Posted by sue_pa on 11/17/08 9:35am
Msg #269888

ReliaClose, Pickerington, OH

I completed a closing on 9/22. According to them, I should have been paid on 10/17. They are now 30 days past due and they have COMPLETELY ignored phone calls and e-mails.

Hopefully, their clients will be able to intervene for them prior to suit being filed by the end of this week. I sent a copy of the complaint to their clients this morning.

I saw several posts singing their praises ... nothing since August ... it appears things have changed.

Reply by Derrick/MT on 11/17/08 10:14am
Msg #269892

Sue, shouldn't they be considered being 56 days past due since the closing was done on 09/22?

Reply by PAW on 11/17/08 12:27pm
Msg #269901

Due upon closing?

Depending on when the payment was expected to be due, determines how many days "past due" it is. If the closing was 9/22 with an expected payment date of 10/17, then 11/16 would be 30 days past due.

I always invoice "net 30" which means payment isn't due until 30 days after invoice. (Invoice is always the same day as the closing or signing.) 45 days past invoice date is only 15 days "past due", which isn't too fretful. When it becomes 30 days past due (60 days after invoice), then notices are sent and I begin collection procedures.

Reply by ReliaClose on 11/18/08 2:47pm
Msg #269989

Re: Due upon closing?

Ms. Kostalas,

Just to clear things up on here, since you seem to be attempting to defamate the character of ReliaClose, the reason for the delay in your payment was simply that the billing department of ReliaClose did not have your tax ID number.

I monitor ALL voicemails, and never received any voicemail from you concerning any delay. I also know that you had my email address available to you, as I was the one that contacted you directly and forwarded you the instructions on how to update your profile along with a blank W-9.

Had this been brought to our attention earlier, your payment would have been processed in our normal timely fashion. As many closers in this forum already know, they are able to contact us on almost any given day. Our reputation speaks for itself.

Your payment HAS been processed due to the fact that you have finally provided us with your tax ID number on November 18th of this year. We delay payments to closers that have not provided this information due to the simple fact that IT IS REQUIRED BY THE IRS.

If you continue to post unwarranted negative comments about ReliaClose.com and any of it's affiliates, you will be served from our counsel for defamation of character.

If you would like to contact me and discuss this further, you may do so at your convenience.

Sincerely,
Robert Banhagel
Operations Manager
ReliaClose.com, LLC

Reply by sue_pa on 11/18/08 4:10pm
Msg #269991

Serve away

I completed a closing. You didn't pay me, period. I let my peers know that. If that's defamation, my oh my.

You do not need an EIN from me although a 1099 was faxed to you the day after the closing, along with my invoice, which also has the EIN at the top. If you paid someone for advice that told you one $150 check REQUIRES an EIN, you'd better get a refund. I've got phone records, fax records and e-mail read receipts indicating my attempts to have someone contact me regarding payment. Hummmm, I wonder how I know that your voice mail says that any messages left regarding payment will be ... I forget the exact term ... disregarded? It took me sending a copy of a small claims complaint to the broker/title company to get ANY response from your company. Surely your counsel has advised you that since I completed the work and I would win any court suit for payment.

If you truly sent my check, thank you.

Reply by ReliaClose on 11/18/08 4:21pm
Msg #269992

Re: Serve away

Ms. Kostala,

Again, you are not understanding the facts at hand, nor are you representing all the facts, including your shortcoming, to your peers.

As stated on the website, your tax ID beit either EIN (if you file as a company) or your SSN, MUST be listed within your on-line profile as the accounting department works out of a separate office and does not have the ability to skip over to the fax machine each 100 times it rings per day.

Reply by ReliaClose on 11/18/08 4:21pm
Msg #269993

Re: Serve away

Ms. Kostala,

Again, you are not understanding the facts at hand, nor are you representing all the facts, including your shortcoming, to your peers.

As stated on the website, your tax ID beit either EIN (if you file as a company) or your SSN, MUST be listed within your on-line profile as the accounting department works out of a separate office and does not have the ability to skip over to the fax machine each 100 times it rings per day.

Reply by ReliaClose on 11/18/08 4:21pm
Msg #269995

Re: Serve away

Ms. Kostala,

Again, you are not understanding the facts at hand, nor are you representing all the facts, including your shortcoming, to your peers.

As stated on the website, your tax ID beit either EIN (if you file as a company) or your SSN, MUST be listed within your on-line profile as the accounting department works out of a separate office and does not have the ability to skip over to the fax machine each 100 times it rings per day.

