-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, KnhU3K+i7ou/XfAGLOyinfTxFnwTX+qQP1ZXZWgrnhFaHkcmL6kjEox2w7YHwzRH B3cBV3/zDivdojPieXR1YQ== 0000950149-06-000058.txt : 20060216 0000950149-06-000058.hdr.sgml : 20060216 20060216162103 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950149-06-000058 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 8 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20060201 ITEM INFORMATION: Other Events ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20060216 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20060216 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1 CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001350069 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES [6189] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-118832-10 FILM NUMBER: 06625557 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 591 REDWOOD HWY STREET 2: SUITE 3160 CITY: MILL VALLEY STATE: CA ZIP: 94941 BUSINESS PHONE: 4153897373 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 591 REDWOOD HWY STREET 2: SUITE 3160 CITY: MILL VALLEY STATE: CA ZIP: 94941 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: Sequoia Mortgage Trust 2006-ALT1 Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20060118 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: SEQUOIA RESIDENTIAL FUNDING INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001176320 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES [6189] IRS NUMBER: 352170972 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-90772-01 FILM NUMBER: 06625558 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 591 REDWOOD HWY STREET 2: SUITE 3160 CITY: MILL VALLEY STATE: CA ZIP: 94941 BUSINESS PHONE: 4153897373 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 591 REDWOOD HWY STREET 2: SUITE 3160 CITY: MILL VALLEY STATE: CA ZIP: 94941 8-K 1 f17506e8vk.htm FORM 8-K e8vk
Table of Contents

 
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
February 1, 2006
Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported)
SEQUOIA ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2006-1
(Issuing Entity of the Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1)
RWT HOLDINGS, INC.
(Sponsor and Seller)
RWT HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact Name of Sponsor/Seller as Specified in Its Charter)
SEQUOIA RESIDENTIAL FUNDING, INC.
(as Depositor with respect to the issuance of Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates)
SEQUOIA RESIDENTIAL FUNDING, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant/Depositor as Specified in Its Charter)
         
Delaware   333-118832-10   35-2170972
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)   (Commission File Number)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
One Belvedere Place, Suite 330
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(415) 389-7373
(Registrant’s Telephone Number,
Including Area Code)
Not Applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the Registrant under any of the following provisions:
o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item 8.01. Other Events
Item 9.01(d). Financial Statements and Exhibits
SIGNATURE
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT 99.1
EXHIBIT 99.2
EXHIBIT 99.3
EXHIBIT 99.4
EXHIBIT 99.5
EXHIBIT 99.6
EXHIBIT 99.7


Table of Contents

INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN THE REPORT
Item 8.01. Other Events
          On January 1, 2006, Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc. (the “Depositor”), U.S. Bank National Association (the “Trustee”), and Wells Fargo Bank, N. A. (the “Master Servicer” and “Trust Administrator”) entered into a Pooling and Servicing Agreement (the “Pooling and Servicing Agreement”), pursuant to which the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1 Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (the “Certificates”) in the approximate aggregate principal amount of $296,241,100 were issued. Certain Certificates were sold by the Depositor to Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, as underwriter, pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement dated January 26, 2006 (the “Underwriting Agreement”). In connection with the offering of Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, RWT Holdings, Inc. (“RWT”) and the Depositor entered into a Mortgage Loan Purchase and Sale Agreement dated January 1, 2006 (the “Mortgage Loan Purchase and Sale Agreement”), pursuant to which RWT conveyed to the Depositor as of the closing on February 1, 2006, all of its interest in the Mortgage Loans. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and LaSalle Bank, National Association will maintain custody of the mortgage files relating to the Mortgage Loans, on behalf of the Issuing Entity. The Pooling and Servicing Agreement, with accompanying Exhibits, is annexed hereto as Exhibit 99.1. The Opinion as to federal income tax matters in connection with the issuance of the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1 Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2. The Opinion as to various legal matters in connection with the issuance of the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1 Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.3. The Underwriting Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.4. The Mortgage Loan Purchase and Sale Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.5. The Custodial Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as a Custodian is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.6. The Custodial Agreement with LaSalle Bank, National Association as a Custodian is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.7.
Item 9.01(d). Financial Statements and Exhibits
  99.1   Pooling and Servicing Agreement dated as of January 1, 2006, by and among Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc., as Depositor, U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, and Wells Fargo Bank, N. A., as Master Servicer and Trust Administrator.
 
  99.2   Opinion of Chapman and Cutler LLP, dated February 1, 2006, as to federal income tax matters in connection with the issuance of the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1 Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates.
 
  99.3   Opinion of Tobin & Tobin, dated February 1, 2006, as to various legal matters in connection with the issuance of the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1 Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates.
 
  99.4   Underwriting Agreement dated January 26, 2006, among Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc., Redwood Trust, Inc., RWT Holdings, Inc. and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC.

 


Table of Contents

  99.5   Mortgage Loan Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of January 1, 2006, between RWT Holdings, Inc. and Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc.
 
  99.6   Custodial Agreement dated as of January 1, 2006, among Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Custodian, U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trust Administrator.
 
  99.7   Custodial Agreement dated as of January 1, 2006, among LaSalle Bank, National Association, as Custodian, U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trust Administrator.

 


Table of Contents

SIGNATURE
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: February 16, 2006
             
    SEQUOIA RESIDENTIAL FUNDING, INC.    
 
           
 
  By:   /s/ Harold F. Zagunis    
 
           
 
      Harold F. Zagunis    
 
      Chief Financial Officer and Secretary    

 


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number
99.1   Pooling and Servicing Agreement dated January 1, 2006, by and among Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc., as Depositor, U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, and Wells Fargo Bank, N. A., as Master Servicer and Trust Administrator.
99.2   Opinion of Chapman and Cutler LLP, dated February 1, 2006, as to federal income tax matters in connection with the issuance of the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1 Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates.
99.3   Opinion of Tobin & Tobin, dated February 1, 2006, as to various legal matters in connection with the issuance of the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1 Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates.
99.4   Underwriting Agreement dated January 26, 2006, among Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc., Redwood Trust, Inc., RWT Holdings, Inc. and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC.
99.5   Mortgage Loan Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of January 1, 2006, between RWT Holdings, Inc. and Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc.
99.6   Custodial Agreement dated as of January 1, 2006, among Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Custodian, U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trust Administrator.
99.7   Custodial Agreement dated as of January 1, 2006, among LaSalle Bank, National Association, as Custodian, U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trust Administrator.

 

EX-99.1 2 f17506exv99w1.htm EXHIBIT 99.1 exv99w1
 

Exhibit 99.1

EXECUTION
SEQUOIA RESIDENTIAL FUNDING, INC.
Depositor
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Master Servicer and Trust Administrator
and
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Trustee
 
POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT
Dated as of January 1, 2006
 
SEQUOIA ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2006-1

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
    Page  
ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS
    3  
 
       
Section 1.01. Definitions
    3  
Section 1.02. Calculations Respecting Mortgage Loans
    33  
 
       
ARTICLE II. DECLARATION OF TRUST; ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES
    34  
 
       
Section 2.01. Creation and Declaration of Trust Fund; Conveyance of Mortgage Loans
    34  
Section 2.02. Acceptance of Trust Fund by Trustee; Review of Documentation for Trust Fund
    37  
Section 2.03. Representations and Warranties of the Depositor
    37  
Section 2.04. Discovery of Breach; Repurchase or Substitution of Mortgage Loans
    39  
Section 2.05. [Reserved]
    42  
Section 2.06. Grant Clause
    42  
 
       
ARTICLE III. THE CERTIFICATES
    43  
 
       
Section 3.01. The Certificates
    43  
Section 3.02. Registration
    44  
Section 3.03. Transfer and Exchange of Certificates
    44  
Section 3.04. Cancellation of Certificates
    48  
Section 3.05. Replacement of Certificates
    48  
Section 3.06. Persons Deemed Owners
    48  
Section 3.07. Temporary Certificates
    49  
Section 3.08. Appointment of Paying Agent
    49  
Section 3.09. Book-Entry Certificates
    49  
 
       
ARTICLE IV. ADMINISTRATION OF THE TRUST FUND
    51  
 
       
Section 4.01. Custodial Accounts; Certificate Distribution Account
    51  
Section 4.02. [Reserved]
    52  
Section 4.03. [Reserved]
    52  
Section 4.04. Reports to Trustee and Certificateholders
    52  
 
       
ARTICLE V. DISTRIBUTIONS TO HOLDERS OF CERTIFICATES
    55  
 
       
Section 5.01. Distributions Generally
    55  
Section 5.02. Distributions from the Certificate Distribution Account
    55  
Section 5.03. Allocation of Losses; Subsequent Recoveries
    58  
Section 5.04. Advances by Master Servicer
    59  
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

i


 

         
    Page  
Section 5.05. Compensating Interest Payments
    60  
Section 5.06. [Reserved]
    60  
 
       
ARTICLE VI. CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE AND THE TRUST ADMINISTRATOR; EVENTS OF DEFAULT
    60  
 
       
Section 6.01. Duties of Trustee and the Trust Administrator
    60  
Section 6.02. Certain Matters Affecting the Trustee and the Trust Administrator
    63  
Section 6.03. Trustee and Trust Administrator Not Liable for Certificates
    64  
Section 6.04. Trustee and the Trust Administrator May Own Certificates
    65  
Section 6.05. Eligibility Requirements for Trustee and Trust Administrator
    65  
Section 6.06. Resignation and Removal of Trustee and the Trust Administrator
    65  
Section 6.07. Successor Trustee and Successor Trust Administrator
    66  
Section 6.08. Merger or Consolidation of Trustee or the Trust Administrator
    67  
Section 6.09. Appointment of Co-Trustee, Separate Trustee or Custodian
    67  
Section 6.10. Authenticating Agents
    69  
Section 6.11. Indemnification of the Trustee and the Trust Administrator
    70  
Section 6.12. Fees and Expenses of Trust Administrator and the Trustee
    71  
Section 6.13. Collection of Monies
    71  
Section 6.14. Events of Default; Trustee To Act; Appointment of Successor
    71  
Section 6.15. Additional Remedies of Trustee Upon Event of Default
    75  
Section 6.16. Waiver of Defaults
    75  
Section 6.17. Notification to Holders
    75  
Section 6.18. Directions by Certificateholders and Duties of Trustee During Event of Default
    76  
Section 6.19. Action Upon Certain Failures of the Master Servicer and Upon Event of Default
    76  
Section 6.20. Preparation of Tax Returns and Other Reports
    76  
Section 6.21. Preparation of Tax Returns and Other Reports
    77  
Section 6.22. Trust Administrator Annual Statement of Compliance
    82  
Section 6.23. Trust Administrator Assessments of Compliance and Attestation Reports
    83  
 
       
ARTICLE VII. PURCHASE OF MORTGAGE LOANS AND TERMINATION OF THE TRUST FUND
    84  
 
       
Section 7.01. Purchase of Mortgage Loans; Termination of Trust Fund Upon Purchase or Liquidation of All Mortgage Loans
    84  
Section 7.02. Procedure Upon Termination of Trust Fund
    86  
Section 7.03. Additional REMIC Related Termination Requirements
    87  
 
       
ARTICLE VIII. RIGHTS OF CERTIFICATEHOLDERS
    88  
 
       
Section 8.01. Limitation on Rights of Holders
    88  
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

ii


 

         
    Page  
Section 8.02. Access to List of Holders
    89  
Section 8.03. Acts of Holders of Certificates
    89  
 
       
ARTICLE IX. ADMINISTRATION AND SERVICING OF MORTGAGE LOANS BY THE MASTER SERVICER
    90  
 
       
Section 9.01. Duties of the Master Servicer; Enforcement of Servicer’s and Master Servicer’s Obligations
    90  
Section 9.02. Assumption of Master Servicing by Trustee
    93  
Section 9.03. Representations and Warranties of the Master Servicer
    93  
Section 9.04. Compensation to the Master Servicer
    95  
Section 9.05. Merger or Consolidation
    96  
Section 9.06. Resignation of Master Servicer
    96  
Section 9.07. Assignment or Delegation of Duties by the Master Servicer
    96  
Section 9.08. Limitation on Liability of the Master Servicer and Others
    97  
Section 9.09. Indemnification; Third-Party Claims
    97  
Section 9.10. Master Servicer Fidelity Bond and Master Servicer Errors and Omissions Insurance Policy
    98  
Section 9.11. Master Servicer Annual Compliance Statement
    98  
Section 9.12. Master Servicer Assessments of Compliance and Attestation Reports
    98  
 
       
ARTICLE X. REMIC ADMINISTRATION
    100  
 
       
Section 10.01. REMIC Administration
    100  
Section 10.02. Prohibited Transactions and Activities
    102  
Section 10.03. Indemnification with Respect to Prohibited Transactions or Loss of REMIC Status
    102  
Section 10.04. REO Property
    103  
 
       
ARTICLE XI. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
    104  
 
       
Section 11.01. Binding Nature of Agreement; Assignment
    104  
Section 11.02. Entire Agreement
    104  
Section 11.03. Amendment
    104  
Section 11.04. Voting Rights
    105  
Section 11.05. Provision of Information
    105  
Section 11.06. Governing Law
    106  
Section 11.07. Notices
    106  
Section 11.08. Severability of Provisions
    107  
Section 11.09. Indulgences; No Waivers
    107  
Section 11.10. Headings Not To Affect Interpretation
    107  
Section 11.11. Benefits of Agreement
    107  
Section 11.12. Special Notices to the Rating Agencies
    107  
Section 11.13. Conflicts
    108  
Section 11.14. Counterparts
    108  
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

iii


 

         
    Page  
Section 11.15. No Petitions
    108  
Section 11.16. Intention of the Parties and Interpretation; Indemnification
    109  
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

iv


 

ATTACHMENTS
     
Exhibit A
  Forms of Certificates
Exhibit B
  Form of Residual Certificate Transfer Affidavit (Transferee)
Exhibit C
  Form of Residual Certificate Transfer Affidavit (Transferor)
Exhibit D
  Form of Custodial Agreements
Exhibit E
  List of Servicing Agreements
Exhibit F
  List of Purchase Agreements
Exhibit G
  List of Limited Purpose Surety Bonds
Exhibit H
  Form of Rule 144A Transfer Certificate
Exhibit I
  Form of Purchaser's Letter for Institutional Accredited Investors
Exhibit J
  Form of ERISA Transfer Affidavit
Exhibit K
  Form of Letter of Representations with the Depository Trust Company
Exhibit L
  [Reserved]
Exhibit M
  Form of Certification to be Provided to the Depositor by the Trust Administrator
Exhibit N
  Servicing Criteria
Exhibit O
  Additional Form 10-D Disclosure
Exhibit P
  Additional Form 10-K Disclosure
Exhibit Q
  Additional Form 8-K Disclosure
 
   
Schedule A
  Mortgage Loan Schedule
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

v


 

     This POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT, dated as of January 1, 2006 (the “Agreement”), by and among SEQUOIA RESIDENTIAL FUNDING, INC., a Delaware corporation, as depositor (the “Depositor”), U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association, as trustee (the “Trustee”), and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, in its dual capacities as master servicer (the “Master Servicer”) and trust administrator (the “Trust Administrator”) and acknowledged by RWT HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation, as seller (the “Seller”).
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT
     The Depositor has acquired the Mortgage Loans from the Seller and at the Closing Date is the owner of the Mortgage Loans and the other property being conveyed by the Depositor to the Trustee hereunder for inclusion in the Trust Fund. On the Closing Date, the Depositor will acquire the Certificates from the Trustee as consideration for the Depositor’s transfer to the Trust Fund of the Mortgage Loans, and the other property constituting the Trust Fund. The Depositor has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Agreement to provide for the conveyance to the Trustee of the Mortgage Loans and the other property constituting the Trust Fund. All covenants and agreements made by the Seller in the Mortgage Loan Purchase and Sale Agreement and in this Agreement and by the Depositor, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator and the Trustee herein, with respect to the Mortgage Loans and the other property constituting the Trust Fund, are for the benefit of the Holders from time to time of the Certificates. The Depositor, the Trustee, the Master Servicer and the Trust Administrator are entering into this Agreement, and the Trustee is accepting the Trust Fund created hereby, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged.
     As provided herein, the Trustee shall elect that the Trust Fund be treated for federal income tax purposes as comprising two real estate mortgage investment conduits (each, a “REMIC” or, as more specifically indicated below, the “Lower-Tier REMIC” and the “Upper-Tier REMIC,” respectively). Each Certificate, other than the Class AR-L and Class AR Certificates, is hereby designated as a regular interest in the Upper-Tier REMIC, as described herein. The Class AR Certificate is hereby designated as the sole class of residual interest in the Upper-Tier REMIC.
     The Lower-Tier REMIC shall hold as its assets all property of the Trust Fund, other than the interests in any REMIC formed hereby. The Lower-Tier Interest is hereby designated as a regular interest in the Lower-Tier REMIC, as described herein. The Class AR-L Certificate is hereby designated as the sole class of residual interest in the Lower-Tier REMIC. The Upper-Tier REMIC shall hold as its assets all Lower-Tier Interests.
     The Lower-Tier REMIC Interest
     The following table sets forth (or describes) the Class designation, interest rate, and initial Class Principal Amount for the Class of Lower-Tier Interest:
         
Lower-Tier        
REMIC Interest       Initial Class
Designation   Interest Rate   Principal Amount
 
       
LT-Pool
  (1)   (2)
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

 


 

 
(1)   The interest rate with respect to any Distribution Date (and the related Accrual Period) for this Lower-Tier Interest will be a per annum rate equal to the Net WAC.
 
(2)   The LT-Pool Lower-Tier Interest shall have an Initial Class Principal Amount equal to the Aggregate Stated Principal Balance of the Mortgage Loans as of the Cut-off Date.
     On each Distribution Date, the Available Distribution Amount distributable as interest shall be distributed with respect to the Lower-Tier Interest based on the interest rate described above.
     On each Distribution Date, the remaining Available Distribution Amount distributable as principal shall be distributed to the Lower-Tier Interest until its Class Principal Amount is reduced to zero. Any remaining amounts shall be distributed to the Class AR-L Certificate.
     The Certificates and the Upper-Tier REMIC
     The following table sets forth (or describes) the Class designation, Certificate Interest Rate, initial Class Principal Amount, and minimum denomination for each Class of Certificates comprising interests in the Trust Fund created hereunder.
             
