THIS BULLETIN IS FURNISHED TO INFORM YOU OF CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS. AS A REMINDER, YOU ARE CHARGED WITH KNOWLEDGE OF THE CONTENT ON VIRTUAL UNDERWRITER AS IT EXISTS FROM TIME TO TIME AS IT APPLIES TO YOU, AS WELL AS ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS. OUR UNDERWRITING AGREEMENTS DO NOT AUTHORIZE OUR ISSUING AGENTS TO ENGAGE IN SETTLEMENTS OR CLOSINGS ON BEHALF OF STEWART TITLE GUARANTY COMPANY. THIS BULLETIN IS NOT INTENDED TO DIRECT YOUR ESCROW OR SETTLEMENT PRACTICES OR TO CHANGE PROVISIONS OF APPLICABLE UNDERWRITING AGREEMENTS. CONFIDENTIAL, PROPRIETARY, OR NONPUBLIC PERSONAL INFORMATION SHOULD NEVER BE SHARED OR DISSEMINATED EXCEPT AS ALLOWED BY LAW. IF APPLICABLE STATE LAW OR REGULATION IMPOSES ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS, YOU SHOULD CONTINUE TO COMPLY WITH THOSE REQUIREMENTS.
Bulletin: MD2019001
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Bulletin: MD2019001
Dear Associates:
The Baltimore City Department of Finance is shut down indefinitely due to a software attack. They are unable to give us an estimate on when they will be back up and running. The Finance office is unable to collect payments, provide account balances or issue lien sheets. The City of Baltimore is unable to accept any documents for recording among the Land Records.
As a result of Baltimore City not being unable to accept documents for recording, Stewart Title Guaranty Company will not be able to insure properties in Baltimore City.
The Transfer office has stated lien sheets with a good through date of May 7, 2019, will be honored. If you have a Baltimore City residential owner-occupied property transaction scheduled through May 31, 2019, and you have a valid lien sheet good through May 7, 2019, Stewart Title will insure those transactions. Please be aware it is your responsibility to collect sufficient funds (including water bills, taxes etc.) to record documents as soon as Baltimore City is up and running. Keep in mind that there may be an increase in utility charges prior to recording.
Please make certain this Notice and communications are disseminated to your staff.
Stewart Title Guaranty Company will be monitoring this situation and keeping our agents abreast of any developments.
If you have any questions relating to this or other bulletins, please contact a Stewart Title Guaranty Company underwriter.
For on-line viewing of this and other bulletins, please log onto www.vuwriter.com.
References
- Bulletins Replaced:
- None
- Related Bulletins:
- None
- Underwriting Manual:
- None
- Exceptions Manual:
- None
- Forms:
- None