Posted by River/CA on 3/10/12 5:56pm
Msg #414516

Last minute signings

It seems like the only signings I am getting are at the last minute. Is this the norm? Sometimes I can only print the docs and then run out without having a chance to look at them. Makes me feel totally unprepared. Also, how long does it take most of you to do a signing with an average of 150 pages?

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 3/10/12 6:18pm
Msg #414517

1. Last minute signings - the nature of the beast.

2. Never just print and run - always take time to make sure they printed correctly and you have everything - it's worth the extra time. What's that old saying? "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" - applies in more places than just the health arena.

3. Time at table - 150 pages - minimum one hour for me providing borrowers have no or very few questions.

Hope this helps.

Reply by Jack/AL on 3/10/12 8:48pm
Msg #414521

Like Linda said, and also...........

When docs arrive at the last minute, I call the borrowers and let then know approximately when I'll arrive, and explain that I'm taking several minutes to view the docs to confirm they've printed properly and have no obvious errors. I've never had anyone complain about my efforts. In confirming to the TC or SS that I've received and printed docs, I also mention my chat with the borrowers about being a little late. Better safe than sorry. If I did not use those steps, and showed up with incompleted docs, or were missing some, we'd all be unhappy and I'd feel terrible!

Reply by Buddy Young on 3/10/12 8:48pm
Msg #414522

I don't get very many last minute signings but have had them in the past.

As Linda said, always check don't print and run. I once had a last minute signing some years ago and printed and ran. One of the docs was cut off at the top, the escrow number was cut off. The signing had to be redone but that day there was no way I could fit it into my schedue, so the SS called another notary and because of that didn't pay me.

I learned my lesson to always check the docs for correct printing.

Reply by Claudine Osborne on 3/10/12 9:09pm
Msg #414524

Like the others have said..Always take the time to review and arrange the package they way it works best for you..Call the BO let them know that you may be a little bit late and explain why..

I used to work with a TC that were always late with their docs. In their instuctions they state not blame the TC because of late docs to the bo..I do not work with that TC anymore..

Reply by John Tennant on 3/10/12 9:59pm
Msg #414526

I have been doing signings for 5 years. I do not do last minute signings. If I am not given 3 hours or more then I suggest they find another notary.

Why, I refuse to take a chance on the buyer not completing the signing because of lousy paperwork, missing paperwork, etc.

We all know that SS's and TC's screw up regularly and we end up paying the price.

Not me. Does it cost me signings. For sure. So be it.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 3/11/12 7:40am
Msg #414532

I don't accept last minute signings any more. I used to when I was new in this busniess, but I finally figured out that last minute jobs were a total PITA, and ironically were also the most difficult to collect on. By last minute, I mean they call you at 6:30 PM for a same-night signing. However, now that I have a few years under my belt, I don't accept same-day appointments if I am called at 4 PM or later. Of course I make exceptions for my regular, well-established clients.

It took me a couple of years in this business to establish relationships with really good, solid clients who have their stuff together and don't do everything at the last minute. Most of my appointments are scheduled several days to a week in advance, so when the last-minute callers do call I am usually already booked anyway.

Reply by ArtG/KS on 3/12/12 9:47am
Msg #414572

The problem of last minute signings (which I too hesitate to take) is that I demand a conferance call between me and the title company and lender so that the "blame the Notary" game is not part of their standard operating procedure and we are all on the "same page". Its rare, however that Ive done this.

Reply by ME/NJ on 3/11/12 9:48am
Msg #414541

50% of work is a week ahead, 30% a few days rest same day

Avg loan package is 90 pages.

Reply by BossLadyMD on 3/12/12 12:58pm
Msg #414596

I only take last min signings from my 'regulars' :) n/m