Bulletin: TX000050

Dear Associates:

We have been experiencing a wonderful real estate market in both the residential and commercial arenas. However, the increase in business has brought about a slowdown in the recordation of real estate instruments at many county recorder offices; making timely delivery of owner policies harder to achieve.

We would like to share with you how you can deliver owner policies immediately after closing. How can you accomplish this when you have not received the recording information? Well, it is actually a very simple process. All you have to do is modify what goes into the "Date of Policy" blank on Schedule A. Instead of waiting until you have received recording information back from the County Clerk, you will enter the actual date you delivered the deed to the County Clerk for recording.

For example, if you delivered the deed to the County Clerk on January 2, 1999, you would enter that date in the "Date of Policy" blank and promptly send the policy to the insured.

Obviously, you must still record the deed the same day you issue the policy or at the latest, first thing the next morning or business day. Timely recording preserves priority and prevents claims.

Owner policy issuance is the culmination of the real estate transaction. We believe that using this technique will enable you to issue your owner policies in a timely fashion. Not only will you have a satisfied customer, you will help create a situation that could result in business referrals.

If you should have any questions, please call Stewart Title Guaranty Company underwriting personnel.