On Wednesday, the District of Columbia enacted the "Saving D.C. Homes from Foreclosure Emergency Act of 2010." The key provision of which all of us dealing with DC real estate purchases must be aware is that for all foreclosure sales occurring November 17th or after, a "Mediation Certificate" must be recoded among the DC Land Records PRIOR TO the issuance and recordation of the Notice of Foreclosure.
Foreclosure attorneys, title agents and title insurance companies are all working diligently to see exactly what this means for DC foreclosures, but as this "Mediation Certificate" has yet to be created (to our knowledge), there seems to be a gap between what the law requires and what can practically be done to effectively foreclose on a DC property.
Again, as with any of these DC Foreclosure developments, the situation is very dynamic and fluid. As we receive more clarification and direction, we will pass that information along. To see all of our updates on Foreclosures, click here.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
DC Foreclosures Just Got a Little Tougher
On October 27th, District of Colombia Attorney General Peter Nickels issued this Statement of Enforcement Intent Regarding Deceptive Foreclosure Sale Notices. The Washington Post reported on this development here. In this statement, the Attorney General now requires:
This means that before a foreclosure sale can occur, there must be a clear chain of ownership of the indebtedness such that the public records match the name of the entity who is doing the foreclosing. Because of MERS and the securitization of loans today, this clear chain doesn't always exist.
How does this affect how we issue title insurance in DC?
We have received two underwriter bulletins on this subject. In the first, we are asked to comply with the statement and ensure there are "recorded assignments of the Deed of Trust each time the owner of the note sells the indebtedness so that a clear chain of ownership of the indebtedness leads to the lender who is directing the trustee to initiate the foreclosure action."
In the other bulletin (from another underwriter), we are asked for the following for DC sales transactions:
This obviously adds some some additional complexity to our title reviewing process, and may in some cases render a title uninsurable. Many speculate there may be some emergency legislative or judicial action to more clearly reconcile this opinion and that of MERS with respect to the latter's ability to foreclose on properties.
Stay tuned as more develops...
Prior to initiating a foreclosure involving a District of Columbia homeowner, a trustee or noteholder is obligated to confirm that the District’s land records demonstrate that the noteholder has the security interest that will be listed in the foreclosure sale notice. Each assignment of interest (or other document) by which the security interest was transferred to the noteholder, or to one of the noteholder’s predecessors in the chain of conveyances from the maker of the note, must be recorded with the Recorder of Deeds.
This means that before a foreclosure sale can occur, there must be a clear chain of ownership of the indebtedness such that the public records match the name of the entity who is doing the foreclosing. Because of MERS and the securitization of loans today, this clear chain doesn't always exist.
How does this affect how we issue title insurance in DC?
We have received two underwriter bulletins on this subject. In the first, we are asked to comply with the statement and ensure there are "recorded assignments of the Deed of Trust each time the owner of the note sells the indebtedness so that a clear chain of ownership of the indebtedness leads to the lender who is directing the trustee to initiate the foreclosure action."
In the other bulletin (from another underwriter), we are asked for the following for DC sales transactions:
Proof that the foreclosed Deed of Trust was not secured by owner-occupied residential property at the date of initiation of foreclosure proceedings, in the form of an affidavit from the foreclosing lender or its agent stating that the defaulting borrower(s) did not occupy the property as his/her/their personal residence at the date foreclosure proceedings were commenced.
This obviously adds some some additional complexity to our title reviewing process, and may in some cases render a title uninsurable. Many speculate there may be some emergency legislative or judicial action to more clearly reconcile this opinion and that of MERS with respect to the latter's ability to foreclose on properties.
Stay tuned as more develops...
Saturday, October 30, 2010
"A peculiar thing about this document..."
"It was never notarized!"
What Lucy and Charlie Brown can teach us about the proper execution of documents. :)
Happy Halloween from your friends at Mid-Atlantic Settlement Services!
What Lucy and Charlie Brown can teach us about the proper execution of documents. :)
Happy Halloween from your friends at Mid-Atlantic Settlement Services!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Foreclosure Update for MD, VA and DC
As we discussed in this post, the "Robo-signing" foreclosure issue is a very dynamic and fluid one. There is new information by the hour. Here are some updates to that original post:
Maryland and "Corrective Affidavits"
The Baltimore Sun reported here that several Maryland foreclosure attorneys had others sign their names on court documents rather than sign them personally. In an attempt to correct this, the attorneys filed "Corrective Affidavits" later. From a title insurance perspective, this adds another layer of review for us. Should we find such a document in a foreclosure file, our underwriter needs to review the entire file before allowing us to insure. Fortunately, this can often be done in a matter of hours.
