Posted by jba/fl on 2/16/11 4:39pm
Msg #373044

Oh, it's just a small package

A cash purchase, bunch of fax backs, $75. It's close - we pay $75? no - I charge $xxx. Let me see.......and you all, of course, know the rest.

It is not "just a".

I'm going to finish cooking and enjoy my meal with no interruptions.

Reply by Ilene C. Seidel on 2/16/11 5:40pm
Msg #373050

I completely understand. I had a "buyer side only" today so took a refi fee. Never again this is the second time I did this and it took as long as if the seller were there too. Just not worth it.
As if I didn't learn from the 1st buyer side only pkg. The title company doesn't have their ducks in a row and everything is a ordeal.

Reply by Kenny Services - Dawn on 2/16/11 7:44pm
Msg #373054

I did a refi today. I was told it was a simple cut and dry refi also not a "big" package, I accepted $90 since in was only miles from my house. Yeah, sure! got the package 152 pages plus of course had to print borrower copies. If that was not bad enough the borrower's wife (God Bless her) was handicapped, really sweet lady but omg! it took 5 minutes for her to sign each signature, and she was a non stop taker! I was patient, kept a smile on my face but was begging and praying inside my head for it to please be over! 3 HOURS later I could not get in my car quick enough and there was not enough tylenol in the bottle to stop the headache i had. Shouldnt their be a law against this???????? like we should be able to charge for extra time or something!

Reply by Alz on 2/16/11 7:59pm
Msg #373055

That's why I never negotiate my fees. Things are never

what they state it to be. I had a call last night with a new client who wanted to negotiate. I asked all the pertinent questions and was told that the package was 120 pages, afterwhich I stood my ground and they conceded to pay my fee. As it turns out, the package was actually 156 pages.

Reply by Claudine Osborne on 2/16/11 8:21pm
Msg #373056

Re: That's why I never negotiate my fees. Things are never

Got a call yesterday..Cash purchase small package..yes I know they are..We only pay $50. Gave them my fee they agreed..Well I never got a confirmation and when I called today..I was told it was assigned to someone else..most likely for $50.00..

Reply by Larry/IL on 2/16/11 9:03pm
Msg #373062

Posting without mentioning the company.

I see lots of posts about bad or unprofessional experiences with no mention of the company name. If company names were mentioned about their unprofessional and impersonal tactics, I believe it might help to change some of them when NSAs refused work to work for these companies. A post without company info is nothing more than whining and useless in my opinion. I do understand opinions do not always count for anything.

Reply by JulieD/KS on 2/16/11 9:29pm
Msg #373063

Re: Posting without mentioning the company.

There is nothing wrong with them offering low-ball fees. There's no reason to badmouth a company just because they are cheap. Now, if they are cheap...and fail to pay, then we start naming names. But, just being cheap is not a reason to come on here and name names.

As far as lowball fees, that's a horse I'll never ride again. It's just not worth it.

Reply by Kenny Services - Dawn on 2/16/11 10:23pm
Msg #373066

Re: Posting without mentioning the company.

I agree with Julie. Never once occurred to me to name names, as for me I was just venting to peers because all of you know the plus's and the negative's of this job, and for every 10 i get, i may end up with one thats is not so perfect, but i still love it.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 2/17/11 12:17am
Msg #373068

Re: Posting without mentioning the company.

I understand your point, but offering low fees is not a crime. Every company, whatever the industry, is going to try to get the best price they can. As an independent contractor, you have 3 options - accept, reject, or negotiate. There's really no need to name the companies that are offering low fees - everyone they call will find this out quickly enough.

Companies that don't pay are another story altogether. They should be named, loudly and constantly, so that those in this community don't get screwed the same way. These lowlifes will always be able to find new lambs to fleece, but it shouldn't be from our ranks....

Reply by Cari on 2/17/11 5:15am
Msg #373080

Disagree Mike...companies that offer these low ball fees

NEED to be named because no NOT everyone will know if the fee they are offering is a low ball especially if they are a newbie. THAT'S the problem. If we all do not provide the company information, just a name at the very least, then how is everyone going to truly benefit from this site?

