Posted by jojo_MN on 10/6/12 11:27pm
Msg #437466

Late docs, huge packages.

Yesterday I had to turn back a closing at the last minute for the first time. It was very hard to do, especially since it was for a client that used to give me a lot of business. The closing was to occur at 4:00. After requests for documents, I finally received them at 3:10. There is a 20 minute drive to get there once printed. The problem was the document package was 211 pages! I did check to make sure that the borrower's copy wasn't included in the 211 pages.

My next appointment was for 5:30 not too far from that one and I had another one scheduled for 8:30 an hour and a half away, so there was no way I could print 211 pages (times two of course for borrower copy) drive and have signed and still make my other appointments. The only alternative would have been to go there around 11:30 (which I have done in the past), but that offer was declined.

I explained the situation to the Signing Service and they understood the situation. When I returned from my last closing around 11:00 there was a voice mail from the mortgage broker asking me why I refused to do the signing at 4:00 and that they were date-sensitive and had to be signed yesterday.

Do they not understand that there really is no need to have such huge packages? The time allotted needs to be at least twice the time to print and sign the package. Not to mention paper and toner aren't cheap. I did tell the ss that there would be an additional $50 fee if I do the closing if re-scheduled. I'm sure I will also be black-balled from this company to as a result.

My question is, how would you all answer this question. Monday morning I will be calling her what I wrote above and I'm hoping the signing service already told her.

Reply by sueharke on 10/6/12 11:58pm
Msg #437470

I think this is a great response to everyone before the notary is sent the documents. Timely documents and the size of the signing package are important considerations. Is it time to fire the escrow or title company if docs are not timely? Is it time for the title or escrow company to review the work of their employees to see if the work could have been done better and timely? I've had title company people tell me not to call them directly when the docs were not delivered on time (because there is always another notary to take my place). Next time this happens, I will consider what you did and give the signing back. Notaries are not gods or magicians and cannot pull a rabbit out of a hat if there is not enough time to do it right.

Reply by Calnotary on 10/7/12 12:43am
Msg #437474

I required a 2 hour time before the appt time. If docs are not delivered at 2 hours before appt time that signing goes to "will be signed asap" If I don't have another appt in the next hours I will be at the borrowers front door at 2 hours after I received the docs.


I don't print and run, I check every single page. I call the borrowers to verify names and to be sure
that borrowers have the correct ID according to the names in the docs. Money due? I ask if they are aware of funds needed to bring or wire at the signing time.

If package is larger than a normal signing and if broker added "broker docs" some times these are as much as 50 pages of all the disclosures that should have signed weeks ago, but they want to included in the loan signing appt so they can save money or they just forgot to send to borrowers or an appraisal is included I always ask for an additional print fee.

A few weeks ago I was never sent docs from title and it was a date sensitive docs.

They sent me confirmation at 5PM but they left for the day and they forgot to send me docs.

I called all number in the CL no body there and when they called me "are you ready for your xx PM appt?" I told them I don't have docs!! I been trying to contact you and no body answers, OK, OK, I will get your docs in the next 5 minutes.

I never hear from them till the following day. "Did the loan closed last night?"

No you never sent me docs I was willing to go at any time even before midnight.

On the second day I called the borrower and asked her if they have heard from the TC
and she told me: Oh yes! we signed last night. GRRRRRR!

Sorry and thank you for letting me vent.

Good night

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 10/7/12 12:44am
Msg #437475

That way I see it... if they blacklist you, so what??? They don't respect your time and effort anyway, so why do you want to work with a company that so clearly treated you that way anyway. You need to turn it around and demand the respect. You are provided the service to them, not the other way around.

I know that I, personally, have burned a few few bridges with some companies because of my business policies regarding late docs. But you know what? I do not care. I am a stickler. There is rarely a good excuse for late documents, and if there is then you need to have open communication going on. It's not terribly difficult. Everything is just plain laziness or lack or organization and I will not be the one to pay for it on my end.

Reply by dgd/CA on 10/7/12 12:05pm
Msg #437519

Stickler? I'm very familiar with the territory you cover

and cannot imagine that it's "wide open spaces" and vastness would allow you to even consider late documents. Most of us live, and work, in more populated areas. As such, it's difficult to fathom the huge area you service, I certainly understand your policy in this regard. I wish you continued success.

Reply by 101livescan on 10/7/12 9:57am
Msg #437503

It happens infrequently these days, but if I don't have time to get back to my office to print documents between signings, I have no other choice but to kick it back to the scheduler if I get docs late.

I know the drill. EOs will call me and tell me they are expecting documents any minute, they have to work up the escrow side including the settlement agreement before they will have package ready to pickup.

If you're booked, you're booked, and we can only stand on our heads for so long, right?

Do what you gotta do!