Posted by JimAZ on 5/3/12 7:26pm
Msg #419800

Signing attire

I just received another survey from a second national title company. One of the questions is asking for our feedback regarding a mandatory dress code. That being business suits, dress shirts, and ties (not sport coats). They stressed that this is only a survey if you believe that!!!!! I wear a sports coat, open shirt, dress slacks, and appropriate shoes. These surveys should generate some interesting comments from fellow NotRot members.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 5/3/12 7:40pm
Msg #419802

Well, it's pretty easy... tell them to pound sand.

As independent contractors they cannot dictate how we dress. Period. Besides, what is appropriate in one geographic area is totally inappropriate elsewhere, even in the same state.

When I live in Los Angeles and was routinely going to fairly upscale neighborhoods, I dressed up. But, just a few miles away going to an apartment complex in the middle of Reseda? You have to take it down a notch.

Now that I live in the middle of the desert? LOL!! I'll wear nice pants and a blouse, but nothing too fancy. You just don't do that in an area where the vast majority of people where jeans and t-shirts or military fatigues (BDUs) to work. If I had a notary show up to my house in a sport coat, I'd think he clearly didn't belong 'round these parts. The only men who show up in shirts and ties to my house are visiting on official church-type business. And women in suits of any kind? Yeah... no.

Reply by Patti Corcoran on 5/4/12 11:11pm
Msg #419958

Re: Hold on - I think you misunderstood

they are asking if we would be willing to dress professionally if we are asked to do a signing at a bank. No problem here. When I am going to a bank, a wear "bank appropriate attire"
n/m

Reply by BBuchler/CA on 5/3/12 7:52pm
Msg #419804

I have my "notary" uniform. Black pants, black zip up short jacket (I can wear anything, or nothing underneath it, depending on the weather), and black shoes. Okay, occasionally I wear a black and white sweater instead of the jacket.

But that's it. Unless I'm feeling it, I just don't wear anything else. Its easy, its fast, its paid for.

Independent contractor rules for the IRS are pretty specific. Title companies need to read them.

Reply by Lee/AR on 5/3/12 7:53pm
Msg #419805

When they put me on their payroll, pay 1/2 of my employment tax, give me holidays/sick days and contribute to my health insurance....'til then... what Marian said covers it nicely.

Reply by ikando on 5/3/12 8:48pm
Msg #419815

I agree with Marian. I have occasion to go into attorney, bank & other "professional offices" that I am uncomfortable with the casual (cropped pants & T-shirts) attire. I wear what I am comfortable in & feel fits the situation. I have chosen not to sign on with a couple organizations because they expected me to dress in what they expected--a uniform.

Like Lee said, when they put me on payroll, including holiday pay, then I'll consider following their dress code.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 5/4/12 11:48am
Msg #419881

Depends

As others have stated, I adjust my clothes for the occasion. The minimum I wear in the field as a mobile notary is "business casual" , meaning a nice golf shirt and slacks. When the attorney I work for calls me into his office for a high profile or big bucks client, I wear a suit and tie.

However, since it's my business, it's my rules.

Reply by Stephanie Santiago on 5/4/12 1:07pm
Msg #419903

Business Casual is my attire. I can always dress it up with

accessories.

Reply by MW/VA on 5/3/12 8:49pm
Msg #419816

That's ridiculous. The standard has been "business casual",

so khaki's & shirt should do fine. We're guests in people's home, and I don't think it's a good idea to be over-dressed. It's our job to make them comfortable & at-ease, after all.
As a woman, I usually wear slacks & a sweater. In summer I even wear capris, but I'm always appropriately dressed and have received complements.
Why not tell them that you'll dress like an executive when they pay you like one! LOL

Reply by Matt_VA on 5/4/12 8:45am
Msg #419853

Re: That's ridiculous. The standard has been "business casual",

I agree, Bus Casual, always! I'm a man. It's polo or oxford shirt, nice shoes, never sneakers and slacks, never jeans, though I have done corduroys occasioanally when I'm going somewhere personal after. 90% I am dressed better then the borrower with the only difference when I meet at their work or at their home and they are still in work clothes. I will need 2x more to ever put on a tie......period. I like the comments about vacations and health insurance. I really beleive anything more would be uncomfortable to the borrower, We're siging agents, not Car salesmen/women!

