After reading the past few posts, I have something more to say. I'm not defending VM's, but LATELY they have been more reliable than most regular title companies that I work for. Let me explain why before I get beat over the head!!

First of all, I won't do work for anyone unless they agree to my prices. The handful of VMs that I do work for pay me my asking price or some pay even a little more. I charge them a flat fee, and if the fee will be more, most are very reasonable paying the extra for whatever reason as long as I talk to them first. Second of all, they are reliable paying, meaning a check guaranteed once or twice a month. Third, the ones I deal with actually send me work, and normally more than one or two orders a month. This really helps me out at times, I must admit.

As for regular title companies, the seem to be less reliable when it comes to being loyal and getting paid. Some will use my services for a handful of months, and then on to the next abstractor. When confronted with the facts, they usually lie and just say they have no work in your area, which you know is bull because you saw an uninsured abstractor doing an order for them today. Or they use people who live three hours away, and you think to yourself, I live right here in town and I should have that work. Why did they quit using my services (I never seem to get an answer)? Most just disappear overnight never to be heard from again. Or months later call asking if they can use you again since they are tired of waiting nine days for an order (I just got that call last week).

As for getting paid - that is the biggest issue for me.

I have about three title companies right now who I have serviced for years and used to pay every month on time. Now I have to call every 30 days and ask when my check is coming or they will do nothing until they hear from me. I don't mind working with people, but it seems like lately I find myself bending just to keep business (meaning sometimes I wait a little longer to get paid). Sure I could quit doing their work, but they are some of my larger clients. And these are regular title companies, not VM's - aren't they supposed to be the good guys?

So I hope someone out there understands the point I am trying to make. I know all VM's are not created equal and I myself have dealt with one or two bad apples. But the few I deal with now treat me very well and I will continue to try to make them happy. As for regular title companies, they seem to either be good or bad. I guess I have dealt with more of the bad lately. I just hope one day all these lousy experiences will pay off in a good way. Sorry to be long-winded, I just have a lot to say today . . .

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