Posted by Belinda/CA on 9/28/13 4:30pm
Msg #486377

MIS = Mortgage Information Services, Inc.

FYI for when you are investigating companies.

Contract quote:
"I authorize MIS to conduct reference checks, criminal checks, consumer report investigations and to obtain other information relating to my character, general reputation and credit. I release all parties from any and all liability for ..." and so on.

They do not need to run your credit or check your character and reputation, however they would go about that. Our current background check should be sufficient.

Am cleaning off a stack of papers on the desk this weekend and ran across this on the bottom of the stack. I believe it was from around Janurary of this year. Did not sign up with them. I have no idea how to link this to SC. I will not rate them there since I have never worked for them.

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 9/28/13 4:45pm
Msg #486378

Seems to me *we* should be the ones requesting criminal checks and credit reports on some of these outfitss. If we did, we would never work for them. And hopefully, (wishfully) lenders would not give them access to borrowers' docs.

Reply by Christine/OK on 9/28/13 4:49pm
Msg #486379

@ GOLDGIRL/CA - Like! :D n/m

Reply by desktopfull on 9/28/13 7:21pm
Msg #486388

I've worked for this company for over 10 years. They are one of my best clients, they never low-ball, and pay within 10 days of closing. Actually, it's quite difficult to get on their call list, I know many notaries that have tried and been turned down.

If you don't like the terms of their contract then don't work for them, but it's no reason to bad mouth this company. They don't request a BGC from you because they check you out themselves at their cost, instead of the expense coming out of your pocket. What a concept, the TC paying for a BGC, instead of the NSA!

I'll take as many closings from this company that they want to send my way! They are one of the best in the business.

Reply by Christine/OK on 9/28/13 7:28pm
Msg #486390

Agree to Disagree . . .

Worked for them for a couple of years. Payment is mailed 3 weeks after the closing date and usually receive in 4+ weeks.

Most of this year and especially during the last few months continuing to enforce pressure for lower and lower fees - especially by Maureen N. She says 'Take it or I will find someone who will.'

Like many others, a business should not be run at a loss and I won't be party to it.

Must be different in some parts of the US than in others . . . as with most companies.

Thanks to everyone for your posts on MIS.

Reply by Christine/OK on 9/28/13 7:47pm
Msg #486392

BAD All across US past 4 months-review Signing Central . . .

includes the following States:

NY
VA
AR
CO
OK
CA

Reply by Frank/NC on 9/28/13 7:38pm
Msg #486391

One of the best companies to work for.

Reply by Colleen Heaton on 9/28/13 9:27pm
Msg #486394

I have to agree because they are my favorite too! Danielle is wonderful to work with, but Maureen not so much.

Reply by Christine/OK on 9/29/13 4:24am
Msg #486406

Yes! I simply LOVE working with Danielle, but . . .

wonder if she is still there because the only one who has called/emailed in 2013 is Maureen - she is Bad News Bears for any professional.

Reply by desktopfull on 9/29/13 9:35am
Msg #486410

I get my closings through Kendra and Danielle. Haven't worked with Maureen, she must work the west coast closings.

Reply by Christine/OK on 9/29/13 11:49am
Msg #486415

Not sure how OK is on the West Coast . . . :D n/m

Reply by desktopfull on 9/29/13 12:50pm
Msg #486422

Try west of Mississippi River then. n/m

Reply by Belinda/CA on 9/28/13 9:38pm
Msg #486395

Desktopfull, don't get your knickers in a wad.

I am just letting people know what the contract says for when someone is looking up information on them. Letting people know to be sure and read what they sign. There is no need to be checking our credit. Just like others have written on this forum about places that want a copy of your auto insurance policy. No need for that or a credit check. Did you gnaw on those people as well?

You sound more like you own stock in the place than work with them. Goodness gracious sakes alive. Calm down. Do you think ranting for them will get you more business? Afraid if you don't say something 'for' them it will cost you business? Let's see if I can come up with more lame reasons you responded the way you did and post it accusing you. I just can't think like you. Why do you feel the need to defend and attack?

To one person it is stating facts to provide information. To you it is badmouthing. Go figure.

By the way, I was not badmouthing them. Where is your head? You are coming from a dark place assuming I meant the worst. I was reporting what their contract says. Simple as that. I said I have never worked for them and cannot rate them but wanted people to be sure and read the contract. Are you normally accusing and suspicious? I'll have to pay more attention to your posts and see if this is the norm for you.

Reply by desktopfull on 9/29/13 10:55am
Msg #486411

Re: Desktopfull, don't get your knickers in a wad.

Every BGC that's been run contains what is in your credit report, you apparently aren't aware of that. You make it sound like MIS is asking for something unheard of in their contract with a NSA. Followed with an admission of having no dealings with the company. Then, I speak out favorably about MIS and your response is a personal attack on me? Of which, I'm sure you don't consider your response a personal attack either.