        Initial Class   Minimum
    Certificate   Class Principal   Denominations or
Class Designation   Interest Rate   Amount   Percentage Interest
Class A-1
  (1)   $251,035,000.00   $25,000.00
Class A-2
  (1)   $  27,895,000.00   $25,000.00
Class B-1
  (1)   $    9,784,000.00   $25,000.00
Class B-2
  (1)   $   4,215,000.00   $25,000.00
Class B-3
  (1)   $   2,559,000.00   $25,000.00
Class B-4
  (1)   $     753,000.00   $25,000.00
Class B-5
  (1)   $   1,656,000.00   $25,000.00
Class B-6
  (1)   $  1,806,000.00   $25,000.00
Class B-7
  (1)   $  1,354,242.00   $25,000.00
Class AR
  (1)   $              50.00   20%                
Class AR-L
  (1)   $              50.00   20%                
 
(1)   The Certificate Interest Rate with respect to any Distribution Date (and the related Accrual Period) for each of the Class A-1, Class A-2, Class B-1, Class B-2, Class B-3, Class B-4, Class B-5, Class B-6, Class B-7, Class AR and Class AR-L Certificates will equal the Net WAC for such date.
     As of the Cut-off Date, the Mortgage Loans had an Aggregate Stated Principal Balance of $301,057,342.04.
     In consideration of the mutual agreements herein contained, the Depositor, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator and the Trustee hereby agree as follows:
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

2


 

ARTICLE I.
DEFINITIONS
     Section 1.01. Definitions. The following words and phrases, unless the context otherwise requires, shall have the following meanings:
     10-K Filing Deadline: As defined in Section 6.21(b)(i) hereof.
     Accepted Servicing Practices: With respect to any Mortgage Loan, those mortgage servicing practices of prudent mortgage lending institutions which service mortgage loans of the same type as such Mortgage Loan in the jurisdiction where the related Mortgaged Property is located.
     Accountant: A Person engaged in the practice of accounting who (except when this Agreement provides that an Accountant must be Independent) may be employed by or affiliated with the Depositor or an Affiliate of the Depositor.
     Accrual Period: With respect to any Distribution Date and any Class of Certificates and to each Lower-Tier Interest is the calendar month preceding the month in which the Distribution Date occurs. Interest shall accrue on all Classes of Certificates and on all Lower-Tier Interests on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.
     Acknowledgements: The Assignment, Assumption and Recognition Agreements, each dated February 1, 2006, assigning rights under the Purchase Agreements and the Servicing Agreements from the Seller to the Depositor and from the Depositor to the Trustee, for the benefit of the Certificateholders.
     Additional Collateral: Not applicable.
     Additional Collateral Mortgage Loan: Not applicable.
     Additional Form 10-D Disclosure: As defined in Section 6.21(a)(i).
     Additional Form 10-K Disclosure: As defined in Section 6.21(b)(i).
     Additional Servicer: Each affiliate of a Servicer that Services any of the Mortgage Loans and each Person who is not an affiliate of any Servicer, who Services 10% or more of the Mortgage Loans.
     Adjustment Date: As to any Mortgage Loan, the date on which the related Mortgage Rate adjusts in accordance with the terms of the related Mortgage Note.
     Adverse REMIC Event: Either (i) loss of status as a REMIC, within the meaning of Section 860D of the Code, for any group of assets identified as a REMIC in the Preliminary Statement to this Agreement, or (ii) imposition of any tax, including the tax imposed under Section 860F(a)(1) on prohibited transactions, and the tax imposed under Section 860G(d) on
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

3


 

certain contributions to a REMIC, on any REMIC created hereunder to the extent such tax would be payable from assets held as part of the Trust Fund.
     Affiliate: With respect to any specified Person, any other Person controlling or controlled by or under common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
     Aggregate Expense Rate: With respect to any Mortgage Loan, the sum of the Master Servicing Fee Rate, the applicable Servicing Fee Rate and the premium rate of any lender-paid Primary Mortgage Insurance Policy, expressed as an annual rate.
     Aggregate Stated Principal Balance: As to any Distribution Date, the aggregate of the Stated Principal Balances for all Mortgage Loans which were outstanding on the Due Date in the month preceding the month of such Distribution Date.
     Aggregate Voting Interests: The aggregate of the Voting Interests of all the Certificates under this Agreement.
     Agreement: This Pooling and Servicing Agreement and all amendments and supplements hereto.
     Appraised Value: With respect to any Mortgage Loan, the Appraised Value of the related Mortgaged Property shall be: (i) with respect to a Mortgage Loan other than a Refinancing Mortgage Loan, the lesser of (a) the value of the Mortgaged Property based upon the appraisal made at the time of the origination of such Mortgage Loan and (b) the sales price of the Mortgaged Property at the time of the origination of such Mortgage Loan; and (ii) with respect to a Refinancing Mortgage Loan, the value of the Mortgaged Property based upon the appraisal made at the time of the origination of such Refinancing Mortgage Loan.
     Assignment of Mortgage: An assignment of the Mortgage, notice of transfer or equivalent instrument, in recordable form, sufficient under the laws of the jurisdiction wherein the related Mortgaged Property is located to reflect the sale of the Mortgage to the Trustee, which assignment, notice of transfer or equivalent instrument may be in the form of one or more blanket assignments covering the Mortgage Loans secured by Mortgaged Properties located in the same jurisdiction, if permitted by law; provided, however, that the Trustee shall not be responsible for determining whether any such assignment is in recordable form.
     Authenticating Agent: Any authenticating agent appointed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 6.10 until any successor authenticating agent for the Certificates is named, and thereafter
     “Authenticating Agent” shall mean any such successor. The initial Authenticating Agent shall be the Trust Administrator under this Agreement.
     Authorized Officer: Any Person who may execute an Officer’s Certificate on behalf of the Depositor.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

4


 

     Available Funds: With respect to any Distribution Date, the sum of:
     (i) all amounts in respect of Scheduled Payments (net of the related Servicing Fee, Master Servicing Fee and any premium on any lender-paid Primary Mortgage Insurance Policy) due on the related Due Date and received prior to the related Determination Date on the related Mortgage Loans, together with any Monthly Advances in respect thereof;
     (ii) all Insurance Proceeds (to the extent not applied to the restoration of the Mortgaged Property or released to the Mortgagor in accordance with the applicable Servicer’s Accepted Servicing Standards), all Liquidation Proceeds received during the calendar month preceding the month of that Distribution Date on the related Mortgage Loans, in each case net of unreimbursed liquidation expenses incurred with respect to such Mortgage Loans;
     (iii) all Principal Prepayments received during the related Prepayment Period on the related Mortgage Loans, excluding prepayment premiums;
     (iv) amounts received with respect to such Distribution Date as the Substitution Amount or Purchase Price in respect of a Mortgage Loan repurchased by the Seller as of such Distribution Date;
     (v) any amounts payable as Compensating Interest Payments by a Servicer with respect to the related Mortgage Loans on such Distribution Date;
     (vi) all Subsequent Recoveries, if any; and
     (vii) the portion of the Mortgage Loan Purchase Price paid in connection with an Optional Termination up to the amount of the Par Value;
in the case of clauses (i) through (iv) above reduced by amounts in reimbursement for Monthly Advances previously made and other amounts as to which the Trustee, the Trust Administrator or the Master Servicer is entitled to be reimbursed in respect of the related Mortgage Loans or otherwise; provided that such reimbursable amounts will not exceed $300,000 (to be paid to such parties collectively) in the aggregate per year from the Closing Date to the first anniversary of the Closing Date and for each subsequent anniversary year thereafter, but the such parties may seek reimbursement for any unreimbursed amounts in subsequent anniversary years.
     Back-Up Certification: As defined in Section 6.21(e).
     Bankruptcy: As to any Person, the making of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, the filing of a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, adjudication as a bankrupt or insolvent, the entry of an order for relief in a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, the seeking of reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief, or seeking, consenting to or acquiescing in the appointment of a trustee, receiver or liquidator, dissolution, or termination, as the case may be, of such Person pursuant to the provisions of either the Bankruptcy Code or any other similar state laws.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

5


 

     Bankruptcy Code: The United States Bankruptcy Code of 1986, as amended.
     Bankruptcy Coverage Termination Date: The point in time at which the Bankruptcy Loss Coverage Amount has been reduced to zero.
     Bankruptcy Loss: With respect to any Mortgage Loan, Realized Losses on such Mortgage Loan incurred as a result of a Deficient Valuation or Debt Service Reduction.
     Bankruptcy Loss Coverage Amount: As of any Determination Date, the Bankruptcy Loss Coverage Amount shall equal the Initial Bankruptcy Loss Coverage Amount as reduced by (i) the aggregate amount of Bankruptcy Losses allocated to the Subordinate Certificates since the Cut-off Date and (ii) any permissible reductions in the Bankruptcy Loss Coverage Amount as evidenced by a letter of each Rating Agency to the Trust Administrator to the effect that any such reduction will not result in a downgrading, or otherwise adversely affect, of the then current ratings assigned to such Classes of Certificates rated by it.
     BBA: The British Banker’s Association.
     Benefit Plan Opinion: An Opinion of Counsel satisfactory to the Trustee and Certificate Registrar to the effect that any proposed transfer will not (i) cause the assets of the Trust Fund to be regarded as plan assets for purposes of the Plan Asset Regulations or (ii) give rise to any fiduciary duty on the part of the Depositor or the Trustee.
     Book-Entry Certificates: Beneficial interests in Certificates designated as “Book-Entry Certificates” in this Agreement, ownership and transfers of which shall be evidenced or made through book entries by a Clearing Agency as described in Section 3.09; provided, that after the occurrence of a Book-Entry Termination whereupon book-entry registration and transfer are no longer permitted and Definitive Certificates are to be issued to Certificate Owners, such Book-Entry Certificates shall no longer be “Book-Entry Certificates.” As of the Closing Date, the following Classes of Certificates constitute Book-Entry Certificates: Class A-1, Class A-2, Class B-1, Class B-2, Class B-3, Class B-4, Class B-5, Class B-6 and Class B-7.
     Book-Entry Termination: As defined in Section 3.09(c).
     Business Day: Any day other than (i) a Saturday or a Sunday or (ii) a day on which banking institutions in New York, New York or, if other than New York, the city in which the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee is located, or the States of Maryland or Minnesota, are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to be closed.
     Certificate: Any one of the certificates signed by the Trustee and authenticated by the Trust Administrator as Authenticating Agent in substantially the forms attached hereto as Exhibit A.
     Certificate Amount: With respect to any Certificate at any date, the maximum dollar amount of principal to which the Holder thereof is then entitled hereunder, such amount being equal to the initial principal amount thereof (i) minus all distributions of principal and allocations of Realized Losses, including Excess Losses or Applied Loss Amounts, as applicable, previously
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

6


 

made or allocated with respect thereto and, in the case of the Class A-2 Certificates and any Subordinate Certificates, reduced by any such amounts allocated to such Class on prior Distribution Dates pursuant to Section 5.03(a)-(b) and (ii) plus the amount of any increase to the Certificate Amount of such Certificate pursuant to Section 5.03(f).
     Certificate Distribution Account: The separate Eligible Account created and maintained by the Trust Administrator, on behalf of the Trustee, pursuant to Section 4.01. Funds in the Certificate Distribution Account (exclusive of any earnings on investments made with funds deposited in the Certificate Distribution Account) shall be held in trust for the Trustee and the Certificateholders for the uses and purposes set forth in this Agreement.
     Certificate Interest Rate: With respect to each Class of Certificates and any Distribution Date, the applicable per annum rate described in the Preliminary Statement to this Agreement.
     Certificate Owner: With respect to a Book-Entry Certificate, the Person who is the owner of such Book-Entry Certificate, as reflected on the books of the Clearing Agency, or on the books of a Person maintaining an account with such Clearing Agency (directly or as an indirect participant, in accordance with the rules of such Clearing Agency).
     Certificate Register and Certificate Registrar: The register maintained and the registrar appointed pursuant to Section 3.02. The Trust Administrator will act as the initial Certificate Registrar.
Certificateholder: The meaning provided in the definition of “Holder.”
     Certification Parties: As defined in Section 6.21(e).
     Certifying Person: As defined in Section 6.21(e).
     Civil Relief Act: The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, as amended, or any similar state or local law.
     Class: Collectively, Certificates bearing the same class designation as set forth in the Preliminary Statement.
     Class AR Certificate: The Class AR Certificate executed by the Trustee, and authenticated and delivered by the Authenticating Agent, substantially in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit A, and evidencing the ownership of the residual interest in the Upper-Tier REMIC.
     Class AR-L Certificate: The Class AR-L Certificate executed by the Trustee, and authenticated and delivered by the Authenticating Agent, substantially in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit A, and evidencing the ownership of the residual interest in the Lower-Tier REMIC.
     Class Interest Shortfall: With respect to any Distribution Date and Class of Certificates, the amount by which the amount described in clause (i) of the definition of Interest Distribution
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

7


 

Amount for such Class, exceeds the amount of interest actually distributed on such Class on such Distribution Date.
     Class Notional Amount: Not applicable.
     Class Principal Amount: With respect to each Class of Certificates and as to any date of determination, the aggregate of the Certificate Amounts of all Certificates of such Class as of such date.
     With respect to the Lower-Tier Interest, the initial Class Principal Amount as shown or described in the table set forth in the Preliminary Statement to this Agreement for the issuing REMIC, as reduced by principal distributed with respect to such Lower-Tier Interest and Realized Losses allocated to such Lower-Tier Interest at the date of determination.
     Class Unpaid Interest Amount: With respect to any Distribution Date and Class of Certificates, the amount by which the aggregate Class Interest Shortfalls for such Class on prior Distribution Dates exceeds the amount distributed on such Class on prior Distribution Dates pursuant to clause (ii) of the definition of Interest Distribution Amount.
     Clearing Agency: An organization registered as a “clearing agency” pursuant to Section 17A of the Exchange Act. As of the Closing Date, the Clearing Agency shall be The Depository Trust Company.
     Clearing Agency Participant: A broker, dealer, bank, other financial institution or other Person for whom from time to time a Clearing Agency effects book-entry transfers and pledges of securities deposited with the Clearing Agency.
     Closing Date: February 1, 2006.
     Code: The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and as it may be further amended from time to time, any successor statutes thereto, and applicable U.S. Department of Treasury regulations issued pursuant thereto in temporary or final form.
     Commission: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
     Compensating Interest Payment: As to any Distribution Date and the Master Servicer, an amount equal to the excess of (i) the Compensating Interest (as defined in the related Servicing Agreement) required to be remitted by the related Servicer on the Remittance Date (as defined in the Servicing Agreement) immediately preceding such Distribution Date over (ii) the amount of Compensating Interest (as defined in the Servicing Agreement) actually remitted by the Servicer for such Distribution Date.
     Component: Not applicable.
     Component Interest Rate: Not applicable.
     Component Notional Amount: Not applicable.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

8


 

     Cooperative Corporation: The entity that holds title (fee or an acceptable leasehold estate) to the real property and improvements constituting the Cooperative Property and which governs the Cooperative Property, which Cooperative Corporation must qualify as a Cooperative Housing Corporation under Section 216 of the Code.
     Cooperative Loan: Any Mortgage Loan secured by Cooperative Shares and a Proprietary Lease.
     Cooperative Property: The real property and improvements owned by the Cooperative Corporation, that includes the allocation of individual dwelling units to the holders of the shares of the Cooperative Corporation.
     Cooperative Shares: Shares issued by a Cooperative Corporation.
     Corporate Trust Office: With respect to the Trustee, the principal corporate trust office of the Trustee located at 60 Livingston Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55107, Attention: Corporate Trust—Structured Finance—SQALT 2006-1, or at such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Certificateholders, the Depositor, the Master Servicer and the Trust Administrator, or the principal corporate trust office of any successor trustee. With respect to the Certificate Registrar and presentment of Certificates for registration of transfer, exchange or final payment, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Sixth Street and Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55479, Attention: Corporate Trust, SQALT 2006-1.
     Corresponding Class of Certificates: Not applicable.
     Credit Support Depletion Date: Not applicable.
     Curtailment: Any payment of principal on a Mortgage Loan, made by or on behalf of the related Mortgagor, other than a Scheduled Payment, a prepaid Scheduled Payment or a Payoff, which is applied to reduce the outstanding Stated Principal Balance of the Mortgage Loan.
     Custodial Accounts: Each custodial account (other than an Escrow Account) established and maintained by a Servicer pursuant to a Servicing Agreement.
     Custodial Agreement: Each of (i) the Custodial Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2006, among the Trust Administrator, the Trustee and LaSalle Bank, National Association, as Custodian and (ii) the Custodial Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2006, among the Trust Administrator, the Trustee and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Custodian. A copy of each such Custodial Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit D.
     Custodian: A Person who is at anytime appointed by the Trustee and the Depositor as a custodian of all or a portion of the Mortgage Documents and the related Trustee Mortgage Files and listed on the Mortgage Loan Schedule as the Custodian of such Mortgage Documents and related Trustee Mortgage Files. The initial Custodians are LaSalle Bank, National Association and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.
     Cut-off Date: January 1, 2006.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

9


 

     Cut-off Date Principal Balance: With respect to the Mortgage Loans in the Trust Fund on the Closing Date, the Aggregate Stated Principal Balance as of the Cut-off Date.
     Debt Service Reduction: With respect to any Mortgage Loan, a reduction by a court of competent jurisdiction in a proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code in the Scheduled Payment for such Mortgage Loan which became final and non-appealable, except such a reduction resulting from a Deficient Valuation or any reduction that results in a permanent forgiveness of principal.
     Defective Mortgage Loan: The meaning specified in Section 2.04.
     Deficient Valuation: With respect to any Mortgage Loan, a valuation of the related Mortgaged Property by a court of competent jurisdiction in an amount less than the then outstanding indebtedness under the Mortgage Loan, or any reduction in the amount of principal to be paid in connection with any Scheduled Payment that results in a permanent forgiveness of principal, which valuation or reduction results from an order of such court which is final and non-appealable in a proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code.
     Definitive Certificate: A Certificate of any Class issued in definitive, fully registered, certificated form.
     Deleted Mortgage Loan: As defined in the applicable Purchase Agreement.
     Delinquent: Any Mortgage Loan with respect to which the Scheduled Payment due on a Due Date is not received, based on the MBA method of calculating delinquency.
     Depositor: Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc., a Delaware corporation having its principal place of business in California, or its successors in interest.
     Determination Date: With respect to each Distribution Date, the 18th day of the month in which such Distribution Date occurs, or, if such 18th day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day; provided, however, that with respect to a Servicer, the Determination Date is the date set forth in the related Servicing Agreement.
     Disqualified Organization: A “disqualified organization” as defined in Section 860E(e)(5) of the Code.
     Distribution Date: The 25th day of each month or, if such 25th day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day, commencing in February 2005.
     Due Date: With respect to each Mortgage Loan and any Distribution Date, the date on which Scheduled Payments on such Mortgage Loan are due which is either the first day of the month of such Distribution Date, or if Scheduled Payments on such Mortgage Loan are due on a day other than the first day of the month, the date in the calendar month immediately preceding the Distribution Date on which such Scheduled Payments are due, exclusive of any days of grace.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

10


 

