Stewart Newsletters Archive

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[Cumulative Index]

Vol. 7, No. 4 - Mass Focus - Fall 2008  view pdf | download

Articles:

Stewart Title Grows Market Share in Massachusetts

by Craig J. Celli

Stewart breaks its own record

Part III in a Series on Market Shares

by Craig J. Celli

More tips for closing short sales

Quarterly Tips

by Melanie Kido

Questions and answers about foreclosures

Residential Refinance Rate

by Jennifer Kohler

Information about discounted premiums

Lender's Document Due Execution Authority

by Jane L. Greenhood

Getting the right people to sign the right stuff

Foreclosure Rescue Scams

by Craig J. Celli

Foreclosure bailouts: The new "shell game"

Three Quick Tips to Help Avoid Future Claims

by Margaret M. Fortuna

Careful does it: Ways to avoid claims and headaches

I Never Thought of That

by Gary F. Casaly

Title issues that aren't so obvious

Vol. 7, No. 3 - Mass Focus - Summer 2008  view pdf | download

Articles:

Stewart's Market Share

by Craig J. Celli

Up, up and away!

Lender Requirements in a Short Sale Transaction

by Craig J. Celli

A continuing look at how short sales work

Attachments and Executions: Expiration

by Margaret Fortuna

When are these liens really gone?

Mortgage Foreclosure and Non-record Assignees

by Ward P. Graham

An in-depth review of who's the right party to foreclose a mortgage

Vol. 7, No. 2 - Mass Focus - Spring 2008  view pdf | download

Articles:

Stewart's 4th Quarter and Year-End Market Share

by Craig J. Celli

Stewart smashes more records!

Jackets and Policies 2008

by Melanie Kido

Explanation and review of new policies and their coverages

Short Sales: Different Perspectives

by Craig J. Celli

An overview of "Short Sales," the newest financial vehicle for properties in trouble

Tenancies

by Gary F. Casaly

A review of the creation of and ramifications resulting from tenancies in deeds and wills

Discounts and More...

by Jennifer Kohler

Ways for agents to save money

Vol. 7, No. 1 - Mass Focus - Winter 2008  view pdf | download

Articles:

Stewart Title's Success in the Third Quarter

by Craig J. Celli

Stewart Title continues to break records and succeed.

Quarterly Tips

by Melanie Kido and Margaret Fortuna

Important things to keep in mind when handling real estate transactions.

Garnering Business in a Down Market

by Melanie Hagopian

How to grow your business.

Technology Tools for Success in 2008

by Elizabeth Rocha

Important tools that can make your work easy and can help you create a website.

Vol. 6, No. 4 - Mass Focus - Fall 2007  view pdf | download

Articles:

Positioning Market

by Craig J. Celli

Partnering with Stewart Title as you position your office for the future.

Testamentary Dispositions

by Gary F. Casaly

A discussion of statutes that affect wills.

Vol. 6, No. 3 - Mass Focus - Summer 2007  view pdf | download

Articles:

One Year Later

by Craig J. Celli

The State Manager's reflections on his first year at Stewart Title.

Why Title Insurance for Registered Land?

by Ward P. Graham

Unregistered interests affecting registered land.

Vol. 6, No. 2 - Mass Focus - Spring 2007  view pdf | download

Articles:

Resiliency - Stewart is Stronger than Ever

by Craig J. Celli

A review of Stewart's recent successes.

New Real Estate Practitioners

by Melanie Hagopian

Some points for new lawyers to ponder.

Quarterly Tips

by Margaret Fortuna and Mark V. Borst

Helpful hints on how to stay out of trouble.

Intestacy, Wills, and Tenancies

by Gary F. Casaly

An explanation of "where title goes" upon death.

Vol. 6, No. 1 - Mass Focus - Winter 2007  view pdf | download

Articles:

Message from the State Manager

by Craig J. Celli

Mr. Celli explains why he became Stewart Massachusetts State Manager.

Property Excluded from Section 1031 Treatment

by Robert HB Buckner

A discussion of properties that do not qualify for tax-deferred treatment.

Paralegal Page

by Donald A. Brown

Some highlights about MERS transactions.

Title Standard Spotlight

by Ward P. Graham

An in-depth review of MERS transactions (REBA Title Standard 72).

Quarterly Tips

by Margaret Fortuna and Mark V. Borst

Ways to keep yourself out of trouble!

Vol. 5, No. 4 - Mass Focus - Fall 2006  view pdf | download

Articles:

Message from the State Manager

by Craig J. Celli

Stewart Title supports attorneys in Massachusetts.

Quarterly Tips

by Margaret Fortuna and Mark V. Borst

Questions and answers about timely title insurance subjects.

