Posted by GOLDGIRL/CA on 4/8/11 5:45pm
Msg #379209

When you go to a loan signing.....

and after everything's done, the borrower pulls out an unrelated doc for you to notarize (as long as you're there)...do you charge them (they already know this is supposed to cost them) - or do you just do it cos the LO and Realtor are also there, staring at you.... or you just do it cos .... you're already there ...?

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 4/8/11 5:49pm
Msg #379210

I wrap up the loan signing portion completely then

accommodate them....as they said, I'm there...WITH my business cards, a smile on my face and a song in my heart...<<wink wink>>...

Reply by Karla/WA on 4/8/11 5:54pm
Msg #379211

Re: I wrap up the loan signing portion completely then

I have to say... I will notarize a document they have (for free).....however, it's there are witnesses needed/or much time involved, I would ask for a fee. In the occasions when this has happened, the borrowers always wanted me to accept payment. I would not charge them if it's just one signature/no witnesses.

Reply by James Dawson on 4/8/11 6:16pm
Msg #379212

I always complete the signing work first. A few times I was asked in advance if I would/could do it and always replied, yes, afterward. I charge the standard fee just for their signatures. I have also had them call me the following day and ask if I could do something else for them and I also accommodate that if time permits. If feel they will remember me in the future and also give me a referral or two.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 4/8/11 6:58pm
Msg #379219

I've done the same thing, James. Most people I meet with consider it a convenience for them and don't expect to get something for nothing. However, whether or not I charge them depends on several variables.

One factor is the client: if I'm hired directly by a tc and I'm being well paid for it, it's a probable freebie, but if it's for a ss that just barely meets my fee, all bets are off. I pretty much decide on a case by case basis. Other factors that come into play are: how big is the package, how many notarizations did I have to do, how long did it take (I'm also most likely to charge readers... ), and how far did I have to drive. Anything they pay you for that extra work is pure profit and can turn a marginally worth it assignment into a well worth it one (depending on what fees you're allowed to charge in your state).

One last thing: It's also about how much you value yourself and the service you provide. I find that the ones least likely to try to get a freebie are people who are also in business for themselves or who own a business. They respect other people's efforts to make a living and to get paid for their work!

Reply by JulieD/KS on 4/8/11 7:57pm
Msg #379224

Yes, I'm generally happy to notarize a document for them...since I'm there anyway. I always leave my business card, too.

Reply by LKT/CA on 4/8/11 6:56pm
Msg #379218

I'd notarize for one document as a courtesy. More than one, I'd charge the standard fee.

Reply by Linda Juenger on 4/8/11 6:59pm
Msg #379220

I always do it for them. In IL we can only chg a whopping $1, so its really not worth even asking for.

Reply by LeeH/IN on 4/8/11 9:07pm
Msg #379240

And I thought IN with $2 was bad. Guess we're not expected to make a living at being a public servant.

Reply by Matham on 4/8/11 7:35pm
Msg #379221

Doesn't California notary Law require the Notary to answer any request for notarization unless it is extenuating circumcstances - i.e., they ask you to break State Law, they are unable to communicate clearly, they are being coerced, they communicate to you in a different language, etc - you are a public servant of the State, and as such, you should comply with the request?

Reply by Lee/AR on 4/8/11 7:58pm
Msg #379225

The question was....do you charge for the notarization? I would say yes, you should charge--it's a service--just like the one you just completed. But, in most cases, it's not going to make a big $$ difference to you, so charging is a 'depends on circumstances' thing.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 4/8/11 9:13pm
Msg #379241

Yes, and the CA law specifically includes the requester paying the appropriate fee - which is $10 per signature here.

Reply by LKT/CA on 4/8/11 9:23pm
Msg #379242

<<<Doesn't California notary Law require the Notary to answer any request for notarization unless it is extenuating circumcstances - i.e., they ask you to break State Law, they are unable to communicate clearly, they are being coerced, they communicate to you in a different language, etc - you are a public servant of the State, and as such, you should comply with the request?>>>

There are three things a CA notary is NOT required to do: 1) Travel to the customer.......2) Notarize for free.....................the handbook does list a few exceptions where the Notary cannot charge any fee.....3) Notarize in hostile and/or unsafe circumstances (i.e. multiple signers that start bickering and fighting).

Part of a lawful request is that the customer has the fee that the Notary is charging - $0 - $10

If the Notary is charging a fee and the customer does not have it, the meeting can be postponed until such time as the customer can pay the fee.

Reply by Claudine Osborne on 4/8/11 9:30pm
Msg #379243

I would finish up the closing..then I happily notarize their document. How long can this take, Im already there and they essentially are already paying for my services..Plus its 2.00 per notarization in Ohio..Hardly worth it!
I always leave a business card attached to their copies of the loan package. I have had many people call because I left my card..

Reply by Alz on 4/8/11 11:15pm
Msg #379266

It depends. "There I go again". Each appt is different. CBC n/m