Posted by Roadie_MD on 10/15/12 10:44am
Msg #438600

Missing Document--what would you do?

I got a call from a signing service for whom I did a signings for a few days ago. They say that an affidavit was missing from the final docs and they want me to go out and get it signed. Thing is, I have it marked in my journal that the document was notarized. I don't have any idea why it wouldn't have been returned with everything else. The borrower is over 30 miles form me and I am not interested in going there on my dime since it is not my mistake. I can just tell this is going to turn into and argument and I am trying to decide how to best handle it.

Thoughts?

Reply by Stephanie Santiago on 10/15/12 10:52am
Msg #438601

Re: Missing Document--what would you do? Ask them

to please double-check the package that you sent directly to them, since it was included with the documents that you sent.
Explain that you will be more than happy to go to the borrower's and have the document signed for an additional fee.

Reply by ct on 10/15/12 10:54am
Msg #438602

I have had that happen one time..know the document was there..borrower signed it..actually discussed it..double checked documents and sealed them in the fed ex package in front of the borrower. I went back and re did. Why? Because I was building my business and wanted to keep a good relationship with my signing service that had been good to me..I know the document was lost at title..not on my watch. You have to weigh it all. Decide for yourself.

Reply by HisHughness on 10/15/12 10:55am
Msg #438603

First, tell them to send you the affidavit, then compare it with the one you got signed. There is a good chance you will find it is different, and the SS or title company is just trying to get a free ride to correct their error.

If it is the same, and if this is not a good client, charge a fee for the new notarization. I have never sent back a packet where I left out <one> of the documents I got signed; it just doesn't make sense that something like that would happen. If it's a good client, you may want to swallow hard, tell them it went back with the rest of the packet, but you'll do it anyway just because they are a good client <but they owe you one big time.>

Reply by Roadie_MD on 10/15/12 11:22am
Msg #438608

They are NOT a good client--haven't worked for them in over a year because they usually do not want to meet my fee. I always have to call for payment too. My dilemma is, at this point, will I get paid at all if I don't do this thing for them?

I totally think that title messed up somehow, and is trying to get a 'free ride' as you said.

Reply by HSH/WA on 10/15/12 11:53am
Msg #438615

You know you sent it, they are not a good client, if they want you to get it resigned, they need to pay for it. They only call you once a year, so if you have to drive twice you are doing it for half price. If they called and offered that price, what would you tell them? It's not really a big loss if they never call again. If by chance as mentioned previously, the document has changed and you now have both copies, I'd email them the different copies and demand an explanation. You will never hear from them again as cheats don't like to be called out, but youre better off - IMO.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 10/15/12 1:51pm
Msg #438632

I would do as Hugh suggested and request a copy, plus see if they can get title to take another good look around to see if it might have got caught up with some other documents, as you know you returned it. There's probably an even chance they'll find it - unless it is a completely different document than the one you had.

Your choice may come down to whether or not you want to increase costs already incurred on this one and limit your losses or take a chance that going back will make them more likely to pay you the originally agreed upon fee.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 10/15/12 7:35pm
Msg #438690

One of the reasons I always scan signed docs

prior to sending out, and email to hiring entity in lieu of fax backs.
I keep them until payment is received.
They sure come in handy for likewise situations.