Posted by Claudine Osborne on 10/27/11 9:56pm
Msg #401998

Angry wife..

Had a signing tonight and the wife was very angry..Her name is not on title and she wanted to know why she had to sign documents? I explained to her that Ohio is a dower state spouses have to sign certain docs.

She was very sarcastic and said yes I know that..As she throws her ID on the table in front of me..She was very nasty to her husband and you could tell he was mortified! I asked them if they wanted me to go outside while they talked..Nope they wanted me there. I asked her several times if she wanted to sign..She said No, then yes..Eventually she did sign..and threw the few documents she did have to sign at me! Wow..I felt so bad for that man..and I was very uncomfortable and almost got up to leave..But I am a professional and stuck it out..but Wow..How can people be so darn nasty?

Thank goodness this only happens once in a blue moon!

Reply by Buddy Young on 10/27/11 10:05pm
Msg #401999

Yea, it's nice that those don't happen very often.

I had a signing once where the husband had been a notary in the past.

I gave them their copies of the documents first and he kept going ahead of me and advising his wife, "you don't have to sign that one" then "its ok to sign the next one"

I finally said " please let me do my job, please"


Every thing went fine after that, he kept his mouth shut, and was even pleasant after that.

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 10/27/11 10:06pm
Msg #402000

Angry Husband....

He cursed at me because this was the second time a notary had been to his house and the docs were still wrong! Wife was mortified.

I was also once threatened with bodily harm by a boyfriend of a borrower. It was a title loan. Before I could disburse the money I had to make sure that certain docs were sent to the loan co. Woman said she could sign and wait for the money till I could confirm that those docs were received. I got to the house and BF demanded "HIS MONEY". (It was her car.) My whole life flashed before my eyes as he threatened me. I ran out of there as fast as my little legs would carry me. Got to my car, locked the door and called 911.
Officer arrived and threatened the guy with handcuffs if he did not behave. Apparently, the Gilbert PD must have been called there before. I left as soon as the officer gave me the OK.

Reply by 101livescan on 10/27/11 10:08pm
Msg #402002

I had one of those today...wife of a UCSB professor. Just plain mean and rude. I saw her get into a $60K Audi after the signing, and I thought, nice clothes, nice address, nice vehicle, stature of being married to an esteemed UNIVERSITY professor, got a 3.25 interest rate for 15 years, but completely void of good manners, class or kindness. So F her. Sorry, when the big tsunami hits, she will be without a paddle to survive.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 10/28/11 6:45am
Msg #402039

Sounds like she could be on one of the "housewives" shows... n/m

Reply by HisHughness on 10/27/11 10:11pm
Msg #402005

My personal experience is that "angry wife" is redundant, much like "luxury yacht," "Jewish rabbi," or "lippy teenager."

Reply by NJDiva on 10/27/11 10:14pm
Msg #402006

lol...very funny Cheryl! n/m

Reply by TacomaBoy on 10/27/11 11:25pm
Msg #402018

Angry husband . . .

Holy Cow! I could have written your post based upon the signing I had last night! I almost walked out of the signing appointment several times!

The (NBS) husband was having a very bad night, as his long haul truck developed mechanical problems which will cost him valuable time and serious $$$ in repairs, so he probably resented being at the meeting. Perhaps, that set me up to be his whipping boy? He was extremely angry, belligerent and argumentative during the entire 2 1/2 hour appointment. Anyway, he threw out
all sorts of very demeaning and ugly comments as well as uncalled-for @*&%# during the signing appointment.

Then the signing appointment turned really ugly! After signing all of the NBS doc's I looked at
this guy and said that he could leave the signing appointment if he wanted to go work on his truck, because the rest of the papers only involved his wife's mortgage loan. Well, this was a mixed race couple, which complicated my life even more. He said to me, "it's just like a white
man to try to tell a black man what to do!".

I took his comment very personally as I have many valued friendships and acquaintances of varying ethic backgrounds and family configurations. I have signed over 9,000 transactions for probably 16,000 customers over 15 years, involving racially mixed couples, gay couples, transvestites, trans-sexual, yadda, yadda, yadda! Regardless, I am the consummate professorial
during my signing appointments. It was all I could do to hold myself in check and ignore his pitiful comments. I realized then, that this goofball was playing me like a fender guitar, as he mellowed out somewhat when I finally pushed back at his disgusting comments and behavior.