Trusts

by Gary F. Casaly

A review of the law of trusts.

Vol. 5, No. 3 - Mass Focus - Summer 2006  view pdf | download

Articles:

Letter from the State Manager

by Craig J. Celli

An introduction.

New Mortgage Discharge Statute

by Ward P. Graham

A comprehensive review and summary of the provisions of the new mortgage discharge statute.

Mortgage Discharge Flowcharts

by Gary F. Casaly

Flowcharts summarizing the new mortgage discharge statute.

Vol. 5, No. 2 - Mass Focus - Spring 2006  view pdf | download

Articles:

Manager's Corner

by Thomas M. Flynn

Stewart breaks more revenue records and receives accolades as one of Fortune magazine's Most Admired Companies.

Quarterly Questions and Answers

by Lynne Murphy Breen

A review of new laws and regulations that affect the conveyancer.

Title Standard Spotlight

by Ward P. Graham

Some problems with recent legislation concerning child support liens.

Understanding Homesteads

by Gary F. Casaly

A review of the law of homesteads.

Vol. 5, No. 1 - Mass Focus - Winter 2006  view pdf | download

Articles:

Title Standard Spotlight

by Ward P. Graham

Alternative methods of documenting death for title purposes.

Quarterly Questions and Answers

by Lynne Murphy Breen

The far-reaching effects of marriage and divorce on title issues.

When Did They Change That Law?

by Gary F. Casaly

How changes in the law impact titles.

Manager's Corner

by Thomas M. Flynn

Update on House Bill 904, mortgage company settlement, and housing sales report.

Vol. 4, No. 4 - Mass Focus - Fall 2005  view pdf | download

Articles:

Manager's Corner

by Thomas M. Flynn

RESPA litigation, and Stewart's pro-active assistance in helping minorities.

When Did They Change That Law?

by Gary F. Casaly

A review of changes in laws affecting conveyancing.

Related Party Exchanges

by Robert HB Buckner

An analysis of the Teruya case and its impact on tax-deferred exchanges.

Paralegal Page

by Donald A. Brown

How to research vital statistics.

Quarterly Questions and Answers

by Lynne Murphy Breen

The impact of the "automatic stay" imposed by Probate Rule 411.

Title Standard Spotlight

by Ward P. Graham

Working with Powers of Attorney under Title Standard 34.

Vol. 4, No. 3 - Mass Focus - Summer 2005  view pdf | download

Articles:

Manager's Corner

by Thomas M. Flynn

Stewart's ratings and the economic outlook.

Back It Up!

by Andy Meyers

The importance and methods of backing up data.

Paralegal Page

by Donald A. Brown

Corporate mergers and how to find them.

Chapter 61A: Agricultural and Horticultural Liens

by Gary F. Casaly

Agricultural and horticultural liens explained.

Title Standard Spotlight

by Ward P. Graham

Child support liens explained.

Vol. 4, No. 2 - Mass Focus - Spring 2005  view pdf | download

Articles:

Manager's Corner

by Thomas M. Flynn

Reinsurance schemes, home sales, and Stewart's earnings and profits.

Title Standard Spotlight

by Ward P. Graham

Self dealing by trustees and its effect on titles.

Equitable Subrogation: The Missed Mortgage

by Gary F. Casaly

Equitable subrogation and its effect on mortgage priorities.

Paralegal Page

by Donald A. Brown

Negative amortization loans, construction loans, and change endorsements.

Movin' On

by Pamela Butler O'Brien

Farewell to the Boston office.

Underinsured Owners

by Richard Urban

The ramifications of being underinsured.

Website Questions and Answers

by Gary F. Casaly

The features of the Stewart Massachusetts office website.

Vol. 4, No. 1 - Mass Focus - Winter 2005  view pdf | download

Articles:

Manager's Corner

by Thomas M. Flynn

Stewart's earnings, profits, and the economic outlook.

Gain Exclusion Subject to Five Year Hold Period

by Robert

A special rule concerning exclusion of gains in exchange transactions.

Predatory Lending

by Pamela Butler O'Brien

Consequence of violations of the Predatory Home Loan Practices Act.

Paralegal Page

by Pamela Butler O'Brien

Loan fraud: "Flip" Transactions.

Title Standard Spotlight

by Ward P. Graham

Massachusetts tax liens and their effect upon titles.

Vol. 3, No. 4 - Mass Focus - Fall 2004  view pdf | download

Articles:

Manager's Corner

by Thomas M. Flynn

Stewart's ratings and earnings, and the long term outlook.

Adverse Possession (Part II)

by Gary F. Casaly

A continuation of the discussion of adverse possession.

Mechanics Liens - Gone in 120 Days?

by Pamela Butler O'Brien

A review of the recording requirements regarding mechanics liens.

