Posted by Jason Berger on 8/17/10 12:32pm
Msg #349316

Dressing for a Closing

A good friend of mine is a notary, who actually got me into this business. We both deal with a guy here in Jersey that tends to have issues paying us on time. In any event, he recently began wearing shorts with a nice shirt and nice shoes to closings due to the extreme heat we've been having here in Jersey. He contacted the borrowers, asked their permission prior to actually wearing the shorts, and was granted permission every time. Some borrowers, as we ALL know, refuse to use air conditioning, and it's brutal. The previously mentioned company that has a hard time paying reprimanded him for said practice of wearing shorts. His opinion is as long as he acts professional and doesn't show up in boxers and a tank top, what you wear shouldn't be the primary focus, closing the loan should. What do the rest of you feel about this?

Reply by MW/VA on 8/17/10 12:39pm
Msg #349320

IMO dress codes are for those who have no sense. I live in a resort area. I wear appropriate summer attire--crop pants & t-top. Now, I'm not talking about cut-offs & a t-shirt or flip-flops. We are going to people's home. More often than not, they're in shorts & t-shirts. IMO to overdress only serves to intimidate. I dress appropriately--business casual. We aren't part of corporate America & don't dress the part.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 8/17/10 12:42pm
Msg #349321

Don't know about NJ

Business casual (at least in FL) can include appropriate length shorts.
I don't go with real shorts, but many times with capris.
I always say to wear the same type clothing that the lender or tc would allow for in-office closings, which may or may not include short pants.

Reply by Michelle/AL on 8/17/10 12:42pm
Msg #349322

I say you have to know your audience and territory. When I got started in this business four years ago I always wore a business suit. I found that my suit sometimes intimidated some of the borrowers. I figured this out because some of them would apologize profusely for not having a tidy house or a clean chair for me to sit in. It was clear to me that I was overdressed.

Keep in mind Huntsville, Alabama is not a big city. Generally speaking the proper office attire here is business casual. I travel to rural areas on a regular basis. Sunday I was on an actual farm (hogs, chickens and goats were in the back yard).

So about two years ago I relaxed my dress code. Now instead of apologizing about their home or how they were dressed, the borrowers talk to me about other things. Personally, I would not wear shorts to an appointment where I was representing another company.

Reply by Tish/CA on 8/17/10 12:51pm
Msg #349324

Unless this company had a rep show up for the closing with your friend then the borrowers must have made some negative remarks about his attire to said company. IMO the notary must have been a bit too casual and even though it's summer we are there to witness and facilitate a business transation and should be dressed appropriately.

Reply by Jose Gutierrez on 8/17/10 12:56pm
Msg #349325

Re: Always wearing a suit even at 105 F or more.

If I have to go to an attorney's office sometimes I wear a tie, but not always.

Reply by Jason Berger on 8/17/10 1:01pm
Msg #349328

Re: Always wearing a suit even at 105 F or more.

Jose, I have a lot of respect for you doing that, I personally wouldn't be able to close half the loans I've done if I were that dressed up. In the winter it's shirt and tie for me, but in the summer, it depends on the day. Do you have an alternate profession that requires you to dress up?

Reply by Jose Gutierrez on 8/17/10 3:21pm
Msg #349364

Re: in 2003 when I did my last refi, the girl that showed up

came to my home wearing just shorts and sandals. I think she was at her pool and just grab her notary seal and left to my house. In my opinion that was very unprofessional, it was an eloan that I later on I learned that they just pay like 50 dollars. But no matter how much a signing pays I wear a suit. I feel sorry for the ladies here, that need all the make up and fix their hair, in my case I don't even have hair!! LOL.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/17/10 3:30pm
Msg #349366

I did a signing at a bank about a year and a half

ago..the first thing the LO said when he came out to meet me wasn't "hello" but "Thank God you're wearing a suit!"....my jaw fell, and he proceeded to tell me the last guy he'd been using used to show up in a tank top and flip flops...