     Due Period: As to any Distribution Date, the period beginning on the second day of the month preceding the month of such Distribution Date, and ending on the first day of the month of such Distribution Date.
     Effective Loan-to-Value Ratio: A fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the original Stated Principal Balance of the Mortgage Loan, less the amount of Additional Collateral required to secure such Mortgage Loan at the time of origination, if any, and the denominator of which is the Appraised Value of the related Mortgage Property at such date.
     Eligible Account: Any of (i) an account or accounts maintained with a federal or state chartered depository institution or trust company the short-term unsecured debt obligations of which (or, in the case of a depository institution or trust company that is the principal subsidiary of a holding company, the debt obligations of such holding company) have the highest short-term ratings of each Rating Agency at the time any amounts are held on deposit therein, or (ii) an account or accounts in a depository institution or trust company in which such accounts are insured by the FDIC or the SAIF (to the limits established by the FDIC or the SAIF) and the uninsured deposits in which accounts are otherwise secured such that, as evidenced by an Opinion of Counsel delivered to the Trustee, the Trust Administrator and to each Rating Agency, the Certificateholders have a claim with respect to the funds in such account or a perfected first priority security interest against any collateral (which shall be limited to Permitted Investments) securing such funds that is superior to claims of any other depositors or creditors of the depository institution or trust company in which such account is maintained, or (iii) a trust account or accounts maintained with the trust department of a federal or state chartered depository institution or trust company, acting in its fiduciary capacity or (iv) any other account acceptable to each Rating Agency. Eligible Accounts may bear interest, and may include, if otherwise qualified under this definition, accounts maintained with the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Trust Administrator or the Master Servicer.
     ERISA: The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
     ERISA-Qualifying Underwriting: A best efforts or firm commitment underwriting or private placement that meets the requirements of an Underwriter’s Exemption.
     ERISA-Restricted Certificate: The Class AR, Class AR-L, Class B-5, Class B-6 and Class B-7 Certificates, and any Certificate that does not satisfy the applicable rating requirement under the Underwriter’s Exemption.
     Escrow Account: As defined in each Servicing Agreement.
     Event of Default: Any one of the conditions or circumstances enumerated in Section 6.14.
     Excess Loss: The amount of any (i) Fraud Loss in excess of the Fraud Loss Coverage Amount on a Mortgage Loan realized after the Fraud Loss Coverage Termination Date, (ii) Special Hazard Loss in excess of the Special Hazard Loss Coverage Amount on a Mortgage Loan realized after the Special Hazard Coverage Termination Date or (iii) Bankruptcy Loss in
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

11


 

excess of the Bankruptcy Loss Coverage Amount on a Mortgage Loan realized after the Bankruptcy Coverage Termination Date.
     Exchange Act: The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
     Fannie Mae: The Federal National Mortgage Association, a federally chartered and privately owned corporation organized and existing under the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act, or any successor thereto.
     FDIC: The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any successor thereto.
     FHLMC: The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, a corporate instrumentality of the United States created and existing under Title III of the Emergency Home Finance Act of 1970, as amended, or any successor thereto.
     Fitch Ratings: Not applicable.
     Form 8-K Disclosure Information: As defined in Section 6.21(c)(i).
     Fraud Loan: A Liquidated Mortgage Loan as to which a Fraud Loss has occurred.
     Fraud Loss Coverage Amount: The aggregate amount of Fraud Losses that are allocated solely to the Subordinate Certificates, as of the Closing Date, $6,021,146, subject to reduction from time to time by the amount of Fraud Losses allocated to the Subordinate Certificates. In addition, (a) on each anniversary prior to the fifth anniversary of the Cut-off Date, the Fraud Loss Coverage Amount will be reduced to an amount equal to the lesser of (A) 1.00% of the Aggregate Stated Principal Balance as of such date, and (B) the excess of the Fraud Loss Coverage Amount as of the preceding anniversary of the Cut-off Date over the cumulative amount of Fraud Losses on the Mortgage Loans allocated to the Subordinate Certificates since such preceding anniversary or the Cut-off Date, and (b) on the fifth anniversary of the Cut-off Date, zero. The Fraud Loss Coverage Amount may be reduced below the amount set forth above for any Distribution Date with the consent of the Rating Agencies as evidenced by a letter of each Rating Agency to the Trust Administrator to the effect that any such reduction will not result in a downgrading of the current ratings assigned to such Classes of Certificates rated by it.
     Fraud Loss Coverage Termination Date: The point in time at which the applicable Fraud Loss Coverage Amount has been reduced to zero.
     Fraud Losses: Realized Losses on the Liquidated Mortgage Loans as to which a loss is sustained by reason of a default arising from fraud, dishonesty or misrepresentation in connection with the related Mortgage Loan, including a loss by reason of the denial of coverage under any related Primary Mortgage Insurance Policy because of such fraud, dishonesty or misrepresentation.
     Global Securities: The global certificates representing the Book-Entry Certificates.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

12


 

     Holder or Certificateholder: The registered owner of any Certificate as recorded on the books of the Certificate Registrar except that, solely for the purposes of taking any action or giving any consent pursuant to this Agreement, any Certificate registered in the name of the Depositor, the Trustee, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator and any Servicer, or any Affiliate thereof shall be deemed not to be outstanding in determining whether the requisite percentage necessary to effect any such consent has been obtained, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such consent, only Certificates which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee knows to be so owned shall be disregarded. The Trustee may request and conclusively rely on certifications by the Depositor, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator or any Servicer in determining whether any Certificates are registered to an Affiliate of the Depositor, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator or any Servicer.
     HUD: The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, or any successor thereto.
     Incremental Rate: Not applicable.
     Independent: When used with respect to any specified Person, any such Person who (a) is in fact independent of the Depositor and its Affiliates, (b) does not have any direct financial interest in or any material indirect financial interest in the Depositor or any Affiliate thereof, (c) is not connected with the Depositor or any Affiliate thereof as an officer, employee, promoter, underwriter, trustee, partner, director or Person performing similar functions or (d) is not a member of the immediate family of a Person described in clause (b) or (c) above; provided, however, that a Person shall not fail to be Independent of the Depositor or any Affiliate thereof merely because such Person is the beneficial owner of 1% or less of any class of securities issued by the Depositor or any Affiliate thereof.
     Index: As to each Mortgage Loan, the index from time to time in effect for adjustment of the Mortgage Rate as set forth as such on the related Mortgage Note.
     Initial Bankruptcy Loss Coverage Amount: $117,782.
     Initial One-Month LIBOR Rate: Not applicable.
     Initial Trust Receipt. With respect to any Mortgage Loan, as defined in the related Custodial Agreement.
     Insurance Policy: With respect to any Mortgage Loan, any insurance policy, including all riders and endorsements thereto in effect, including any replacement policy or policies for any Insurance Policies.
     Insurance Proceeds: Proceeds paid by any Insurance Policy (excluding proceeds required to be applied to the restoration and repair of the related Mortgaged Property or released to the Mortgagor), in each case other than any amount included in such Insurance Proceeds in respect of Insured Expenses and (i) the proceeds from any Limited Purpose Surety Bond.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

13


 

     Insured Expenses: Expenses covered by an Insurance Policy or any other insurance policy with respect to the Mortgage Loans.
     Interest Distribution Amount: For each Class of Certificates and any Distribution Date, the sum of (i) one month’s interest accrued during the related Accrual Period at the applicable Certificate Interest Rate for such Class on the related Class Principal Amount or Class Notional Amount of such Class, as applicable, subject to reduction pursuant to Section 5.02(b), and any Class Unpaid Interest Amounts for such Class and such Distribution Date.
     Interest-Only Certificates: Not applicable.
     Interest Shortfall: As to any Class of Certificates and any Component of a Class (as applicable) and any Distribution Date, (i) the amount by which the Interest Distribution Amount for such Class or Component, as applicable, on such Distribution Date and all prior Distribution Dates exceeds (ii) amounts distributed in respect thereof to such Class or Component, as applicable, on prior Distribution Dates.
     Interest Transfer Amount: Not applicable.
     Intervening Assignments: The original intervening assignments of the Mortgage, notices of transfer or equivalent instrument.
     Item 1122 Responsible Party: As defined in Section 11.15.
     Latest Possible Maturity Date: The Distribution Date occurring in February 2041.
     LIBOR Business Day: Not applicable.
     LIBOR Certificate: Not applicable.
     LIBOR Determination Date: Not applicable.
     Limited Purpose Surety Bond: Any Limited Purpose Surety Bond listed in Exhibit G.
     Liquidated Mortgage Loan: With respect to any Distribution Date, a defaulted Mortgage Loan (including any REO Property) which was liquidated in the calendar month preceding the month of such Distribution Date and as to which the related Servicer has certified (in accordance with its Servicing Agreement) that it has received all amounts it expects to receive in connection with the liquidation of such Mortgage Loan including the final disposition of the related REO Property, whether from Insurance Proceeds, Liquidation Proceeds or otherwise.
     Liquidation Principal: With respect to any Distribution Date, the principal portion of Net Liquidation Proceeds received with respect to each Mortgage Loan, but not in excess of the principal balance of such Mortgage Loan, which became a Liquidated Mortgage Loan (but not in excess of the principal balance thereof) during the preceding calendar month.
     Liquidation Proceeds: Amounts, including Insurance Proceeds, received in connection with the partial or complete liquidation of defaulted Mortgage Loans, whether through trustee’s
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

14


 

sale, foreclosure sale or otherwise or amounts received in connection with any condemnation or partial release of a Mortgaged Property and any other proceeds received in connection with an REO Property, other than Subsequent Recoveries.
     Loan-To-Value Ratio: With respect to any Mortgage Loan and as to any date of determination, the fraction (expressed as a percentage) the numerator of which is the principal balance of the related Mortgage Loan at such date of determination and the denominator of which is the Appraised Value of the related Mortgaged Property.
     Lower-Tier Interest: As described in the Preliminary Statement to this Agreement.
     Lower-Tier REMIC: As described in the Preliminary Statement to this Agreement.
     Margin: As to each Mortgage Loan, the percentage amount set forth on the related Mortgage Note added to the Index in calculating the Mortgage Rate thereon.
     Master Servicer: Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, a national banking association organized under the laws of the United States in its capacity as Master Servicer and any Person succeeding as Master Servicer hereunder or any successor in interest, or if any successor master servicer shall be appointed as herein provided, then such successor master servicer.
     Master Servicing Fee: The fee payable to the Master Servicer as compensation for its services under this Agreement, which shall constitute all income and earnings on the amounts on deposit in the Certificate Distribution Account as provided in Section 4.01(e).
     Master Servicing Fee Rate: 0.00% per annum.
     Maximum Rate: As to any Mortgage Loan, the maximum rate set forth on the related Mortgage Note at which interest can accrue on such Mortgage Loan.
     Memorandum: The private placement memorandum dated January 26, 2006, relating to the Class B-5, Class B-6 and Class B-7 Certificates.
     MERS: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., or its successors or assigns.
     MERS Designated Mortgage Loan: Each Mortgage Loan that has been originated in the name of, or assigned to, MERS and registered under the MERS System.
     MERS System: The system of recording transfers of mortgages electronically maintained by MERS.
     Monthly Advance: With respect to a Mortgage Loan, the payments required to be made by the Master Servicer or the applicable Servicer with respect to any Distribution Date pursuant to this Agreement or the Servicing Agreements, as applicable, the amount of any such payment being equal to the aggregate of the payments of principal and interest (net of the Master Servicing Fee and/or the applicable Servicing Fee and net of any net income in the case of any REO Property) on the Mortgage Loans that were due on the related Due Date and not received as of the close of business on the related Determination Date, less the aggregate amount of any such
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

15


 

delinquent payments that the Master Servicer or the Servicers have determined would constitute Nonrecoverable Advances if advanced.
     Moody’s: Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., or any successor in interest.
     Mortgage: A mortgage, deed of trust or other instrument encumbering a fee simple interest in real property securing a Mortgage Note, together with improvements thereto.
     Mortgage Documents: With respect to each Mortgage Loan, the mortgage documents required to be delivered to a Custodian pursuant to the related Custodial Agreement and described in clauses (i) through (viii) of Section 2.01(a) hereof.
     Mortgage Loan: A Mortgage and the related notes or other evidences of indebtedness secured by each such Mortgage conveyed, transferred, sold, assigned to or deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 2.01 (including any Replacement Mortgage Loan and REO Property), including without limitation, each Mortgage Loan listed on the Mortgage Loan Schedule, as amended from time to time.
     Mortgage Loan Purchase and Sale Agreement: The mortgage loan purchase and sale agreement, dated as of January 1, 2006, between the Seller and the Depositor.
     Mortgage Loan Purchase Price: The price, calculated as set forth in Section 7.01, to be paid in connection with the purchase of the Mortgage Loans pursuant to an Optional Termination of the Trust Fund.
     Mortgage Loan Schedule: The schedule attached hereto as Schedule A, which shall identify each Mortgage Loan, as such schedule may be amended by the Depositor or the Servicer from time to time to reflect the addition of Replacement Mortgage Loans to, or the deletion of Deleted Mortgage Loans from, the Trust Fund. Such schedule shall set forth the following information with respect to each Mortgage Loan by Mortgage Pool:
(i) the Mortgage Loan identifying number;
(ii) a code indicating the type of Mortgaged Property and the occupancy status;
(iii) a code indicating the Servicer of the Mortgage Loan;
(iv) the original months to maturity;
(v) the Loan-to-Value Ratio at origination;
(vi) the combined Loan-to-Value Ratio at origination;
(vii) a code indicating the existence of a subordinate lien for the related Mortgaged Property;
(viii) the related borrower’s debt-to-income ratio at origination;
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

16


 

(ix) the related borrower’s credit score at origination;
(x) the Mortgage Rate as of the Cut-off Date;
(xi) the stated maturity date;
(xii) the amount of the Scheduled Payment as of the Cut-off Date;
(xiii) the original principal amount of the Mortgage Loan;
(xiv) the principal balance of the Mortgage Loan as of the close of business on the Cut-off Date, after deduction of payments of principal due on or before the Cut-off Date whether or not collected;
(xv) the purpose of the Mortgage Loan (i.e., purchase, rate and term refinance, equity take-out refinance);
(xvi) a code indicating whether a prepayment premium is required to be paid in connection with a prepayment of the Mortgage Loan and the term and the amount of the prepayment premium;
(xvii) an indication whether the Mortgage Loan accrues interest at an adjustable Mortgage Rate or a fixed Mortgage Rate;
(xviii) the Index that is associated with such Mortgage Loan, if applicable;
(xix) the gross margin, if applicable;
(xx) the periodic rate cap, if applicable;
(xxi) the minimum Mortgage Rate, if applicable;
(xxii) the maximum Mortgage Rate, if applicable;
(xxiii) the first Adjustment Date after the Cut-off Date, if applicable;
(xxiv) the Servicing Fee Rate;
(xxv) the Master Servicing Fee Rate;
(xxvi) a code indicating whether the Mortgage Loan is covered under a borrower paid or lender paid Primary Mortgage Insurance Policy (and, if so, the name of the insurance carrier) and the rate at which any lender paid Primary Mortgage Insurance Policy premium is calculated, if applicable; and
(xxvii) a code indicating whether the Mortgage Loan is a MERS Mortgage Loan.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

17


 

     Mortgage Note: The original executed note or other evidence of the indebtedness of a Mortgagor secured by a Mortgage under a Mortgage Loan.
     Mortgage Pool: The aggregate of the Mortgage Loans.
     Mortgage Rate: As to any Mortgage Loan, the annual rate of interest borne by the related Mortgage Notes.
     Mortgaged Property: The underlying property, including any Additional Collateral, securing a Mortgage Loan which, with respect to a Cooperative Loan, is the related Cooperative Shares and Property Lease.
     Mortgagor: The obligor on a Mortgage Note.
     Net Interest Shortfalls: For any Distribution Date, the sum of (A) the amount of interest which would otherwise have been received for a Mortgage Loan during the prior calendar month that was the subject of (x) a Relief Act Reduction or (y) a Special Hazard Loss, Fraud Loss or Bankruptcy Loss, after the exhaustion of the respective amounts of coverage provided by the Subordinate Certificates for those types of losses; and (B) any related Net Prepayment Interest Shortfalls.
     Net Liquidation Proceeds: With respect to any Liquidated Mortgage Loan or any other disposition of related Mortgaged Property, the related Liquidation Proceeds net of Monthly Advances, Servicer Advances, related Servicing Fees and/or Master Servicing Fees and any other accrued and unpaid servicing fees received and retained in connection with the liquidation of such Mortgage Loan or Mortgaged Property.
     Net Mortgage Rate: With respect to any Mortgage Loan and any Distribution Date, the related Mortgage Rate as of the Due Date in the month preceding the month of such Distribution Date reduced by the Aggregate Expense Rate for such Mortgage Loan.
     Net Prepayment Interest Shortfall: With respect to any Mortgage Loan and any Distribution Date, the amount by which the aggregate of Prepayment Interest Shortfalls during the related Prepayment Period exceeds the Prepayment Interest Shortfalls for such Distribution Date.
     Net Realized Losses: For any Class of Certificates and any Distribution Date, the excess of (i) the amount of unreimbursed Realized Losses previously allocated to that Class over (ii) the sum of (a) the amount of any increases to the Class Principal Amount of that Class pursuant to Section 5.03(f) due to Subsequent Recoveries and (b) amounts previously distributed to such Class in respect of Realized Losses pursuant to Section 5.02.
     Net WAC: As to any Distribution Date, the weighted average of the Net Mortgage Rates of the Mortgage Loans as of the Due Date of the month preceding the month of such Distribution Date, weighted on the basis of their outstanding Stated Principal Balances (after giving effect to the Scheduled Payments due on or before such Due Date and Principal Prepayments received prior to such Due Date) at such time.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

18


 

     Net WAC Shortfall: Not applicable.
     Non-Book-Entry Certificate: Any Certificate other than a Book-Entry Certificate.
     Non-permitted Foreign Holder: As defined in Section 3.03(f).
     Net Recovery Realized Losses: For any Class of Certificates and any Distribution Date, the excess of Net Realized Losses for such Distribution Date over the amount distributed in respect of Realized Losses pursuant to Section 5.02 on that Distribution Date.
     Non-Redemption Event: Not applicable.
     Non-U.S. Person: Any person other than a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.
     Nonrecoverable Advance: Any portion of an Monthly Advance or Servicer Advance previously made or proposed to be made by the Master Servicer and/or a Servicer (as certified in an Officer’s Certificate of the Servicer), which in the good faith judgment of such party, shall not be ultimately recoverable by such party from the related Mortgagor, related Liquidation Proceeds or otherwise.
     Notional Amount: Not applicable.
     Offering Document: The Prospectus or the Memorandum.
     Officer’s Certificate: A certificate signed by two Authorized Officers of the Depositor or the Chairman of the Board, any Vice Chairman, the President, any Vice President or any Assistant Vice President of the Master Servicer or the Trust Administrator, and in each case delivered to the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as provided in this Agreement.
     Officer’s Certificate of the Servicer: A certificate (i) signed by the Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chairman of the Board, the President, a Managing Director, a Vice President (however denominated), an Assistant Vice President, the Treasurer, the Secretary, or one of the Assistant Treasurers or Assistant Secretaries of a Servicer, or (ii) if provided for herein, signed by a Servicing Officer, as the case may be, and delivered to the Trustee, the Trust Administrator or the Master Servicer, as required hereby.
     One-Month LIBOR: Not applicable.
     Opinion of Counsel: A written opinion of counsel, reasonably acceptable in form and substance to the Trustee, the Trust Administrator or the Master Servicer, as required hereby, and who may be in-house or outside counsel to the Depositor, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator or the Trustee but which must be Independent outside counsel with respect to any such opinion of counsel concerning the transfer of any Residual Certificate or concerning certain matters with respect to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), or the taxation, or the federal income tax status, of each REMIC.
     Optional Termination: The purchase of the Mortgage Loans pursuant to Section 7.01.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

