Posted by Karla/OR on 12/5/13 3:56pm
Msg #495180

SNOW Do's and Don'ts

We are expecting to get 3" of snow tomorrow (I know that is minuscule for many of you in snow states!!). Have not heard when it is expected to hit here. I have a closing scheduled at 1 pm and an hour drive away.

We do get snow, though not every year. Fortunately I have not had to deal with going out in it before (i.e. low amount of snow or not appointment scheduled). I do not carry chains and do not have 4-wheel drive.

My goal is to attend the closing. I am wondering, however, how the ss/lender/title people feel if I wake up to mass snow and don't feel comfortable driving in it? I absolutely hate turning work back and have only done it a couple of times because of laryngitis or the flu. Never for wether conditions.

Would love your feedback. I know I have to decide myself if it is safe or not to be driving.

TIA

Reply by Lee/AR on 12/5/13 4:15pm
Msg #495182

Re: SNOW Do

Have been doing this a long time; have only cancelled out due to weather twice. First time, years ago, they were ticked but after exhausting all other options, they once again asked if I'd go. No, but would be happy to accommodate the B if they want to come to me. The B's then postponed with "Are you crazy? I won't drive in this weather".

Second time--just last week, a different co. was very understanding and it was postponed.

imo, getting in an accident can have so many not good implications, that it just isn't worth the risk.

Reply by Linda Juenger on 12/5/13 4:26pm
Msg #495187

Re: SNOW Do

We get average amts of snow here, nothing like my northern friends. My husband has a scanner. If I hear a lot of accidents or fire calls or emt calls, I stay home. If not, out I go. I'm not one to panic or let a little snow get in my way. Ice is a totally different monster. That will cause me to think twice. I slid completely off the road into a corn field on my way to a signing one time. I called borrower, they said stay there and we'll come to you. We signed in my car and I drove out of the field and came home. Another time, I had every intention of going and got as far as the interstate and turned around and came home, just not worth it. TC understood

And, the one that I signed in my car, the TC never forgot that. An employee of that TC left and went to another TC and she called me and told me she remembered me for giving it all I had and doubt that she would have had the guts to get it done. lol Never know when our actions will come back to us.

Reply by Stamper_WI on 12/5/13 4:20pm
Msg #495185

Re: SNOW Do

I find borrowers are very helpfull in getting you unstuck from the snow. Especially if you are blocking their driveway.

Reply by PegiT_MN on 12/5/13 4:31pm
Msg #495188

Re: SNOW Do

I live in Minnesota and we get a lot of snow here.....sometimes 18-24 inches at a time. I have been doing this for four years and I have never ever had a title company, signing company, or lender upset because of turning back a loan because of bad weather. I have only had to turn back a few times because of snow or freezing rain and snow mixed and the roads were like an ice rink. They said they would never want us to go out if it was unsafe on the roads.

Snow days are actually kind of fun because everyone is really nice and understanding because of the bad weather and you just slip, slide, and plow your way through to your closings the best you can. Borrowers are always willing to do whatever it takes because they want to get their loan closed. Sometimes they will even meet you somewhere if their neighborhood isn't plowed enough or their driveway isn't cleared.

One thing I am always adamant about in bad weather is that the borrower's street, driveway, and some sort of entrance into the home (either front steps or a way into the garage) must be plowed/shoveled enough for me to get in and back out again so I can continue on to my next closings. I am not going to get stuck in someone's driveway because they didn't go out and shovel. If there is too much snow, then we will need to meet at a nearby public location. I do not trudge through the snow. Everyone has always been more than willing to agree to that.

Good luck Karla.....stay safe.

Reply by Karla/OR on 12/5/13 4:53pm
Msg #495195

Re: SNOW Do

Update: A very nice woman from title (closing dept.) just called to advise docs are ready for printing. She listened to my concerns and provided advice regarding contact with the BO as well as title and SS should I have weather issues tomorrow.

Thanks to each of you here on Not/Rot that responded as well with your experience and advice. It's all been helpful.

Reply by Doris_CO on 12/5/13 5:19pm
Msg #495198

Re: SNOW Do

Karla, I'm sure you realize the drive could take you longer then in good weather conditions. Be sure to include that in your decision. An hour away could turn into two hours or more on the road. At least your appointment is at 1 pm in the afternoon, so it'll be daylight. If it were after dark, I'd probably cancel or reschedule.

Reply by Karla/OR on 12/5/13 5:44pm
Msg #495205

Appreciate the heads-up Doris! n/m

Reply by BrotherOwner on 12/5/13 8:26pm
Msg #495232

Re: SNOW ...........

Do I need to update my profile? : We provide coverage during MOST (but not all) tornado warnings and blizzards, for an additional fee?

Reply by Clem/CA on 12/6/13 9:41am
Msg #495277

Re:What is SNOW?

Santa Barbara, Ca

Reply by Karla/OR on 12/6/13 11:21am
Msg #495293

LOL Clem!!! n/m

Reply by VT_Syrup on 12/6/13 10:22am
Msg #495284

Re: SNOW Do

I agree with PeggiT; parking is critical during a snow storm. Discuss with signer the parking facilities at the destination. Does your city have snow plows? If so, they may demand that you not park on the road at certain times. Follow the media for any parking restrictions.

(I got to use my 4 wheel drive yesterday; signer had icy driveway. Parking on road? Not a chance for that narrow twisty dirt National Forest Road).