Posted by DCD/MI on 6/28/07 7:35pm
Msg #197541

Title Co says check is missing....

I did a closing on Monday and received a check from the borrowers that was included with the package. Title company JUST emailed me saying that the check wasn't in with the package and "what is going on here? The loan is funding tomorrow". Why would a TC wait 2 DAYS to suddenly ask me why a check wasn't included. I'm 100% sure it was in that package, and I'm 100% sure they lost it or threw it away with the envelope. I'm a little steamed.

Reply by DebbieT on 6/28/07 7:46pm
Msg #197548

Sounds like another case of blame it on the notary. That is the one thing I always worry about when I collect a check from the borrower. Someone is going to misplace it and then I get blamed for it. I would love to know how this one works out.

Reply by PL on 6/28/07 7:53pm
Msg #197550

I staple it to the HUD with 3 staples. the last time I had this happened I asked the person that called me to look at the hud and I bet there were 3 staple holes on the bottom of the sheet. She saud there was and then went on to hunt the check.

Reply by DCD/MI on 6/28/07 8:05pm
Msg #197554

I insisted on getting paid up front for this one since the signing agency had a bad reputation for paying. So if they don't find the check, what then? If the loan doesn't fund will the SS come back and ask for their $, even though I did everything I was hired to do?

I really feel bad for the borrowers! They live in the same small town as me and I'm certain the Title Co. is blaming me (but still, it looks kind of fishy that they waited 2 days).

And I used a paper clip, guess I'll have to staple from now on. I just like things neat and figure a stapler will put tears in the documents when they are removed.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 6/28/07 7:53pm
Msg #197551

Tell them to check another department

That only happened to me once back in 2002, only at least I got a phone call. A borrower had given me a Bank check. They gave me the check as they got it from the bank with the carbon paper and the copy still attached. I distintly remembered tearing them apart and handing back to the borrower the copy, saying "put this in a safe spot, it's your proof). I then paper clipped the check to the settlement statement and dropped the package. I told her this story and then she checked and the person who'd opened the package had sent it to another person in the office. I learned my lesson and now when I'm given a check, I staple it to the front of the settlement statement. (If they want the settlement statement faxed to them, I fold the check back and make a copy of the HUD and send them that copy as well as a copy I make with the check attached.

Only one other time did this happen and when they called me I asked them, "Are there staple holes in the upper left hand corner of the HUD?". The answer - yes. Then I replied, well that is where it was stapled and if it's still not there someone in your office detached it. Check around.

I've found that the more I can get into a routine and do things the very same way each and every time it will saves me in the end. About a year ago, I got a call from the title company saying that the borrower said that I said something. Now that was several signings back and no, I had no specific recollection of that detail of that signing, but what I said to the title company was, "I always say,bluh, bluh, bluh and I can't conceive that I would have said anything differently on this signing because I NEVER change it". (they believed me). In fact when I have mentored new NSA (not recently) I've had them tell me, It's like you drop a nickel into the top of your head and you just start reciting your blurb and it never changes. I learn best by rote and it works for me. In fact if I'm in the middle of my "canned" blurb on a document and I get interrupted by the borrower, I sometimes have to stop and mentally start again from the top and pick up where I was interrupted. It may not work for you, but it does for me.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 6/28/07 7:54pm
Msg #197552

PL, glad to see I'm not alone n/m

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 6/28/07 8:12pm
Msg #197558

Staples, blurbs and talking in ones sleep...

Great minds think alike, Dorothy. I, too, staple the check to the HUD and have had to refer the caller to the "staple holes".
I also have a 'canned' blurb that I deliver with each signing and rarely, if ever, deviate from it.
At crazy, full-moon EOM's, I've been told that I recite portions in my sleep ;o)

Reply by LJ on 6/28/07 8:45pm
Msg #197563

Re: Staples, blurbs and talking in ones sleep...

Thanks for the staple thing. I've never had a problem, but this will definelty prevent any future problems. I just thought they would have a fit if we stapled anything to the doc's.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 6/28/07 8:51pm
Msg #197565

I had one borrower

who said, you must say, "sign and date here" in your sleep!!

Reply by TRG_wy on 6/28/07 9:08pm
Msg #197570

Re: Staples, blurbs and talking in ones sleep...

Same here too

Staple to the HUD (even when they say NOT to staple).
I also have a standard script I follow.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 6/29/07 7:23am
Msg #197686

staple the check to the HUD

And I always show the borrowers and say "You're my witness"

Reply by MelissaCT on 6/28/07 9:38pm
Msg #197590

Good habits die hard

Habits are good. They ensure a common practice which creates quality and consistency.
Good habits:
Double-checking initials, signatures & dates at the table
Notarizing at the table
Checking initials, signatures & dates before shipping
Reviewing the documents before heading out to the appointment
Stapling the check to the HUD & placing both on top of stack
Presenting the documents in the same order each time: usually a variation of HUD, Note, Deed/DOT, TIL, RTC followed by the rest of the package
Keeping notary bag/supplies locked when not in use
Using a script of sorts for every signing

Reply by Todd/OH on 6/28/07 10:48pm
Msg #197626

Make a copy of the check and keep it n/m

Reply by Rachel/ORWA on 6/28/07 11:28pm
Msg #197647

Re: Re-stacking docs...

Do you ever have TCs irritated with you for rearranging the docs? I like the idea of pulling the HUD, Note, etc.and placing them on top of the stack.

Reply by christiSocal on 6/29/07 12:17am
Msg #197655

Anyone ever get in trouble for stapling check to Hud?

Other than that, it sounds like a good idea. Gives you some protection anyways.

Reply by PAW on 6/29/07 7:45am
Msg #197691

I do it all the time

Not only do I staple the check to the HUD, right above the line that says money is due FROM the borrower, I make a reduced size (lgl -> ltr) copy of it showing the HUD with the staple and check. I fax (or email) the copy of the HUD w/check with my closing report to whomever hired me and is paying me.

Reply by jba/fl on 6/29/07 11:59am
Msg #197752

Re: I do it all the time

I talk about "stapling the check to the HUD" while I show bor. I am doing that like Misterella/fl. Then at end when I give them their copies w/their "RTC right on top in case you need it" then have them watch me put "check w/Hud staples on it right on top w/your id's and wire instructions" to make them remember events just in case TC says they can't find the check. (My script) Like Paw, I have copy of two together as well.

Reply by Cassandra Andrews on 6/29/07 6:39pm
Msg #197844

i always staple it to the HUD, photcopy them together . . .

so if the HUD reaches the title co, it stands to reason the check should.