19


 

     Optional Termination Date: The date fixed by the Terminating Entity for the purchase of the Mortgage Loans pursuant to Section 7.01.
     Optional Termination Notice Period: The period during which notice is to be given to the affected Certificateholders of an Optional Termination pursuant to Section 7.02(e).
     Original Subordination Level: With respect to each Class of Subordinate Certificates, the corresponding approximate percentage set forth in the table below opposite its Class designation:
         
Subordinate Certificates        
Class B-1
    4.10 %
Class B-2
    2.70 %
Class B-3
    1.85 %
Class B-4
    1.60 %
Class B-5
    1.05 %
Class B-6
    0.45 %
Class B-7
    0.00 %
     Original Subordinate Principal Amount: The aggregate of the initial Class Principal Amounts of the Classes of Subordinated Certificates.
     Originator: Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. or any other originator contemplated by Item 1110 (§ 229.1110) of Regulation AB.
     Overcollateralized Group: Not applicable.
     Par Value: As defined in Section 7.01(c).
     Paying Agent: Any paying agent appointed pursuant to Section 3.08. The initial Paying Agent shall be the Trust Administrator under this Agreement.
     Payoff: Any payment of principal on a Mortgage Loan equal to the entire outstanding Stated Principal Balance of such Mortgage Loan, if received in advance of the last scheduled Due Date for such Mortgage Loan and accompanied by an amount of interest equal to accrued unpaid interest on the Mortgage Loan to the date of such payment in full.
     PCAOB: The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
     Percentage Interest: With respect to any Certificate, its percentage interest in the undivided beneficial ownership interest in the Trust Fund evidenced by all Certificates of the same Class as such Certificate. With respect to any Certificate other than an Interest-Only Certificate or the Class AR and Class AR-L Certificates, the Percentage Interest evidenced thereby shall equal the initial principal amount thereof divided by the initial Class Principal Amount of all Certificates of the same Class. With respect to each of the Class AR and Class AR-L Certificates, the Percentage Interest evidenced thereby shall be as specified on the face thereof, or otherwise, be equal to 100%. With respect to any Interest-Only Certificate, the
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

20


 

Percentage Interest evidenced thereby shall equal its initial Notional Amount as set forth on the face thereof divided by the initial Class Notional Amount of such Class.
     Permitted Investments: At any time, any one or more of the following obligations and securities:
     (i) obligations of the United States or any agency thereof, provided that such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States;
     (ii) general obligations of or obligations guaranteed by any state of the United States or the District of Columbia receiving the highest long-term debt rating of each Rating Agency, or such lower rating as shall not result in the downgrading or withdrawal of the ratings then assigned to the Certificates by the Rating Agencies, as evidenced by a signed writing delivered by each Rating Agency;
     (iii) commercial or finance company paper which is then receiving the highest commercial or finance company paper rating of each Rating Agency rating such paper, or such lower rating as shall not result in the downgrading or withdrawal of the ratings then assigned to the Certificates by the Rating Agencies, as evidenced by a signed writing delivered by each Rating Agency;
     (iv) certificates of deposit, demand or time deposits, or bankers’ acceptances issued by any depository institution or trust company incorporated under the laws of the United States or of any state thereof and subject to supervision and examination by federal and/or state banking authorities, provided that the commercial paper and/or long-term unsecured debt obligations of such depository institution or trust company (or in the case of the principal depository institution in a holding company system, the commercial paper or long-term unsecured debt obligations of such holding company, but only if Moody’s is not the applicable Rating Agency) are then rated one of the two highest long-term and the highest short-term ratings of each Rating Agency for such securities, or such lower ratings as shall not result in the downgrading or withdrawal of the ratings then assigned to the Certificates by the Rating Agencies, as evidenced by a signed writing delivered by each Rating Agency;
     (v) demand or time deposits or certificates of deposit issued by any bank or trust company or savings institution to the extent that such deposits are fully insured by the FDIC;
     (vi) guaranteed reinvestment agreements issued by any bank, insurance company or other corporation acceptable to the Rating Agencies at the time of the issuance of such agreements, as evidenced by a signed writing delivered by each Rating Agency;
     (vii) repurchase obligations with respect to any security described in clauses (i) and (ii) above, in either case entered into with a depository institution or trust company (acting as principal) described in clause (iv) above;
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

21


 

     (viii) securities (other than stripped bonds, stripped coupons or instruments sold at a purchase price in excess of 115% of the face amount thereof) bearing interest or sold at a discount issued by any corporation incorporated under the laws of the United States or any state thereof which, at the time of such investment, have one of the two highest long-term ratings of each Rating Agency (except if the Rating Agency is Moody’s, such rating shall be the highest commercial paper rating of Moody’s for any such series), or such lower rating as shall not result in the downgrading or withdrawal of the ratings then assigned to the Certificates by the Rating Agencies, as evidenced by a signed writing delivered by each Rating Agency;
     (ix) interests in any money market fund which at the date of acquisition of the interests in such fund and throughout the time such interests are held in such fund has the highest applicable rating by each Rating Agency rating such fund or such lower rating as shall not result in a change in the rating then assigned to the Certificates by each Rating Agency as evidenced by a signed writing delivered by each Rating Agency, including funds for which the Trustee, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator or any of its Affiliates is investment manager or adviser;
     (x) short-term investment funds sponsored by any trust company or national banking association incorporated under the laws of the United States or any state thereof which on the date of acquisition has been rated by each applicable Rating Agency in their respective highest applicable rating category or such lower rating as shall not result in a change in the rating then specified stated maturity and bearing interest or sold at a discount acceptable to each Rating Agency as shall not result in the downgrading or withdrawal of the ratings then assigned to the Certificates by the Rating Agencies as evidenced by a signed writing delivered by each Rating Agency; and
     (xi) such other investments having a specified stated maturity and bearing interest or sold at a discount acceptable to the Rating Agencies as shall not result in the downgrading or withdrawal of the ratings then assigned to the Certificates by the Rating Agencies as evidenced by a signed writing delivered by each Rating Agency;
provided, that no such instrument shall be a Permitted Investment if (i) such instrument evidences the right to receive interest only payments with respect to the obligations underlying such instrument, (ii) such instrument would require the Depositor to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended or (iii) the rating of such instrument contains a “t” or “r” notation therein.
     Person: Any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
     Plan: An employee benefit plan or other retirement arrangement which is subject to Section 406 of ERISA and/or Section 4975 of the Code or any entity whose underlying assets include such plan’s or arrangement’s assets by reason of their investment in the entity.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

22


 

     Plan Asset Regulations: The Department of Labor regulations set forth in 29 C.F.R. 2510.3-101.
     Prepayment Interest Shortfall: With respect to any Mortgage Loan, Distribution Date and Principal Prepayment received during the related Prepayment Period, the difference between (i) one full month’s interest at the applicable Mortgage Rate (giving effect to any applicable Relief Act Reduction, Debt Service Reduction and Deficient Valuation), as reduced by the Servicing Fee Rate, if applicable, on the outstanding principal balance of such Mortgage Loan immediately prior to such prepayment or, if such Principal Prepayment is a Curtailment, the principal amount of such Curtailment and (ii) the amount of interest actually received with respect to such Mortgage Loan in connection with such Principal Prepayment, net of the Servicing Fee, if applicable.
     Prepayment Period: With respect to each Distribution Date, the calendar month immediately preceding the month in which the Distribution Date occurs.
     Primary Mortgage Insurance Policy: Each policy of primary mortgage guaranty insurance or any replacement policy therefor with respect to any Mortgage Loan.
     Principal Payment Amount: For any Distribution Date, the sum of (i) the principal portion of the Scheduled Payments on the Mortgage Loans due on the related Due Date, (ii) the principal portion of repurchase proceeds received with respect to any Mortgage Loan which was repurchased as permitted or required by this Agreement during the period beginning on the 15th day of the month preceding such Distribution Date and ending on the 14th day of the month of such Distribution Date, with notice and receipt of funds three (3) Business Days prior to the 14th day of the month of such Distribution Date and (iii) any other unscheduled payments of principal which were received on the Mortgage Loans during the related calendar month preceding the month of such Distribution Date, other than Principal Prepayments or Liquidation Principal.
     Principal Prepayment: Any payment of principal on a Mortgage Loan that constitutes a Payoff or Curtailment.
     Principal Prepayment Amount: For any Distribution Date, the sum of (i) all Principal Prepayments relating to the Mortgage Loans which were received during the related Prepayment Period and (ii) all Subsequent Recoveries received during the calendar month preceding the month of that Distribution Date.
     Principal Prepayment In Full: Any Principal Prepayment of the entire principal balance of the Mortgage Loans.
     Principal Transfer Amount: Not applicable.
     Proceeding: Any suit in equity, action at law or other judicial or administrative proceeding.
     Proprietary Lease: With respect to any Cooperative Property, a lease or occupancy agreement between a Cooperative Corporation and a holder of related Cooperative Shares.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

23


 

     Pro Rata Share: With respect to any Distribution Date and any Class of Subordinate Certificates, the portion of the Subordinate Principal Distribution Amount allocable to such Class, equal to the product of the Subordinate Principal Distribution Amount on such Distribution Date and a fraction, the numerator of which is the related Class Principal Amount of such Class and the denominator of which is the aggregate of the Class Principal Amounts of the Subordinate Certificates.
     Prospectus: The prospectus supplement dated January 26, 2006, together with the accompanying prospectus dated September 17, 2004, relating to the Senior Certificates and the Class B-1, Class B-2, Class B-3 and Class B-4 Certificates.
     Purchase Agreements: The mortgage purchase agreements listed in Exhibit F hereto, as each such agreement may be amended or supplemented from time to time as permitted hereunder.
     Purchase Price: With respect to any Mortgage Loan required or permitted to be purchased by the Seller or Depositor pursuant to this Agreement, by the Servicers pursuant to the Servicing Agreements, or by the Seller pursuant to the Purchase Agreements, an amount equal to the sum of (i) 100% of the unpaid principal balance of the Mortgage Loan on the date of such purchase, (ii) accrued interest thereon at the applicable Net Mortgage Rate from the date through which interest was last paid by the Mortgagor to the Due Date in the month in which the Purchase Price is to be distributed to Certificateholders, or such other amount as may be specified in the related Servicing Agreement or Purchase Agreement and (iii) the amount of any costs and damages incurred by the Trust Fund as a result of any violation of any applicable federal, state, or local predatory or abusive lending law arising from or in connection with the origination of such Mortgage Loan.
     Rapid Prepayment Conditions: Not applicable.
     Rating Agency: Each of Moody’s and S&P.
     Realized Loss: With respect to any Mortgage Loan, (1) with respect to each Liquidated Mortgage Loan, an amount (not less than zero or more than the Stated Principal Balance of the Mortgage Loan) as of the date of such liquidation, equal to (i) the Stated Principal Balance of the Liquidated Mortgage Loan as of the date of such liquidation, plus (ii) interest at the applicable Net Mortgage Rate from the related Due Date as to which interest was last paid or advanced (and not reimbursed) to Certificateholders up to the related Due Date in the month in which Liquidation Proceeds are required to be distributed on the Stated Principal Balance of such Liquidated Mortgage Loan from time to time, minus (iii) the Net Liquidation Proceeds and the proceeds of any Additional Collateral, if any, received during the month in which such liquidation occurred, to the extent applied as recoveries of interest at the Net Mortgage Rate and to principal of the Liquidated Mortgage Loan; (2) for any Mortgage Loan subject to a Deficient Valuation, the excess of the Stated Principal Balance of that Mortgage Loan over the principal amount as reduced in connection with the proceedings resulting in the Deficient Valuation; or (3) for any Mortgage Loan that became the subject of a Debt Service Reduction, the present value of all monthly Debt Service Reductions on the Mortgage Loan, assuming that the mortgagor pays
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

24


 

each Scheduled Payment on the applicable Due Date and that no Principal Prepayments are received on the Mortgage Loan, discounted at the applicable Mortgage Rate.
     Record Date: As to any Distribution Date, the last Business Day of the month preceding the month of each Distribution Date (or the Closing Date, in the case of the first Distribution Date).
     Refinancing Mortgage Loan: Any Mortgage Loan originated in connection with the refinancing of an existing mortgage loan.
     Regulation AB: Subpart 229.1100 – Asset Backed Securities (Regulation AB), 17 C.F.R. §§229.1100-229.1123, as such may be amended from time to time, and subject to such clarifications and interpretations as have been provided by the Commission in the adopting release (Asset-Backed Securities, Securities Act Release No. 33-8518, 70 Fed. Reg. 1,506, 1,531 (Jan. 7, 2005)) or by the staff of the Commission, or as may be provided by the Commission or its staff from time to time.
     Relevant Servicing Criteria: The Servicing Criteria applicable to each party, as set forth on Exhibit N attached hereto. Multiple parties can have responsibility for the same Relevant Servicing Criteria. With respect to a Servicing Function Participant engaged by the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator or each Servicer, the term “Relevant Servicing Criteria” may refer to a portion of the Relevant Servicing Criteria applicable to such parties.
     Relief Act Reductions: With respect to any Distribution Date and any Mortgage Loan as to which there has been a reduction in the amount of interest collectible thereon for the most recently ended calendar month as a result of the application of the Civil Relief Act, the amount, if any, by which (i) interest collectible on such Mortgage Loan for the most recently ended calendar month is less than (ii) interest accrued thereon for such month pursuant to the Mortgage Note.
     REMIC: Each pool of assets in the Trust Fund designated as a REMIC as described in the Preliminary Statement to this Agreement.
     REMIC Provisions: The provisions of the federal income tax law relating to real estate mortgage investment conduits, which appear at sections 860A through 860G of the Code, and related provisions, and regulations, including proposed regulations and rulings, and administrative pronouncements promulgated thereunder, as the foregoing may be in effect from time to time.
     REO Property: A Mortgaged Property acquired by the Trust Fund through foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure in connection with a defaulted Mortgage Loan or otherwise treated as having been acquired pursuant to the REMIC Provisions.
     Replacement Mortgage Loan: A mortgage loan substituted by the Seller for a Deleted Mortgage Loan which must, on the date of such substitution, as confirmed in a Request for Release, substantially in the form attached to the applicable Custodial Agreement, (i) have a Stated Principal Balance, after deduction of the principal portion of the Scheduled Payment due
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

25


 

in the month of substitution, not in excess of, and not more than 10% less than, the Stated Principal Balance of the Deleted Mortgage Loan; (ii) have a Maximum Rate not less than (and not more than two percentage points greater than) the Maximum Rate of the Deleted Mortgage Loan; (iii) have a gross margin not less than that of the Deleted Mortgage Loan and, if Mortgage Loans equal to 1% or more of the Cut-off Date Principal Balance have become Deleted Mortgage Loans, not more than two percentage points more than that of the Deleted Mortgage Loan; (iv) have a Loan-to-Value Ratio or Effective Loan-to-Value Ratio no higher than that of the Deleted Mortgage Loan; (v) have Adjustment Dates that are no more or less frequent than the Deleted Mortgage Loan; (vi) have a remaining term to maturity no greater than (and not more than one year less than that of) the Deleted Mortgage Loan; (vii) not permit conversion of the related Mortgage Rate to a permanent fixed Mortgage Rate; (viii) not be a Cooperative Loan unless the Deleted Mortgage Loan was a Cooperative Loan; (ix) have the same or better FICO credit score; (x) have an initial interest Adjustment Date no earlier than five months before (and no later than five months after) the initial Adjustment Date of the Deleted Mortgage Loan, (xi) comply with each representation and warranty set forth in each Purchase Agreement; and (xii) shall be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel that such Replacement Mortgage Loan would not adversely affect the REMIC status of the Trust Fund or would not otherwise be prohibited by this Agreement.
     Reportable Event: As defined in Section 6.21(c)(i).
     Reporting Servicer: As defined in Section 6.21(b)(i).
     Required Reserve Fund Deposit: Not applicable.
     Reserve Fund: Not applicable.
     Residual Certificate: Each of the Class AR and Class AR-L Certificates.
     Responsible Officer: With respect to the Trustee, any officer in the corporate trust department or similar group of the Trustee with direct responsibility for the administration of this Agreement and also, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his or her knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.
     Restricted Certificate: Any Class B-5, Class B-6, Class B-7 or Class AR-L Certificate.
     Restricted Global Security: As defined in Section 3.01(c).
     S&P: Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or any successor in interest.
     SAIF: The Saving’s Association Insurance Fund, or any successor thereto.
     Sarbanes Oxley Act: The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder (including any interpretations thereof by the Commission’s staff).
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

26


 

     Sarbanes-Oxley Certification: A written certification covering the activities of all Servicing Function Participants and signed by an officer of the Depositor and that complies with (i) the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended from time to time, and (ii) the February 21, 2003 Statement by the Staff of the Division of Corporation Finance of the Securities and Exchange Commission Regarding Compliance by Asset-Backed Issuers with Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14, as in effect from time to time; provided that if, after the Closing Date (a) the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is amended, (b) the Statement referred to in clause (ii) is modified or superseded by any subsequent statement, rule or regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any statement of a division thereof, or (c) any future releases, rules and regulations are published by the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which in any such case affects the form or substance of the required certification and results in the required certification being, in the reasonable judgment of the Master Servicer, materially more onerous than the form of the required certification as of the Closing Date, the Sarbanes-Oxley Certification shall be as agreed to by the Master Servicer, the Depositor and the Seller following a negotiation in good faith to determine how to comply with any such new requirements.
     Schedule of Exceptions: With respect to any Mortgage Loan, as defined in the related Custodial Agreement.
     Scheduled Payment: The scheduled monthly payment on a Mortgage Loan due on any Due Date allocable to principal and/or interest on such Mortgage Loan which, unless otherwise specified in the Servicing Agreements, shall give effect to any related Debt Service Reduction and any Deficient Valuation that affects the amount of the monthly payment due on such Mortgage Loan.
     Securities Act: The Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
     Seller: RWT Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
     Senior Certificates: Any one of the Class A-1, Class A-2, Class AR or Class AR-L Certificates.
     Senior Liquidation Amount: With respect to any Distribution Date, the aggregate, for each Mortgage Loan which became a Liquidated Mortgage Loan during the prior calendar month, of the lesser of (i) the Senior Percentage of the Stated Principal Balance of such Mortgage Loan and (ii) the applicable Senior Prepayment Percentage of the Liquidation Principal with respect to such Mortgage Loan.
     Senior Percentage: With respect to any Distribution Date, the percentage equivalent of a fraction the numerator of which is the aggregate Class Principal Amount of the Senior Certificates immediately prior to such Distribution Date and the denominator of which is the aggregate of the Stated Principal Balances of the Mortgage Loans as of the first day of the related Due Period (excluding any Mortgage Loans that were subject to a Payoff, the principal of which was distributed on the Distribution Date preceding the current Distribution Date); provided, however, in no event will the Senior Percentage exceed 100%.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

