CON
Condominiums
To insure on a condominium, you must verify that the Declaration complies with state law. The Company requires a review of the Declaration to verify that the Condominium Endorsement ALTA Form 4 (or 4.1 in those states where the assessment lien has priority for some assessments) can be issued. You must carefully consider expandable condominium regimes in accordance with the Company’s guidelines. Always be aware of mechanic’s lien issues on new condominium projects recently or not yet complete.
Requirement
CONR01 STG
Condominium Assessments
The Company requires a satisfactory statement from the Association or its agent stating the amount of the unpaid common or maintenance charges against the unit, to the date of closing. At that time, the Company may make additional requirements or exceptions.
Comment: When insuring on a condominium, you must confirm that all assessments and charges are paid current.
See Underwriting Manual
CONR02 STG
Approval of Sale
The Condominium Declaration or By-Laws contains a provision requiring prior approval of the sale by the Association or creating a right of first refusal. The Company requires satisfactory proof that the provisions have been complied with. At that time, the Company may make additional requirements or exceptions.
Comment: If the Declaration creates a right of first refusal or option to purchase, or requires the association’s approval of a transaction, verify that approval of the transaction occurred.
See Underwriting Manual
CONR03 STG
Certificate of Completion
The Company requires the recordation of a certificate of completion in accordance with applicable law.
Comment: The Uniform Condominium Act, adopted in numerous states, requires recordation of a certificate of completion before units may be sold. You also must verify that no mechanic’s lien issues exist.
See Underwriting Manual
Exception
CONS01 STG
Unit Description (Fractional or Percentage Inte
Unit No. ______, Building ______ of ____________ condominium regime, as created by the Declaration recorded ____________, together with an undivided ___________ interest in the appurtenant common elements.
Comment: This description refers to the fractional or percentage interest. The Company prefers not to do that if the interest may change in an expandable condominium.
See Underwriting Manual
CONS02 STG
Unit Description (No Fractional or Percentage I
Unit No. ______, Building ______ of ____________ condominium regime, as created by Declaration recorded ____________, together with an undivided interest in the appurtenant common elements.
Comment: This description does not refer to the specific fractional or percentage interest in the common elements. The Company prefers this exception, particularly if the interest may change in an expandable condominium.
See Underwriting Manual
CONX01 ALTA
Declaration Exception (with Option or First Ref
Terms, provisions, option, right of first refusal, covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, charges, assessments, and liens provided by applicable condominium law or the Condominium Declaration and Bylaws recorded ___________, but omitting any covenant, condition or restriction, if any, based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin unless and only to the extent that the covenant, condition or restriction (a) is exempt under Title 42 of the United States Code, or (b) relates to handicap, but does not discriminate against handicapped persons.
Comment: Except to the terms of the Declaration. This exception also expressly refers to a possible option or right of first refusal.
See Underwriting Manual
CONX02 ALTA
Declaration Exception (with Option or First Ref
Terms, provisions, option, right of first refusal, covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, charges, assessments, and liens provided by applicable condominium law or the Condominium Declaration and Bylaws recorded ______________, but omitting any covenant, condition or restriction, if any, based on race, color, condition or restriction (a) is exempt under Title 42 of the United Sates Code, or (b) relates to handicap, but does not discriminate against handicapped persons. The Condominium Declaration and Bylaws also provide faith and for value.
Comment: This language may be used if the Declaration and state law provide that violations will not defeat good faith mortgages. The Condominium Endorsements (ALTA 4 and 4.1) also provide this coverage.
See Underwriting Manual
CONX03 ALTA
Declaration Exception (with Option or First Ref
Terms, provisions, option right of first refusal, covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, charges, assessments, and liens provided by applicable condominium law or the Condominium Declaration and Bylaws recorded _____________, but omitting any covenant, condition or restriction, if any, based on race, color. Religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national. Origin unless and only to the extent that the convenant, condition or restriction (a) is exempt under Title 42 of the United States Code, or (b) relates to handicap, but does not discriminate against handicapped persons. The Condominium Declaration and Bylaws also provide that any violation thereof shall not defeat or render invalid the lien of the insured mortgage. See Underwriting Manual
Comment: This exception is appropriate only for the Loan Policy and only if the Declaration and state law provide that violations will not defeat the insured mortgage.
See
CONX04 ALTA
Declaration Exception (No Option or First Refus
Terms, provisions, covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, charges, assessments, and liens provided by applicable condominium law or the Condominium Declaration and Bylaws recorded __________________, but omitting any covenant, condition or restriction, if any, based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin unless and only to the extent that the covenant, condition or restriction (a) is exempt under Title 42 the United States Code, or (b) relates to handicap, but does not discriminate against handicapped persons.
Comment: Except to the terms of the Declaration.
See Underwriting Manual
CONX05 ALTA
Declaration Exception (No Option or First Refus
Terms, provisions, covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, charges, assessments, and liens provided by applicable condominium law or the Condominium Declaration and Bylaws recorded _____________, but omitting any covenant, condition or restriction, if any, based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin unless and only to the extent that the covenant, condition or restriction (a) is exempt under Title 42 of the United States Code, or (b) relates to handicap, but does not discriminate against handicapped persons. The Condominium Declaration and Bylaws also provide that any violation thereof shall not defeat or render invalid the lien of a mortgage or deed of trust made in good faith and for value.
Comment: This language may be added to the Declaration exception if the Declaration and state law provide that violations will not defeat good faith mortgages. The Condominium Endorsements (ALTA 4 and 4.1) also provide this coverage.
