Posted by Hailswath on 2/7/10 8:40am
Msg #321760

Title Company lost check

I had title company call the other day asking if I had enclosed the funds due check with the package. I explained the check was enclosed with the loan package. This was 8 days after the closing and 5 days after the disbursement date. Then 2 days later another person called and wanted to know if I had gotten a check from the borrower at the closing. She seemed a little upset when she realized that it had taken so long for someone to contact me about the missing check. Any idea what the next step should be from me or the title company? I have never had a missing check before. This is first time I have been used by this title company and it was end of month last moment closing.

Reply by Lee/AR on 2/7/10 9:24am
Msg #321764

You have no 'next step'. It's out of your hands and their problem now.

Reply by jba/fl on 2/7/10 9:34am
Msg #321765

Many are going to post now wanting to know how you handled it, did you staple, did you put in envelop, did you notify them, blah, blah, blah....
but...
Lee is right. This is not your problem. They can get the check number from the BO who has the receipt and then determine if said check has been cashed, or lost. It is in their hands entirely. You did right...let it go.

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/7/10 10:07am
Msg #321774

I had that happen once. Now I always have BWR write escrow # on check and put the check in shipping envelope I've already prepared. Then I seal the package in their presence and take it to a shipping center and get a receipt. Out of my hands. Let it go as suggested and always get a receipt. IMO

Reply by Cari on 2/7/10 1:21pm
Msg #321805

curious, how many times do you check ur package at the table

Notarysigner? I never close my package up until I've quadrupled checked the packet at the shipping center....call me paranoid, but I check the package, twice before I leave the table, for any missing sigs, then twice at the shipping place....

I do make sure I bring extra mailing envelopes, sometimes brightly colored, so no one misses the fact that there's a bright pink envelope in with the packet with the words...CHECK IN HERE, on it.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/7/10 1:49pm
Msg #321812

I know this was directed to James, but what I do is

I double check the docs as we go through them, then check the package again at the end....staple check if required....then package gets sealed in shipping evelope right in front of the borrowers - they then see that signed docs, with copy of ID (and check if applicable) is sealed and good to go - I've also had them ask "what happens to the package" so they're told where it will be dropped and when..

My .02

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/7/10 1:55pm
Msg #321813

Once...if you know how to do it right why do it wrong?

.....In my previous career, I had to read a lot of technical manuals involving installation of very expensive equipment. There was no room for error if you wanted to keep your job. You're there, the borrowers are there, everyone usually works towards a successful outcome. Sometimes the borrower is in a hurry so I ask them if they would like me to come back to correct an error we made as a result of rushing? We work together and get the job done. I don't want my face to show up in their nightmare about those documents so I stay focused.

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 2/8/10 5:13am
Msg #321880

=) Agree, James!

It's all really in how much you trust yourself! Like you, I came from years of 'no margin for error, or no job' training. I have a strict protocol, I follow it like a religion - I control each & every page of every signing, absolute & unconditional.

Checks - I never use staples on ANYTHING, saw too many things shredded by the copier/scanner on the other end. I use a #10 envelope marked "FUNDS" and placed on top of the pkg, in a binder-clip. Even this isn't fool-proof; once had T/C misplace the check (they did find it eventually), it happens no matter WHAT you do. All the more reason to have a strict protocol and NEVER sway from it, then you never have to doubt yourSELF.

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 2/7/10 9:35am
Msg #321766

I always staple the check to HUD in front of borrower. n/m

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/7/10 9:37am
Msg #321769

Yep..AND get a copy of that HUD with the check stapled to it

for my own records...

Reply by Maranga Ink Resources on 2/7/10 9:58am
Msg #321772

BO check info

included in your fax back or their web site reporting closing.
Making a copy is a good idea.

Reply by OR on 2/7/10 1:27pm
Msg #321807

Re: BO check...OH NO I am sorry... I too always..

I am so so sorry this happened too you. I am sure it can be fixed but what a mess to clean up. Good luck. I too "always" staple the check to the "signature page" of the HUD. Holes are proof that something was attached. I think that if it is attached to a signature page and the check gets lost someone can't just replace page with one with out holes. I also make a photo copy of the check stapled to the hud signature page and leave it with the borrowers. That is why I carry a photo copy machine in my car. I think I got this from another poster here on the Not. Rot from NY I think.

Reply by LKT/CA on 2/7/10 2:09pm
Msg #321814

I never staple funds due check...

I make sure the borrowers are watching me while I take out a bright neon colored envelope from my case, write "FUNDS" across the envelope with dollar signs, place check in the neon envelope and staple that (across the top) to a junk sheet (like the notary instruction sheet or even a blank sheet). This is on top of the stack - stack is binder clipped and placed in a 10 x 15 clasp envelope. Then that is placed in the FedEx or UPS enveloped.

Bright yellow neon "need sunglasses or risk blindness" envelope is the first thing TC sees when the package is open. TC must "work" to get check. Therefore, no calls to me asking if I enclosed funds due.

Reply by Notarysigner on 2/7/10 2:15pm
Msg #321815

Re: I never staple funds due check...

I like that Lisa...reaching out. Like I include the borrowers (I give them the option) on the email notifications for the Documents I ship so they know what's going on too.

Reply by Ronnie_WA on 2/8/10 12:21pm
Msg #321921

I just had the same thing happen with a major title co. Fortunately, I stapled the check over the signature area of the HUD in front of the borrower and make a statement to ensure the bwr remembers I do this. The title companies can't produce a HUD without staple marks evidencing the check was present. Never heard another peep!