27


 

     Senior Prepayment Percentage: The Senior Prepayment Percentage for any Distribution Date occurring during the seven years beginning on the first Distribution Date will equal 100%. The Senior Prepayment Percentage for any Distribution Date occurring on or after the seventh anniversary of the first Distribution Date will be as follows: for any Distribution Date in the first year thereafter, the Senior Percentage plus 70% of the Subordinate Percentage for such Distribution Date; for any Distribution Date in the second year thereafter, the Senior Percentage plus 60% of the Subordinate Percentage for such Distribution Date; for any Distribution Date in the third year thereafter, the Senior Percentage plus 40% of the Subordinate Percentage for such Distribution Date; for any Distribution Date in the fourth year thereafter, the Senior Percentage plus 20% of the Subordinate Percentage for such Distribution Date; and for any Distribution Date after the fourth year thereafter, the Senior Percentage for such Distribution Date.
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, on any Distribution Date if the Senior Percentage exceeds the initial Senior Percentage, the Senior Prepayment Percentage will equal 100%, (ii) if on or before the Distribution Date in February 2010, the Subordinate Percentage is greater than or equal to twice the Subordinate Percentage as of the Closing Date, in which case the Senior Prepayment Percentage will equal the Senior Percentage, plus 50% of the Subordinate Percentage for that Distribution Date, and if after the Distribution Date in February 2009, the Subordinate Percentage is greater than or equal to twice the Subordinate Percentage as of the Closing Date, then the Senior Prepayment Percentage for such Distribution Date will equal the Senior Percentage).
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Senior Prepayment Percentage shall equal 100% for any Distribution Date as to which (i) the outstanding principal balance of the Mortgage Loans delinquent 60 days or more (including all REO Properties and Mortgage Loans in foreclosure) (averaged over the preceding six month period), as a percentage of the aggregate Class Principal Amount of the Subordinate Certificates as of such Distribution Date is equal to or greater than 50% or (ii) cumulative Realized Losses for the Mortgage Loans exceed (a) with respect to any Distribution Date prior to the third anniversary of the first Distribution Date, 20% of the Original Subordinate Principal Amount, (b) with respect to any Distribution Date on or after the third anniversary but prior to the eighth anniversary of the first Distribution Date, 30% of the Original Subordinate Principal Amount, (c) with respect to any Distribution Date on or after the eighth anniversary but prior to the ninth anniversary of the first Distribution Date, 35% of the Original Subordinate Principal Amount, (d) with respect to any Distribution Date on or after the ninth anniversary but prior to the tenth anniversary of the first Distribution Date, 40% of the Original Subordinate Principal Amount, (e) with respect to any Distribution Date on or after the tenth anniversary but prior to the eleventh anniversary of the first Distribution Date, 45% of the Original Subordinate Principal Amount and (f) with respect to any Distribution Date on or after the eleventh anniversary of the first Distribution Date, 50% of the Original Subordinate Principal Amount.
     If on any Distribution Date the allocation to a Class of Senior Certificates then entitled to distributions of Principal Prepayments and other amounts in the percentage required above would reduce the outstanding Class Principal Amount of that Class below zero, the distribution to that Class of Senior Certificates of the Senior Prepayment Percentage of those amounts for
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

28


 

such Distribution Date shall be limited to the percentage necessary to reduce the related Class Principal Amount to zero.
     Senior Principal Distribution Amount: With respect to any Distribution Date, the sum of (i) the product of (x) the Senior Percentage and (y) the Principal Payment Amount, (ii) the product of (x) the applicable Senior Prepayment Percentage and (y) the Principal Prepayment Amount and (iii) the Senior Liquidation Amount.
     Senior Termination Date: Not applicable.
     Servicers: Each Servicer under a Servicing Agreement.
     Servicer Advance: A “Servicing Advance” as defined in the applicable Servicing Agreement.
     Servicer Remittance Date: The 18th day of each calendar month after the initial issuance of the Certificates or, if such 18th day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day, commencing in February 2006.
     Service(s)(ing): In accordance with Regulation AB, the act of servicing and administering the Mortgage Loans or any other assets of the Trust Fund by an entity that meets the definition of “servicer” set forth in Item 1101 of Regulation AB and is subject to the disclosure requirements set forth in Item 1108 of Regulation AB. Any uncapitalized occurrence of this term shall have the meaning commonly understood by participants in the residential mortgage-backed securitization market.
     Servicing Agreement: The agreements listed in Exhibit E, as each such agreement has been modified by the related Acknowledgement and as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time as permitted thereby.
     Servicing Criteria: The criteria set forth in paragraph (d) of Item 1122 of Regulation AB, as such may be amended from time to time.
     Servicing Function Participant: Any Subservicer or Subcontractor, other than each Servicer, the Master Servicer and the Trust Administrator, that is participating in the servicing function within the meaning of Regulation AB, unless such Person’s activities relate only to 5% or less of the Mortgage Loans.
     Servicing Fee: As to any Distribution Date and each Mortgage Loan, an amount equal to the product of (a) one-twelfth of the Servicing Fee Rate and (b) the Stated Principal Balance of such Mortgage Loan as of the first day of the related Due Period.
     Servicing Fee Rate: With respect to each Mortgage Loan and any Distribution Date, the rate specified in the related Servicing Agreement.
     Servicing Officer: Any officer of the Servicers involved in, or responsible for, the administration and servicing of the Mortgage Loans whose name and facsimile signature appear
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

29


 

on a list of servicing officers furnished to the Master Servicer by the Servicers on the Closing Date pursuant to the Servicing Agreements, as such list may from time to time be amended.
     Special Hazard Loss: A Realized Loss (or portion thereof) with respect to a Mortgage Loan arising from any direct physical loss or damage to a Mortgaged Property (including any Realized Loss due to the presence or suspected presence of hazardous wastes or substances on mortgaged property) which is not covered by a standard hazard maintenance policy with extended coverage or by a flood insurance policy, if applicable (or which would not have been covered by such a policy had such a policy been maintained), which is caused by or results from any cause except: (i) wear and tear, deterioration, rust or corrosion, mold, wet or dry rot, inherent vice or latent defect, animals, birds, vermin, insects; (ii) settling, subsidence, cracking, shrinkage, bulging or expansion of pavements, foundations, walls, floors, roofs or ceilings; (iii) errors in design, faulty workmanship or faulty materials, unless the collapse of the property or part thereof ensues and then only for the ensuing loss; (iv) nuclear or chemical reaction or nuclear radiation or radioactive or chemical contamination, all whether controlled or uncontrolled, and whether such loss be direct or indirect, proximate or remote; (v) hostile or warlike action in time of peace or war, including action in hindering, combating or defending against an actual, impending or expected attack (a) by any government of sovereign power, de jure or de facto, or by any authority maintaining or using military, naval or air forces, (b) by military, naval or air forces, or (c) by an agent of any such government, power, authority or forces; (vi) any weapon of war employing atomic fission or radioactive force whether in time of peace or war; or (vii) insurrection, rebellion, revolution, civil war, usurped power or action taken by governmental authority in hindering, combating or defending against such occurrence, seizure or destruction under quarantine or customs regulations, confiscation by order of any government or public authority, or risks of contraband or illegal transportation or trade.
     Special Hazard Loss Coverage Amount: With respect to the Subordinate Certificates, as of the Closing Date, $6,021,146 subject in each case to reduction from time to time, to be an amount equal on any Distribution Date to the lesser of (a) the greatest of (i) 1% of the Aggregate Stated Principal Balance, (ii) twice the principal balance of the largest Mortgage Loan and (iii) the Aggregate Stated Principal Balances of Mortgage Loans secured by Mortgaged Properties located in the single California postal zip code area having the highest aggregate principal balance of any such zip code area and (b) the Special Hazard Loss Coverage Amount as of the Closing Date less the amount, if any, of losses attributable to Special Hazard Losses allocated to the Subordinate Certificates since the Closing Date. All Stated Principal Balances for the purpose of this definition will be calculated as of the first day of the month preceding such Distribution Date after giving effect to scheduled installments of principal and interest on the Mortgage Loans then due, whether or not paid. The Special Hazard Loss Coverage Amount may be reduced below the amount set forth above for any Distribution Date with the consent of the Rating Agencies as evidenced by a letter of each Rating Agency to the Trust Administrator to the effect that any such reduction will not result in a downgrading of the current ratings assigned to such Classes of Certificates rated by it.
     Special Hazard Loss Coverage Termination Date: The date on which the Special Hazard Loss Coverage Amount has been reduced to zero.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

30


 

     Sponsor: RWT Holdings, Inc.
     Startup Day: The day designated as such pursuant to Section 10.01(b) hereof.
     Stated Principal Balance: With respect to any Mortgage Loan and date of determination, the principal balance of such Mortgage Loan as of the Cut-off Date, after application of the principal portion of all Scheduled Payments due on or before the Cut-off Date, whether or not received, minus the sum of (i) all amounts allocable to principal that have been distributed to Certificateholders with respect to such Mortgage Loan on or before that date of determination and (ii) any Realized Losses on such Mortgage Loan that have been allocated to one or more Classes of Certificates on or before that date of determination.
     Sub Account: Not applicable.
     Subcontractor: Any vendor, subcontractor or other Person that is not responsible for the overall servicing of Mortgage Loans but performs one or more discrete functions identified in Item 1122(d) of Regulation AB with respect to Mortgage Loans under the direction or authority of any Servicer (or a Subservicer of any Servicer), the Master Servicer or the Trust Administrator.
     Subordinate Certificates: The Class B-1, Class B-2, Class B-3, Class B-4, Class B-5, Class B-6 and Class B-7 Certificates executed by the Trustee, and authenticated and delivered by the Authenticating Agent, substantially in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit A.
     Subordinate Liquidation Amount: For any Distribution Date the excess, if any, of the aggregate Liquidation Principal of all Mortgage Loans which became Liquidated Mortgage Loans during the calendar month preceding the Distribution Date over Senior Liquidation Amount for such Distribution Date.
     Subordinate Percentage: With respect to any Distribution Date, the excess of 100% over the related Senior Percentage for such Distribution Date.
     Subordinate Prepayment Percentage: With respect to any Distribution Date, 100% minus the related Senior Prepayment Percentage for such Distribution Date; provided, however, that if the aggregate Class Principal Amount of the Senior Certificates has been reduced to zero, then the Subordinate Prepayment Percentage will equal 100%.
     Subordinate Principal Distribution Amount: With respect to any Distribution Date, the sum of the following amounts: (i) the related Subordinate Percentage of the related Principal Payment Amount, (ii) the related Subordinate Prepayment Percentage of the related Principal Prepayment Amount and (iii) the related Subordinate Liquidation Amount.
     Subordination Level: With respect to any Distribution Date and any Class of Subordinate Certificates, the percentage obtained by dividing the sum of the Class Principal Amounts of all Classes of Subordinate Certificates which are subordinate in right of payment to such Class by the sum of the Class Principal Amounts of the Certificates, in each case immediately prior to such Distribution Date.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

31


 

     Subsequent Recovery: With respect to any Distribution Date and Mortgage Loan that became a Liquidated Mortgage Loan in a month preceding the month prior to the Distribution Date, an amount received in respect of principal on such Mortgage Loan which has previously been allocated as a Realized Loss to a Class or Classes of Certificates, net of reimbursable expenses.
     Subservicer: Any Person that (i) services Mortgage Loans on behalf of any Servicer, and (ii) is responsible for the performance (whether directly or through sub-servicers or Subcontractors) of Servicing functions required to be performed under this Agreement, any related Servicing Agreement or any sub-servicing agreement that are identified in Item 1122(d) of Regulation AB.
     Substitution Amount: As defined in the second paragraph of Section 2.04(b).
     Tax Matters Person: With respect to each REMIC, the applicable Person identified in Section 10.01(l).
     Telerate Page 3750: The display currently so designated as “Page 3750” on the Bridge Telerate Service (or such other page selected by the Trust Administrator as may replace Page 3750 on that service for the purpose of displaying daily comparable rates on prices).
     Terminating Auction Date: As defined in Section 7.01(d).
     Terminating Auction Purchaser: As defined in Section 7.01(d).
     Terminating Auction Sale: As defined in Section 7.01(d).
     Terminating Entity: The Master Servicer shall be the Terminating Entity. At all times during the term of this Agreement, the Terminating Entity and the Master Servicer shall be the same party.
     Trust Administrator: Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Trust Administrator, or any successor in interest, or if any successor trust administrator shall be appointed as herein provided, then such successor trust administrator. Wells Fargo Bank, National Association shall act as Trust Administrator for so long as it is Master Servicer under this Agreement.
     Trust Fund: The corpus of the trust created pursuant to this Agreement, consisting of the Mortgage Loans and all interest and principal received thereon on or after the Cut-off Date (other than Scheduled Payments due on or prior to the Cut-off Date), the Depositor’s rights assigned to the Trustee under the Purchase Agreements and the Servicing Agreements, as modified by the Acknowledgements and the Mortgage Loan Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Insurance Policies relating to the Mortgage Loans, all cash, instruments or property held or required to be held in the Custodial Accounts and the Certificate Distribution Account, or property that secured a Mortgage Loan, the pledge, control and guaranty agreements and any Limited Purpose Surety Bond relating to the Additional Collateral Mortgage Loans.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

32


 

     Trustee: U.S. Bank National Association, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America and any Person succeeding the Trustee hereunder, or if any successor trustee or any co-trustee shall be appointed as herein provided, then such successor trustee and such co-trustee, as the case may be.
     Trustee Mortgage Files: With respect to each Mortgage Loan, the Mortgage Documents to be retained in the custody and possession of the Trustee or any Custodian on behalf of the Trustee and described in clauses (i) through (viii) of Section 2.01(a) hereof.
     UCC: The Uniform Commercial Code as enacted in the relevant jurisdiction.
     Undercollateralized Group: Not applicable.
     Underwriter: Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC.
     Underwriter’s Exemption: Prohibited Transaction Exemption (“PTE”) 2002-41, 67 Fed. Reg. 54487 (2002)), as most recently amended and restated by PTE 2002-41, or any substantially similar administrative exemption granted by the U.S. Department of Labor to the Underwriter.
     Underwriting Agreement: The Underwriting Agreement, dated January 26, 2006, among the Seller, the Depositor and the Underwriter.
     Uniform Commercial Code: The Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in any applicable jurisdiction from time to time.
     Upper-Tier REMIC: As described in the Preliminary Statement to this Agreement.
     Voting Interests: The portion of the voting rights of all the Certificates that is allocated to any Certificate for purposes of the voting provisions of this Agreement. At all times during the term of this Agreement, 98.00% of all Voting Interests shall be allocated to the Class A-1, Class A-2, Class B-1, Class B-2, Class B-3, Class B-4, Class B-5, Class B-6 and Class B-7 Certificates. Voting Interests shall be allocated among such Certificates based on the product of (i) 98% and (ii) the fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the aggregate Class Principal Amounts for each Class then outstanding and the denominator of which is the Aggregate Stated Principal Balance outstanding. At all times during the term of this Agreement, 1.00% of all Voting Interests shall be allocated to each of the Class AR and Class AR-L Certificates.
     Section 1.02. Calculations Respecting Mortgage Loans. Calculations required to be made pursuant to this Agreement with respect to any Mortgage Loan in the Trust Fund shall be made based upon current information as to the terms of the Mortgage Loans and reports of payments received from the Mortgagor on such Mortgage Loans and payments to be made to the Trust Administrator as supplied to the Trust Administrator by the Master Servicer. The Trust Administrator shall not be required to recompute, verify or recalculate the information supplied to it by the Master Servicer or any Servicer.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

33


 

ARTICLE II.
DECLARATION OF TRUST;
ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES
     Section 2.01. Creation and Declaration of Trust Fund; Conveyance of Mortgage Loans.
          (a) Concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Depositor does hereby transfer, assign, set over, deposit with and otherwise convey to the Trustee, without recourse, subject to Sections 2.02 and 2.04, in trust, all the right, title and interest of the Depositor in and to the Trust Fund. Such conveyance includes, without limitation, (i) the Mortgage Loans, including the right to all payments of principal and interest received on or with respect to the Mortgage Loans on and after the Cut-off Date (other than Scheduled Payments due on or before such date), and all such payments due after such date but received prior to such date and intended by the related Mortgagors to be applied after such date; (ii) all of the Depositor’s right, title and interest in and to all amounts from time to time credited to and the proceeds of the Certificate Distribution Account, any Custodial Accounts or any Escrow Account established with respect to the Mortgage Loans; (iii) all of the Depositor’s rights under the Purchase Agreements and the Servicing Agreements as modified by the Acknowledgements and the Mortgage Loan Purchase and Sale Agreement; (iv) all of the Depositor’s right, title or interest in REO Property and the proceeds thereof; (v) all of the Depositor’s rights under any Insurance Policies related to the Mortgage Loans; and (vi) the Depositor’s security interest in any collateral pledged to secure the Mortgage Loans, including the Mortgaged Properties and any Additional Collateral relating to the Additional Collateral Mortgage Loans, including, but not limited to, the pledge, control and guaranty agreements and any related Limited Purpose Surety Bond to have and to hold, in trust; and the Trustee declares that, subject to the review provided for in Section 2.02, it has received and shall hold the Trust Fund, as trustee, in trust, for the benefit and use of the Holders of the Certificates and for the purposes and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and, concurrently with such receipt, has caused to be executed, authenticated and delivered to or upon the order of the Depositor, in exchange for the Trust Fund, Certificates in the authorized denominations evidencing the entire ownership of the Trust Fund.
     The foregoing sale, transfer, assignment, set-over, deposit and conveyance does not and is not intended to result in the creation or assumption by the Trustee of any obligation of the Depositor, the Seller or any other Person in connection with the Mortgage Loans or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto except as specifically set forth therein.
     In connection with such transfer and assignment of the Mortgage Loans, the Depositor does hereby deliver to, and deposit with, or cause to be delivered to and deposited with, any Custodian acting on the Trustee’s behalf, the following documents or instruments with respect to each related Mortgage Loan (each, a “Trustee Mortgage File”) so transferred and assigned:
               (i) with respect to each Mortgage Loan, the original Mortgage Note endorsed without recourse in proper form to the order of the Trustee, or in blank (in each case, with all necessary intervening endorsements, as applicable); provided that any such endorsement
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

