Posted by Barb25 on 11/1/10 11:49am
Msg #359181

In Home Closings

I see a post or two earlier this month where several people had not been paid but were promised payment and awaiting a check. I have joined that group. I'm wondering if anybody who was promised a check received one? And how long did it take. Thanks.

Reply by pat/WA on 11/1/10 12:05pm
Msg #359189

Yes, they have owed us for about one year now. I don't think I or you will ever receive a check

Reply by Barb25 on 11/1/10 1:04pm
Msg #359205

Well I am going to give this a couple of more days. And then I will move forward. Certainly the Attorney General should be advised as well as title company. Another example of fraud of a different kind in the industry.

Reply by Teddog/CO on 11/1/10 1:42pm
Msg #359209

Don't forget to add them to Signing Central n/m

Reply by Shelly_FL on 11/1/10 2:51pm
Msg #359223

If this SS is the same one out of Tampa FL, that is

owned by Hugh Ott, then my experience was much different from other posters. I was able to reach him by phone at 6 weeks out. I sent a follow up email with invoice and received my check 7 days later. But then I live just across the bay from him and could probably be on his door step in 30 minutes.

My policy is to "kill'm with kindness" until more drastic measures are needed. I have only given up on two agencies in 7 years who have stiffed me. Good Luck!

Reply by Barb25 on 11/1/10 6:20pm
Msg #359250

Hugh Otto In Home Closings has pushed the envelope too far

You know Shelly, I agree 100%. I don't usually get upset as I am now. I followed up by email 2 weeks ago and was told he was paid so if I send an invoice (again) he would cut a check. Didn't happen. Last week, another round of emails. He said he was writing checks. Still did not. Emailed reminder on Friday, no response. Emailed today. He responded that he was hoping to wait until he got paid but was writing checks this weeks. Guess he forgot he got paid. Following are the rounds of email and this is where we are at. This was my first signing for him.(I might add this is unusual for me) He must be selective in paying because there are others not paid.

Dear Hugh,

This is a follow up to my last email asking if my check was going out as promised week ending 10/29/10. I did not get a response. I also did not get a check. I am getting an uneasy feeling that you may not have any intention of paying me. Please let me know when you and if you will be sending this check. I might add that I did everything you requested to successfully complete this signing and faxing and returning docs to the title company. I am hoping that you sending payment as agreed.

His Response:

I WAS TRYING TO WAIT UNTIL I GOT PAID TO PAY YOU.
I WILL BE WRITING CHECKS THIS WEEK.
THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE

My response:

With all due respect, you are playing games with me. 2 weeks ago you emailed that you received payment so you could cut me a check. Last week you emailed that you were again sending out checks. Now you tell me that you were trying to wait until you paid to pay me. And again, you will be writing checks this week. I get it that money is tight. I am in the same boat. I had hopes that we could build a good and honest working relationship. This does not seem to be of interest to you. So, please just pay me. I did my job. I deserve that much.

He responded:
SO DO ALL THE REST OF MY CLOSERS

IN HOME CLOSINGS COMPANY
Hugh J. Ott
813 744 1444 "24/7"
813 837 1591 fax
[e-mail address]
2616 S. Bryant Circle
Tampa FL 33629

And Lastly:
Okay. I think you have been looking for a reason not to pay me. I have not in anyway been rude to you. I have merely reiterated to you what you have said to me. And you certainly have been giving me the run around and have not been honest with me. You have been promising money for weeks. It is going on two months since the closing. You said you were paid and were sending the check. Where is it?

As for your last email. It makes no sense to me. You tell me all of your closers need to be paid. You will get no argument from me. but what has that got to do with me and my getting paid? I can see that you don't want to be reasonable. Obviously this is a scam.

Since that is the case, it appears that I will have to look to other options to collect to try to collect my money. You leave me no choice but to contact the Title Company and lender in an effort to collect my money. I am also sending a letter of complaint to the Attorney General for Florida. I will copy you. Again, I cannot believe that you have taken issue with my wanting to get paid. I can only believe that you hired me with no intention to pay me.

Reply by Barb25 on 11/1/10 6:29pm
Msg #359252

Re: Hugh Ott, that is n/m

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 11/1/10 6:35pm
Msg #359254

Barb, you better check sunbiz.org

http://sunbiz.org/search.html

There's a company Fictitious Name "In Home Closings Ltd" - expired in 2004 - Hugh Ott is listed

There's two in corporations but Hugh Ott is not listed...

If you get lucky and find the right one - send a copy of your collection letter to their registered agent, too..

Good Luck.

Reply by Barb25 on 11/1/10 6:51pm
Msg #359257

Re: Barb, you better check sunbiz.org

Thanks. I also just got an email from Hugh Ott again. He said He is behind on paying his closers. Some for multiple jobs. Asked me again to be patient. I believe he told me to relax. I am going to try telling that to my creditors. In any event I have just asked him when I could realistically expect payment. We shall see. All I want to do is get paid.

Reply by jba/fl on 11/1/10 7:01pm
Msg #359259

Barb, get yourself to the top of the pay list

Get your letters prepared, send him a copy with a drop dead time (3 days is sufficient) and then do it if you are not paid. He is jerking you around - it is time to jerk his chain, and mean it.

Reply by Barb25 on 11/1/10 7:08pm
Msg #359263

Re: Barb, get yourself to the top of the pay list

Good advice, thanks.

Reply by DD/OR on 11/1/10 7:03pm
Msg #359260

In Home Closings is not listed in Signing Central. Barb, I hope you list them on SC as nonpaying. I don't want to work for them and I always check with SC before I take a job.

Reply by Barb25 on 11/1/10 7:07pm
Msg #359262

Will do.

Reply by jba/fl on 11/1/10 7:09pm
Msg #359264

They are listed in SC, and I just linked this thread. There are also comments in July of this year.

Don't forget Dixie to also do search with Orange search button - then you will get comments of those not showing in SC.

It really stinks that all companies are not visible to notaries in all areas of the country.

Reply by Barb25 on 11/1/10 7:24pm
Msg #359267

Why is that?

By the way, thanks for linking this thread.

Reply by Stoli on 11/1/10 8:00pm
Msg #359269

Yes, Barb, I agree. I ask for a preprinted label

One day I just lost it with them -- I heard my self scream, "I don't need you; I LOVE FedEx." They always correct the problem, but it takes too much time on the telephone. I was ashamed that I lost my temper, but it adds up to a lot of money.

Reply by Stoli on 11/1/10 8:04pm
Msg #359270

Oops, posted in wrong thread. Sorry n/m

Reply by jba/fl on 11/1/10 9:40pm
Msg #359275

By some great wisdom unknown to us, the notary community, that is the way it is. This has been discussed before so hopefully someone with a better understanding will comment.

As for the link - welcome. This just benefits us all for linking and cross referencing wherever we can. Easy to forget - I know I am as guilty as the next person, but I am trying to improve in this area since I use it all the time.

Reply by Barb25 on 11/2/10 7:55am
Msg #359293

Amen.