Reply by Stephanie_CA on 8/17/10 5:17pm
Msg #349376

Re: in 2003 when I did my last refi, the girl that showed up

An easy hairstyle along with light natural make up works perfectly for me.
Stephanie

No hair - Cute comment....

Reply by Jason Berger on 8/17/10 12:59pm
Msg #349327

I agree with all of you about Florida and down south, as that matches what I've heard: some form of Khaki Short, boat shoes and a nice shirt is business casual. The other issue that I'm unsure of if whether or not the guy we walk for is making stuff up, or if the company is legitimately complaining. The guy we work for says he always gets complaints about us, but he himself isn't the most honest individual, I've learned, so I'm not sure. I haven't done as many transactions as some of you, but I've done over 150, and I can tell you, this summer has been shorts and a nice polo for me. I can't tolerate the heat, and I wouldn't be able to close the loan without wearing shorts, but I have heard no complaints about myself in that regard. I tend to agree with my friend, not because he's my friend, but because someone else mentioned the idea of being too dressed up; I don't know the, if any, proper way to handle this particular issue, so I've just been seeing as it goes. We'll see. Any further feedback would still be appreciated.

Reply by Tess on 8/17/10 1:01pm
Msg #349329

I know it’s much harder on a man to dress cooler in the summer then us women for business casual. If I were him, I would ask them if the postal service dress shorts would be appropriate for the normal middle class loans, but I would definitely wear something more appropriate for the higher class locations.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 8/17/10 1:13pm
Msg #349333

My only thought is that if he asks borrowers if it's OK if he wears shorts, what are they supposed to say? Would they really tell him "no" even if they didn't think it was appropriate? I doubt anyone would complain about it though, as long as he does look professional.

With that said, I once had a Saturday morning closing where both Mr. and Mr. Borrower were dressed in their PAJAMAS!!! I could not believe that they didn't have the courtesy to put even some sweats on before I came over. The appointment time was at their request, after all. I just pretended I didn't notice the PJ's...

Reply by Kay/IL on 8/17/10 1:18pm
Msg #349334

LOL......

I've had borrowers who were dressed in pajamas for closings. I had no problem with it.

Now if they were in their underwear..........

Reply by S Peterson on 8/17/10 1:22pm
Msg #349336

Battery powered fan works, always dress professionally n/m

Reply by CopperheadVA on 8/17/10 2:16pm
Msg #349353

Sorry, should have read Mr. and Mrs. Borrower n/m

Reply by Kay/IL on 8/17/10 1:27pm
Msg #349338

I dress in business casual for my closings. I've neither been reprimanded by a borrower nor called to the carpet by a client company for that.

As for this notary, a pair of long, khaki shorts, nice shirt and boat shoes should work without complaint especially in hot weather. Cutoff jean shorts, never.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 8/17/10 1:42pm
Msg #349344

I agree with many of the others here that it really depends on the area...

When I live in the San Fernando Valley... it was really tricky. My basic rule of thumb was that if the appointment was at a location south of Ventura Blvd, I dressed as nice as I could... because more often than not, I was walking in to mansions and I needed to dress the part. I always wore nice suits.

Everywhere else? I still dressed on the upper end of business casual.

Now that I'm out in the Mojave desert... forget it. Nobody dresses up out here, especially not for these types of things... and definitely NOT in this heat! I don't wear shorts or even capris... but I do wear casual slacks and nice tops, nothing too flashy. Definitely on the more casual side. Dressing up too much tends to freak people out. Suits? HAH!

Reply by snowflake/PA on 8/17/10 2:15pm
Msg #349351

I must be old school or perhaps it's the years of being in a law office but I always wear a skirt with a nice button down shirt or sweater. I have several blazers and suits for upper end loans. I have closed a couple 7 figure deals.

Reply by John/CT on 8/17/10 1:55pm
Msg #349346

Dressing for a Signing @ Wells Fargo Branch ...

I always wore a jacket, tie and proper slax, which placed me high on their "go to" list. Ah, too bad those days are now history.

Reply by bahama on 8/17/10 2:29pm
Msg #349355

Re: Dressing for a Signing @ Wells Fargo Branch ...