Reply by ReliaClose on 11/18/08 4:30pm
Msg #269996

Re: Serve away

Continuing with my statement;

Had you followed procedure and listed said information, your payment, which was processed, would not have been held. Had you emailed the accounting department directly as instructed within the voicemail you so often quote, you would have had an answer. Had your responded to the system generated email sent October 31, requesting said information, your payment would have been released much sooner. Had you called and spoken to anyone within the closing department, this issue would have been resolved.

After reading your many posts throughout Notary Rotary, you seem to enjoy confrontation and arguing to the death your point of view. No one is innocent from an oversight or mistake; not you, not me, not anyone on this forum nor are the companies that have a need for your services.

If you were to seek to understand and follow proper procedures, rather than being a maverick thinking said procedures do not apply to you, this would be a non-issue.

I'm sorry for your frustration which results in your attempts at maligning reputations of individuals and companies, but your payment - now that your tax ID has been provided - has been released. I hope these monies serve you long and well.

Respectfully,
Maureen Sullivan
ReliaClose.com

Reply by sue_pa on 11/18/08 6:31pm
Msg #270012

Re: Serve away

last one and I'm done because as you said ... it's he said/she said.

I accepted an order. I completed the order. I was not paid. I posted here to let my peers know. I contacted your client to let them know. I was finally contacted by your office.

I accepted an order. I completed the order. I clicked on the web site and submitted my confirmation. I DID NOT FILL OUT A NOTARY PROFILE nor did I know there was one to fill out. I didn't read all around your web site. Due to the very basic info listed there and the numerous errors, it's apparent that someone in your office filled it out with info from whatever site you found me to get me set up in your system or whatever terms you use.

The day after the closing I faxed my own invoice and the W-9 you sent to me. I faxed it pursuant to your instructions . "Please fill this out and fax back to 614 xxx". I could care less if you are 'too busy' to go to the fax machine when it rings. If so, why did you send me instructions telling me to fax it?

All that said, I am certainly no maverick and am actually one of the biggest butt kissers in this business where my clients are concerned. I bend over backwards to do a good job and be accommodating. I knew nothing about your 'procedures' nor do I care. And, neither would any judge in any jurisdiction.

Confrontation ... not really, I'm just opinionated in an industry where I earn my living and would like to continue to do so.

To be done with this, I assume this order was just one of those things that slipped through someone's cracks ... we'll say your computer system and your phone system and my computer system and my phone system. But coming on this board and contacting your client got me the results I wanted that I did not seem to be able to accomplish any other way.

In my 10 years of doing closings in the field, I have resorted to sending small claims complaints to signing service clients probably 4 or 5 times because of nonpayment and more importantly, noncommunication. I've got outstanding invoices 60 days and more and I don't complain ... because I know when I'll be paid. You apparently took the time to read my prior posts on this board. You will see how very few times I have complained about payment issues.

Again, if you sent the check, thank you. I assume it will be here before 8:30 Friday morning when the magistrate opens.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 11/18/08 5:05pm
Msg #269999

Re: Due upon closing?

" We delay payments to closers that have not provided this information due to the simple fact that IT IS REQUIRED BY THE IRS"

Hmm are you sending out 1099's for yearly total's less than $600?????

Having had a signing service since 2003, I have never had the IRS check for the EIN's or SSN's of those who I didn't have to issue a 1099 for.

And I would never ever dream of holding up an independent contractor's payment for the lack of the W9.

And when I was a signing agent myself I never sent a W9 to companies who I only did one signing for - unless they were paying me $600 (in my dreams!!), and never had a company refuse to send me the check I had earned.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 11/18/08 5:09pm
Msg #270000

Re: Due upon closing? - and in addition

Go ahead and sue Sue for defamation of character! you would lose!

"defamation is the issuance of a false statement about another person, which causes that person to suffer harm"

Where did Sue make a false statement?? She stated the facts. She had not received payment and her calls for payment were ignored.

If you "suffer harm" then it because of your actions not hers.

Reply by ReliaClose on 11/18/08 5:39pm
Msg #270004

Re: Due upon closing? - and in addition

Sylvia, thank you for your input; however, you do not know the reality of the situation, you are forming an opinion based on hearsay.

Sue brought this to a public forum with half truths, which is human nature, and I do not fault her for airing her grievences as is her right. Now are her statements "the" truth or "fact", I don't think so. Just because it is in print, does that make it the truth?

Just as it is our right to run a company that is still operating at well over 250 closings per day and to require that our vendors keep their profile up to date with all pertinent information.