I felt really sorry for the wife because she was so obviously, mortified, embarrassed and on the edge of tears over her husband's behavior. When he went to copy his driver's license she looked directly into my eyes and confided that she wanted to go home and cry. "It would make me feel
a lot better", she said. I really wanted to give her a sympathetic hug, but I figured that would have really set the guy off into some sort of jealous rage? I did shake her hand and thanked her for being so patient before I left the meeting, but I totally ignored her husband as I left. I was shaking with outrage! It took two very stiff drinks at home to lower my blood pressure back to normal! Thankfully, 99.9% of my signings have been positive experiences!!!

Traveling Notaries: It's not just a job; it's an adventure!

Reply by Buddy Young on 10/27/11 11:36pm
Msg #402019

Re: Tacoma Boy, hats off to you for sucking it up

I don't think I would have been able to complete the signing.

I would have walked out, thinking, I don't have to take that shit.

Reply by Notarysigner on 10/28/11 9:42am
Msg #402059

Re: Angry husband . . .

IMO you could have handled it better, by not shaking his hand you verified his accusations.

Professionalism would a dictated shaking both parties hands no matter what your personal feeling were.

Even more so, you probably should have kept that part of your post to yourself.

I've never seen a post like this on NR and I hope I never do again.

Reply by JAM/CA on 10/28/11 2:45pm
Msg #402093

James

Some people will never get it. Sad, but true. What was the purpose of bringing up the part about a mixed race marriage???? Why did this make it worse??? I'm sorry, I don't get it and Tacoma Boy with his added comment about the chrome thing really got me. No professionalism what so ever.

Reply by Notarysigner on 10/28/11 3:22pm
Msg #402099

Harry says it best in the rules and guidlines which obviousl

people don't read

".........these topics have nothing to do with the inherent neutrality of notarial functions and our board is therefore not an appropriate venue for them......"

Reply by Treasure Valley Notary - Tina on 10/28/11 12:01am
Msg #402022

Pay Scale Determines Whether I Stay Or Go . . .

Assuming that I am not in any danger, because IF I am, I am out of there no matter what!

When a company pays me from my value menu that is what they get. I would walk before tolerating this kind of behavior.

When a company pays for my white glove treatment, that is the service that I give. Meaning I would stay and try to get through the circumstances the best that I can.

I refuse to give the same level of service for lesser fees. Some companies still value our service, but many do not.

I personally feel that abuse should never be tolerated, but I also understand that people have bad days and it is my gift to them to be more understanding. That kind of customer service comes at a price (on all ends).

You are right . . . thank goodness these type of signings do only happen once in a blue moon.

Reply by TacomaBoy on 10/28/11 12:25am
Msg #402025

It's helping the other 1/2 half

that seems to make me more tolerant than is reasonable. I signed a couple the other day that was the reverse of last night's signing appointment. The wife was off-the-chart, while hubbie was seemingly brain dead during the appointment. I can only assume she can suck the chrome off a 55 Cadillac for the husband to be so tolerant of her belligerent attitude. ;-)

Over the years I've learned how to push back just enough to get customers cooled down enough to do my job. It seems that if I mirror the customer's belligerent attitude he/she sees their own outrageous behavior. Maybe it makes them reconsider how ugly and stupid they appear to others?

Is it just me or does it seem to you guys that the least knowledgeable person with the least interest in the property tends to be the goofiest?

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 10/28/11 12:51am
Msg #402029

Re: It's helping the other 1/2 half

"I can only assume she can suck the chrome off a 55 Cadillac for the husband to be so tolerant of her belligerent attitude."


.. and you claim: "I am the consummate professorial."

Not with comments like that, you're not.

Reply by Notarysigner on 10/28/11 9:45am
Msg #402063

totally agree GOLDGIRL n/m

Reply by Cupguy/Ar on 10/28/11 9:50am
Msg #402065

How about the other end of the spectrum?

These sound like horror stories. But have you ever had borrowers that were so nice that
you didn't think you going to be able to leave? Wanted to socialize all through the closing.
Tell stories about sports, kids etc. You just wanted them to sign! Then when you are done
they invite you to stay and consume adult beverages with them and have dinner. Sounds
nice but I have another one in a little bit. Got to remain professional right? Not as scary as what is described here.