34


 

may be stamped or generated electronically, if acceptable under all applicable laws and regulations and the endorsing entity had adopted appropriate authorizing resolutions prior to such stamped or electronic endorsement.
               (ii) with respect to each Mortgage Loan (other than a Cooperative Loan), the original mortgage, deed of trust or other instrument creating a first lien on the underlying property securing the Mortgage Loan and bearing evidence that such instrument has been recorded in the appropriate jurisdiction where the Mortgaged Property is located (or, in lieu of the original of the Mortgage, a true copy of the Mortgage certified by the originator, or a duplicate or conformed copy of the Mortgage, together with a certificate of either the closing attorney or an officer of the title insurer that issued the related title insurance policy, certifying that such copy represents a true and correct copy of the original and that such original has been or is currently submitted to be recorded in the appropriate governmental recording office of the jurisdiction where the Mortgaged Property is located);
               (iii) with respect to each Mortgage Loan (other than a Cooperative Loan), the Assignment of Mortgage in form and substance acceptable for recording in the relevant jurisdiction, such assignment being either (A) in blank, without recourse, or (B) or endorsed to “U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee of the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, without recourse;” provided, that if the Mortgage Loan is a MERS Designated Mortgage Loan, no Assignment of Mortgage shall be required;
               (iv) with respect to each Mortgage Loan (other than a Cooperative Loan), the originals or certified copies of all Intervening Assignments of the Mortgage, if any, with evidence of recording thereon, showing a complete chain of title to the last endorsee, including any warehousing assignment;
               (v) with respect to each Mortgage Loan (other than a Cooperative Loan), any assumption, modification, written assurance, substitution, consolidation, extension or guaranty agreement, if applicable;
               (vi) with respect to each Mortgage Loan (other than a Cooperative Loan), the original policy of title insurance (or a true copy thereof) with respect to any such Mortgage Loan, or, if such policy has not yet been delivered by the insurer, the title commitment or title binder to issue same;
               (vii) if the Mortgage Note or Mortgage or any other material document or instrument relating to the Mortgage Loan has been signed by a person on behalf of the Mortgagor, the original power of attorney or other instrument that authorized and empowered such person to sign bearing evidence that such instrument has been recorded, if so required, in the appropriate jurisdiction where the Mortgaged Property is located (or, in lieu thereof, a duplicate or conformed copy of such instrument, together with a certificate of receipt from the recording office, certifying that such copy represents a true and complete copy of the original and that such original has been or is currently submitted to be recorded in the appropriate governmental recording office of the jurisdiction where the Mortgaged Property is located); and
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

35


 

                         (viii) with respect to each Mortgage Loan which constitutes a Cooperative Mortgage Loan:
     (a) the original loan and security agreement;
     (b) the original Cooperative Shares;
     (c) a stock power executed in blank by the person in whose name the Cooperative Shares are issued;
     (d) the Proprietary Lease or occupancy agreement accompanied by an assignment in blank of such proprietary lease;
     (e) the recognition agreement executed by the Cooperative Corporation, which requires the Cooperative Corporation to recognize the rights of the lender and its successors in interest and assigns, under the cooperative;
     (f) UCC1 financing statements with recording information thereon from the appropriate governmental recording offices if necessary to perfect the security interest of the Cooperative Mortgage Loan under the Uniform Commercial Code in the jurisdiction in which the cooperative project is located, accompanied by UCC3 financing statements executed in blank for recordation of the change in the secured party thereunder;
     (g) the original policy of title insurance or with respect to any such Cooperative Mortgage Loan, if such policy has not yet been delivered by the insurer, the title commitment or title binder to issue same; and
     (h) Any guarantees, if applicable.
               (b) The Depositor shall cause Assignments of Mortgage with respect to each Mortgage Loan other than a Cooperative Mortgage Loan to be completed in the form specified in Section 2.01(a)(iii) above within 30 days of the Closing Date for purpose of their recording; provided, however, that such Assignments of Mortgage need not be recorded if, on or prior to the Closing Date, the Depositor delivers, at its own expense, an Opinion of Counsel (which must be Independent counsel) acceptable to the Trustee, the Trust Administrator and the Rating Agencies, to the effect that recording in such states is not required to protect the Trustee’s interest in the related Mortgage Loans. Subject to the preceding sentence, as soon as practicable after the Closing Date (but in no event more than 270 days thereafter except to the extent delays are caused by the applicable recording office), the Depositor at its own expense and with the cooperation of the applicable Servicer, shall cause to be properly recorded by each Servicer in each public recording office where the related Mortgages are recorded each Assignment of Mortgage endorsed in the form described in Section 2.01(a)(iii) above with respect to each such Mortgage Loan.
               (c) In instances where a title insurance policy is required to be delivered to the Trustee or the applicable Custodian on behalf of the Trustee under Sections 2.01(a)(vi) or
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

36


 

2.01(a)(viii)(g) above and is not so delivered, the Depositor will provide a copy of such title insurance policy to the Trustee, or to a Custodian on behalf of the Trustee, as promptly as practicable after the execution and delivery hereof, but in any case within 180 days of the Closing Date.
          (d) For Mortgage Loans (if any) that have been prepaid in full after the Cut-off Date and prior to the Closing Date, the Depositor, in lieu of delivering the above documents, herewith delivers to the Trustee, or to the related Custodian on behalf of the Trustee, an Officer’s Certificate which shall include a statement to the effect that all amounts received in connection with such prepayment that are required to be deposited in the Certificate Distribution Account pursuant to Section 4.01 have been so deposited. All original documents that are not delivered to the Trustee or the applicable Custodian on behalf of the Trustee shall be held by the Master Servicer or the applicable Servicer in trust for the benefit of the Trustee and the Certificateholders.
     Section 2.02. Acceptance of Trust Fund by Trustee; Review of Documentation for Trust Fund.
          (a) The Trustee, by execution and delivery hereof, acknowledges receipt by it or by the applicable Custodian on its behalf of the Trustee Mortgage Files pertaining to the Mortgage Loans listed on the Mortgage Loan Schedule, subject to review thereof by the applicable Custodian on behalf of the Trustee in accordance with each Custodial Agreement (forms of which are attached hereto as Exhibit D). Each Custodian on behalf of the Trustee will execute and deliver to the Trustee and the Depositor an Initial Trust Receipt and Schedule of Exceptions, on the Closing Date in the forms required by the related Custodial Agreement.
          (b) Within 270 days after the Closing Date, each Custodian on behalf of the Trustee will, for the benefit of Holders of the Certificates, review each related Trustee Mortgage File to ascertain that all required documents set forth in Section 2.01 have been received and appear on their face to conform with the requirements set forth in the related Custodial Agreement.
          (c) Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to constitute an assumption by the Trust Fund, the Trustee, any Custodian or the Certificateholders of any unsatisfied duty, claim or other liability on any Mortgage Loan or to any Mortgagor.
          (d) Each of the parties hereto acknowledges that each Custodian shall perform the applicable review of the related Mortgage Loans and respective certifications as provided in the related Custodial Agreement.
          (e) Upon execution of this Agreement, the Depositor hereby delivers to the Trustee and the Trustee acknowledges receipt of the Acknowledgements, together with the related Purchase Agreements, Servicing Agreements and the Mortgage Loan Purchase and Sale Agreement.
     Section 2.03. Representations and Warranties of the Depositor.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

37


 

          (a) The Depositor hereby represents and warrants to the Trustee, for the benefit of the Certificateholders, and to the Master Servicer and the Trust Administrator as of the Closing Date or such other date as is specified, that:
               (i) the Depositor is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws governing its creation and existence and has full corporate power and authority to own its property, to carry on its business as presently conducted, to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement, and to create the trust pursuant hereto;
               (ii) the execution and delivery by the Depositor of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Depositor; neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated, nor compliance with the provisions hereof, will conflict with or result in a breach of, or constitute a default under, any of the provisions of any law, governmental rule, regulation, judgment, decree or order binding on the Depositor or its properties or the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of the Depositor;
               (iii) the execution, delivery and performance by the Depositor of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby do not require the consent or approval of, the giving of notice to, the registration with, or the taking of any other action in respect of, any state, federal or other governmental authority or agency, except such as has been obtained, given, effected or taken prior to the date hereof;
               (iv) this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Depositor and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Trustee, the Master Servicer and the Trust Administrator, constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Depositor enforceable against it in accordance with its terms except as such enforceability may be subject to (A) applicable bankruptcy and insolvency laws and other similar laws affecting the enforcement of the rights of creditors generally and (B) general principles of equity regardless of whether such enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law;
               (v) there are no actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Depositor, threatened or likely to be asserted against or affecting the Depositor, before or by any court, administrative agency, arbitrator or governmental body (A) with respect to any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (B) with respect to any other matter which in the judgment of the Depositor will be determined adversely to the Depositor and will if determined adversely to the Depositor materially and adversely affect it or its business, assets, operations or condition, financial or otherwise, or adversely affect its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement;
               (vi) immediately prior to the transfer and assignment of the Mortgage Loans to the Trustee, the Depositor was the sole owner of record and holder of each Mortgage Loan, and the Depositor had good and marketable title thereto, and had full right to transfer and sell each Mortgage Loan to the Trustee free and clear, subject only to (1) liens of current real property taxes and assessments not yet due and payable and, if the related Mortgaged Property is a condominium unit, any lien for common charges permitted by statute, (2) covenants, conditions and restrictions, rights of way, easements and other matters of public record as of the date of
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

38


 

recording of such Mortgage acceptable to mortgage lending institutions in the area in which the related Mortgaged Property is located and specifically referred to in the lender’s title insurance policy or attorney’s opinion of title and abstract of title delivered to the originator of such Mortgage Loan, and (3) such other matters to which like properties are commonly subject which do not, individually or in the aggregate, materially interfere with the benefits of the security intended to be provided by the Mortgage, of any encumbrance, equity, participation interest, lien, pledge, charge, claim or security interest, and had full right and authority, subject to no interest or participation of, or agreement with, any other party, to sell and assign each Mortgage Loan pursuant to this Agreement;
               (vii) This Agreement creates a valid and continuing security interest (as defined in the applicable Uniform Commercial Code (the “UCC”), in the Mortgage Loans in favor of the Trustee, which security interest is prior to all other liens, and is enforceable as such against creditors of and purchasers from the Depositor;
               (viii) The Mortgage Loans constitute “instruments” within the meaning of the applicable UCC;
               (ix) Other than the security interest granted to the Trustee pursuant to this Agreement, the Depositor has not pledged, assigned, sold, granted a security interest in, or otherwise conveyed any of the Mortgage Loans. The Depositor has not authorized the filing of and is not aware of any financing statement against the Depositor that includes a description of the collateral covering the Mortgage Loans other than a financing statement relating to the security interest granted to the Trustee hereunder or that has been terminated. The Depositor is not aware of any judgment or tax lien filings against the Depositor;
               (x) None of the Mortgage Loans have any marks or notations indicating that such Mortgage Loans have been pledged, assigned or otherwise conveyed to any Person other than the Trustee; and
               (xi) The Depositor has received all consents and approvals required by the terms of the Mortgage Loans to convey the Mortgage Loans hereunder to the Trustee.
     The foregoing representations made in this Section 2.03 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and shall not be waived by any party hereto.
     Section 2.04. Discovery of Breach; Repurchase or Substitution of Mortgage Loans.
          (a) Pursuant to Sections 2(b) and 2(d) of the Mortgage Loan Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Seller has made certain representations and warranties as to the characteristics of the Mortgage Loans as of the Closing Date, including representations and warranties that no Mortgage Loan is a “high-cost home loan” as defined under any local, state, or federal laws, and each of the Depositor and the Trustee intend that the Mortgage Loans (including any Replacement Mortgage Loans) included in the Trust Fund satisfy such representations and warranties. The Depositor, for the benefit of the Trustee and the Certificateholders hereby assigns any such rights against the Seller to the Trustee and the Seller acknowledges that it has agreed to comply with the provisions of this Section 2.04 in respect of a
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

39


 

breach of any of such representations and warranties.
     It is understood and agreed that such representations and warranties set forth in Section 2(b) and 2(d) of the Mortgage Loan Purchase and Sale Agreement shall survive delivery of the Trustee Mortgage Files and the Assignment of Mortgage of each Mortgage Loan to the Trustee and shall continue throughout the term of this Agreement. Upon (i) discovery or receipt by the Depositor of written notice of any materially defective document in a related Trustee Mortgage File or, following the date of delivery to the Trustee and the Trust Administrator of a Custodian’s Final Trust Receipt as required under any Custodial Agreement, that a document is missing from a related Trustee Mortgage File, or (ii) discovery by the Depositor or the Seller of the breach by the Seller of any representation or warranty under the Mortgage Loan Purchase and Sale Agreement in respect of any Mortgage Loan, which materially adversely affects the value of such Mortgage Loan or the interest therein of the Certificateholders (a “Defective Mortgage Loan”) (each of such parties hereby agreeing to give written notice thereof to the Trustee and the Trust Administrator and the other of such parties), the Trust Administrator, or its designee, shall promptly notify the Depositor in writing of such defective or missing document or breach and request that the Depositor deliver such missing document or cure or cause the cure of such defect or breach within 90 days from the date that the Depositor discovered or was notified of such missing document, defect or breach, and if the Depositor does not deliver such missing document or cure such defect or breach in all material respects during such period, the Trust Administrator shall give the Trustee written notice thereof and the Trustee shall enforce the Seller’s obligation under the Mortgage Loan Purchase and Sale Agreement and cause the Seller to repurchase such Mortgage Loan from the Trust Fund at the Purchase Price on or prior to the Determination Date following the expiration of such 90-day period (subject to Section 2.04(b) below); provided, however, that, in connection with any such breach that could not reasonably have been cured within such 90-day period, if the Seller shall have commenced to cure such breach within such 90-day period, the Seller shall be permitted to proceed thereafter diligently and expeditiously to cure the same within an additional 90-day period. The Purchase Price for the repurchased Mortgage Loan shall be deposited in the related Certificate Distribution Account, and the Trustee, or the Custodian on behalf of the Trustee, upon receipt of written certification from the Trust Administrator of such deposit, shall release to the Seller, the related Trustee Mortgage File and the Trustee shall execute and deliver such instruments of transfer or assignment, in each case without recourse, representation or warranties, as either party shall furnish to it and as shall be necessary to vest in such party any Mortgage Loan released pursuant hereto and neither the Trustee nor the Custodian shall have any further responsibility with regard to such Trustee Mortgage File (it being understood that the Trustee shall have no responsibility for determining the sufficiency of such assignment for its intended purpose). In lieu of repurchasing any such Mortgage Loan as provided above, either party may cause such Mortgage Loan to be removed from the Trust Fund (in which case it shall become a Deleted Mortgage Loan) and substitute one or more Replacement Mortgage Loans in the manner and subject to the limitations set forth in Section 2.04(b) below. It is understood and agreed that the obligation of the Seller to cure or to repurchase (or to substitute for) any Mortgage Loan as to which a document is missing, a material defect in a constituent document exists or as to which such a breach has occurred and is continuing shall constitute the sole remedy against the such party respecting such omission, defect or breach available to the Trustee on behalf of the Certificateholders.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

40


 

          (b) Any substitution of Replacement Mortgage Loans for Deleted Mortgage Loans made pursuant to Section 2.04(a) above must be effected prior to the last Business Day that is within two years after the Closing Date. As to any Deleted Mortgage Loan for which the Seller substitutes a Replacement Mortgage Loan or Loans, such substitution shall be effected by delivering to the applicable Custodian, on behalf of the Trustee, for such Replacement Mortgage Loan or Loans, the related Mortgage Note, the related Mortgage, the related Assignment of Mortgage to the Trustee, and such other documents and agreements, with all necessary endorsements thereon, together with an Officers’ Certificate stating that each such Replacement Mortgage Loan satisfies the definition thereof and specifying the Substitution Amount (as described below), if any, in connection with such substitution. The applicable Custodian shall acknowledge receipt for such Replacement Mortgage Loan and, within 45 days thereafter, shall review such Mortgage Documents as specified in the related Custodial Agreement and deliver to the Trustee, the Trust Administrator and the Depositor, with respect to such Replacement Mortgage Loans, a certification substantially in the form of a revised Trust Receipt, with any exceptions noted thereon. Within one year of the date of substitution, each applicable Custodian shall deliver to the Trustee and the Depositor a certification substantially in the form of a revised Final Trust Receipt, with respect to such Replacement Mortgage Loans for which it acts as Custodian, with any exceptions noted thereon. Monthly Payments due with respect to Replacement Mortgage Loans in the month of substitution shall not be included as part of the Trust Fund and shall be retained by the Seller. For the month of substitution, distributions to the Certificateholders shall reflect the collections and recoveries in respect of such Deleted Mortgage in the Due Period preceding the month of substitution and the Seller shall thereafter be entitled to retain all amounts subsequently received in respect of such Deleted Mortgage Loan. Upon such substitution, such Replacement Mortgage Loan shall constitute part of the Trust Fund and shall be subject in all respects to the terms of this Agreement and the Mortgage Loan Purchase and Sale Agreement, including all representations and warranties thereof included in the Mortgage Loan Purchase and Sale Agreement, in each case as of the date of substitution.
     For any month in which the Seller substitutes one or more Replacement Mortgage Loans for one or more Deleted Mortgage Loans, the related Servicer shall determine the excess (each, a “Substitution Amount”), if any, by which the aggregate Purchase Price of all such Deleted Mortgage Loans exceeds the aggregate Stated Principal Balance of the Replacement Mortgage Loans replacing such Deleted Mortgage Loans, together with one month’s interest on such excess amount at the applicable Net Mortgage Rate. On the date of such substitution, the Seller, as applicable, shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Servicer for deposit in the Custodial Account an amount equal to the related Substitution Amount, if any, and the applicable Custodian, on behalf of the Trustee, upon receipt of the related Replacement Mortgage Loan or Loans and receipt by the Trustee or the Custodian, on behalf of the Trustee, of certification by the Servicer of such deposit, shall release to the Seller the related Trustee Mortgage File or Files and the Trustee shall execute and deliver such instruments of transfer or assignment, in each case without recourse, as the Seller shall deliver to it and as shall be necessary to vest therein any Deleted Mortgage Loan released pursuant hereto.
     In addition, the Seller shall obtain at its own expense and deliver to the Trustee and the Trust Administrator an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such substitution (either specifically or as a class of transactions) shall not cause an Adverse REMIC Event. If such Opinion of
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

41


 

