Posted by CJ/Alaska on 9/30/08 9:05pm
Msg #265930

First American Signature Services, Santa Ana

I got a call outta the blue from them today. They wanted to send me their Hire packet... they are looking for notaries in my area.. I told them, Sure, send it to me and I will look at it.. The man asked me, "Do you know who First American Title IS?" - I guess when I said I would look at it, they assumed I would jump all over it.. I assured him that when I worked in Commercial Lending, that I would often order my own Prelims thru 1stAm and knew the company quite well.. He said "GREAT! So youre just the kind of person we're looking for!"
Soo, I get the packet... They pay $50 for a mortgage, with $25 for e-docs and $25 if its a 1st and a 2nd piggyback.. So, for a 1st & 2nd WITH eDocs would be $125?? Holy Cow..
I emailed them back and told them I had higher hopes coming from 1st American, considering these deals would be handled "In House" - they are still operating like all the other Signing Services that beg us to do them 'favors..'
Fortunately I am in the position that I can turn these down, and I feel sorry for those who do all these jobs for peanuts.. (because they have to..)
Sounds like its time to let all my memberships expire and go to work at Target LOL
At least then I wont have to Dress Up!

Reply by Pat/IL on 9/30/08 9:16pm
Msg #265931

First American outsources so much of their functions to India, I suppose they think that's pretty good compensation for your time and effort. The will almost certainly be the first to figure out how to conduct closings from New Delhi, too.

No, I'm not bitter. Just a title rep trying to make a living in the U.S.A.

Reply by Hugh Nations Signing Agents of Austin on 10/1/08 12:30am
Msg #265946

First American varies greatly from office to office.

Received a call Monday from a First Am office out West for a signing that day. Out of state property sale, one signer, no explanations necessary because husband was handling everything with the title company, signing right down the street from me, only two notarizations, small packet (for once, the TC definition of "small packet" and mine coincided. They quoted $125 up front, without even waiting to hear from me.

I didn't quibble. Other FirstAm offices have tried the $50-60 route; when they do, I quote my standard fee, which is a bit above the $125. Sometimes they cough it up, sometimes it's the "I'll need to check with my supervisor on that" routine.

Reply by Les_CO on 10/1/08 10:02am
Msg #265968

FASS has been a $50 company for years. In the past many First American offices would not use use their own in house SS because of the poor quality work, they would schedule notaries directly. But in todays dwindling market who knows? I personally have not had a call from any First American office in some time, and I won't work for FASS.

Reply by Yoli/CA on 10/1/08 12:03pm
Msg #265990

Interesting note: I emailed FASS last year inquiring about registering with them. They respond, "do not need independent in Northern California at this time. Contact again in 6 months." Just emailed them again last week and received the same response except to say 12 months instead of 6. In the recent past, I've done signings for s/s for First American Title in San Francisco and that s/s receives $250 for a simple refi. They just seem to be all over the place.

Reply by Sandra Clark on 10/2/08 2:21pm
Msg #266111

I have done a fair number of closings for FASS and at no time have I ever heard of these fees you are quoting. They have always met my fees which are not cheap, been great to work with, the gals know their business and have been paid in a very timely manner, usually within 3-4 weeks. Have not had to call for payment. I will take all I can get from them.