Reply by topflyt on 10/28/11 12:36am
Msg #402026

Re: Pay Scale Determines Whether I Stay Or Go . . .

What exactly is your value menu service? You only sign 1/2 your name on a notarization?
You leave dates off docs? Or make your stamp barely legible?
If you agree to lower fees, you should be performing at the same standard for your so-called white glove service.
No wonder there's such a discrepancy in notary work!

Reply by Buddy Young on 10/28/11 1:08am
Msg #402032

Re: I agree completely topflyt n/m

Reply by Treasure Valley Notary - Tina on 10/28/11 1:21am
Msg #402034

Re: Pay Scale Determines Whether I Stay Or Go . . .

First let's set the record straight . . . There is never a discrepancy in my notary work! And my value menu would never be that.

When I am paid top dollar for an assignment I don't worry about fax backs, or maybe making another trip if they left something out of the package (their mistake not mine). For my good customers I am willing to go maybe a little further in my travel, or extra hand holding, etc. It is all about customer service.

The value menu for me is not the same as maybe for you. I still have to make a profit and know what that looks like. Believe me I am not accepting those $50 assignments. I refuse to work for free. I am not a charity, although I am willing to give my services to my community at my own choice.

But why in the world would I give the same treatment to someone who wants to cut my fee as far as they feel they can. I don't chase borrowers; I don't chase documents; I don't do fax backs without compensation; I don't jump hoops. They want to pay for bare bones that is what they get. If they want to "just pay for the notary" they get that. I will always make sure that the borrower understands what they sign, but I may not spend the extra "time" with them.

Try to ask a plumber or a doctor for one service and then demand another without compensating them. This is no different. I value my time and my services. I know what I am worth and what I will do for certain fees. I may not spend the quality time with some of the borrowers, but they are never "short changed." The assignment is completed without flaw and they will never know the difference, but I do.

I work for lenders, title companies and attorneys, plus the occasional signing service. I am good at what I do. Why would I give prime rib service for McDonald's prices. I know where I can cut corners and where I can't. And it is never with what you are implying. I'm not new to this business by any means. I am a very prudent business woman and I know my stuff. I turn down more signings than I accept because of the fees offered. And that is my choice. Just as it is that I have a "sliding scale" for the services that I offer.

Explain to me why you would want to offer the same service for $100 that you use to get $200 for? And I am not talking extra travel time, larger packages, split signings, multiple packages, etc. And should I throw "abuse" on top of it for free?

Just this past weekend I was hired for a settlement signing. Got there (with extra travel) only to find out that the LO told the signer that I would accept a photocopy of the lady's drivers license since her purse was recently stolen (attorney had gotten the copy before hand). Since I was being paid a fair fee I was willing to "work" with the circumstances (within my notary laws for my state). Had I been paid at my value menu rates the signing would have played out differently. Why would that have been wrong?

I bet you do the same thing without even thinking about it. The only difference is that I have it figured out before I accept the assignment not as it plays out.

Reply by jojo_MN on 10/28/11 9:43am
Msg #402060

Re: Pay Scale Determines Whether I Stay Or Go . . .

If I were a TC or SS, I would not hire you based on your comments here.

"I value my time and my services. I know what I am worth and what I will do for certain fees. I may not spend the quality time with some of the borrowers"

"Just this past weekend I was hired for a settlement signing. Got there (with extra travel) only to find out that the LO told the signer that I would accept a photocopy of the lady's drivers license since her purse was recently stolen (attorney had gotten the copy before hand). Since I was being paid a fair fee I was willing to "work" with the circumstances (within my notary laws for my state). Had I been paid at my value menu rates the signing would have played out differently."

So, you don't think a poor person in a run-down neighborhood deserves the same treatment as a person in an affluent neighborhood? Is it the borrower's fault that you were hired by a low-balling SS? This profession has no place for discrimination of any kind!

Every borrower that I meet deserves the very best service no matter what their individual circumstances.

Reply by Treasure Valley Notary - Tina on 10/28/11 6:04pm
Msg #402136

Re: Pay Scale Determines Whether I Stay Or Go . . .

What the heck???