Counsel can not be delivered, then such substitution may only be effected at such time as the required Opinion of Counsel can be given.
          (c) Upon discovery by the Seller, the Depositor, the Trust Administrator, the Master Servicer or the Trustee that any Mortgage Loan does not constitute a “qualified mortgage” within the meaning of Section 860G(a)(3) of the Code, the party discovering such fact shall within two Business Days give written notice thereof to the other parties. In connection therewith, the applicable party shall repurchase or, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 2.04(b), substitute one or more Replacement Mortgage Loans for the affected Mortgage Loan within 90 days of the earlier of discovery or receipt of such notice with respect to such affected Mortgage Loan. Any such repurchase or substitution shall be made in the same manner as set forth in Section 2.04(a) above. The Trustee shall re-convey to the Seller the Mortgage Loan to be released pursuant hereto in the same manner, and on the same terms and conditions, as it would a Mortgage Loan repurchased for breach of a representation or warranty.
          (d) The Seller indemnifies and holds the Trust Fund, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator, the Trustee, the Depositor and each Certificateholder harmless against any and all taxes, claims, losses, penalties, fines, forfeitures, reasonable legal fees and related costs, judgments, and any other costs, fees and expenses that the Trust Fund, the Trustee, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator, the Depositor and any Certificateholder may sustain in connection with any actions of such party relating to a repurchase of a Mortgage Loan other than in compliance with the terms of this Section 2.04 and the Mortgage Loan Purchase and Sale Agreement, to the extent that any such action causes an Adverse REMIC Event.
     Section 2.05. [Reserved.]
     Section 2.06. Grant Clause.
          (a) It is intended that the conveyance of the Depositor’s right, title and interest in and to property constituting the Trust Fund pursuant to this Agreement shall constitute, and shall be construed as, a sale of such property and not a grant of a security interest to secure a loan. However, if such conveyance is deemed to be in respect of a loan, it is intended that: (1) the rights and obligations of the parties shall be established pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; (2) the Depositor hereby grants to the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of the Certificates a first priority security interest in all of the Depositor’s right, title and interest in, to and under, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, the Trust Fund and all proceeds of any and all property constituting the Trust Fund to secure payment of the Certificates; and (3) this Agreement shall constitute a security agreement under applicable law. If such conveyance is deemed to be in respect of a loan and the trust created by this Agreement terminates prior to the satisfaction of the claims of any Person holding any Certificate, the security interest created hereby shall continue in full force and effect and the Trustee shall be deemed to be the collateral agent for the benefit of such Person, and all proceeds shall be distributed as herein provided.
          (b) The Depositor shall, to the extent consistent with this Agreement, take such reasonable actions as may be necessary to ensure that, if this Agreement were deemed to create a security interest in the Mortgage Loans and the other property described above, such security interest would be deemed to be a perfected security interest of first priority under
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

42


 

applicable law and will be maintained as such throughout the term of this Agreement. The Depositor will, at its own expense, make all initial filings on or about the Closing Date and shall forward a copy of such filing or filings to the Trustee. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Depositor shall prepare and forward for filing, or shall cause to be forwarded for filing, at the expense of the Depositor, all filings necessary to maintain the effectiveness of any original filings necessary under the relevant UCC to perfect the Trustee’s security interest in or lien on the Mortgage Loans, including without limitation (x) continuation statements, and (y) such other statements as may be occasioned by (1) any change of name of the Seller, the Depositor or the Trustee, (2) any change of location of the place of business or the chief executive office of the Seller or the Depositor, (3) any transfer of any interest of the Seller or the Depositor in any Mortgage Loan or (4) any change under the relevant UCC or other applicable laws. Neither of the Seller nor the Depositor shall organize under the law of any jurisdiction other than the State under which each is organized as of the Closing Date (whether changing its jurisdiction of organization or organizing under an additional jurisdiction) without giving 30 days prior written notice of such action to its immediate and intermediate transferee, including the Trustee. Before effecting such change, the Seller or the Depositor proposing to change its jurisdiction of organization shall prepare and file in the appropriate filing office any financing statements or other statements necessary to continue the perfection of the interests of its immediate and mediate transferees, including the Trustee, in the Mortgage Loans. In connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, each of the Seller and the Depositor authorizes its immediate or mediate transferee to file in any filing office any initial financing statements, any amendments to financing statements, any continuation statements, or any other statements or filings described in this paragraph (b).
     On or before March 1 of each calendar year, beginning in 2007, the Depositor shall furnish to the Trustee and the Trust Administrator an Opinion of Counsel either stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, such action has been taken with respect to any filings necessary to maintain the effectiveness of any original filings necessary under the relevant UCC to perfect the Trustee’s security interest in or lien on the Mortgage Loans, or stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, no such action is necessary to maintain such lien and security interest. Such Opinion of Counsel shall also describe the execution and filing of any financing statements and continuation statements that will, in the opinion of such counsel, be required to maintain such lien and security interest until March 1 in the following calendar year.
ARTICLE III.
THE CERTIFICATES
     Section 3.01. The Certificates.
          (a) The Certificates shall be issuable in registered form only and shall be securities governed by Article 8 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code. The Certificates will be evidenced by one or more certificates, beneficial ownership of which will be held in the minimum denominations in Certificate Amount or Notional Amount specified in the Preliminary Statement to this Agreement and in integral multiples of $1 in excess thereof, or in the Percentage Interests specified in the Preliminary Statement to this Agreement, as applicable.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

43


 

          (b) The Certificates shall be executed by manual or facsimile signature on behalf of the Trustee by an authorized officer. Each Certificate shall, on original issue, be authenticated by the Authenticating Agent upon the order of the Depositor upon receipt by the Trustee, or the Custodian on behalf of the Trustee, of the Trustee Mortgage Files described in Section 2.01. No Certificate shall be entitled to any benefit under this Agreement, or be valid for any purpose, unless there appears on such Certificate a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein, executed by an authorized officer of the Authenticating Agent, by manual signature, and such certification upon any Certificate shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Certificate has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder. All Certificates shall be dated the date of their authentication. At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Depositor may deliver Certificates executed by the Trustee to the Authenticating Agent for authentication and the Authenticating Agent shall authenticate and deliver such Certificates as in this Agreement provided and not otherwise.
          (c) The Class B-5, Class B-6 and Class B-7 Certificates offered and sold in reliance on the exemption from registration under Rule 144A under the Securities Act shall be issued initially in definitive, fully registered form without interest coupons with the applicable legends set forth in Exhibit A added to the forms of such Certificates (each, a “Restricted Global Security”).
     Section 3.02. Registration. The Trust Administrator is hereby appointed, and the Trust Administrator hereby accepts its appointment as, initial Certificate Registrar in respect of the Certificates and shall maintain books for the registration and for the transfer of Certificates (the “Certificate Register”). The Trustee may appoint a bank or trust company to act as successor Certificate Registrar. A registration book shall be maintained for the Certificates collectively. The Certificate Registrar may resign or be discharged or removed and a new successor may be appointed in accordance with the procedures and requirements set forth in Sections 6.06 and 6.07 hereof with respect to the resignation, discharge or removal of the Trust Administrator and the appointment of a successor trust administrator. The Certificate Registrar may appoint, by a written instrument delivered to the Holders, the Trustee, the Trust Administrator and the Master Servicer, any bank or trust company to act as co-registrar under such conditions as the Certificate Registrar may prescribe; provided, however, that the Certificate Registrar shall not be relieved of any of its duties or responsibilities hereunder by reason of such appointment.
     Section 3.03. Transfer and Exchange of Certificates.
          (a) A Certificate (other than Book-Entry Certificates which shall be subject to Section 3.09 hereof) may be transferred by the Holder thereof only upon presentation and surrender of such Certificate at the office of the Certificate Registrar duly endorsed or accompanied by an assignment duly executed by such Holder or his duly authorized attorney in such form as shall be satisfactory to the Certificate Registrar. Upon the transfer of any Certificate in accordance with the preceding sentence, the Trustee shall execute, and the Authenticating Agent shall authenticate and deliver to the transferee, one or more new Certificates of the same Class and evidencing, in the aggregate, the same aggregate Certificate Amount (or Notional Amount) as the Certificate being transferred. No service charge
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

44


 

shall be made to a Certificateholder for any registration of transfer of Certificates, but the Certificate Registrar may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer of Certificates.
          (b) A Certificate may be exchanged by the Holder thereof for any number of new Certificates of the same Class, in authorized denominations, representing in the aggregate the same Certificate Amount (or Notional Amount) as the Certificate surrendered, upon surrender of the Certificate to be exchanged at the office of the Certificate Registrar duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer duly executed by such Holder or his duly authorized attorney in such form as is satisfactory to the Certificate Registrar. Certificates delivered upon any such exchange will evidence the same obligations, and will be entitled to the same rights and privileges, as the Certificates surrendered. No service charge shall be made to a Certificateholder for any exchange of Certificates, but the Certificate Registrar may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any exchange of Certificates. Whenever any Certificates are so surrendered for exchange, the Trustee shall execute, and the Authenticating Agent shall authenticate, date and deliver the Certificates which the Certificateholder making the exchange is entitled to receive.
          (c) By acceptance of a Restricted Certificate, whether upon original issuance or subsequent transfer, each Holder of such a Certificate acknowledges the restrictions on the transfer of such Certificate set forth thereon and agrees that it will transfer such a Certificate only as provided herein.
     The following restrictions shall apply with respect to the transfer and registration of transfer of a Restricted Certificate to a transferee that takes delivery in the form of a Definitive Certificate:
               (i) The Certificate Registrar shall register the transfer of a Restricted Certificate if the requested transfer is (x) to the Depositor or an affiliate (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of the Depositor or (y) being made to a “qualified institutional buyer” (a “QIB”) as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”) by a transferor that has provided the Certificate Registrar with a certificate in the form of Exhibit H hereto; and
               (ii) The Certificate Registrar shall register the transfer of a Restricted Certificate if the requested transfer is being made to an “accredited investor” under Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act, or to any Person all of the equity owners in which are such accredited investors, by a transferor who furnishes to the Certificate Registrar a letter of the transferee substantially in the form of Exhibit I hereto.
          (d) No transfer of an ERISA-Restricted Certificate in the form of a Definitive Certificate shall be made to any Person or shall be effective unless the Certificate Registrar, on behalf of the Trustee, has received (A) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit J hereto (or Exhibit B, in the case of a Residual Certificate) from such transferee or (B) an Opinion of Counsel satisfactory to the Certificate Registrar to the effect that the purchase and holding of such a Certificate will not constitute or result in prohibited transactions under Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code and will not subject the Certificate Registrar, the Trustee, the Master
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

45


 

Servicer, the Depositor or the Trust Administrator to any obligation in addition to those undertaken in this Agreement; provided, however, that the Certificate Registrar will not require such certificate or opinion in the event that, as a result of a change of law or otherwise, counsel satisfactory to the Certificate Registrar has rendered an opinion to the effect that the purchase and holding of an ERISA-Restricted Certificate by a Plan or a Person that is purchasing or holding such a Certificate with the assets of a Plan will not constitute or result in a prohibited transaction under Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code. Each Transferee of an ERISA-Restricted Certificate that is a Book-Entry Certificate shall be deemed to have made the representations set forth in Exhibit J. The preparation and delivery of the certificate and opinions referred to above shall not be an expense of the Trust Fund, the Certificate Registrar, the Trustee, the Master Servicer, the Depositor or the Trust Administrator.
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, no opinion or certificate shall be required for the initial issuance of the ERISA-Restricted Certificates. The Certificate Registrar shall have no obligation to monitor transfers of Book-Entry Certificates that are ERISA-Restricted Certificates and shall have no liability for transfers of such Certificates in violation of the transfer restrictions. The Certificate Registrar shall be under no liability to any Person for any registration of transfer of any ERISA-Restricted Certificate that is in fact not permitted by this Section 3.03(d) and none of the Trust Administrator, the Trustee or the Paying Agent shall have any liability for making any payments due on such Certificate to the Holder thereof or taking any other action with respect to such Holder under the provisions of this Agreement so long as the transfer was registered by the Certificate Registrar in accordance with the foregoing requirements. The Trust Administrator, on behalf of the Trust Fund, shall be entitled, but not obligated, to recover from any Holder of any ERISA-Restricted Certificate that was in fact a Plan or a Person acting on behalf of a Plan any payments made on such ERISA-Restricted Certificate at and after either such time. Any such payments so recovered by the Trust Administrator, on behalf of the Trust Fund, shall be paid and delivered by the Trust Administrator, on behalf of the Trust Fund, to the last preceding Holder of such Certificate that is not such a Plan or Person acting on behalf of a Plan.
          (e) As a condition of the registration of transfer or exchange of any Certificate, the Certificate Registrar may require the certified taxpayer identification number of the owner of the Certificate and the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge imposed in connection therewith; provided, however, that the Certificate Registrar shall have no obligation to require such payment or to determine whether or not any such tax or charge may be applicable. No service charge shall be made to the Certificateholder for any registration, transfer or exchange of a Certificate.
          (f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no Residual Certificate may be owned, pledged or transferred, directly or indirectly, by or to (i) a Disqualified Organization or (ii) an individual, corporation or partnership or other person unless such person is (A) not a Non-U.S. Person or (B) is a Non-U.S. Person that holds a Residual Certificate in connection with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States and has furnished the transferor and the Certificate Registrar with an effective Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI or successor form at the time and in the manner required by the Code (any such person who is not covered by clause (A) or (B) above is referred to herein as a “Non-permitted Foreign Holder”).
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

46


 

     Prior to and as a condition of the registration of any transfer, sale or other disposition of a Residual Certificate, the proposed transferee shall deliver to the Trustee and the Certificate Registrar an affidavit in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B representing and warranting, among other things, that such transferee is neither a Disqualified Organization, an agent or nominee acting on behalf of a Disqualified Organization, nor a Non-permitted Foreign Holder (any such transferee, a “Permitted Transferee”), and the proposed transferor shall deliver to the Trustee and the Certificate Registrar an affidavit in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit C. In addition, the Certificate Registrar may (but shall have no obligation to) require, prior to and as a condition of any such transfer, the delivery by the proposed transferee of an Opinion of Counsel, addressed to the Trustee and the Certificate Registrar, that such proposed transferee or, if the proposed transferee is an agent or nominee, the proposed beneficial owner, is not a Disqualified Organization, agent or nominee thereof, or a Non-permitted Foreign Holder. Notwithstanding the registration in the Certificate Register of any transfer, sale, or other disposition of a Residual Certificate to a Disqualified Organization, an agent or nominee thereof, or Non-permitted Foreign Holder, such registration shall be deemed to be of no legal force or effect whatsoever and such Disqualified Organization, agent or nominee thereof, or Non-permitted Foreign Holder shall not be deemed to be a Certificateholder for any purpose hereunder, including, but not limited to, the receipt of distributions on such Residual Certificate. The Depositor, the Certificate Registrar and the Trustee shall be under no liability to any Person for any registration or transfer of a Residual Certificate to a Disqualified Organization, agent or nominee thereof or Non-permitted Foreign Holder or for the Paying Agent making any payments due on such Residual Certificate to the Holder thereof or for taking any other action with respect to such Holder under the provisions of this Agreement, so long as the transfer was effected in accordance with this Section 3.03(f), unless the Certificate Registrar shall have actual knowledge at the time of such transfer or the time of such payment or other action that the transferee is a Disqualified Organization, or an agent or nominee thereof, or Non-permitted Foreign Holder. The Certificate Registrar shall be entitled to recover from any Holder of a Residual Certificate that was a Disqualified Organization, agent or nominee thereof, or Non-permitted Foreign Holder at the time it became a Holder or any subsequent time it became a Disqualified Organization, agent or nominee thereof, or Non-permitted Foreign Holder, all payments made on such Residual Certificate at and after either such times (and all costs and expenses, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, incurred in connection therewith). Any payment (not including any such costs and expenses) so recovered by the Certificate Registrar shall be paid and delivered to the last preceding Holder of such Residual Certificate.
     If any purported transferee shall become a registered Holder of a Residual Certificate in violation of the provisions of this Section 3.03(f), then upon receipt of written notice to the Certificate Registrar that the registration of transfer of such Residual Certificate was not in fact permitted by this Section 3.03(f), the last preceding Permitted Transferee shall be restored to all rights as Holder thereof retroactive to the date of such registration of transfer of such Residual Certificate. The Depositor, the Certificate Registrar and the Trustee shall be under no liability to any Person for any registration of transfer of a Residual Certificate that is in fact not permitted by this Section 3.03(f), or for the Paying Agent making any payment due on such Certificate to the registered Holder thereof or for taking any other action with respect to such Holder under the provisions of this Agreement so long as the transfer was registered upon receipt of the affidavit described in the preceding paragraph of this Section 3.03(f).
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

47


 

               (g) Each Holder or Certificate Owner of a Restricted Certificate, ERISA-Restricted Certificate or Residual Certificate, or an interest therein, by such Holder’s or Owner’s acceptance thereof, shall be deemed for all purposes to have consented to the provisions of this section.
     Section 3.04. Cancellation of Certificates.
     Any Certificate surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange shall be cancelled and retained in accordance with normal retention policies with respect to cancelled certificates maintained by the Certificate Registrar.
     Section 3.05. Replacement of Certificates.
     If (i) any Certificate is mutilated and is surrendered to the Certificate Registrar or (ii) the Certificate Registrar receives evidence to its satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Certificate, and there is delivered to the Trustee and the Certificate Registrar such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Depositor, the Trustee or the Certificate Registrar that such destroyed, lost or stolen Certificate has been acquired by a protected purchaser, the Trustee shall execute and the Authenticating Agent shall authenticate and deliver, in exchange for or in lieu of any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Certificate, a new Certificate of like tenor and Certificate Amount. Upon the issuance of any new Certificate under this Section 3.05, the Trustee, the Depositor or the Certificate Registrar may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee, the Depositor or the Certificate Registrar) connected therewith. Any replacement Certificate issued pursuant to this Section 3.05 shall constitute complete and indefeasible evidence of ownership in the Trust Fund, as if originally issued, whether or not the lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate shall be found at any time.
     If after the delivery of such new Certificate, a protected purchaser of the original Certificate in lieu of which such new Certificate was issued presents for payment such original Certificate, the Depositor, the Certificate Registrar and the Trustee or any agent shall be entitled to recover such new Certificate from the Person to whom it was delivered or any Person taking therefrom, except a protected purchaser, and shall be entitled to recover upon the security or indemnity provided therefor to the extent of any loss, damage, cost or expenses incurred by the Depositor, the Certificate Registrar, the Trustee or any agent in connection therewith.
     Section 3.06. Persons Deemed Owners.
     Subject to the provisions of Section 3.09 with respect to Book-Entry Certificates, the Depositor, the Master Servicer, the Trustee, the Certificate Registrar, the Paying Agent, the Trust Administrator and any agent of any of them shall treat the Person in whose name any Certificate is registered upon the books of the Certificate Registrar as the owner of such Certificate for the purpose of receiving distributions pursuant to Sections 5.01 and 5.02 and for all other purposes whatsoever, and neither the Depositor, the Master Servicer, the Trustee, the Certificate Registrar, the Paying Agent, the Trust Administrator nor any agent of any of them shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

