It seems to be a little weird that these companies send you a signing notice but does not list the number of pages or if I am to leave a copy with the client. So how can you determine whether you’d like to take the signing without all the information.
Is this a way for them to get us to accept and be stuck with a low fee and end up printing 200 pages.
I had a signing request for 50.00, location 20 mins away, no page count and not mention of leaving a copy with client. Only information about page count was low number of pages.
I decided to accept and then ask for page count and negotiate fee if necessary ( signing was within an hour and a half.) I didnt get a response from them on question 1 question 2 or question 3.
So what would you have done. Canceled, or Proceeded.
[quote=“smrexcell, post:1, topic:14598”]
Is this a way for them to get us to accept and be stuck with a low fee and end up printing 200 pages.
[/quote] Yep, sure is! They hope you’ll just do it and not make waves. Generally, you can ‘assume’ that you’ll need to print a 2nd copy to leave with the B unless otherwise stated. And, frequently, they really don’t know the page count, so assume the worst. (because when they DO give a page count, it’s usually a small pkg. & they hope you’ll overlook everything else & just take it). No fee listed? Unusual, but sometimes they’re just looking for the lowest “quote on an unknown”…not a good sign.
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As Arichter said - most times signing services don’t know the page count; and neither title nor ss want to be questioned to death over a signing
Your signing agent course should have instructed you that you always leave a copy of the package for the signers. This is something you should just automatically include in services provided and set your fee accordingly; further, it’s safe to assume that a regular refinance or purchase loan will be, at the least, about 125-135 pages - sometimes more in many instances. What I’m saying is go into a signing expecting right from the getgo that you’re printing 250-270 pages or better. Set your fee for that - if printing exceeds that, then negotiate.
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Well I ask about the extra copy because the last few Ive done says they borrower doesnt need a copy. Its happen 2x last week. So I normally ask just to be safe.
Also, they didnt give any indication of what kind of signing it was, all the said was the address, low page count and a really low fee for the location plus print and travel.
I tried to negotiate but they seemed to have ignored me for 20 mins.
Yeah…knowing what kind of signing is crucial - I’ve seen refi’s or helocs of 50-75 pages…that, to me, was low pages.
Have to ask yourself - if they can’t take the time to answer your questions and give you the basics of the assignment, do you really want to work with them?
One thing I want to say here - about this… “the last few Ive done says they borrower doesnt need a copy.” - IF IT’S A LOAN SIGNING, the borrower is entitled to a copy - now if title is going to send them their copy that’s fine…but by law you have to, at minimum, leave them their two copies each of the NORTC…that’s not negotiable - not leaving them is a RESPA violation…I used to leave the NORTC along with a copy of the CD (when I did them it was the HUD and TIL) , Note and First Payment Letter so they had something to refer to if they had to contact their LO.
sorry I failed to say the company was sending them a copy and one had received theirs by email before arriving…
also I agree with you on working for them if they ignore you - I gave them ample time and when they did not answer I sent the message i am no longer available for the signing
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Way to go, smrexcell. Dump it back in their lap!
I would follow Linda H’s respond. You cant go wrong.
I don’t care how many pages are listed. I’ve had “less than 50 pages” turn into 180 pages per set! I don’t take any job, even in my own city, without negotiating a higher price. “Less then 50 pages” probably means that we only sign that many. Well, suck it up, Buttercup, because I want more money before you get “less than 50 pages” outta me! 
As for a copy for the borrower: that’s usually a given even if it’s not stated. I leave them with every page they see in the signature set. If it’s low to you, it’s too low. Ask for at least double, even triple, if you like. You’re worth it.
When the person calling to schedule the signing does not or cannot provide you additional information other than the type of signing and the location, I recommend giving a quote that assumes
- It is a large loan pkg (200 pages)
- You must always print two copies
- There are two signers
- Scanbacks are required
This way, you won’t be caught off guard by the extra work and your expenses are covered.
State your rate based on the above and let them know you understand they have to get your rate approved first. Stand by your quote. If they balk, politely tell them you understand and so you both can just move on. If they don’t call you right back with an approval, that’s OK too. MOVE ON. No hard feelings on either side. Business is business. Earn a reputation for being someone they can rely on for accuracy and professionalism, and they eventually will come back to you. They absolutely have the power to approve your rates if they choose to. This has been my experience.
Cheers! ~Carmen Lane
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Having standard fees/rates for complete packages is a must. This allows them to come back to you to renegotiate or confirm that it is only 30-50 pages - then you reduce your rate acordingly.
