Bulletin: PA2024001

Dear Associates:

As you may be aware, there is a computer outage in Washington County and documents are not able to be recorded. It is not known when the computer systems will be accessible. Documents overnighted to the Recorder of Deeds Office, or submitted for e-recording, are currently being placed in a queue, though they will not be recorded until the systems are back online.

If you are unable to secure current searches of the title and if you do not have satisfactory title information, Stewart Title Guaranty Company (STGC) will not insure the title. If you have questions concerning the adequacy of the search, please review your state bulletins or call an STGC underwriter.

If you have satisfactory title information, but you are unable to record the real estate documents (including any mortgage and deed), STGC will insure the title if these conditions are met:

• The policy to be issued insures residential property only. Commercial transactions are subject to review by underwriting. If you have a commercial transaction in Washington County, please contact an STGC underwriter before proceeding;
• You secure your customary title affidavit, and you also secure an STG Gap Indemnity Agreement signed by both borrowers and sellers;
• The title examination does not show that the seller/borrower is subject to any outstanding involuntary or statutory liens (such as judgment liens, tax liens, or mechanic’s liens), bankruptcy proceedings or lawsuits;
• The insured mortgage is not a construction mortgage and there has been no recent construction;
• All insureds acknowledge in writing that recording and the return of the original deed and mortgage will be delayed until the county or other recording office is open; and
• Risks other than simple gap risk should be discussed with underwriting.

If your transaction will not comply with these guidelines or if you have any questions, please call an STGC underwriter.

We 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.

For on-line viewing of this and other bulletins, please log onto www.vuwriter.com.