Reply by JanetK_CA on 5/3/12 9:00pm
Msg #419818

This sounds to me like an over-reaction to those who show up in t-shirts, gym shoes, torn jeans and a baseball cap. [That's a description I got from a borrower once about the previous notary who came to their home... ]

The obvious response is that they should be careful of whom they hire, but perhaps that's what they're trying to do. I'd like to think that a request for "business casual" would do it. But I agree that we should know our demographics and shoot for dress that's appropriate - not too much above, but not below what our signers will likely be wearing.

Reply by NJDiva on 5/3/12 10:05pm
Msg #419823

I don't dress for anyone but myself and don't need to be

told how to dress because I set the bar for MYSELF. Very seldom, if ever, do I go to closings wearing anything besides professional attire. That's just for ME, I wouldn't care WHAT other people wore (well, okay when a borrower told me that someone asked if they could come over in sweats because they were going shopping on black Friday, I was REALLY disgusted (because she did!) Come on!!! REALLY?)

For me, it would be awkward walking into someones house wanting them to sign documents that make them responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars and not presenting myself as anything other than a professional. We all know the saying, first impressions make lasting impressions.

I feel it's my responsibility to represent not just me, but the (SS if there is one) title company and the financial institution too. We are spoiled. If I think about it, suppose I do 3-4 closings a day, I'm making upwards of $300-400!!! I don't have a problem dressing as someone that deserves to make that and demand it.

With that said, if I am doing a closing in an area that I know might not be so safe, I will definitely tone it down so as not to draw too much attention.

But quite honestly I enjoy dressing in suits and professional attire. I really do. For many years I had acquaintances that had never seen me in jeans. I'm just one of those women that have to have my hair done, my makeup on, and my fashion jewelry blinging (not too much though!), what can I say? Hence, NJDIVA!

But I do think they have a right to request a certain type of attire. What's sad is that they even HAVE to. We're making upwards of $XXX for one closing. Isn't it the least we can do?

This is just for me. I've always been high maintenance. What can I say? It comes from a deprived childhood...lmao

But I agree with Marilyn, capri's can definitely be dressed up...tee hee Oh, and, I've been guilty of wearing skirts a bit above the knee...oops...is that unprofessional? The shoulders, back and midriff are covered though...

Reply by Linda Juenger on 5/3/12 10:18pm
Msg #419825

Re: I don't dress for anyone but myself and don't need to be

I wear casual. In winter that is black pants & shoes and a top and jacket. I wear the jacket because I hardly ever wear a coat. I hate them. Will not drive in one. I do keep one in the car should I need it if I break down. It usually lays in the back all winter never touched. In summer I usually wear black or white capris, nice summer shoes, no flips, and a short sleeve top. I never wear jeans, t shirts, tanks to signings. I try and look semi professional. I don't leave my house ever without makeup and my hair done. Can't stand to see women out in public with curlers or jammy pants on. We're a pretty casual area, not so much uppity. I would feel uncomfortable in a suit around most of the borrowers. Most are just down home, hard working folks.

Does anyone look at the 1003 to see what profession the borrowers are in? I have to admit that sometimes I do and that determines if I dress up or down.

Reply by Jessica Ward on 5/3/12 10:20pm
Msg #419827

the 1003...

When I first started doing loan closings, I struggled with how long to plan on being at each appointment.

I learned to look at the 1003 for occupation. Lawyers, Accountants and Engineers, I gave an extra 30 minutes.

I never thought to use that as I guide on how to dress, though I pretty much have a standard "uniform" anyhow.

Reply by Chuckd80/NJ on 5/4/12 7:15am
Msg #419846

Re: the 1003...

Jessica: just curious, but why would someones occupation determine how long your there?

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 5/4/12 7:31am
Msg #419847

Re: the 1003...

I'm not Jessica, but generally those professions are "readers". And you can't hurry them along no matter how hard you try.

Reply by Jessica Ward on 5/4/12 1:02pm
Msg #419900

Dorothy's got it. :)

I used to be a lobbyist for a construction association. I knew my detail-oriented clients were the CPAs, Engineers and Attorneys, so I planned on the same when scheduling and the vast majority of the time it REALLY paid off.