As this is a "faceless" industry, in order to get what we need to operate our business in accordance with the law and our guidelines, procedures are set in place and posted for each registered vendor to read and follow. If procedures are not followed, the rest cannot fall into place. Each person needs to take responsibility for their own actions (or lack thereof) and not deflect blame on another when their expectations are not met.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 11/18/08 5:59pm
Msg #270007

Re: Due upon closing? - and in addition

"Sylvia, thank you for your input; however, you do not know the reality of the situation, you are forming an opinion based on hearsay"

Hmm you need to look up the definition of hearsay!

Sue stated she had not been paid and her calls were ignored.

Now, was she paid when she was told she would be paid, and did you respond to her calls?.

Incidentally, Sue has an excellent reputation on here, and I have known her for almost 9 years and would vouch for her truthfulness any day of the week.

Reply by ReliaClose on 11/18/08 2:47pm
Msg #269990

Re: Due upon closing?

Ms. Kostalas,

Just to clear things up on here, since you seem to be attempting to defamate the character of ReliaClose, the reason for the delay in your payment was simply that the billing department of ReliaClose did not have your tax ID number.

I monitor ALL voicemails, and never received any voicemail from you concerning any delay. I also know that you had my email address available to you, as I was the one that contacted you directly and forwarded you the instructions on how to update your profile along with a blank W-9.

Had this been brought to our attention earlier, your payment would have been processed in our normal timely fashion. As many closers in this forum already know, they are able to contact us on almost any given day. Our reputation speaks for itself.

Your payment HAS been processed due to the fact that you have finally provided us with your tax ID number on November 18th of this year. We delay payments to closers that have not provided this information due to the simple fact that IT IS REQUIRED BY THE IRS.

If you continue to post unwarranted negative comments about ReliaClose.com and any of it's affiliates, you will be served from our counsel for defamation of character.

If you would like to contact me and discuss this further, you may do so at your convenience.

Sincerely,
Robert Banhagel
Operations Manager
ReliaClose.com, LLC

Reply by sue_pa on 11/17/08 1:19pm
Msg #269908

No, I wasn't to be paid immediately. Their web site says the check should have gone out October 17 - that's 30 days 'late' although you are correct that it almost 60 days since the closing.

Reply by goodgirl on 11/17/08 11:57am
Msg #269900

I agree with Derek - it's worse than you "cyphered" (as Jethro would say).

I did a job for her in early summer and was paid promptly. Then she called for another one, and it was cancelled prior to closing.

Things are changing daily. This is a terrible time for all.

Reply by Luana Lonergan on 11/17/08 12:35pm
Msg #269902

Sue, even tho they pay at 30+, they do pay and I would work for them anytime. They have always been very honest with me.

Reply by sue_pa on 11/17/08 1:17pm
Msg #269907

Paying at 30+ isn't my 'problem' with them. They state on the web site that payment was to go out October 17. If they pay at 60 days or even 120 days and state that up front, that's one thing but we're 30 days past THEIR date. If their policy has changed, they should change their web site. They've had more than a week to respond to my inquiry. They sure aren't 'honest' with me because they have completely ignored me. Needless to say, I would never work for them again and my only further communication with them will be Thursday when I visit the magistrate at 8:30 a.m. unless the broker/title company are able to intervene for me.

Reply by sue_pa on 11/17/08 1:20pm
Msg #269909

see my reply to Derrek - but I do love Jethro's cyphering, especially when he's courtin' and does guzintas (5 guzintas 10 two times, 4 guzintas 20 five times)

Reply by dlcva on 11/18/08 12:31pm
Msg #269978

i work for them a lot. Never takes more then 30days to get paid. Most of the time its in 2-3wks. I have called them and always get a person or called back in 10 mins. They are up to date with me.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 11/18/08 5:29pm
Msg #270002

Guess everyone has a different story

I did a HELOC signing for them on 8/18/08, got paid 10/27/08 - not exactly the speediest payment on the block. Their reason when I contacted them? - we haven't been paid by the lender yet.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 11/18/08 6:28pm
Msg #270011

Re: Guess everyone has a different story

"we haven't been paid by the lender yet"

That is never an excuse not to pay the signing agent! So, if they never got paid by the lender then you wouldn't have been paid?

Reply by TimShafer/MI on 11/18/08 6:31pm
Msg #270013

Wow.

All I can say is that ReliaClose has done well by me for the last 4 years. Some of you people sound as if you need to get a hobby. With the way the industry is going, and the fact that ReliaClose is paying it's closers, why are you cutting off your nose to spite your face?

I have done over 1000 closings, and every company that I have done a closing for, title company or signing agent, has asked me for a tax ID number. Regardless if it was under 600 or not. It is part of the business. Get over it, and follow the rules.

Oh well. These comments are your business decisions. Since you all seem to have the luxury of choosing companies that don't file taxes and pay instantly through paypal, your posts for all signing agencies and title companies to read means more for me. Thanx!

