Bulletin: NY000260

On July 27, 2005 Stewart Title Insurance Company joined in the execution of the First Amendment to the First Amended and Restated Mutual Indemnification Agreement. The other participating companies are Chicago Title Insurance Company, Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company, Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, First American Title Insurance Company, Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation, Old Republic National Title Insurance Company, Ticor Title Insurance Company, Ticor Tile Insurance Company of Florida, Transnation Title Insurance Company of New York, United General Title Insurance Company and Washington Title Insurance Company.

The purpose of the amendment is to reflect the addition of four new items to the Applications of Mutual Indemnification Agreement (“Applications”), as mutually agreed upon by all participants. At the same time, the Memorandum of Mutual Indemnification Agreement (“Memorandum”) was amended to correct what was, essentially, a scrivener's error.

The new applications are those numbered 8-11 on the attached copy. All are fairly straightforward and provide guidance in the areas of who may supply copies of an Indemnitor's policy or marked report, handling of liens filed by condominiums for unpaid common charges, effectiveness of recorded powers of attorney and the inclusion of government agencies, such as HUD or the FHA, which have acquired title to properties, post mortgage foreclosure, from foreclosing lenders pursuant to loan guarantee programs.

The “correction” to the Memorandum was to clarify the point that it is the Indemnitee's policy that must be issued after April 1, 2005 for the provisions of the Amended and Restated Mutual Indemnification Agreement of that date to apply.

If you have any questions regarding any aspect of the Mutual Indemnification Agreement, please call company counsel.