Posted by Misti Morgan Chumley on 4/29/08 2:12pm
Msg #245567

Title Companies

I almost hate to post anything here because some of the time the answers are not always kind.
I have been doing closings for several years but my main companies have folded or are slow. My question is I do check the boards here and I see the list of companies on Notary Rotary but is there any lists of good title companies we can draw from that haven't folded or are no pay?
I keep notes in a journal about what is listed from you folks as good or bad. Is that the best way? Thank You all!
Sincerely. Misti

Reply by LisaWI on 4/29/08 2:19pm
Msg #245569

Misti,
It sounds like your doing the best that you can to keep from getting burned. Thats all any of us can do. Its tough for everyone right now and I think everyone would like to have that crystal ball to see whats happening with companies before we agree to do their signings.
Yes, check as often as you can on here and anywhere else you can. Its all we can do. Dont be afraid to set limits on your business and check up on companies. After all, its your business on the line.
Good luck to you.

Reply by Nomad/OR on 4/29/08 2:23pm
Msg #245573

It's pretty much hit or miss. This list is as good as any others. It would be a full time endevour to pursue all agencies just to see if they are still in business or not.

Some people would slam a company as no-pay, while another individual sings their praises.
As far as the no-pay companies go, I would look for the landslide of negative comments and avoid those.

Reply by firegirl on 4/29/08 2:39pm
Msg #245578

Also, don't get in too deep with anyone you haven't worked for, or are unsure of. That way you are not out as much if (heaven forbid) you don't get paid.

Reply by RickG/CA on 4/29/08 3:25pm
Msg #245582

Misti, your past performance is a great reference for your future work. It's unfortunate that SS's you have work from have folded, however with the notes that you've kept there is undoubtedly some repeat clients over the years. You have an "in" with you past work, and you have contact information. It's time to work it!

Incidently, since those SS's that you've worked for no longer exists, neither does your agreement to non-contact - if you signed one.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 4/29/08 4:14pm
Msg #245588

Ms. Chumley, kindness is much overrated, I'll take accurate

and timely over kind any day. You will get acurate and timely here more so than anywhere else.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 4/29/08 8:21pm
Msg #245623

I'll second that! n/m

Reply by JanetK_CA on 4/29/08 8:33pm
Msg #245627

One of the difficulties of a market such as the one we're in is that, with all the competition, most people are reluctant to share information about the "good" companies they do business with. For one thing, if they're smart, they don't want to be responsible for their best clients suddenly getting bombarded with calls from all over the place. For another, they may not want to risk the notary down the street taking away their business by undercutting them in price. In any business, it's just plain foolhardy to share your very hard-earned customer list with the competition.

I think your idea about keeping a journal is great, and probably IS the best way to go. As for adding good companies to the list, it's going to take some hard work and lots of good ol' fashioned marketing.

Reply by sue_pa on 4/30/08 7:55am
Msg #245660

...they may not want to risk the notary down the street taking away their business by undercutting them in price...

Many years ago our NV colleague Suzanne xxx (don't know if she wants her name placed here) said something along the lines of ... if you're hired because you're the cheapest, you'll be replaced by someone yet cheaper...

Reply by JanetK_CA on 4/30/08 2:00pm
Msg #245714

Good point - and and we are hearing about companies doing that everyday. But I agree with your philosophy. I'd prefer to be the Nordstrom to someone else's Walmart any day of the week!