Paralegal Page

by Donald A. Brown

Help in figuring out premiums.

Title Insurance Claims: Tenancies

by Richard Urban

Explores how the wording in a grantee clause can make a big difference.

Title Standard Spotlight

by Ward P. Graham

A discussion levy of executions by sale, Title Standard 20.

Vol. 3, No. 3 - Mass Focus - Summer 2004  view pdf | download

Articles:

Historic Electronic Recording

by Donald E. Ashe

The Register of the Hampden County Registry of Deeds discusses the challenges of electronically bringing registries to the 21st century.

New Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act

by Arthur R. Gaudio

The Dean of Western New England College School of Law explores the potential of the Electronic Age as it concerns real estate.

Paperless Real Estate Transaction Basics

by Michael J. Agen

Discusses the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, G.L.c. 110G.

Paralegal Page - Overview of Stewartma.com

by Pamela Butler O'Brien

Reviews the potential and some of the tools available on the Stewart Massachusetts website.

Title Standard Spotlight

by Ward P. Graham

Explores the enforcement of condominium liens, Title Standard No. 69.

Adverse Possession (Part I)

by Gary F. Casaly

Probes into some of the aspects of adverse possession.

Vol. 3, No. 2 - Mass Focus - Spring 2004  view pdf | download

Articles:

Manager's Corner

by Thomas M. Flynn

Stewart announces record year; RESPA reform rule withdrawn; title insurance preemption.

Negative Amortization Mortgages and Policies

by Pamela Butler O'Brien

Discusses negative amortization mortgages and how they are insured under the title policy.

Title Standard Spotlight

by Ward P. Graham

Examines Title Standard 25 that addresses discharges of mortgages.

Underwriting Questions and Answers

by Richard Urban

Explores a few questions concerning powers of executors and their counterparts.

Paralegal Page - Unusual Premium Calculations

by Pamela Butler O'Brien and Donald A. Brown

Helpful information on figuring out premiums in complex situations.

Website Questions and Answers

by Gary F. Casaly

Learn more about our new website and its features!

Discounts Available to Stewart Title Agents

by Adina Potischman

Stewart Title agents can get discounts on products and services.

Just for the Record (Part II)

by Gary F. Casaly

A continuation of the examination of the application of the recording law as it relates to purchasers of real estate.

Vol. 3, No. 1 - Mass Focus - Winter 2004  view pdf | download

Articles:

Manager's Corner

by Thomas M. Flynn

HUD submits its final rule for review. Stewart reaches out to Hispanic homeowners. Market remains strong.

Just for the Record

by Gary F. Casaly

An examination of the application of the recording law as it relates to purchasers of real estate.

Improvement and Build-to-Suit Exchanges

by Robert HB Buckner

Explores more variations to tax-deferred exchanges.

Paralegal Page

by Pamela Butler O'Brien

Some fast (and quite interesting) facts about conveyancing, from finding true north to finding terrorists.

Vol. 2, No. 4 - Mass Focus - Fall 2003  view pdf | download

Articles:

Manager's Corner

by Thomas M. Flynn

Banks want to sell insurance. Industry and Stewart prosper. Radian gets hit again.

Homesteads: The Sequel

by Richard Urban

A discussion of homesteads and refinances.

Title Standard Spotlight

by Ward P. Graham

Examines Title Standard No. 32 concerning unadministered bankruptcy interests.

Paralegal Page

by Donald Brown

Tips on how to retrieve information regarding bankruptcy filings.

New Client Account Record Keeping

by Pamela Butler O'Brien

A discussion of the Supreme Judicial Court’s rule regarding record keeping and IOLTA accounts.

Powers of Attorney

by Gary F. Casaly

A review of the law that governs the use of powers of attorney.

Vol. 2, No. 3 - Mass Focus - Summer 2003  view pdf | download

Articles:

Manager's Corner

by Thomas M. Flynn

Industry revenues strongest ever. Stewart announces record first-quarter earnings for 2003.

Title Standard Spotlight

by Ward P. Graham

A continuation of the examination of Title Standard Nos. 4 and 27 concerning the sufficiency of descriptions in tax titles.

Talking Trash - Recycled

by Daniel C. Crane

A discussion of the requirements concerning retention of records by attorneys.

Paralegal Page

by Pamela Butler O'Brien

Tips on how to handle various situations where a homesteads are involved.

Short Form Policies

by Richard Urban

A discussion of a new, streamlined loan policy.

Bankruptcy Law and the Conveyancer (Part 2)

by Gary F. Casaly

Some specific problems that can arise for the conveyancer in connection with a bankruptcy.