Newbies are the ones most vulnerable, and are often times taken advantage of. And I believe that because they and others who are scared and will take whatever bones are thrown at them, is one of the reasons why these low ball fees are booming!

Name these low ball companies. What's really the harm? They don't call you anymore? Well isn't that preferred by most? If a rep responds, then GOOD, don't we want them to explain why they offer 30% to 50% BELOW what most consider industry norm?

I sure would LOVE to hear the lame excuses. What about asking WHY they schedule with one closer, just to shop around to find the lowest bidder?

I say OUST the low ballers...no harm no foul...

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 2/17/11 11:37am
Msg #373132

I agree, Cari. Name and rate them for all to see.

And companies that "accept" someone's fees and then continue to shop around should not only be named but,IMO, rated as well (I use a 1 star for that type of stuff personally). That IS your interaction and experience with that company although some may say that they should not be rated because you haven't "worked" with them. Well, that's their fault isn't?

They accepted your counteroffer then disregard and disrespected you by trying to tie up your time with no intention of hiring you unless they could not find someone to accept their low ball fee. It is unprofessional at the very least, IMO. Naming and rating them helps everyone.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 2/18/11 12:31am
Msg #373270

Re: Disagree Mike...companies that offer these low ball fees

I have to disagree with your thinking here.

Most of the newbies who would accept these low fees don't know any better and are NOT here on NotRot. Those who are and are paying attention quickly learn what "low ball" means, and will know not to accept those fees - unless they're just in it for beer money, in which case they'll take anything they can get.

Secondly, providing a list of low-ball companies is nothing more than preaching to the choir. We all KNOW what a low fee is; some will take it anyway, just out of desperation. I don't see the point of naming these companies - you'll find out as soon as they call, and you'll make your decision whether or not to accept what they offer, or possibly negotiate a higher fee. Naming them here is not going to drive them out of business or drive up the fees they offer, and quite frankly it just adds to the noise.

We've seen messages here constantly about how you can't make a profit taking a $50 signing, and yet people here still do that. What would be the point of saying "This company only offers $50 for a signing"? If anything, it will give those desperate for work (and unable to figure out what a profit margin is) a list of companies they can work for. I would rather know about the companies that don't pay - those are the real problem.

Finally, if there actually IS an "industry norm" today, it's in the range that the low-ball companies are offering. That's the current reality, like it or not, and you can thank a certain notary association for that... If you want to charge A, and 60%- 70% of the companies calling to offer you work are only willing to pay B, which amount is closer to the "norm"? Granted, there are those who have worked hard at marketing themselves and established relationships with clients who are willing to pay the higher fees, but that is not the "norm" for the rest of us.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 2/17/11 5:07am
Msg #373079

AGREE WITH LARRY 100%...transparency folks....! n/m

Reply by PA_Notary_II on 2/17/11 7:55am
Msg #373091

Re: That's why I never negotiate my fees. I agree....

I had an REO cash deal last week with a single signer, listing agent and selling agent. Took 15 minutes with faxbacks. My fee is $150 for ALL purchases period. The only exception is an additional charge if there is a second mortgage involved.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 2/17/11 12:20pm
Msg #373144

Sorry Pa_Notary, but it appears your post is off topic....? n/m

Reply by Susan Fischer on 2/17/11 2:26am
Msg #373075

And some go zoomzoomzoom. Complaining that the

borrowers weren't fast and able enough for your "patience" "...begging and praying inside my head for it to please be over!" Oh, dear.

Plus, you want a law that compensates you for having to "deal" with the disabled? Do you think that really sweet lady, who had the misfortune to take up so much of your time, doesn't do that every day?

Oh, dear. Alas and alack. One wonders why someone would think her time is worth so much more than a disabled person's time.

Reply by Cari on 2/17/11 5:18am
Msg #373081

Excellent point Susan... n/m

Reply by janCA on 2/17/11 9:55am
Msg #373112

A problem I see time and time again.