Bank of America re-opening the REO pipeline
Bank of America has partially unfrozen its foreclosure halt by allowing foreclosures to resume in 23 states after having reviewed their processes and finding no errors. Foreclosures should resume by October 25th.
Use of a "Lender Indemnity"
The Fidelity National Financial (FNF) family of title insurance companies is requiring the use of an indemnity signed by the lender/servicer for each transaction settling November 1st or later. Such an indemnity is not required, however, for deals involving Bank of America REO property as a master indemnity agreement has been signed between the two entities.
Stay tuned, as more news is sure to follow!
Maryland and "Corrective Affidavits"
The Baltimore Sun reported here that several Maryland foreclosure attorneys had others sign their names on court documents rather than sign them personally. In an attempt to correct this, the attorneys filed "Corrective Affidavits" later. From a title insurance perspective, this adds another layer of review for us. Should we find such a document in a foreclosure file, our underwriter needs to review the entire file before allowing us to insure. Fortunately, this can often be done in a matter of hours.
Bank of America re-opening the REO pipeline
Bank of America has partially unfrozen its foreclosure halt by allowing foreclosures to resume in 23 states after having reviewed their processes and finding no errors. Foreclosures should resume by October 25th.
Use of a "Lender Indemnity"
The Fidelity National Financial (FNF) family of title insurance companies is requiring the use of an indemnity signed by the lender/servicer for each transaction settling November 1st or later. Such an indemnity is not required, however, for deals involving Bank of America REO property as a master indemnity agreement has been signed between the two entities.
Stay tuned, as more news is sure to follow!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
How is the "Robo-Signer" Issue Affecting Title Insurance in MD, DC and VA?
Even those not in real estate are now familiar with the term "Robo-Signer" - a term describing a mortgage company employee who allegedly signed thousands of documents authorizing foreclosures across the country, without actually having personally reviewed the loan documents. If you're not familiar with the story, this is one of the earlier pieces which brought the matter to light.
What impact has this had on the market nationally?
The investigation has caused lenders such as JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America and GMAC to cease their foreclosure practices in a number of jurisdictions while these entities take inventory and review procedures relating to the processing of these types of transactions. In addition, Bank of America announced today that it is halting foreclosures in all 50 states due to concerns that this practice affects all foreclosures, not just judicial ones.
What is the status in MD, VA, and the District of Columbia?
As of the writing of this post, only Bank of America has an outright freeze on foreclosures in MD, VA and DC. These jurisdictions are not considered pure "judicial foreclosure" states, and therefore are not included in the list of 23 states that Ally/GMAC (among others) is halting foreclosures in.
How does this affect how we evidence or insure title?
At this time, whenever there is a foreclosure in the chain of title or we are passing title from a lender to a new buyer as a result of foreclosure, we carefully examine the title and if we see irregularities we consult with our underwriter before insuring. At least one of our underwriters has instructed us to consult with them before insuring a foreclosure from Ally/GMAC.
Please be advised that this is a very fluid and dynamic situation. As we receive more updates from either lenders/servicers, or our underwriters, we will keep you updated.
Any questions? Please call your Title Service Representative or email us at info[at]MASettlement[dot]com today!
What impact has this had on the market nationally?
The investigation has caused lenders such as JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America and GMAC to cease their foreclosure practices in a number of jurisdictions while these entities take inventory and review procedures relating to the processing of these types of transactions. In addition, Bank of America announced today that it is halting foreclosures in all 50 states due to concerns that this practice affects all foreclosures, not just judicial ones.
What is the status in MD, VA, and the District of Columbia?
As of the writing of this post, only Bank of America has an outright freeze on foreclosures in MD, VA and DC. These jurisdictions are not considered pure "judicial foreclosure" states, and therefore are not included in the list of 23 states that Ally/GMAC (among others) is halting foreclosures in.
How does this affect how we evidence or insure title?
At this time, whenever there is a foreclosure in the chain of title or we are passing title from a lender to a new buyer as a result of foreclosure, we carefully examine the title and if we see irregularities we consult with our underwriter before insuring. At least one of our underwriters has instructed us to consult with them before insuring a foreclosure from Ally/GMAC.
Please be advised that this is a very fluid and dynamic situation. As we receive more updates from either lenders/servicers, or our underwriters, we will keep you updated.
Any questions? Please call your Title Service Representative or email us at info[at]MASettlement[dot]com today!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
New Maryland Power of Attorney Changes Effective October 1st, 2010
On May 20, 2010, Governor O’Malley signed into law Chapter 689, HB 659 which repeals Estates and Trusts Sections 13–601 through 13–603 (Powers of Attorney) and adds Estates and Trusts Sections 17–101 through 17–204 under the new title “Maryland General and Limited Power of Attorney Act.” The Act takes effect on October 1, 2010.