Vol. 2, No. 2 - Mass Focus - Spring 2003  view pdf | download

Articles:

Manager's Corner

by Thomas M. Flynn

Stewart revenues continue to increase. Judge rules against Radian Guaranty Company.

Refinance Recordings

by Richard Urban

A discussion of the waiver by Stewart of the recording of some documents in connection with refinances.

Bankruptcy Law and the Conveyancer

by Gary F. Casaly

An outline of the basic concepts concerning the law of bankruptcy and its relation to conveyancing.

Recording Trust No Longer Required

by Pamela Butler O'Brien

A review of the statute that permits a summary certificate of a trust to be recorded in lieu of the trust itself.

For What It's Worth - Marketing

by Gregory Donovan

Tips to help keep your practice expanding while you’re busy.

Title Standard Spotlight

by Ward P. Graham

Examines Title Standard Nos. 4 and 27 concerning the sufficiency of descriptions in tax titles.

Paralegal Page

by Donald Brown

A discussion of releases for attachments and executions.

Vol. 2, No. 1 - Mass Focus - Winter 2003  view pdf | download

Articles:

Manager's Corner

by Thomas M. Flynn

Economy struggles to gain momentum. HUD proposes major revision to RESPA

Recording Problems at the Registry of Deeds

by Richard Urban

Proposes a solution to the backlog at the registry and the timely issuing of title policies.

Title Insurance of Leasehold Interests

by Marie L. Franco

Helpful points in insuring leaseholds.

Questions and Answers

by Pamela Butler O'Brien

Explores (i) ancient law concerning conveying land held in common, (ii) increasing owner’s coverage under a policy and (iii) use of the estate tax affidavit for deaths after January 1, 2003.

Enforcement of Restrictions (Part 2)

by Gary F. Casaly

Continues the discussion of the application of the various statutes regulating the enforcement of restrictions.

Title Standard Spotlight

by Ward P. Graham

Examines Title Standard No. 49 concerning dissolution of attachments.

Vol. 1, No. 3 - Mass Focus - Fall 2002  view pdf | download

Articles:

Manager's Corner

by Thomas M. Flynn

Stewart has high industry ratings. HUD proposes a "Homeowners Bill of Rights."

Title Standard Spotlight

by Ward P. Graham

Examines Title Standard Nos. 53 and 33 concerning trusts.

Reverse Exchange Variations

by Robert HB Buckner

Explores some variations to tax-deferred exchanges.

Bankruptcy - Sales Free and Clear of Liens

by Richard Urban

Discusses the requirements of extracting title from a bankruptcy cleansed of liens.

Enforcement of Restrictions

by Gary F. Casaly

Explores the application of the various statutes regulating the enforcement of restrictions.

What is an Open Files Listing?

by Robert F. Quinn

A discussion record-keeping as it relates to closing files.

Paralegal Page

by Donald Brown

Tips on (i) obtaining discharges from MERS and (ii) important internet web sites.

Vol. 1, No. 2 - Mass Focus - Summer 2002  view pdf | download

Articles:

Manager's Corner

by Thomas M. Flynn

Radian Guaranty Company offers alternate to title insurance, but gets sued.

Title Standard Spotlight

by Ward P. Graham

Examines Title Standard No. 3 concerning federal estate taxes.

Discharge by Affidavits

by Pamela Butler O'Brien

Discusses the statute that permits attorneys to discharge mortgages by affidavit.

Is it Bad or is it Good? (The Sequel)

by Gary F. Casaly

Explores “masquerading” title problems – ones that adversely affect titles but look harmless until you take a second look.

Counsel Q&A

by Richard Urban

Explores (i) judgment liens and (ii) condominium parking spaces.

Paralegal Page

by Donald Brown

Tips on (i) obtaining discharges for previously- paid mortgages and (ii) important internet web sites.

Vol. 1, No. 1 - Mass Focus - Spring 2002  view pdf | download

Articles:

Manager's Corner

by Thomas M. Flynn

Stewart reports highest revenues ever.

Title Standard Spotlight

by Ward P. Graham

Examines Title Standard No. 61 concerning Massachusetts estate taxes and transfers in contemplation of death.

Counsel Q&A

by Richard Urban and Gregory Donovan

Explores (i) conveyances by a master appointed by the court, (ii) reserved power to sell in a life tenant, (iii) discharge of attachment by a sheriff, and (iv) homesteads and how they relate to (a) trusts, (b) title policies and (c) refinances.

Is it Bad or is it Good?

by Gary F. Casaly

Discusses various “imagined” title issues – things that look like problems but aren’t.

Paralegal Page

by Pamela Butler O'Brien and Rose Whelan

Comments upon (i) policy preparation, (ii) premium calculations and (ii) policy remittance, together with some references to important internet web sites.