Posted by Mazurik - Barbara on 3/7/07 3:10pm
Msg #178850

Notary Fees in PA

Hi All! I'm new to this forum. I've been a notary for over 10 years in PA. Fees in the last few years have taken a huge drop. I used to receive at least $100.00 or more for witness closings. Now, the calls are coming in offering $50.00. What happened to the marketplace and who are the notaries willing to work for so little money?? Given the liability and responsibility we incur, these low fees some insulting. Plus, travel fees have greatly increased in the last several years. Does anyone have any thoughts as to how and when this happened? Thanks!

Reply by Ilona_OH on 3/7/07 3:38pm
Msg #178859

What part of Pa. are you in? Greed is what

happened to the market.People like the owner of NREIS wanted more money to build their golf courses and such. Also the NNA has flooded the market with tons of notaries that think they are going to make a bunch and will take anything for payment. The Title and SS pay the least they can and the rest of us are up the creek as it were.

Reply by ML/PA on 3/7/07 5:32pm
Msg #178888

I am having the same problem and I do know of 1 person in my area that accepts low fees from title companies because I saw his name and LOW fee on the HUD (he was supposed to originally do the closing for a title company that I used to get a lot of business from) I called the title company and let them know they needed to change the name AND fee on the HUD which I am sure they were embarrassed about. A lot of the fees that I am getting offered these days is definately unacceptable. I tell them my fees are going up, not down, because of the increased cost of doing business (gas and paper increases) and they do find someone who will accept their cheap fees.

Reply by Frank Calderone on 3/9/07 6:05am
Msg #179101

If we all stick to our fees then we all win. I have over 20 years banking experience and over 5 years experience orginating mortgages. I started doing closings 3 years ago. I will not give my experience, knowledge and customer satisfaction away. I charge $125 up to 25 miles with a $25 e-doc fee. This is not unreasonable for what they are getting. Look at the HUD and see what the borrower is being charged.

Reply by bma21/PA on 3/9/07 7:20pm
Msg #179264

YES! Thank you for saying that! Your fees are definitely reasonable. I see the amount the borrower pays on the HUD for a settlement fee. The borrower pays our fee; NOT the SS or TI, ever! Therefore, we should be fairly compensated for the professional service we provide. I use a signing agent for my closings when necessary and have NO problem with paying their fee of $150. It's completely fair and reasonable to do so. Notaries should not undercut each other and if we settle for more, not less, we will get the fees we deserve. Have a great day!