See Underwriting Manual
CONX06 ALTA
Declaration Exception (No Option of First Refus
Terms, provisions, covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, charges, assessments, and liens provided by applicable condominium law or the Condominium Declaration and Bylaws recorded ______________, but omitting any covenant, condition or restriction, if any, based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin unless and only to the extent that the covenant, condition or restriction (a) is exempt under Title 42 the United States Code, or (b) relates to handicap, but does not discriminate against handicapped persons. The Condominium Declaration and Bylaws also provide that any violation thereof shall not defeat or render invalid the lien of the insured mortgage. See Underwriting Manual
Comment: This exception is appropriate only for the Loan Policy and only if the Declaration and state law provide that violations will not defeat the insured mortgage.
See
CONX07 ALTA
Violation of Separate Declaration Exception Doe
The Condominium Declaration and Bylaws recorded _____________ also provide that any violation thereof shall not defeat or render invalid the lien of a mortgage or deed of trust made in good faith and for value..
Comment: This language may be used if the Declaration and state law provide that violations will not defeat good faith mortgages. The Condominium Endorsements (ALTA 4 and 4.1) also provide this coverage.
See Underwriting Manual
CONX08 ALTA
Violation of Separate Declaration Exception Doe
The Condominium Declaration and Bylaws recorded ____________ also provide that any violation thereof shall not defeat or render invalid the lien of the insured mortgage.
Comment: This exception is appropriate only for the Loan Policy and only if the Declaration and state law provide that violations will not defeat the insured mortgage.
See Underwriting Manual
CONX09 STG
Declaration Exception
Terms, provisions, covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, charges, assessments, and liens (provisions, if any, based on race, color, religion, or national origin are omitted) provided by applicable condominium law or the Condominium Declaration and bylaws recorded ___________.
Comment: Except to the terms of the Declaration.
See Underwriting Manual
CONX10 STG
Violation Does Not Affect Good Faith Mortgage
Said instrument also provides that any violation thereof shall not defeat or render invalid the lien of a mortgage or deed of trust made in good faith and for value.
Comment: This language may be added to the Declaration exception if the Declaration and state law provide that violations will not defeat good faith mortgages. The Condominium Endorsements (ALTA 4 and 4.1) also provide this coverage.
See Underwriting Manual
CONX11 STG
Possible Unrecorded Contract Purchasers of Unit
Rights of purchasers under unrecorded contracts to purchase part of the land as condominium units and all persons claiming by, through, or under them.
Comment: On new or contemplated condominiums, outstanding contracts to buy units may exist. This issue is of particular concern on construction financing or sales of a large number of units.
See Underwriting Manual
CONX12 STG
Violation Does Not Affect Insured Mortgage
Said instrument also provides that any violation thereof shall not defeat or render invalid the lien of the insured mortgage.
Comment: This provision is appropriate only for the Loan Policy and only if the Declaration and state law provide that violations will not defeat the insured mortgage.
See Underwriting Manual
CONX13 STG
Assessment Lien is Subordinate to Good Faith Mo
Said instrument also provides for a lien to secure assessments, which is subordinate to the lien of certain mortgages or deeds of trust made in good faith and for value.
Comment: This provision is appropriate only for the Loan Policy and only if state law and the Declaration subordinate the assessment lien to the certain mortgages. Some state laws provide that assessments (usually six months) are superior to first mortgages. Many states provide that future assessments are superior to subordinate mortgages. In many states, you also must verify the assessments are paid current.
See Underwriting Manual
CONX14 STG
Assessment Lien is Subordinate to Insured Mortg
Said instrument also provides for a lien to secure assessments, which is subordinate to the lien of the insured mortgage.
Comment: This provision is appropriate only for the Loan Policy and only if state law and the Declaration subordinate the assessment lien to the insured mortgage. Many state laws provide that assessments (usually six months) are superior to first mortgages. Do not use this language in those states. Many states provide that future assessments are superior to subordinate mortgages; do not use this language for subordinate mortgages unless you secure the Company’s approval. In many states, you also must verify that the assessments are paid current.
See Underwriting Manual
CONX15 STG
Special Time-share Exception
This Policy does not insure against any loss by reason of the holds over or unauthorized occupancy by other owners of an interest in the unit(s) and week(s) described in Schedule A, or by the Association, the developer, its lessees or other third parties. It is understood that the land insured hereby is an undivided interest and there is excepted from this property any rights, title or interest of the other tenants in common or those persons claiming by, through, or under them, including rights of ownership, possession, reimbursement and partition, and right of the United States to sell the land.
Comment: When insuring time-shares, you must make use of this exceptions and those exceptions and requirements appropriate to condominiums.
See Underwriting Manual
CONX16 STG
Endorsement Exception if Assessment Lien has Pr
Any loss or damage caused pursuant to state law by a lien for assessments or for unpaid assessments, notwithstanding any insurance to the contrary in any attached ALTA Form 4 Condominium Endorsement or Form 9 Endorsement (Restrictions, Encroachments, Minerals).
Comment: If the Company issues the ALTA Form 4 or ALTA Form 9 Endorsement, it insures that the assessment lien is subordinate to the lien of the insured mortgage unless it adds this exception in Schedule B or in the endorsement, or unless it deletes applicable insuring provision (e.g., paragraph 4 of ALTA 4). In the alternative, the Company may simply issue the ALTA Form 4.1 Endorsement (condominium) that insures that the assessments are paid current.
See Underwriting Manual