UT Underwriting Summary

Search/Exam

• Minimum Search Requirements -- Reasonable Search and that has made a determination of insurability to title under sound underwriting principles. Utah Code Ann. § 31A-20-110.– Marketable Title Act is 40 years
• Evidence of the title search must be retained for no less than 15 years after the policy has been issued.
• Plant or other search restrictions -- No
• Additional Requirements for REO Searches --
• Foreclosure Checklist --
• Special Searches Required (Code, HOA, Utilities)? --
• Survey Requirements --
• UPL Hot Button Issues --

UPL

• title agent issuing a title insurance policy may perform escrow related matters including the closing, disbursement, recording, and preparation of documents or other matters relating to escrow. See Utah Code Ann. § 31A-23a-406, See also Utah Insurance Department, Bulletin 2007-05.
• A person licensed to practice law in Utah is exempt from being licensed and is not subject to the requirements contained in Utah Code Ann. § 31-23a-204 if the attorney issues 12 or less policies in any 12 month period. The attorney, however, must maintain a separate trust account. See Utah Code Ann. § 31A-23a-204(7) and (8).

Witness Requirements

No witnesses required. A certificate of acknowledgement, proof of execution, jurat or other notarial certificate that is signed and certified by the officer taking the acknowledgment entitles the document to be recorded. Utah Code Ann. § 57-3-103.

Spousal Joinder Requirements/Homestead

• A non-title spouse does not have to join in the execution of a deed or security instrument, unless a homestead declaration has been recorded pursuant to Utah Code Ann. § 78-23-4

Who May Serve As Trustee On Deed Of Trust

• Deed of trust is the customary security instrument. Mortgages permitted but not common.
• A trustee must be
  • an active member of the Utah State Bar who maintains a place within the state
  • a bank, savings and loan association, savings bank, industrial bank, credit union,
  • an insurance company authorized to do business and actually doing business in Utah,
  • a corporation authorized to conduct a trust business and actually conducting a trust business in Utah or
  • a title insurance company or agency that holds a certificate of authority or license Under Title 31A of the Utah Insurance Code that has a bona fide office in the state and is actually doing business in the state. See Utah Code Ann. § 57-1-21.

Time Limitations

• US Judgment Liens -- 20 years, renewable for 20 years
• State Court Judgment Liens -- 8 years
• Federal Tax Liens -- 10 years (+30 days); can be refiled
• State Tax Liens --
• Estate Tax Lien -- Federal 10 years
• State Inheritance Tax Liens --
• Mechanics Liens --
• Financing Statements --
• Mortgages --
• HOA Liens --
• Condominium assessments --
• Child Support Liens –

Odd Stuff

• A Utah policy must be issued by a title insurance producer who is a resident of Utah through a bona fide branch office in Utah under the direction and control of the title insurer that pays all the expenses of the branch office or through a subsidiary title insurer authorized to do business in Utah. See Utah Code Ann. § 31A-14-211.
• Utah has specific requirements for title insurance producers to be licensed, maintain bonds and to pay to certain reserve funds. See Utah Code Ann. § 31A-23a-204.
• A person licensed to practice law in Utah is exempt from being licensed and is not subject to the requirements contained in Utah Code Ann. § 31-23a-204 if the attorney issues 12 or less policies in any 12 month period. The attorney, however, must maintain a separate trust account. See Utah Code Ann. § 31A-23a-204(7) and (8).
• Only the title agent issuing a title insurance policy may perform escrow related matters including the closing, disbursement, recording, and preparation of documents or other matters relating to escrow. See Utah Code Ann. § 31A-23a-406, See also Utah Insurance Department, Bulletin 2007-05.
• It is customary to charge a cancellation fee for a cancelled commitment. The charge for a cancelled commitment is established by each title agent.
• Reconveyance by Insurer:
  • A title insurer or agent may reconvey a trust deed or release a mortgage if the obligation secured by trust deed or mortgage has been fully paid by the insurer or agent or if the insurer or agent has satisfactory evidence of the full payment of the obligation secured by the deed of trust or mortgage. See Utah Code Ann. § 57-1-40.
  • The title insurer or agent must deliver a notice of intent to release or reconvey to the beneficiary, mortgagee or servicer together with a copy of the proposed reconveyance or release. The contents of the notice are described in Utah Code Ann. § 57-1-40(4).
  • 60 day objection period after notice of intent to release or reconvey, The contents of the reconveyance of the deed of trust or the release of mortgage in Utah Code Ann. § 57-1-40(4).
• Usury – The parties to a lawful contract may agree upon any rate of interest for the loan or forbearance of any money, goods, or chose in action that is the subject of their contract. Utah Code Ann. § 15-1-1