Posted by Hugh Nations Signing Agents of Austin on 5/24/10 12:54pm
Msg #337900

Today's gripe

I charge $135 for an edoc closing in Austin, including a $35 print fee. That covers a closing anywhere in the city, so sometimes I take it on the chin for distances, sometimes it's right next door, but it averages out.

Just finished a home equity closing. Usually, Texas HELOCs are smaller than a regular refinance by 10-20 pages. This packet had 21 -- that's twenty-one -- notary certifications. At $6 per certification, the notarizations themselves ran $126, leaving me 11 whole dollars for a print fee, travel fee, the time invested in getting unnotarized docs signed, and automobile expense. New client, so of course I had no idea what the complexion of the packet would be.

Much of this is just plain junk. I'm beginning to long for a benevolent housing dictatorship to impose some sanity on this business.

Reply by Notarysigner on 5/24/10 1:10pm
Msg #337907

Re: Today's counter gripe

Went to the butcher this morning (yes we still have those) got outta my vehicle and stepped on a one hundred dollar bill......didn't have one notarization. Okay not funny!

Reply by Ali/IL on 5/24/10 1:17pm
Msg #337908

Re: Today's counter gripe

I know nations. I send you a hug.

It bothers me these days how there are more and more faxbacks larger packages. I guess if I had come into this business at this time it wouldn't bother me so much.
As I am comparing it to when it was better a few years ago. Everyone is tightening at there end to survive. But, how much more can we at this end tighten?

Have a beautiful week.

Reply by Jim/AL on 5/24/10 1:47pm
Msg #337913

SWEET James n/m

Reply by MW/VA on 5/24/10 2:49pm
Msg #337928

James, it sounds like you've become a "money magnet". LOL n/m

Reply by Notarysigner on 5/24/10 3:11pm
Msg #337930

Well my wife just "de-magnetized me.." n/m

Reply by MW/VA on 5/24/10 3:14pm
Msg #337931

Yep, wives have a sixth sense to know when you've got some

money! LOL

Reply by MW/VA on 5/24/10 1:42pm
Msg #337912

If you're getting $135/signing in this market I would be thankful. IMO it always balances out, some packages have more notarizations than others.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 5/24/10 2:10pm
Msg #337919

Well, now this is a prime example of why new clients for us.

should be thoroughly questions before taking on an assignment, so that we're not taken advantage of, like I believe you were. I'd try negotiate another $50 or so out of them due the very unusual number of notarizations in that HELOC, which is NOT common at all.

Who was the lender, I'm curious?

I know when we get a call from a new company, we don't necessarily want to blow the call, especially since they're already going to be in a hurry, and some just want a yes or no answer. BUT in the end, its so worth getting your answers UPFRONT before taking the assignment. If they want to work with you, they'll take the time to answer your questions. If not, then they're probably not worth your time.