Diane,

I totally agree!  I am an independent title abstractor in NC.  I was recently contacted by an attorney (that used to be a former employer) to do two full title searches on two lots of coastal property.  It was a rush and I put other work aside and made it a priority.  I was able to get it done in a timely fashion after burning the midnight oil..........then I received a call that the loan had "fallen through" and the closing would not occur.  I had completed all of my work.  I debated about what to do, seeing as how I really wanted this attorney to start using me as much as possible, etc.  I tried to justify not billing him and letting this one "slide" to get my foot in the door with him, but then I realized that if I don't value my own work and time, why should I expect anyone else to?  I promptly packaged up the search and delivered it to him with my statement for services rendered.

Mysteriously, now the closing is back "on" is to occur in this week so everyone comes out on the good end (hopefully!)