Bulletin: PA2019003

Dear Associates:

This Bulletin supersedes and replaces the previous Bulletin we issued on this topic on May 30th. Certain websites and computer programs associated with Philadelphia’s First Judicial District continue to be shut down, making it impossible to search the civil docket records of the Philadelphia Courts. The City has provided computer terminals in the Widener Building and the Criminal Justice Center with limited access to relevant data.

Effective immediately, for all transactions under $3,000,000.000 for which closing will occur on or before July 1, 2019:

• Closings may proceed provided: 1) a bringdown search has been ordered on or after June 13, 2019; 2) the usual municipal certifications from the City have been obtained; and 3) all other requirements of the title commitment have been met.
• You must have a gap indemnity signed by the seller and/or borrower as well as standard title affidavits from sellers, buyers and borrowers, indicating that there are no mortgages, judgments, liens or pending court suits affecting the premises other than those shown on the title commitment. A sample form of gap indemnity is attached. 

Any transaction for which the amount of insurance equals, or exceeds, $3,000,000.00 must be reviewed and approved by the Company, prior to scheduling closing. 

Stewart Underwriting will continue to monitor the situation and keep you apprised of any developments. Should you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out to us.  

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.