Posted by ME/NJ on 4/16/09 9:27am
Msg #285274

I may of just got burned again

I won't post the name of the SS until I speak with the owner. Here is what happened, I travel 40 miles to the closing (no problem I've worked with this company for years) As soon as I reach the door the borrower says sorry for wasting your time.

We sit down, did you contact your LO - of course he did, the LO has not replied to hime in 2 days. He has issues he needs resolved so we call the TC, there not much help because they did not broker the deal. BTW the lock in rate expires on funding date so the jam him. (I guess companies are so busy that loans being pushed are on lock-in exp dates. Now I'm there 30 minutes, thats ok lets see if we can get matters resolved @ the table.. NOPE

I call the SS to let them know what has happened, We don't pay a trip fee unless it is a re-sign(that is not going to happen with this borrower and I let them know it) The employee says to me "thats why I only do signings close to my home" WHATTTTTTT I was so POed I hung up on her.

This company paid trip fee's in the past Now nothing.. This all could of been avoided if

1. LO called or emailed Borrower
2. Borrower could of called me and said no go
3. Policy on trip fee on confirm

I will go after all companies now since trip fee policy in not in place and I provided a service. Plus I will go after full fees now and press theft of service charges after 30 days.

Reply by LisaWI on 4/16/09 9:31am
Msg #285275

Question.....

Do you call to confirm appts with borrowers?

Reply by ME/NJ on 4/16/09 9:32am
Msg #285276

of course I did..left message on voice mail and never heard n/m

Reply by LisaWI on 4/16/09 9:40am
Msg #285278

I know what you mean......

Sometimes I have to call 2 or 3 times before anyone returns my call. Its aggrevating to say the least.

I try my best to let comps know the importance of reaching the borrower before signing day. But sometimes, it just doesnt work out that way.

This company should be understanding to the fact you spent valuable time with the borrower to try and resolve any issues.

Good Luck Mike and let us know how it turns out.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 4/16/09 12:36pm
Msg #285321

Re: of course I did..left message on voice mail and never heard

Here's a prime example of why I won't go unless I speak with them....you were lucky they were even there - they could have been out of town for two weeks. If I can't make contact and speak with the borrowers before I leave I just don't go unless the company guarantees me in writing that they pay me a trip/print fee. I don't buy into that "just go, they're expecting you" philosphy..

MHO

Reply by GY_CT on 4/16/09 9:56am
Msg #285280


Sorry, man, but you did get burned on this one, all the way around the horn, too --from SS, to LO, to TC, to BO. You'll smolder for awhile, but, if it's any cold comfort, it happens to everyone. I had one very similar one once. Forty miles and just as I arrived the bo was leaving. "Oh, we had to cancel that." Nobody bothered to call me. Nobody. And I had just printed 200+ pages of docs.

The only thing you might have done wrong is not being aggressive enough in contacting the bo. One try and a voice message is not enough. Only the most responsible people will bother to call you back anyway. Yet even if you had made personal contact, the same scenario could have played itself out. It's a pitfall of this work and it always stings.

Reply by Sandra Clark on 4/16/09 10:32am
Msg #285283

We all learn from our mistakes. I too travel rural areas but would never go to any appointment until I had confirmed w/borrower - never. I make it clear to the hiring companies that unless I get phone numbers, directions and contact with the borrower I don't go unless they are willing to pay full fee and send me a confirmation to that effect. Thankfully this has only happened twice in 3 years.

Reply by HrdwrkrVA on 4/16/09 11:16am
Msg #285289

I too have to PULL TEETH sometimes to get a phone#!!! I always get"...oh, the LO already confirmed - just go - he's expecting you". What if you can't find the place??? this happens in urban/suburban ares as well as rural!

I tell them I have a FIRM policy of not PRINTING docs until I have spoken w/ BO (forget actually going there!).

Once or twice, the BOs changed their minds (& didn't call me to cancel) - they called the LO & I guess he was just hoping if someone showed up on their doorstep, they'd just go ahead & sign anyway.

Sometimes I think the BOs have been wavering or the Lo didn't quite seal the deal & is actually trying to use the Notary to close (the sale) - that's not our job & it's a waste of our time! Luckily, this has only every blue moon!

Reply by jojo_MN on 4/16/09 11:56am
Msg #285309

I always charge full fee regardless if the docs are signed, not signed, or cancelled before or after signing.

I also travel to very rural areas. Many times, I've gone to borrowers' homes that did not return phone calls because they don't have long distance phone service (usually due to non-payment in the past for long distance calls). Sometimes, they just don't return the call because "they forgot" or "would only return the call if there was a problem with the closing time".

Unless I am specifically told by the hiring entity not to go unlesss contact was made, I always go.

Reply by HrdwrkrVA on 4/16/09 12:13pm
Msg #285313

I see your point, but charging full fee & actually getting it can be two VERY different things! You how the SSs (especially) try to nickel & dime us!

Reply by lindetteh_PA on 4/16/09 12:37pm
Msg #285322

This is the reason I no longer print the docs until I speak with the Bo and go over what funds I need to collect or what they are due. I have had ss who don't pay if the closing doesn't take place want me to just show up and I tell them due to your company policy I have to take as many precautions as I can not to loose money. If they try to insist I decline the appointment all together. I think it's crazy and selfish of SS and TC who want the Notary to assume all the risk.

Reply by HrdwrkrVA on 4/16/09 4:51pm
Msg #285400

They think is some kinda hobby for us!! This just as much a business for us as it is for them!!
I tell them I understand you have your company policy that you adhere to & I have mine!

Reply by Gary_CA on 4/16/09 2:17pm
Msg #285358

Yep you got burned, wouln't be the last time.

You did what you should...I would have printed and gone too most likely.

It sucks, it happens.

Get your girl to kiss the owie and draw a smiley on the band aid... it'll heal quick enough.

Reply by ChristineHI on 4/16/09 2:41pm
Msg #285372

I also NEVER go to a signing until I speak with the borrower. I also don't print until I do so as well. If the signing company insisted that I do so, I would get in writing that I will get the full fee even if the borrowers are not there and do not sign.
I also will always try and get more than just one phone number for contacts. Just a home number is not good enough in most cases. Many people don't check their home messages. I always want a cell number and a work number, if they are allowed calls at work.
I have always been able to reach a borrower eventually, somehow, with persistence.
To me, that is a very important step in the process.
Also, some borrowers are very mistrusting these days. Sometimes I will even email the docs to the borrower to review as well before I print when they seem especially hesitant. Then they can review them in privacy before I get there. That has helped a lot as well.
I am sorry this happened to you. The signing company should pay you though, at least a trip fee, but many don't.
Good luck. :-)

Reply by Todd/OH on 4/16/09 6:15pm
Msg #285405

I remember taking a signing with the signing company instructing me NOT to make contact with the BO - "They will be there", so I was told. I politely explained that I operate with confirmations and nothing less. In a few cases, I've had to call several times to get somebody to answer.