Posted by Claudine Osborne on 10/3/11 4:21pm
Msg #399496

Would you take this closing?

I received a call for a closing today that makes me chuckle..

The bo is my former boss that eliminated my position (she did me a favor). When I was let go this propelled me to pursue my NSA career! I have been forever grateful to her..But I have not seen her since..My question is..

Would you take this closing or pass on it? I'm going to do it!

Just curious about what others would do?

Reply by 101livescan on 10/3/11 4:23pm
Msg #399499

I would take it, Claudine! She probably didn't like laying you off any more than you liked it, at the time. My last employer cried as she gave me the news....in 2001. I've duked it out in the signing space ever since, with much delight and success...

Reply by Teresa/FL on 10/3/11 4:26pm
Msg #399502

I would do it

I also ended up in this line of work as the result of a layoff almost 9 years ago.

There is no ill will between myself and my former boss and I would enjoy catching up with him and finding out what he has been up to during the intervening time period.

I don't think he would have any issues with it.

Reply by RickG/CA on 10/3/11 4:32pm
Msg #399507

Re: Would you take this closing? Absolutely...

There is no reason to do otherwise. And if you're a bit curious...uh, never mind. A time to catch up, ask about others, then move along. Of course depending on the business you could hit em up for GNW!!!

Reply by Jessica Ward on 10/3/11 4:45pm
Msg #399508

I would--but would the former boss be comfortable?

I worked with some highly sensitive information in previous jobs and was privy to a lot of personal details of executives and such--I was the CEO's top assistant and aided the vice presidents as well.

I think that if I were assigned one of their files, I might call ahead, inform them that they've just been assigned to me and explain my role, and ensure that they are comfortable with the reunion over their personal data. Some might be, some might not--not because they would fear me exposing it, but perhaps because it is more than they care to share with someone who served in my capacity. I wouldn't begrudge them that at all. I would not feel comfortable arriving at their door with their personal data in hand and saying "Hi! remember me?!" However happy they might be to see me, the context may be uncomfortable for some.

Jessica

Reply by LKT/CA on 10/3/11 5:13pm
Msg #399518

Agree with Jessica

Very well written!

Reply by TR/NC on 10/3/11 7:33pm
Msg #399546

Re: I would--but would the former boss be comfortable?

I agree with Jessica.

This is has happened to me in the past, the BO was not an executive. I just felt it was common courtsey to call no matter what job role the person has. It worked out just fine!

Good luck.

Reply by RedBaron/IN on 10/4/11 5:59pm
Msg #399632

Re: I would--but would the former boss be comfortable?

I have received assignments for neighbors or business people I know. I always call and introduce myself and ask if they are okay with me or would prefer someone else. I would take no offence if they decline for me to do the refi. Everyone has accepted me I treat everything with confidence. Good luck. You will enjoy the experience.

Reply by MW/VA on 10/3/11 8:05pm
Msg #399550

Jessica has a good point, but you could take the signing and

ask when you call if it would make them uncomfortable. They should know that we hold all
info confidential & don't run a gossip mill. Otherwise, it might be a moment to gloat a little. LOL

Reply by Jessica Ward on 10/5/11 12:25am
Msg #399658

Yes, I'd accept, but ask them to hold docs until I confirm..

I'd want to make sure it was OK with the borrower first--I would extend this courtesy to any borrower whom I personally know.

Reply by Notarysigner on 10/3/11 4:48pm
Msg #399510

I'd do it. I've laid off 30+ people in my former career before being laid off myself. I volunteered to be laid off (I was already receiving retire benefits from another company) so I welcomed the severance package. Took my entire family on an extended vacation. I'd probably pretend I didn't know them, it would help to diffuse any hostility. Professional people understand what's all about.

Reply by Larry/IL on 10/3/11 4:53pm
Msg #399512

I have had quite a few closings where I knew the parties. I believe it to be professional and always call the parties to make sure that they would be comfortable with me doing their signing. I get about a 50/50 response and have been surprised at times about the ones that would prefer someone else to do it. There is no accounting for reading somebody's mind.

Reply by Ali/IL on 10/3/11 5:18pm
Msg #399519

I would ask if they would be comfortable with me doing the closing.

But, I am sure that if they were in that type of level it may not bother them.

Reply by Les_CO on 10/3/11 5:24pm
Msg #399520

YES! Dress your best. And somehow during the conversation mention that she may just want to look into being NSA as a career. It could be something she could do…with proper training and diligence. That the job gives one not only a 5 close to 6 digit income (NNA) a year, but the freedom and latitude to make critical on the spot decisions, that she probably could be comfortable with (with training and experience). You bet I’d do it!

Reply by jba/fl on 10/3/11 6:07pm
Msg #399527

Yes. Let her know what she is missing. n/m

Reply by jba/fl on 10/3/11 6:10pm
Msg #399528

Sounds harsh - I mean in nice way. No grudges, etc. n/m

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 10/3/11 6:50pm
Msg #399535

Re: Sounds harsh - I mean in nice way. No grudges, etc.

I have always turned back closings for borrowers I have known professionally or people I know personally on the assumption they would be uncomfortable with my knowing every last drop of personal information about them. But, frankly, I'm the one who'd probably be most uncomfortable, thinking they'd be uncomfortable ....

Reply by TishNotary on 10/3/11 7:20pm
Msg #399543

Absolutely! I'd take the closing.

At this stage of the game, I don't have the latitude to turn down work. "Pickings are slim!" I'd place the confirmation call with uber professionalism and hope for the best.

If the borrower is perturbed in any way, I'm sure she-he would speak up. Heaven forbid that were to be the case, I'd take it from there. I'm confident that wouldn't be the case however. :-)

Reply by Buddy Young on 10/3/11 7:29pm
Msg #399544

I'd do it. I was the boss in my other life and if one of my former employees were to do a closing for me I would enjoy finding out how they were doing.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 10/3/11 7:39pm
Msg #399547

In a heartbeat. I took one for an icky person in town, who

had been particularly hateful to me. I smiled the whole time - practically, but not quite gloating, and she was sooo polite, but not quite contrite. It was a hoot. Great fee, she lost her business, and moved away.
Hooray.

I bet it will be fun for both of you - and who knows, you might just get an earful of juicy stuff to further chuckle about.

Reply by Claudine Osborne on 10/3/11 10:17pm
Msg #399560

Re: In a heartbeat. I took one for an icky person in town, who

Thanks everyone..I am going to do this..the closing is at the bank The TC doesn't give me the Bo phone numbers unless I ask and I usually do. But after reading the posts I will request the number and give them a call. Then it can be their call.. I'm fine with it but my former boss a CEO may not be. I was her administrative assistant and was privy to a lot of personal stuff anyways..I was always the professional then too..Good points.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 10/3/11 10:58pm
Msg #399562

Love the high road. Confirmations set the tone. Easy Peasy

So many one-liners for openings:

Ring ring. "Hello?"

"Hi, this is Susie Fischer, your mobile Notary Closer for your transactrion." (Standard intro) "How are you, old boss? I've got the app't at Noon, 123 Elm St, Town/City on Day. Is that still good for you? I've got other time-slots."

Etc.

Reply by Karla/OR on 10/4/11 1:08pm
Msg #399603

Yes I would . . . I have been laid off many times the past few years . . . I would want them to know there is life after the lay off. Besides you are less a stranger to her/him than say I would be! Enjoy the reunion!