Among the many changes are two distinct provisions which Maryland real estate practitioners should be aware of: (1) New execution requirements and (2) new statutory forms.
New Execution Requirements
In addition to the pre-existing requirements for properly executing a power of attorney (POA), a POA executed after September 30th must be attested and signed by two or more adult witnesses who sign in the presence of the principal and in the presence of each other (one of the witnesses can be the notary). Signature blocks for these new requirements are a part of the new statutory form.
New Statutory Forms
The Act creates, among others, two forms which real estate professionals should be aware of. The first is the Maryland Statutory Form Limited Power of Attorney. While the statutory doesn't have to be used, if it is it cannot be refused on the basis of the content of the form alone.
A Maryland real estate professional will also see a Certification as to the Validity of Power of Attorney and Agent’s Authority used in conjunction with a POA. This form must be executed before a notary and recorded along with the POA in every transaction. In the absence of fraud, such certification is “conclusive proof of the nonrevocation . . . of the power at that time.”
As a reminder, a POA should only be used when principal(s) absolutely cannot sign or be present at a closing. They have been tools for fraud and real estate related scams. As a title company, we will always inquire as to why one is being used, so if your buyer or seller is using one, please be prepared for questions!
Among the many changes are two distinct provisions which Maryland real estate practitioners should be aware of: (1) New execution requirements and (2) new statutory forms.
New Execution Requirements
In addition to the pre-existing requirements for properly executing a power of attorney (POA), a POA executed after September 30th must be attested and signed by two or more adult witnesses who sign in the presence of the principal and in the presence of each other (one of the witnesses can be the notary). Signature blocks for these new requirements are a part of the new statutory form.
New Statutory Forms
The Act creates, among others, two forms which real estate professionals should be aware of. The first is the Maryland Statutory Form Limited Power of Attorney. While the statutory doesn't have to be used, if it is it cannot be refused on the basis of the content of the form alone.
A Maryland real estate professional will also see a Certification as to the Validity of Power of Attorney and Agent’s Authority used in conjunction with a POA. This form must be executed before a notary and recorded along with the POA in every transaction. In the absence of fraud, such certification is “conclusive proof of the nonrevocation . . . of the power at that time.”
As a reminder, a POA should only be used when principal(s) absolutely cannot sign or be present at a closing. They have been tools for fraud and real estate related scams. As a title company, we will always inquire as to why one is being used, so if your buyer or seller is using one, please be prepared for questions!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Maryland Ground Rents After September 30th
On May 8, 2007, Governor O’Malley signed House Bill 580 - “Ground Rents – Registry of Properties Subject to Ground Leases” - which became Chapter 290 of the Laws of 2007. The law provided for the creation of an on-line registry of properties that are subject to ground rents and required that all ground rent owners must register every ground rent owned by the owner with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) and pay a fee by September 30, 2010 or else risk having said ground rent interest extinguished.
Now that September 30th is fast approaching, what's going to change?
According to at least one of our underwriters, Fidelity National Title Group, absolutely nothing. This is because there is a pending lawsuit [Charles Muskin vs. State Department of Assessments and Taxation (Case Number 24C10004437)] which if successful will deem the ground rent legislation as unconstitutional and will bar its enforcement. So long as this case is active, Fidelity tells us, we are to treat ground rents as we always have and will not render a ground rent as extinguished just because it fails to appear in the registry.
Note that this just one underwriter's position, but we fully expect the other major title insurance companies to follow suit in the coming days. We will continue to update you on what other title insurance companies are doing as well as the status of the case and how it affects this legislation. Stay tuned!
UPDATE: On September 24th, another one of our underwriters, First American, sent us a memo with substantially the same information as the earlier Fidelity notice. This is now the second underwriter who has told us "business as usual" with respect to ground rents.
Now that September 30th is fast approaching, what's going to change?
According to at least one of our underwriters, Fidelity National Title Group, absolutely nothing. This is because there is a pending lawsuit [Charles Muskin vs. State Department of Assessments and Taxation (Case Number 24C10004437)] which if successful will deem the ground rent legislation as unconstitutional and will bar its enforcement. So long as this case is active, Fidelity tells us, we are to treat ground rents as we always have and will not render a ground rent as extinguished just because it fails to appear in the registry.
Note that this just one underwriter's position, but we fully expect the other major title insurance companies to follow suit in the coming days. We will continue to update you on what other title insurance companies are doing as well as the status of the case and how it affects this legislation. Stay tuned!
UPDATE: On September 24th, another one of our underwriters, First American, sent us a memo with substantially the same information as the earlier Fidelity notice. This is now the second underwriter who has told us "business as usual" with respect to ground rents.
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