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 11/18/08 6:59pm
Msg #270014

" Since you all seem to have the luxury of choosing companies that don't file taxes and pay instantly through paypal"

I file taxes every year for my signing agency, and I send out 1099's to all those who I have paid $600 or more for the year. I have never been asked by the IRS to provide SS#s or EIN#'s for those who do not get a 1099.

On paying, I would never pay by Paypal, but the check goes out the day after the signing agent does the signing as anyone in this forum who has done signings for me will verify. I don't wait to get paid by the title company or lender. Whether they pay me or not is not the signing agent's problem.

Reply by TimShafer/MI on 11/18/08 7:15pm
Msg #270015

You own a 'company'? Out of your basement?

What is the name of it, so I can know to be careful.

Also, why are you trolling in the comments about other companies? My dad always told to be on the lookout for businesses that put down their competition just to make themselves look good. It is usually a good indication of their own business practices.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 11/18/08 7:41pm
Msg #270018

Tim
I have been a member of this forum for several years now. The majority of members on here have known me for many years. I have a good, solid reputation.
You don't have to worry about being careful. I can assure you I won't be calling you.

I can also assure you that Reliaclose is not my competition. And my business practices are well known on this and other notary forums. I have never had a problem with finding signing agents for my signings. And they have never had a problem getting paid. The checks do go out the day after the signing.


Incidentally, "trolling for comments" - many signing services - and title companies - also read this forum.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 11/18/08 7:43pm
Msg #270019

Incidentally - I don't have a basement here in Fl. n/m

Reply by TimShafer/MI on 11/18/08 7:46pm
Msg #270021

Re: Incidentally - I don't have a basement here in Fl.

Well....you should. Your front room is probably crowded with your desk and fax machine.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 11/18/08 7:55pm
Msg #270025

Re: Incidentally - I don't have a basement here in Fl.

That is what my office is for - along with the filing cabinets, computers etc.

You really do seem to have a chip on your shoulder.

Reply by TimShafer/MI on 11/18/08 8:20pm
Msg #270030

Re: Incidentally - I don't have a basement here in Fl.

I do, Sylvia...

You decided to include yourself in my statement to Sue for no reason. So yes, I have a 'chip on my shoulder' for people like you.

Don't you have some recipes to upload or some Glamour photos to take? How do you find time to run a signing agency in between your cookie business, MySpace updates and constant web trolling?

You and Sue need to go on a date or something. You both seem to have nothing better to do but gripe and moan.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 11/18/08 8:44pm
Msg #270034

Re: Incidentally - I don't have a basement here in Fl.

" How do you find time to run a signing agency in between your cookie business, MySpace updates and constant web trolling?"

Being female I multitask quite easily. I fit them all in well between my trips to the Caribbean.

"You and Sue need to go on a date or something"

You offering sweetie pie?

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 11/18/08 8:49pm
Msg #270035

Re: Incidentally - I don't have a basement here in Fl.

Ya know Tim, I often wonder about those who just "appear" on this forum and post without a link, especially when the MI SOS has no listing for that person in their notary public database.

Reply by sue_pa on 11/18/08 7:31pm
Msg #270016

Tim, comprehension please. Read ALL the threads. The fact is that Reliaclose may pay others but they did NOT pay me on time. I waited patiently for 30 days - I do not jump immediately when not paid.

I supply my tax id number all the time also - and supplied it to ReliaClose ... they are now saying I didn't fill it in on my 'notary profile'. They are absolutely correct ... I filled NOTHING in on a notary profile. They contacted me ... I never 'signed up' with them. They stated that it is an IRS "requirement". I pointed out that they are wrong but again, it doesn't matter because they had my tax number on the fax machine they told me to fax it to. In one of these threads they say they are too busy to check the fax machine. Again, Tim, read it all and not bits and pieces.

As for your paypal comment ... I've got no idea where that came from. I have never nor would I ever accept a payment via paypal. I am content to wait for a regular billing cycle, whatever it may be. If I were that wary of a company, I'd just refuse to work for them.

Reply by TimShafer/MI on 11/18/08 7:44pm
Msg #270020

Sue...

All I was saying is that you guys seem to be over reacting. Every business does things their way. I have over 30 companies I do business with, and none of them have the same guidelines. If they needed something from you that was obviously within reason, why not comply?

Again, I don't care what you do. They obviously read posts in here from time to time, and your aggressive posts have more than likely eliminated a source of income in a time when all business is precious. From what I have read (which is all of the posts, Sue) they wanted information from you, they apparently didn't receive it, and requested it again.