When someone calls an NSA for an assignment and states it's in your neighborhood or it's only a mile from you, or whatever the distance. I make it simple. This is what I charge within my city limits, no matter where the borrower is located. They could be right next door or they could be 10 miles away. I charge the same. The travel fee kicks in when I have to go out of a 15 mile radius from my home. That's usually freeway traffic.

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 2/17/11 2:15pm
Msg #373167

Re: A problem I see time and time again.

Same here. Depending upon the type of the signing, one price for regular sized doc package and certain area. Extra charge for fax backs, late night, weekends, holidays, etc.

Reply by ikando on 2/17/11 3:44pm
Msg #373189

Re: A problem I see time and time again.

But then you have companies who say, "We have you at $xxx in our records." Doesn't matter that the one (1) job you did for them was within your area, and this one is 40 miles one way.

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 2/17/11 11:44am
Msg #373134

I don't think they were complaining about the borrowers.

I took it to be complaining about the non-disclosure of material information from the hiring company. What if they had booked another appointment after that one and because of the larger package and the longer than normal time the signing took because of the situation, they were late to the other scheduled appointment? They, the NSA, would look like the incompetent party for being late to the second appointment. With the information up front, they would have the information available to set aside enough time as well as charging what they felt was an appropriate fee.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 2/17/11 1:16pm
Msg #373153

Those were not the facts presented, MM. It was a

complaint about a disabled signer taking "5 minutes" to accomplish each signature.

If a signing turns out to have a time issue, a prepared NSA would communicate and juggle and otherwise work to accomodate later appointments - or conversely, return later so as not to rush the disabled borrower.

jmho.

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 2/17/11 2:12pm
Msg #373166

Re: Those were not the facts presented, MM. It was a

I would never suggest that a disabled person be "rushed". I took the post, as it was in reply to another about package sizes being larger than was told and other non-disclosed issues so the lower fee appeared to be more "appropriate", to be one telling of issues that if they were disclosed the SA would have been better prepared. Not to mention, refused the lower fee.

We've all had signings that have taken longer for one reason or another. And as professionals we deal with them. It's when a supposed 60 pg file is actually 187pgs that causes problems that are avoidable.

Looking back at the post, I can understand how it might have been viewed the way you saw it as well. I just had a different take on it I guess.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 2/17/11 3:45pm
Msg #373190

Re: Those were not the facts presented, MM. It was a

<<If that was not bad enough the borrower's wife (God Bless her) was handicapped, really sweet lady but omg! it took 5 minutes for her to sign each signature, and she was a non stop taker! I was patient, kept a smile on my face but was begging and praying inside my head for it to please be over! 3 HOURS later I could not get in my car quick enough and there was not enough tylenol in the bottle to stop the headache i had.>>

Seriously, I think that the above could've been omitted from her reply to the OP, as she made her point with the first half of it. This little piece shows her lack of professionalism IMO...whiney complaint about a disabled person for heaven sakes!

Reply by jba/fl on 2/17/11 4:43pm
Msg #373202

Did we overlook: and she was a non stop taker!

That is probably more the reason it took so long for her to sign.

I find it hard to believe that others have not inwardly groaned when someone bought the farm for the price of the house alone.

Reply by jba/fl on 2/17/11 4:45pm
Msg #373203

should be "talker" n/m

Reply by linda/ca on 2/18/11 1:45am
Msg #373274

Re: Did we overlook: and she was a non stop taker!

I agree Jba and MM, I don't understand why the notary was attacked! Makes no sense as she was stating a fact; and very nicely. It doesn't matter why or who was signing, she was not happy about having to take (3) hours for the closing! It's her right ! It's her time!

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 2/17/11 10:53pm
Msg #373263

I do agree that it could have either been left out or stated

differently.

Seriously though, who among us hasn't had a "talker" that we have attempted to find a nice way to let them know that we "gotta go". LOL

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 2/19/11 3:40am
Msg #373389

talker - yes - plenty...but I'd hold my tongue if she was

in any way disabled, especially on this site.