Bulletin: CA000005

Dear Associates:

By now, some of you may be aware of requests coming from customers, particularly on commercial transactions, for a modification of the 110.5 endorsement to be issued, insuring the lender's priority where only an extension of the loan is being made and no further modification is being done. Please see form referenced at the end of this bulletin. Apparently, two of our major competitors are issuing such an endorsement based upon the theory that a mere extension would not prejudice the rights of an intervening lienholder.

Although, there was much debate amongst the senior Stewart underwriters about the merits of whether or not an intervening lienholder is or is not prejudiced by the mere extension, nevertheless, it was agreed that Stewart would consider issuing said endorsement as requested strictly under the following guidelines:

1. A full review of the loan modification be made by the title officer to satisfy themselves that the only modification being done to the deed of trust is an extension of the loan. If there are any other modifications, the modified 110.5 may not be used.
   
   
2. A full datedown be done.
   
   
3. If the datedown shows any intervening liens, the endorsement may not be issued.
   
   
4. Verification from the lender that the loan is not in default.

If you are able to satisfy the requirements of (1) through (4) above, the modified 110.5 endorsement may be issued without further approval from the Underwriting Department. If all the requirements are not met as set forth above, please contact either myself, Tom Thompson or Tim Salisbury for further discussion. A charge of not less than $350 and not more than $750 will be the required premium for the endorsement. The final premium will depend on the fact amount of the deed of trust.

If there are any questions in regard to the guidelines in issuing the modified 110.5 endorsement as attached, please call me as soon as possible.

Thank you.