I received the dreaded email in April for Hawaii notaries conducting direct signings for First American. My heart sank... I've been in the loan signing business for 16 years and built many relationships with escrow officer's thru the years. Basically, I decided I wasn't going to work for less than the direct rate and no longer accepted signings from signing services. I basically ignored the million snap doc alerts and mainly focused on direct signings with First American, First Hawaii Title and Premier Title and Escrow. Since I live on Kauai I received quite a bit of direct business from those three companies since they are not located on the island where I live. But... since the new process of Snapdocs handling FATCO's signings I've seen a significant drop in my business. The cattle call, low ball offers aren't worth it... so I won't do them. I still have a couple of rebel escrow officer's that send me direct business and I'm grateful. Old Republic also works with Snapdocs here. First Hawaii Title and Premier Title still send me direct business. I'm tired. Tired of having to fight for every nickel and dime. I know I've paid my dues. I know that everything happens for a reason and I'm lucky to have been called back to my full time job at a resort on the island. And I just received a promotion. So I'm trying to stay positive and not be bitter about the changes affecting my side business that I've built and nurtured for 16 years... can I get a tissue here?!?! |