Posted by Sandra Clark on 2/13/08 8:32pm
Msg #235211

1st Preference? g.b.u

Anyone heard of this group before? Says out of Denver, sounds like new signing co. - nothing in search.

Reply by Les_CO on 2/13/08 9:24pm
Msg #235216

Re: 1st Preference? g.b.u n/m

Reply by Les_CO on 2/13/08 9:26pm
Msg #235217

Re: 1st Preference? g.b.u / sorry about nothing post

<www.firstpereferencesigningllc.com> IS a new company. They just started this year. Susan, Beckie, and Alicia use to work for Mercury Settlement Services, but were fired last year, along with almost everyone else that worked there, due to the merger with LFC. They now have First Preference Signing. They are connected with a full service (although small) Title Company. They are just as good, knowledgeable, professional, and easy to work with as they were. Did I forget HONEST? These ladies are 100% HONEST! If you take an assignment you WILL get paid. Many of us here have worked with them this year. Take all you can get.

Reply by jba/fl on 2/13/08 10:14pm
Msg #235220

Re: 1st Preference? g.b.u / sorry about nothing post

Thanks Les - I had lost contact with them when LFC changed the landscape, so this helped to reestablish the connection.

Reply by KBLedgard_CA on 2/13/08 11:42pm
Msg #235224

Re: 1st Preference? g.b.u / sorry about nothing post

Being that this company is getting good reviews, maybe somebody should add them to Signing Central and link the thread.

Reply by Sandra Clark on 2/14/08 9:06am
Msg #235247

Thanks for all the info.

Reply by janCA on 2/14/08 11:57am
Msg #235264

Are their fees as good as Mercury's were?

Reply by Sandra Clark on 2/14/08 12:13pm
Msg #235270

Not based on what I was offered. Anytime I am asked to go 40+ miles rt. I need a certain fee and I'm not going to lower it for a signing service, especially a new one. Another notary in my area advertises on her page she is "very negotiable" on fees - so be it. Hasn't hurt my business which is mainly title, settlement and mortgage companies direct. We all do what we gotta do.

Reply by janCA on 2/14/08 12:25pm
Msg #235273

I agree, Sandra. Thanks for the info.

Reply by Les_CO on 2/14/08 1:23pm
Msg #235291

Their fees are based on what the Lender/ Title Company will pay, and on the location of the signing. Some Title Companies include the mobile notary fee in their bundled services. Others just put it on the HUD and the borrower pays direct (sort of) Those Title companies that include the mobile notary fee in their bundled service closing fee really hold their (FPS) feet to the fire. It’s no secrete that many big companies like FASS, LFC, and others are $50 companies. First Preference tries to get more money for the notaries (because it means easier closings, with no problems) not so they can make more money themselves. They have had some closings where they made $5. They don’t charge $300 and pay the notary $50. Those days are gone. They first look for a notary that is close, second one they know. Not the cheapest one. They can’t pay more than they make. If you don’t like the fee just say no. No one will force you to work for less than you feel you need. I’d guess their average fee is over $100. If you are a $200 (or more) notary (and not in Georgia or MA) good luck in today’s market

Reply by Sandra Clark on 2/14/08 2:51pm
Msg #235304

Les, thanks so much for your insight. I do take all of the above into consideration when I think of signing services. We all have to make a profit. My inquiry was based on the fact there was nothing posted in search, pro or con. My fees are quite reasonable for my area - only occasionally do I get $200+ - and I have survived the downward times quite well. If someone else can/will take offers that I can't, that's fine and I understand. By the way, I did say no, prior to even posting my inquiry.

Reply by Les_CO on 2/14/08 4:27pm
Msg #235318

I really think we are on the same page. I have for years (against the predominant advise of most who post here) posted my fees. Yup, no secret what I charge.
I’m saying in this market, flooded with deadbeat SS’s and even Title Companies going south, and many $50 companies, First Preference Signing is a breath of fresh air. Honest people that pay what they can. But they DO pay! You, as I, are still free to chose. I too turned down one from them this week, I recommender a notary north of town, that is very good, and lives in the same zip code. We all have our different criteria. These are trying times for us all. Lets’ please give credit where credit is due.