We have one county where every copy is $2/page.  I would not consider a flat fee for work in that county.  The copy costs could easily wind up being more than the search fee and not only would I lose money on the copies, I'd lose money on the search.

The "end" client needs to understand that the search costs what it costs.  They are clearly marking up the search fee anyway - I have never seen a HUD-1 list a search fee of $45.  In fact, the lowest I have seen is $120.  So, if someone has to take a hit, it should be the end client - they aren't going to lose money regardless.  Why should anyone lose money, when it isn't necessary. 

When there is a VMC involved, they need to tell their client that the search is going to cost more and the end client needs to accept that.  The search costs what it costs.

Best,
Robert A. Franco
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