closing: did you slip anybody money?

We are going to closing this month, I should say I am going, DH cant take off of work. I heard from several people that you need to slip people money under the table. Did you do this? If so who? How much? and how did you do it?

Message edited 7/8/2006 5:45:03 PM.

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

I've closed on 2 houses so far in my life and I've never slipped anyone money. Our lawyer suggested we tip the person who "records" the closing - I think they are called the Title person $100.

ETA: Good luck for a smooth closing!!

Message edited 7/8/2006 5:56:52 PM.

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

We "tipped" the title person. But we gave a check to our lawyer and he gave it to him. nothing under the table

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

I just bumped an old topic about this. People have different views.

I didn't and WOULDN'T tip anybody or slip them money under the table, mostly for the reasons posted in the post I bumped.

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

Thanks for the bump. There were definetly some mixed thoughts. I still am not sure what the "right thing to do is" We were told to do it, because if not the paper would get "lost" or take too long. I guess it's personal preference

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

No way! We closed and they took a lot of the money in fees. I do not get tipped at my job when I do things.. and I work in the medical field. JMHO

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

No!! Especially in our case. The title closer worked for our lawyer. He owned the title company. She was rude and never even bothered to look us in the eye, and it bothered me so much that when I complained to our lawyer he refunded US money.

I posted this same question when we were closing and there were many opinions. I'm glad that we decided not to.

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

yep we did

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

By the time I have the $$ saved for a house, I wont have anything left to tip!

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

We didn't. Our lawyer also didn't say that we had to tip anyone (he never even mentioned tipping). None of our paperwork got "lost" or took an excessive amount of time.

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

We did. Our lawyer told us it was standard eventhough I didn't agree.

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

I didn't give anyone any $$$$$, they got paid enough

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

Nope and I never would.

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

If you are tipping that is one thing, there is a thread on that. But if you really are talking about slipping money to people under the table (which is done usually outside of the closing) it's illegal and not advisable.

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

It is customary to give a title closer a tip. Usually they don't own the title company and go from closing to closing. The money you pay to the title company doesn't go to the title closer and they don't make that much money for attending the closing except tips that are given to them from the buyer & seller. At my closing I tiped the title closer...it may be their job to be at your closing but they are barely making anything...similar to a waiter or waitress at a restaurant. You give them what you think you should usually people give anywhere from $75 to $225 depending on alot of things, again it is a tip though and it is up to. The sellers usually also tip the title closer. After they leave your closing they are making sure that you deed and transfer documents get recorded properly and if you don't give them a tip they won't lose your documents but it is a nice gesture.

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

It is not ethical to "tip" anyone during the closing. Each person is paid for the job that they do. Each person has a fiduciary responsibility to uphold the ethical protion of their job and accepting "tip" money goes against any of these ethics.

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

I didn't tip anyone I wasn't even at my closing we did it all by faxes and fedex over night!!

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

I think tipping is way out of control, so no - I wouldn't tip.

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

we didnt slip anybody money under the table we just cut everyone there checks for what they were owed and our closing went smoth and easy. for the amount of money they all got for an hours worht of work i dnt think they needed any tipping.

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

We didnt give anybody except the title closer who is friends of the family.

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

I have never even heard of tipping anybody at a closing until I read this. I didn't and wouldn't. Everyone got paid for their jobs and my closing was expensive enough.

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

we're closing this week and dont plan on tipping anyone.

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

I never heard of tipping anyone. Only maybe the title closer and I still have no idea why.

You shouldnt have to tip anyone,,,

Re: closing: did you slip anybody money?

The only tip I will give will be the heads up to get out of my way when the checkbook closes.