Nice linen slacks are always cool. Maybe the notary should invest in some. They also have the linen sets for men that look good. Some are long pants and some are knee length and look very nice and comfortable. IMHO

Reply by Grammyzoom on 8/17/10 2:31pm
Msg #349357

Saw this topic and have to jump in.

How we dress should depend completely on where we live, what are the temperature extremes, rural or city and are we going to an office or bank, or to McDonalds or someones home.

Here in Arizona when we have 100 - 118 degree weather 5 months in the year I would rather die than wear the suits to signings that I wore in Northern California. If I am going to an office, I must admit that a little extra jewelry and an outfit a little dressier is appropriate but if I wore a business suit to a signing in someones home they become very uncomfortable. I know this because I did this when we first moved here.

We need to consider, not just our comfort, but the comfort of the borrower. Here in AZ they are usually in bathing suits, shorts and tee shirts, and yes, pajamas! We have seen it all. I think the rule of thumb is to always be clean, well groomed (nails, hair, and beards), dressed in what is appropriate for the season and location, and what you feel most comfortable in. A notary must show confidence during their signings and being comfortable in what they wear has a lot to do with that self confidence.

I know there are a couple on AZ notaries who will disagree with me but how we dress has to ultimately be our personal decision.

Reply by Patricia/VT on 8/17/10 3:35pm
Msg #349367

Re: Saw this topic and have to jump in.

I agree with Grammy Z. I haven't worn a suit since a one of my first clients in Vermont looked me up and down and said: "You're the notary? Usually it's a farmer in overalls." That said, here in Vermont, we dress for the weather. In winter that means wool slacks, warm sweaters, warm jacket and boots. And we take the boots off when we enter (I carry a pair of deeerskin mocs in my bag). In summer, my uniform is white or beige linen pants or skirt with a black 3/4 length sleeve boat-neck top.

Reply by Stephanie_CA on 8/17/10 4:39pm
Msg #349371

Re: Saw this topic and have to jump in....Very nice... n/m

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 8/17/10 3:05pm
Msg #349361

If I wouldn't wear it to work in a title co ....

I won't wear it to do a closing, no matter what the location and no matter what the weather. Just old school, I guess.

It's not about what 'they' do, it's only about what I do. Of course B's at home are going to be dressed like they're at home, and why shouldn't they? That certainly doesn't have anything to do with what I wear to work.

As far as asking 'permission' from B's - I'm sorry, but does anyone really expect that they'd voice any opinion? People just aren't like that. More likely they'd encourage & assure and even THEN turn around and complain the minute he's out of earshot.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/17/10 3:10pm
Msg #349362

I wear jacket dresses...

Full length dress with matching short sleeve jacket; dress shoes/flats...comfy and cool but tailored and professional looking.

Heat or no heat, I would never wear t-top, capris, tanks, etc to a business appointment -I know I wouldn't because I don't. Those are not business casual IMO....these are casual - big difference. And I don't really care HOW the borrowers wish to dress (or not dress) in their home - I'm representing the lender, title company and my OWN business at that closing - the more professional I look the better for all concerned.

MHO

Reply by Stephanie_CA on 8/17/10 4:41pm
Msg #349372

Re: I wear jacket dresses...ditto Linda..... n/m

Reply by sanjqnvly on 8/17/10 11:38pm
Msg #349419

Re: I wear jacket dresses...

many 100+ days in my area I always wear slacks and a long sleeve business shirt even if we are meeting at Mickey D

Reply by Seanaidan on 8/17/10 4:09pm
Msg #349369

I have read some very good comments regarding this post. I wear what I feel like wearing. You pay me $300.00 a signing and I will wear what you want.

Cheers, enjoy your day.

Reply by SharonMN on 8/17/10 4:50pm
Msg #349374

There is no reason to wear shorts or otherwise push the envelope on the dress code. You can be just as comfortable in a lightweight pair of slacks and a short-sleeved shirt, and then you won't have to worry about breaking the rules and no one will complain.

Reply by Alice/MD on 8/17/10 6:31pm
Msg #349386

I always dress in a suit and take off my jacket when it gets too hot.

