no longer barter with chickens and pigs (well maybe) and if you don't look out for yourself no one else will.