Posted by cbug on 3/21/07 2:17pm
Msg #181141

Threated by borrower to call Sec. of State

I had a lady call me today to see if I would be able to help them with a closing here in NC. Now, keep in mind the borrower's had an attorney. However, the attorney was not willing to travel to help them close on their property. Their attorney advised them to find a notary. The lady that called me was very nice and she basically just wanted to know if I would be available. Before we could discuss fees, she was off the phone telling me she would call back in just a few. Shortly thereafter, her husband called. He told me that he was only willing to pay for the notarizations fees. For one, I had not agreed to do the closing yet because I had no clue how many pages were to be notarized. For two, I have already accepted other signings for today. When I was informed that there was very few pages, I declined because I was busy and he would not have it any other way but for me to drive to them. I politely told him that I just could not do it because it was quite a drive and I had other closings. He got really upset and informed me that he was going to call the Sec. Of State. I apologized again and he was still upset. He said," I really do not appreciate you not doing this for us because it isn't enough money." I cannot imagine how much they are paying their lawyer and he never offered any compensation for mileage or just a thank you gift. Maybe I expect to much. But I know that there are other notaries in his area. Oh well, just letting off some steam. Title companies pay and they keep me busy. So much for people who always want something for free.

Reply by CaliNotary on 3/21/07 2:31pm
Msg #181144

I don't know why you apologized to them

I would have just told them flat out that if they wanted to only pay the notarization fees, they needed to drive to me and do it at my convenience, and if that wasn't acceptable then they could call somebody else.

Reply by Cheri Bennett on 3/21/07 2:35pm
Msg #181145

Re: I don't know why you apologized to them

I try to be a polite person. My husband tells me often that I should put my foot down. Any yes, you are both right.

Reply by Les_CO on 3/21/07 2:43pm
Msg #181147

If someone wants something for free, I NEVER give it. If someone wants me to do something for THEIR price (and it does not conform to mine) I NEVER do it! That said I just got back from doing a couple of documents for an elder lady and her son. It is possible for her to travel, but a difficult. I said in CO we can only charge $5 per notarization, You can probably get it done at a bank, or RE office for free. I said I usally do loans, and charge around $100 for travel etc., but for this (2 doc's) maybe $50. He said okay, he'd like to to it anytime today. Well it just happens thet he was less than 4 miles from my 11:00 closing. So I show up at noon. I call, said I was outside. I went in, met and talked with them both (nice people...not wealthy) did the docs, He started to write a check..I said, No, you were very close to a loan signing I just had, so I'm glad to do it, no charge. Take care and have a good day. Nothing wrong with "pro bono" if YOU feel like it! I find I do maybe one a month free. NOT a loan signing! I have done those for free, but only because I was foolish enough to work for some deadbeat company.

Reply by Ever/CA on 3/21/07 2:50pm
Msg #181150

Random act of kindness. I commend thee. :) n/m

Reply by ColleenCA on 3/21/07 3:22pm
Msg #181154

Re: Random acts....

always come back to you at least 3 fold. I am a true believer!

Reply by Lynn Lowry on 3/21/07 4:14pm
Msg #181164

Why didn't you simply respond that you are an independent contractor and are not required to act as a notary upon request, and that you provide services for whom you wish, when you wish.

Reply by MelissaCT on 3/22/07 7:58pm
Msg #181452

Notaries are NOT REQUIRED to travel...tell him to call

to his heart's content. Or, tell him you'd be happy to travel to his attorney's office to notarize.