In response to your questions. No, I'm not an owner of MIS, nor do I have stock in the company (don't even know if they are on the DOW), just stated my personal knowledge of the company. I've completed over 500 closings from this company since 2001 and have never had a problem, nor have I had to haggle over my fee. I'm listed on the HUD and receive a check within ten days of closing and I'm paid whether the borrower rescinds the loan or not. In this business you can't ask for better than that, IMHO. You probably wouldn't like the NSA rating sheet that the borrower is requested to fill out and sign that's included in every package either. I don't know how others working for MIS are treated, I'm just stating my experience with the company.

Please do bypass reading anymore of my posts in the future since they seem to elicit a personal attack from you.

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 9/28/13 10:24pm
Msg #486397

I don't think Belinda badmouthed ....

MIS at all! She simply stated the terms of the contract ...... which seem excessive to me; hence my earlier reply. They may be the dreamiest SS in the world to work for ...... but Belinda was not rating them or seeking information about them. Just stating some interesting facts.
Geez!

Reply by janCA on 9/28/13 10:39pm
Msg #486399

Re: I don't think Belinda badmouthed ....

MIS is not an SS, it is an escrow company. I worked with them for years , since 2005, they are a good company, BUT, I let them go a couple of months ago, because the fee paid did not coincide with the work they wanted from you. Many notarizations, and most not California compliant, and usually faxbacks of practically the whole doc package. Never had any problems with this company for all those years.

Reply by Bear900/CA on 9/28/13 10:59pm
Msg #486402

Something we should know about pulling credit reports

Some states do not allow employers to do so, whether you are a contract or w-2 employee.

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/can-prospective-employers-check-your-credit-report.html

Keep in mind a credit pull may affect you FICO score.

You can legally get a copy of the report.

The employer must give you an adverse action letter (turn down letter) if they turn you down based on the report.

Always ask if it will be a 'soft pull' vs a 'hard pull'. A soft pull is something a State or the Feds will pull to grant you a license. It is not an application for credit. It will not affect your score.

Reply by LynnNC on 9/29/13 6:54pm
Msg #486427

Re: Something we should know about pulling credit reports

They couldn't pull my credit report because I don't give companies for whom I work as a NSA my SS# - only my tax ID #.

Reply by HisHughness on 9/29/13 12:58am
Msg #486403

I do about one closing a year for MIS. They have always paid my fee without complaint.

I find it most encouraging that a company in this business conducts a quite thorough background check of signers itself, at its own expense.

One of these days, a borrower is going to be found dead in his home, slain at the hands of a signing agent, and the company that sent the agent there without adequately checking out what sort of individual he or she is going to be facing financial liability severe enough to put it out of business.

We are privy to borrowers' finances in fashion seldom seen in commerce. We go into their homes at all hours, often when they are alone. I continue to be astonished at the cavalier attitude of lenders, title companies and signing services toward the caliber of person they contract to conduct their business.

A great big "Attaboy!" to MIS.

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 9/29/13 11:51am
Msg #486416

Verrrry interesting viewpoint, HH

We, as NSAs, are always looking at the other side of the coin .... will *we* be safe going into "strange" homes all hours of the night and day? ... and we're always "alone." There have been NR posts where NSAs acknowledge "packin' heat."' Yikes! wonder what a poor borrower would think of that?!

Speaking of the other side of the coin, how about settlement services (Value America comes to mind) that give big fat contracts to a SS owned by a convicted identity thief (who incidentally, has bilked notaries out of tens of thousands of $$. Surprise surprise, but I digress). How do you think those hundreds of borrowers would feel knowing all their personal info now resides in the files of such a person? Yikes! And your comment that you are astonished at the cavalier attitude of all the big boys... is spot on. Not just about us, but their cavalier attitude about themselves and each other, too!

We NSAs look at ourselves as the good guys who are constantly buffeted by opposing forces (bad borrowers, scary borrowers, rude schedulers, no-pay SSs) etc. that we do not readily see what the other side is thinking about our credibility and trustworthiness. That includes borrowers. I used to be astonished when met at the front door with hostility by a borrower who demanded my ID, my history, my card, my everything else. Didn't I just confirm I was coming? Yes. Didn't their LO or TC tell them to except a confirmation call from the notary, who would be bringing all their docs? Yes. Yet they act like Son of Sam is on their front porch. (Hmm .... I don't take it personally!)

In any case, it is truly amazing that with all the millions of mobile loan signings that there have been no murders, rapes, assaults (of either party), few identity thefts (I do know some notary was caught selling SS# for $20), etc. As far as the caliber of notary companies hire, you & I know that for the most past it's the cheapest one they can find. And they do that cos they don't give a hoot about our caliber because how can they find that out? Through a credit check? ... well, not so much, I would think; but then, that's pretty much all they have to go by. Anyway, as far as an NSA hitting on the borrower's cute wife (or vice versa)....well, Hugh, you'd have to let us know if you've heard any stories or had any personal experience. Hee hee!