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 5/4/12 11:10am
Msg #419872

They tend to have very analytical personalities = readers n/m

Reply by Jose Gutierrez on 5/4/12 12:21am
Msg #419838

The other day the borrower made a comment that the previous notary was not dressed properly and he asked me if I always wear a suit for all my signings. 99% of the time I wear a suit but sometimes without a tie, overkill? maybe but some clients are ok because I go to escrows and bank's local branches.

Reply by LynnNC on 5/3/12 10:38pm
Msg #419830

I have a uniform and I would describe it as 'business casual': black slacks and a sweater, jacket, and black shoes or boots in winter. In summer, black split skirt (a combination cropped skirt/pants) short-sleeved blouse and black low- heeled shoes.

For jewely I wear my wedding band and engagement ring, one bracelet, earrings, and occasionally a necklace, either sterling silver or gold.

I never wear perfume as many people are allergic to it.

Reply by jba/fl on 5/3/12 11:58pm
Msg #419835

Looks as though many of us have a "uniform" of sorts

Varied by climate too. I have short pants (just below knees) for warm weather with linen shirts that I bought of ton of on sale and a few bright colors for when I meet someone in public (I will be wearing a bright pink shirt, carrying a briefcase) and on our 5-6 cooler days I have long pants, same shirts. The shirts are semi fitted so I can use them as a jacket with a short sleeved tee underneath. Shoes are my big accessory - backless sandals with bows or woven leather, and red is a favorite too. Sometimes straw hats in the summer.

With a 6-8 am borrower still in their jammies (they have told me this) I might, emphasis on might, wear my loungewear jammies which really don't look like pjs.

I have found that psychologically, if I am dressed a bit better than the BO that I have better control over events.

Little make up, no perfumes, earrings only. I am ready to roll in 15 min, shower & shampoo included.

Reply by HisHughness on 5/4/12 8:41am
Msg #419852

Next to the microwave, the guayabera is the greatest thing..

...ever developed by modern man.

For those unaquainted with the wonderful guayabera, it is also known as the Mexican wedding shirt. It has four pockets: under the shoulders on left and right, and beneath those pockets at the bottom of the shirt. A patterned but subdued stripe of the same color as shirt's material runs underneath the pockets on each side of the buttons from the shoulders to the bottom. And most critical of all, it is worn outside the trousers.

For those such as I who have developed Buddha's belly if not his disposition, the guayabera is a Godsend. In the Southwest, it is regarded as more formal than a typical untucked shirt, and easily qualifies as "business casual." That's my signing uniform.

Reply by pat/WA on 5/4/12 11:27am
Msg #419876

Re: Next to the microwave, the guayabera is the greatest thing..

Do they make quayaberas for ladies?

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 5/4/12 12:11pm
Msg #419895

Here, Pat..

http://www.mycubanstore.com/women/women-guayaberas

Reply by Jessica Ward on 5/4/12 1:05pm
Msg #419902

Oh!! Love those!

I'm headed to Hawaii in December, and here in the Pacific Northwest, I have a wardrobe of twill, wool and polar fleece year-round (I don't do polar fleece for work time).

I'm going to pick up a couple of these tops for warm weather--they would have been great in Africa too--I just got back from a month in Sudan and Ethiopia where temps were 120F during the day, and my Northwest wardrobe was killing me. Some of the Sudanese women gave me tribal dresses, and as rediculious as my Irish self looked in them, I wore them anyhow for some temperature relief!

Reply by EileenHI on 5/4/12 12:10pm
Msg #419894

Since I live in Hawaii, I dress mainly as we always dress.... I have a couple of very nice capri pants and will wear a nicer shirt. I always wear my 'slippahs' since one always removes shoes before entering someone's home, and they are much easier to slip on and off at the door. If I have to go to an attorney's office or the title co. I will dress pretty much the same since the attorneys are dressed fairly casually as well. Love it here!!!

Reply by HrdwrkrVA on 5/4/12 6:19pm
Msg #419933

I used to 'dress', 'til BO allowed his dogs to jump all over

my silk bus. pants. I wore office attire & all this jerk could say was "they don't bite", as they clawed at my silk pants! I really wasn't over-dressed, I was just dressed professsionally (I was a newbie). BO was just rude to not control his dogs - the reason I NEVER wear pantyhose - EVER! That was the end of that - bus. casual all the way (except for the million $ mortgages - which pay better)!

The way some of the BO's let their animals crawl & claw over you, we shud be allowed to wear sweats (HALF-kidding)!