First off, IF you are going to quote, please use the entire line and not pieces of it. There was more to the sentence than you put above.

Second, Where did I say that I was working with a poor person in a run-down neighborhood? And I didn't imply that I was hired by a low balling SS. There was NO discrimination and will never be. I completed the assignment to above satisfaction. Everyone was more than happy with the service. I was paid well and gave white glove treatment.

Did you actually read the post or just skim it looking for fault? I agree that every borrower that I meet deserves the very best service that I give. They have never felt otherwise. My point is that the hiring company wants top dollar service for low dollar pay and when they don't I don't go out of my way for them. You find fault in that how?

My comments were not based on anything but the fact that IF we do not value our service neither will the hiring party. That people need to be paid what they feel they are worth (that may actually not happen depending on their area, but that is another thread). Someone implied that I am "full of myself" and that is so far from the truth. But I guess maybe I "am" if I stand up for my fees. Do I always get them approved . . . nope. Do I care? . . . Nope.

Please take the time next time around to really read what was written and not insert your own assumptions. You were totally out of line accusing me of discrimination when nothing I said would have even implied such an act.

Reply by topflyt on 10/28/11 4:07pm
Msg #402103

Re: Pay Scale Determines Whether I Stay Or Go . . .

Sounds like you think a little too much of yourself!
My suggestion: Don't accept the lower fees!

Reply by Treasure Valley Notary - Tina on 10/28/11 6:21pm
Msg #402139

Re: Pay Scale Determines Whether I Stay Or Go . . .

Did you actually bother to read the post, or just come to an assumption? It's not being full of one self, but knowing ones worth. I didn't say that I accept low ball fees. I don't. I turn down more jobs than I accept at this point. That is my choice. I give a bid and the company can choose it or not. They want to pay less, then maybe the borrower can come to me, or no fax backs, or ??? Sometimes they accept the amended terms and sometimes they find someone who will do the job for the fee they are wanting to pay. Either way is fine with me.

Being a smart business person does not make one think a little too much of oneself. My feet are firmly planted. I have the confidence to be successful in what I do. It is that simple. I wish this for each of you. It is a gift only you can give yourself.

Reply by dutchcloser on 10/28/11 6:37am
Msg #402038

It must be angry wife week.. n/m

Reply by CJ on 10/28/11 12:05pm
Msg #402080

Two different angry borrowers.

One time, when I was new-ish, I was having a hard time answering the questions. The lady on the other side of the table practically was crawling across the table on her elbows wagging her finger in my face saying, "How DARE they send a MERE NOTARY!" (They wound up not signing: papers wrong. I went back and they acted all sweet like nothing happened. But no apology.)

Another time, (a long time ago), I was in a bit of a hurry trying to squeeze everyone in. I am a chipper, co-dependent type person, and have a hard time standing up to people. I was saying, "Okay, I will sit here on the left, and you sit there so we can pass things in a circle, here are the pens, we'll pass the papers like this, you must sign the way it's typed. . . " etc. I guess I was just too "take charge" for this guy and he jumped up and loomed over me, shaking his finger and yelled, "You have been bossing us around since the minute you walked in the door and I am not signing these docs because you are so bossy". His wife jumped up too and was glaring at me with her arms folded and nodding in agreement. I forget what else they were saying, but I felt like a little child in huge trouble with my parents. I listened to their yelling and nodded (like when I was little) and hoped they would reach the end of their rant. I felt my toes start to tingle and I really thought I was going to faint. (I have fainted before (but not on the job) and toes tingling is the first sign). I said, "Okay, you are right. You can do anything you like". I sat down and looked at the ground and tired not to faint and they took their sweet time reading and discussing every paper for two hours. I didn't say a word.

Reply by Stephanie Santiago on 10/28/11 12:54pm
Msg #402085

Imagine you are conducting a signing for a "pist" off

Attorney. He never sat down at the table but stood at the end of the table as if we were in a conference.
He was on the phone with the lender most of the time. I suggested we complete the signing another day...NO!!! He had to fly out later the same day. I am pretty patient, but this person got to me.
It was a Refi to completely landscape the yard. Well, as it turned out it had been raining for weeks and his yard was a muddy mess.
Once the signing was complete I left.
shhhhh and prayed for more rain.