Reply by frances arnone on 8/17/10 7:40pm
Msg #349397

Is Speedy the company that gives you a hard time with payments?

Reply by LKT/CA on 8/17/10 8:10pm
Msg #349400

<<<Heat or no heat, I would never wear t-top, capris, tanks, etc to a business appointment -I know I wouldn't because I don't. Those are not business casual IMO....these are casual - big difference. And I don't really care HOW the borrowers wish to dress (or not dress) in their home - I'm representing the lender, title company and my OWN business at that closing - the more professional I look the better for all concerned.>>>

5 Star statements!! Totally agree.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 8/17/10 10:20pm
Msg #349417

Yeah... I agree. I mentioned above that I don't wear shorts/capris. IMO, Capris are NOT business casual at all.

I do dress down more than I did before... but I still wear slacks, and collared, button down blouse (3/4 sleeves) and nice shiny loafers with a buckle. That, to me, is business casual. I leave the suits and jackets for more formal events.

Again, though... region specific dress always matters, too. Business attire in Southern California is VERY different that in New York. Here in LA a pair of dressy jeans is often considered business appropriate. Not by me... but a lot of people here dress that way.

Tailored Bermuda Shorts paired with a dress shirt and jacket are considered VERY appropriate in some areas. I'm not sure why... but it is! LOL

Of course... there are plenty of professional uniforms that call for shorts... For example:

The New Zealand Navy: http://www.navy.mil.nz/know-your-navy/uniforms/srsummer/sr-summer-4w.htm

Reply by CaliNotary on 8/18/10 12:49pm
Msg #349469

"Here in LA a pair of dressy jeans is often considered business appropriate. Not by me... but a lot of people here dress that way."

I usually wear jeans to signings. I think I've gotten one comment on it in the 7 years I've been doing it. I always wear a collared shirt. In LA, this really is business appropriate attire, half the offices I walk into have people in jeans all over the place.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 8/17/10 11:42pm
Msg #349420

I have my own style, after all these years, and it blends

in with my regional demographic, like any, I would imagine; neighbors like to do business with neighbors who treat them right, are appropriately attired, and know their stuff.

I'm just not a Corporate kind of gal. For instance, when conducting a signing at Camp Vacation, after sunset, by the campfire, I don't wear stupid clothes. Weather, circumstance, and common sense about your neighbors, IMHO, dictates the day's wardrobe...

The 'shorts' "controversy" may be well-accepted in a fair-weather region, for instance...

Permit me to ask: What would ~you~ wear to a signing on a crab boat?

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 8/18/10 12:21am
Msg #349421

What would ~you~ wear to a signing on a crab boat?

For the ladies, I might suggest a
CLAWTAIL DRESS , but that might be considered SHELLFISH

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 8/18/10 12:56am
Msg #349422

Re: What would ~you~ wear to a signing on a crab boat?

Probably a life jacket!

In any case, why is the person mentioned in OP asking the borrower if it's OK to wear shorts to their signing? That is just too tacky. The very fact he asks their permission seems to indicate he's having second thoughts himself about the (mis)appropriateness of his desired attire. As far as a notary showing up at a borrower's house - or wherever the appt is - wearing shorts - gimme a break. I don't care how hot it is in Jersey or wherever ... I wouldn't want to look at anybody's bare (hairy) legs at a loan signing. Yuk. Totally unprofessional.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 8/18/10 2:54am
Msg #349425

Arrrggggg. Very punny, Bob...pery vunny. What a trip that

one was..."Dances with HairSpray," the favorite deckhand...hahahaha...what a trip.

Stamp went out to sea crabbin' for three days, Mrs brought it with her to the dentist here in town the day after the boat got back - aaakkk...no stamp=no work...

What a trip. If only I had a CLAWTAIL DRESS...she mused, shellfishly...

Reply by jba/fl on 8/18/10 8:58am
Msg #349435

A bib and a napkin. n/m

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 8/18/10 9:18am
Msg #349438

my thoughts exactly, jba! n/m