CA Regulatory Summary
From WFG Wiki
Contents
Licensed Entity:
WFG NATIONAL TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY
See Attached HUD Sample for Additional Information
Banking Information
- Bank account <<INSERT ACCOUNT #/ROUTING #/BANK NAME>>
- Checks stale dated after ___ days of issuance
- Good Funds Law All funds must be cleared – no de minimus amount
- Disbursements Requirements <<INSERT IF WFG REQUIRES CD?>>
- Special Bank Requirements (IOLTA/IOTA/OTHER or account specific to that state’s funds)
Escrow/Settlement
- Who can prepare the HUD
- Who can sign the HUD (EO/LTP/Attorney) EO – but not a licensed designation
- Who orders hazard insurance Customary -
- When is transaction consummated for new HUDS
- Record before/after disburse -- Record then disburse
- Filed/restricted escrow rates -- Filed Escrow Rates
- Record retention requirements
- Is an attorney involved in the closing -- No
- Who can handle loan document signing -- Notary is acceptable
- Doc Prep Restrictions -- No; completion of standard documents is not UPL
- Use Escrow Instructions or not -- Yes
- Use Estimated HUD or Final -- Estimated
- Pass-thru charges -- Permitted
- Rates Inclusive or not -- Inclusive of search and exam
- Up Charging -- Must charge filed rates
- Junk Charges -- Must charge filed rates, Premium includes search and examination so no separate fee permitted .
- Special HUD Requirements
- Special Disclosures NHD(?)
- CPL -- Yes
- UPL Issues -- No
- Joinder of non-titled spouse -- Yes
- Survey Required
- Purchase – No
- Refinance – No
- Withholding -- CAL FIRPTA requires withholding of three and one/third percent of the sales price.
Audits
- Required Yes – annual; additional reports required filed quarterly with Commissioner; DOI can conduct an on-site audit
Recording Process
- E-recording County list of e-recording attached
- Record before disbursement Record first
- Special recording procedure
Recording/Document Requirements
- Marital Status Stated Yes
- Transfer Tax Yes
- Mortgage Tax No
- Address for grantor/grantee/property Property address on 1st page
- Witnesses Not required
- Names typed/printed Yes
- Prepared by/return to Preparer not required
- Notary Stamp/requirements California All-Purpose Acknowledgment required
- Parcel or tax index number Required on 1st page
- Recitation of Consideration
- Derivation Clause Required
- Corporate Signatures/Attestation
- Ink Color/Font Black or blue; 10 pt minimum
- Legal Description Include state, county and municipality in 1st paragraph
- Margins 2 ½” x 5” top right corner 1st page
- Other Special Recording: PCOR required with Deed; Recording coversheet required in most counties
Document Types
- Conveyance -- Grant Deed
- Security Instrument -- Deed of Trust
- Release -- Deed of Reconveyance
Tenancies
- Tenants in Common -- Yes
- Joint Tenants -- Yes
- Tenancy by Entireties -- No
- Community Property -- Yes
- Homestead -- Yes
- Joinder of Non-titled Spouse -- Required unless "sole and separate property"
Taxes
- Taxes Levied
- Taxes due 11/1; 2/1
- Delinquent 12/10; 4/10
Commitment/Policy Special Requirements
- Who can sign Commitment/Policy -- No restrictions
- Other
Payment Customs
Largely a matter of contract:
- Owners policy custom varies from county to county from seller paid to buyer paid to split 50/50;
- county transfer tax is generally paid by the seller; as to city transfer tax either the seller pays or split 50/50; seller generally pays for recording the deed and buyer for the deed of trust;
- survey is paid by party that needs/requests it;
- closing/settlement/escrow fees as to most counties, but not all, are paid by buyer or split 50/50.
Post Closing Requirements
- Recon follow up required