So, with that.....someone from your area will thank you for the business that you probably will no longer get from them.

I like them. They do well by me and everyone else that have posted comments concerning them. I only have to worry about me and mine. Posting in here can be a blessing or a curse. Depending on your attitude. They do get monitored by both title companies and signing agencies. Just ask Sylvia!

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 11/18/08 7:49pm
Msg #270024

"All I was saying is that you guys seem to be over reacting"

I think the "over reacting" was due to the poster from Reliaclose threatening legal action against Sue for posting about her experience with them. And I would defend Sue against those threats any day of the week! (And any other member who was threatened with legal action for posting their experiences - even you, Tim)
This forum is for members to post their experiences with signing companies and title companies.

Reply by sue_pa on 11/18/08 8:00pm
Msg #270026

No Tim, that's not correct. I contacted them a week ago regarding payment. They ignored me. According to them, I didn't contact them but I know what their recorder says and at the end of the month I'll have a phone record of my calls. I have read e-mail receipts. When they ignored me, I contacted their client - yesterday. Yesterday they decided they didn't have my ein although, again, I've got a phone bill showing a 2 page fax to them the morning after closing. They told me yesterday that the faxed W-9 wasn't good enough - that they needed it entered into my notary profile - a profile I had never filled out nor seen.

You say you've got 30 clients ... not to get into a pi$$ing contest but I (truly) have a hundred or more. Your 1000 closings don't come anywhere close to my numbers. Why do I say this, because I know my job, I perform it correctly and I have no problems with collecting 99.99% of my money. Check the number of my posts where I am complaining, by name, of a company that owes me money. Think about it ... why would I do the work and then not comply with a 30-second request ... had it been made. I took the time to fax the W-9 per their instructions ... if the next sentence had said to go to the web site and add the number again because they're too busy to check the fax machine, I'd have done so.

I haven't eliminated them as a client because they never would have called me again. It was a same day order and my fee (which is my regular fee) was significantly higher than they wanted to pay.

Reply by TimShafer/MI on 11/18/08 8:25pm
Msg #270032

You showed me.

What is this? High school?

My dad can beat up your dad. That is how ignorant your statement sounds.

Who cares how many clients you 'supposedly' have? You sound like a mortgage broker waving her check around telling everyone to 'look how much money I make!'.

Usually those that brag don't have squat.

From the sounds of it, and your truly over reaction to a late $150 dollar payment, all signs point the fact that you obviously are in dire need of money now, so your statement of having 'hundreds' of clients indicates that you may be fabricating the 'facts'.

Keep chiming in. I am sure those that are reading this are getting a kick out of it.

Reply by KODI/CA on 11/18/08 10:15pm
Msg #270041

Tim, I am a newer member and do not know any of the other members. I have been monitoring the forum, and getting a substantial education, for almost 10 months. I have never seen you on this forum before. No wonder. You appear to be an idiot. Most of the members that have contributed to this thread have been around a considerable time. Sue, whom I have no idea is, has contributed a lot to my education and awareness of companies to work with, and stay away from. I respect here input. You, on the other hand, based on the above comments, appear to be a blathering idiot.

Reply by Dawn/PA on 11/19/08 8:37am
Msg #270056

Re: ReliaClose, Pickerington, OH..dont know them

but Tim, I do know Sue. I love it when she gets too busy because I often will benefit. Of course if they are her "regular" clients, I know that I wont hear from them again no matter how good of a job I do because Sue is there go to notary in this area. As far as Sylvia goes, she is a woman with integrity and a solid business sense. Both of those women have taught me plenty.

Reply by pan/nd on 11/19/08 11:06am
Msg #270067

Tim,

I don't know what your problem is...but I hope you get help for it.

You're bashing a couple of the best on this board.

If I thought they needed help defending themselves...I'd jump into the fray on their behalf.

But, they are doing fine.

You, however, are another story.

Reply by TimShafer/MI on 11/19/08 7:26pm
Msg #270095

I really don't have a problem.

The reason I don't usually post on here is because of what exactly happened.

If someone doesn't agree with any of you, you all gang up and attack. I started my post simply stating to Sue that I though she over reacted. Because I stated an opinion other than yours, all of you decided to attack.

You all have proved my point. You live in a world that you can all criticize, but if someone criticizes any of you, all hell breaks loose.

I am fine. I don't need any of your approvals. Your insults only solidify my original deduction.

Enjoy your misery, and God help the next poor soul that disagrees with any of you.

Reply by pan/nd on 11/19/08 9:12pm
Msg #270104

Tim,

Glad you really don't have a problem.

With that , I'll bow out because to do anything else would seemingly be counterproductive.