Reply by Belinda/CA on 9/29/13 2:22am
Msg #486404

WoW. Original OP not about backgrounds checks and their

Necessity. Nothing new about a background check and that was not the point of the OP. All pretty much check our background. Some pay for it, some do not. We all have 4 or more background checks and understand why.

However, checking your credit is out of line.
Once again, the point is, know what you sign and agree to. Don't give out your SS#.

Reply by HisHughness on 9/29/13 8:54am
Msg #486409

Maybe we just speak different languages

The original poster complains:

***WoW. Original OP not about backgrounds checks and their necessity.***

The original post said:

***They do not need to run your credit or <<<check your character and reputation>>>***

Reply by Belinda/CA on 9/29/13 11:47am
Msg #486413

When I have had my character and reputation verified

for employment they visited my neighbors and a few relatives and they were not a local company. They sent someone out to visit. Same for my husbands security clearance for handling sensitive documents. Now, I know they are probably not going to do this. However, that is how you would check on someone's character and reputation. A background is a criminal history which tells you nothing about a person's true character. Look, you passed one and you are quite the character. :o) [meant in the nicest way-honest]

Contract quote from OP:
"I authorize MIS to conduct reference checks, criminal checks, consumer report investigations and to OBTAIN OTHER INFORMTATION relating to my character, general reputation and credit. I release all parties from any and all liability for ..." and so on.

After all, they listed criminal check separately from obtaining other information relating to your character, general reputation and credit. That is why it stood out to me as separate. Because it is separate on their contract. As you quoted me, "They do not need to run your credit or check your character and reputation."

As stated earlier, the point is, know what you sign and agree to. Don't give out your SS#.

Reply by A S Johnson on 9/29/13 11:48am
Msg #486414

One thing I do NOT see mentioned about MIS and how "great" they are is (and I may do one or two in a year,for them thru a SS) is their instructions to the Notary is "NOT to contact the borrower, just show as the appointment is set".

Reply by Yoli/CA on 9/29/13 12:26pm
Msg #486420

A S~are you confusing with MIC perhaps?

MIC = Mortgage Investors Corporation
MIS = Mortgage Information Services

Reply by Christine/OK on 9/29/13 11:52am
Msg #486417

The Truth is within Signing Central . . .

BAD All across US past 4 months includes the following States:

NY
VA
AR
CO
OK
CA

Reply by PATTY/NV on 9/29/13 9:58pm
Msg #486428

I worked for them for 6 yrs and one day they sent me to Citibank to do a closing and the wife had no id so I said I was sorry I could not sign her without id and the l/o came in and went off on me and called mis, after that day I never heard from mis again

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 9/29/13 11:33pm
Msg #486429

Join the club.

Geez .... a notary who does a notary's job .. and gets fired for it. Where have I heard that before?
Don't you know it's our job to "bring home the loan"? Nobody cares about IDs, notary regulations, etc. hee hee. We're supposed to play ball ... or get fired by MIS, apparently. What a fine outfit. You should post this in SC to warn others that if they intend to ID the borrower, it could be the end of their relationship with MIS.

(p.s. I don't know what else you could have done because doesn't NV required a credible witness to be known by both the signer and the notary?).

Reply by Christine/OK on 9/30/13 7:02am
Msg #486431

LIKE!! :D n/m

Reply by Christine/OK on 9/30/13 7:01am
Msg #486430

WoW! Unbelievable how MIS expects us to break the . . .

law and if we don't 'off with our heads!' [i.e., no future calls from them]

I, too, had a long history with MIS. On occasion, I have sent small tokens of my appreciation [a beach towel, an insulated tumbler, etc.] of nominal cash value to my regular clients.

Earlier this year I sent one to the manager [Stan S.] for the team for Valentine's Day - just to say 'Thanks' - Maureen N./MIS called me and acted quite indignant. She said that I should be 'bribing her' [her words], not sending it to her manager, because SHE is the one who DECIDES who will receive the work. She went on to state that he gave it to another team member.

OMG! I could not believe my ears and was pretty much speechless. I told her that I needed to go. I then sent her an email and said that my Gift was a 'Thank You' - not a bribe!

I then sent a note to her manager [Stan S.] advising him of this exchange and he apologized for her behavior and stated that it was not to be considered representative of his company and their beliefs. I asked him if someone of that caliber would be allowed to continue in that position considering that she blatantly admitted to using bias, not quality of service, when determining who would receive work from MIS. He said that he would discus it with her.

As we all know, Maureen N. continues to call/email to schedule loan signings.

All in all, I thought about this at great length and decided that I was thankful for the insight provided to me by this behavior of MIS team members. It was at that time I decided not to accept work from MIS as they continued to apply pressure for lowering fees, with the threat of no work, below a livable wage.

Reply by Christine/OK on 9/30/13 7:05am
Msg #486432

EVERYONE: Please provide your current rating to MIS . . .

in Signing Central to reflect the manner in which they are doing business TODAY with CNSAs.

Thank you for your dedication to ensure that the truth about these types of companies is known.