48


 

     Section 3.07. Temporary Certificates.
               (a) Pending the preparation of definitive Certificates, upon the order of the Depositor, the Trustee shall execute and the Authenticating Agent shall authenticate and deliver temporary Certificates that are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the tenor of the definitive Certificates in lieu of which they are issued and with such variations as the authorized officers executing such Certificates may determine, as evidenced by their execution of such Certificates.
               (b) If temporary Certificates are issued, the Depositor will cause definitive Certificates to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Certificates, the temporary Certificates shall be exchangeable for definitive Certificates upon surrender of the temporary Certificates at the office or agency of the Certificate Registrar without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Certificates, the Trustee shall execute and the Authenticating Agent shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like aggregate Certificate Amount of definitive Certificates of the same Class in the authorized denominations. Until so exchanged, the temporary Certificates shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Agreement as definitive Certificates of the same Class.
     Section 3.08. Appointment of Paying Agent.
     The Trustee may appoint a Paying Agent (which may be the Trustee) for the purpose of making distributions to the Certificateholders hereunder. The Trustee hereby appoints the Trust Administrator as the initial Paying Agent. The Trustee shall cause any Paying Agent, other than the Trust Administrator, to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee and the Trust Administrator that such Paying Agent will hold all sums held by it for the payment to the Certificateholders in an Eligible Account (which shall be the Certificate Distribution Account) in trust for the benefit of the Certificateholders entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to the Certificateholders. All funds remitted by the Trustee or the Trust Administrator to any such Paying Agent for the purpose of making distributions shall be paid to the Certificateholders on each Distribution Date and any amounts not so paid shall be returned on such Distribution Date to the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable. If the Paying Agent is not the Trust Administrator, the Trust Administrator shall cause to be remitted to the Paying Agent on or before the Business Day prior to each Distribution Date, by wire transfer in immediately available funds, the funds to be distributed on such Distribution Date. Any Paying Agent shall be either a bank or trust company or otherwise authorized under law to exercise corporate trust powers.
     Section 3.09. Book-Entry Certificates.
               (a) Each Class of Book-Entry Certificates, upon original issuance, shall be issued in the form of one or more typewritten Certificates representing the Book-Entry Certificates. The Book-Entry Certificates shall initially be registered on the Certificate Register in the name of the nominee of the Clearing Agency, and no Certificate Owner will receive a definitive certificate representing such Certificate Owner’s interest in the Book-Entry
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

49


 

Certificates, except as provided in Section 3.09(c). Unless Definitive Certificates have been issued to Certificate Owners of Book-Entry Certificates pursuant to Section 3.09(c):
                    (i) the provisions of this Section 3.09 shall be in full force and effect;
                    (ii) the Certificate Registrar, the Paying Agent, the Trust Administrator and the Trustee shall deal with the Clearing Agency for all purposes (including the making of distributions on the Book-Entry Certificates) as the authorized representatives of the Certificate Owners and the Clearing Agency and shall be responsible for crediting the amount of such distributions to the accounts of such Persons entitled thereto, in accordance with the Clearing Agency’s normal procedures;
                    (iii) to the extent that the provisions of this Section 3.09 conflict with any other provisions of this Agreement, the provisions of this Section 3.09 shall control; and
                    (iv) the rights of Certificate Owners shall be exercised only through the Clearing Agency and the Clearing Agency Participants and shall be limited to those established by law and agreements between such Certificate Owners and the Clearing Agency and/or the Clearing Agency Participants. Unless and until Definitive Certificates are issued pursuant to Section 3.09(c), the initial Clearing Agency will make book-entry transfers among the Clearing Agency Participants and receive and transmit distributions of principal of and interest on the Book-Entry Certificates to such Clearing Agency Participants.
               (b) Whenever notice or other communication to the Certificateholders is required under this Agreement, unless and until Definitive Certificates shall have been issued to Certificate Owners pursuant to Section 3.09(c), the Trust Administrator shall give all such notices and communications specified herein to be given to Holders of the Book-Entry Certificates to the Clearing Agency.
               (c) If (i) (A) the Clearing Agency or the Depositor advises the Paying Agent in writing that the Clearing Agency is no longer willing or able to discharge properly its responsibilities with respect to the Book-Entry Certificates, and (B) the Depositor is unable to locate a qualified successor satisfactory to the Depositor and the Paying Agent or (ii) after the occurrence of an Event of Default, Certificate Owners representing beneficial interests aggregating not less than 50% of the Class Principal Amount of a Class of Book-Entry Certificates advise the Paying Agent and the Clearing Agency through the Clearing Agency Participants in writing that the continuation of a book-entry system through the Clearing Agency is no longer in the best interests of the Certificate Owners of a Class of Book-Entry Certificates (each such event, a “Book-Entry Termination”), the Certificate Registrar shall notify the Clearing Agency to effect notification to all Certificate Owners, through the Clearing Agency, of the occurrence of any such event and of the availability of Definitive Certificates to Certificate Owners requesting the same. Upon surrender to the Certificate Registrar of the Book-Entry Certificates by the Clearing Agency, accompanied by registration instructions from the Clearing Agency for registration, the Certificate Registrar shall issue the Definitive Certificates. Neither the Depositor, the Certificate Registrar, the Trust Administrator nor the Trustee shall be liable for any delay in delivery of such instructions and may conclusively rely on, and shall be protected in relying on, such instructions. Upon the issuance of Definitive Certificates all references herein
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

50


 

to obligations imposed upon or to be performed by the Clearing Agency shall be deemed to be imposed upon and performed by the Certificate Registrar, to the extent applicable, with respect to such Definitive Certificates and the Certificate Registrar shall recognize the holders of the Definitive Certificates as Certificateholders hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Certificate Registrar, upon the instruction of the Depositor, shall have the right to issue Definitive Certificates on the Closing Date in connection with credit enhancement programs.
ARTICLE IV.
ADMINISTRATION OF THE TRUST FUND
     Section 4.01. Custodial Accounts; Certificate Distribution Account.
               (a) On or prior to the Closing Date, the Master Servicer shall have caused the Servicers to establish and maintain one or more Custodial Accounts, as provided in the related Servicing Agreements, into which all Scheduled Payments and unscheduled payments with respect to the Mortgage Loans, net of any deductions or reimbursements permitted under the related Servicing Agreement, shall be deposited. On each Servicer Remittance Date, the Servicers shall remit to the Trust Administrator for deposit into the Certificate Distribution Account, all amounts so required to be deposited into such account in accordance with the terms of the related Servicing Agreement.
               (b) The Trust Administrator, as Paying Agent, shall establish and maintain an Eligible Account entitled “Certificate Distribution Account of U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for the benefit of Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1 Holders of Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates.” The Trust Administrator shall provide timely and adequate notification to the Depositor and the Rating Agencies of any change in the depository institution or trust company at which the Certificate Distribution Account is maintained. The Trust Administrator shall, promptly upon receipt from the Servicers on each Servicer Remittance Date, deposit into the Certificate Distribution Account and retain on deposit until the related Distribution Date the following amounts:
                    (i) the aggregate of collections with respect to the Mortgage Loans remitted by the Servicers from the related Custodial Accounts in accordance with the Servicing Agreements;
                    (ii) any amounts required to be deposited by the Master Servicer with respect to the Mortgage Loans for the related Due Period pursuant to this Agreement, including the amount of any Monthly Advances or Compensation Interest Payments with respect to the Mortgage Loans not paid by the Servicers; and
                    (iii) any other amounts so required to be deposited in the Certificate Distribution Account in the related Due Period pursuant to this Agreement.
               (c) In the event the Master Servicer or a Servicer has remitted in error to the Certificate Distribution Account any amount not required to be remitted in accordance with the definition of Available Funds, it may at any time direct the Trust Administrator to withdraw such
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

51


 

amount from the Certificate Distribution Account for repayment to the Master Servicer or Servicer, as applicable, by delivery of an Officer’s Certificate to the Trust Administrator and the Trustee which describes the amount deposited in error.
               (d) On each Distribution Date and final Distribution Date of the Certificates in accordance with Section 7.01, the Trust Administrator, as Paying Agent, shall distribute the Available Funds to the Certificateholders and any other parties entitled thereto in the amounts and priorities set forth in Section 5.02. The Trust Administrator may from time to time withdraw from the Certificate Distribution Account and pay the Master Servicer, the Trustee, the Trust Administrator or any Servicer any amounts permitted to be paid or reimbursed to such Person from funds in the Certificate Distribution Account pursuant to this Agreement.
               (e) Funds in the Certificate Distribution Account may be invested in Permitted Investments selected by and at the written direction of the Master Servicer, which shall mature not later than one Business Day prior to the Distribution Date (except that if such Permitted Investment is an obligation of the Master Servicer, then such Permitted Investment shall mature not later than such applicable Distribution Date) and any such Permitted Investment shall not be sold or disposed of prior to its maturity. All such Permitted Investments shall be made in the name of the Trustee (in its capacity as such) or its nominee. All income and gain realized from any Permitted Investment shall be for the benefit of the Master Servicer, as compensation for its duties hereunder, and shall be subject to its withdrawal or order from time to time, and shall not be part of the Trust Fund. The amount of any losses incurred in respect of any such investments shall be deposited in such Certificate Distribution Account by the Master Servicer out of its own funds, without any right of reimbursement therefor, immediately as realized.
     Section 4.02. [Reserved].
     Section 4.03. [Reserved].
     Section 4.04. Reports to Trustee and Certificateholders.
     On each Distribution Date, the Trust Administrator shall have prepared and shall make available to the Trustee and each Certificateholder a written report setting forth the following information (on the basis of Mortgage Loan level information obtained from the Master Servicer and the Servicers) (the “Distribution Date Statement”):
               (a) the amount of the distributions, separately identified, with respect to each Class of Certificates;
               (b) the amount of the distributions set forth in the clause (a) allocable to principal, separately identifying the aggregate amount of any Principal Prepayments or other unscheduled recoveries of principal included in that amount;
               (c) the amount of the distributions set forth in the clause (a) allocable to interest and how it was calculated;
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

52


 

               (d) the amount of any unpaid Interest Shortfall (if applicable) and the related accrued interest thereon, with respect to each Class of Certificates;
               (e) the Class Principal Amount of each Class of Certificates after giving effect to the distribution of principal on that Distribution Date;
               (f) the Aggregate Stated Principal Balance of the Mortgage Loans, the Mortgage Rates (in incremental ranges), the Net WAC, the weighted average life and the weighted average remaining term of the Mortgage Loans, at the beginning and at the end of the related Prepayment Period;
               (g) the Stated Principal Balance of the Mortgage Loans whose Mortgage Rates adjust on the basis of the one-year LIBOR index and the one-year CMT index at the end of the related Prepayment Period;
               (h) the Senior Percentage and the Subordinate Percentage for the following Distribution Date;
               (i) the Senior Prepayment Percentage and the Subordinate Prepayment Percentage for the following Distribution Date;
               (j) the amount of the Master Servicing Fee and the Servicing Fee paid to or retained by the Master Servicer and by each Servicer, respectively, and the amount of any fees paid to the Trust Administrator and the Custodians;
               (k) the amount of Monthly Advances for the related Due Period;
               (l) the number and Stated Principal Balance of the Mortgage Loans that were (A) Delinquent (exclusive of Mortgage Loans in foreclosure) (1) 30 to 59 days, (2) 60 to 89 days and (3) 90 or more days, (B) in foreclosure and Delinquent (1) 30 to 59 days, (2) 60 to 89 days and (3) 90 or more days and (C) in bankruptcy as of the close of business on the last day of the calendar month preceding that Distribution Date;
               (m) the amount of cash flow received for such Distribution Date, and the sources thereof;
               (n) for any Mortgage Loan as to which the related Mortgaged Property was an REO Property during the preceding calendar month, the principal balance of such Mortgage Loan as of the close of business on the last day of the related Due Period;
               (o) the aggregate number and principal balance of any REO Properties as of the close of business on the last day of the preceding Due Period;
               (p) the amount of Realized Losses incurred during the preceding calendar month;
               (q) the cumulative amount of Realized Losses incurred since the Closing Date;
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

53


 

               (r) the Realized Losses, if any, allocated to each Class of Certificates on that Distribution Date;
               (s) the Certificate Interest Rate for each Class of Certificates for that Distribution Date;
               (t) the applicable Record Date, Accrual Period and calculation date for each Class of Certificates and such Distribution Date; and
               (u) the amount on deposit in the Certificate Distribution Account as of such Distribution Date (after giving effect to distributions on such date) and as of the prior Distribution Date.
     On each Distribution Date, the Trust Administrator shall provide Bloomberg Financial Markets, L.P. (“Bloomberg”) CUSIP level factors for each Class of Offered Certificates as of such Distribution Date, using a format and media mutually acceptable to the Trust Administrator and Bloomberg.
     In addition to the information listed above, such Distribution Date Statement shall also include such other information as is required by Form 10-D, including, but not limited to, the information required by Item 1121 (§229.1121) of Regulation AB.
     The Trust Administrator shall make such reports available each month via the Master Servicer’s website at http://www.ctslink.com. Assistance in using the website may be obtained by calling the Master Servicer’s customer service desk at (301) 815-6600. Certificateholders and other parties that are unable to use the website are entitled to have a paper copy mailed to them via first class mail by contacting the Trust Administrator and indicating such. In preparing or furnishing the foregoing information to the Trustee, the Trust Administrator shall be entitled to rely conclusively on the accuracy of the information or data regarding the Mortgage Loans and the related REO Properties that has been provided to the Trust Administrator by the Master Servicer and the Servicers, and the Trust Administrator shall not be obligated to verify, recompute, reconcile or recalculate any such information or data.
     Upon request, within a reasonable period of time after the end of each calendar year, the Trust Administrator shall cause to be furnished to each Person who at any time during the calendar year was a Certificateholder, a statement containing the information listed above aggregated for such calendar year or applicable portion thereof during which such Person was a Certificateholder. Such obligation of the Trust Administrator shall be deemed to have been satisfied to the extent that substantially comparable information shall be provided by the Trust Administrator pursuant to any requirements of the Code as from time to time in effect.
     Upon the reasonable advance written request of any Certificateholder that is a savings and loan, bank or insurance company, which request, if received by the Trustee or the Certificate Registrar, shall be promptly forwarded to the Trust Administrator, the Trust Administrator shall provide, or cause to be provided (or, to the extent that such information or documentation is not required to be provided by a Servicer under the applicable Servicing Agreement, shall use reasonable efforts to obtain such information and documentation from such Servicer, and
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

54


 

provide) to such Certificateholders such reports and access to information and documentation regarding the Mortgage Loans as such Certificateholders may reasonably deem necessary to comply with applicable regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision or its successor or other regulatory authorities with respect to an investment in the Certificates; provided, however, that the Trust Administrator shall be entitled to be reimbursed by such Certificateholders for the Trust Administrator’s actual expenses incurred in providing such reports and access.
ARTICLE V.
DISTRIBUTIONS TO HOLDERS OF CERTIFICATES
     Section 5.01. Distributions Generally.
               (a) Subject to Section 7.01 respecting the final distribution on the Certificates, on each Distribution Date the Trust Administrator or the Paying Agent shall make distributions in accordance with this Article V. Such distributions shall be made by check mailed to each Certificateholder’s address as it appears on the Certificate Register of the Certificate Registrar or, upon written request made to the Trust Administrator at least five Business Days prior to the related Record Date by any Certificateholder owning an aggregate initial Certificate Amount of at least $1,000,000, or in the case of a Class of Interest-Only Certificates or Residual Certificate, a Percentage Interest of not less than 100%, by wire transfer in immediately available funds to an account specified in the request and at the expense of such Certificateholder; provided, however, that the final distribution in respect of any Certificate shall be made only upon presentation and surrender of such Certificate at the Certificate Registrar’s Corporate Trust Office; provided, further, that the foregoing provisions shall not apply to any Class of Certificates as long as such Certificate remains a Book-Entry Certificate in which case all payments made shall be made through the Clearing Agency and its Clearing Agency Participants. Wire transfers will be made at the expense of the Holder requesting such wire transfer by deducting a wire transfer fee from the related distribution. Notwithstanding such final payment of principal of any of the Certificates, each Residual Certificate will remain outstanding until the termination of each REMIC and the payment in full of all other amounts due with respect to the Residual Certificates and at such time such final payment in retirement of any Residual Certificate will be made only upon presentation and surrender of such Certificate at the Certificate Registrar’s Corporate Trust Office. If any payment required to be made on the Certificates is to be made on a day that is not a Business Day, then such payment will be made on the next succeeding Business Day.
               (b) All distributions or allocations made with respect to the Certificateholders within each Class on each Distribution Date shall be allocated among the outstanding Certificates in such Class equally in proportion to their respective initial Class Principal Amounts or initial Class Notional Amounts (or Percentage Interests).
     Section 5.02. Distributions from the Certificate Distribution Account.
     (a) On each Distribution Date, the Available Funds shall be withdrawn by the Trust Administrator from the Certificate Distribution Account and allocated among the Classes of Senior Certificates and Subordinate Certificates in the following order of priority:
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

55


 

                    (i) first, concurrently, to the Class A-1, Class A-2, Class AR and Class AR-L Certificates, an amount allocable to interest equal to the Interest Distribution Amount for such Distribution Date, any shortfall being allocated pro rata among such Classes based on the Interest Distribution Amount that would have been distributed in the absence of such shortfall;
                    (ii) second, from the Available Funds remaining after giving effect to the distributions pursuant to Section 5.02(a)(i) above, the Senior Principal Distribution Amount, as principal, sequentially, as follows:
first, to the Class AR and Class AR-L Certificates, pro rata, based on their respective Class Principal Amounts immediately prior to such Distribution Date, until their respective Class Principal Amounts have been reduced to zero; and
second, the Senior Principal Distribution Amount for that Distribution Date remaining after making distributions pursuant to clause (A) above, to the Class A-1 and Class A-2 Certificates, pro rata, based on their respective Class Principal Amounts immediately prior to such Distribution Date, until their respective Class Principal Amounts have been reduced to zero;
                    (iii) third, from the Available Funds remaining after giving effect to the distributions pursuant to Section 5.02(a)(ii), subject to Section 5.02(c), to the following Classes in the following order of priority:
to the Class B-1 Certificates, an amount allocable to interest equal to the Interest Distribution Amount for such Class for such Distribution Date;
to the Class B-1 Certificates, an amount allocable to principal equal to its Pro Rata Share for such Distribution Date, until the Class Principal Amount of the Class B-1 Certificates has been reduced to zero;
to the Class B-2 Certificates, an amount allocable to interest equal to the Interest Distribution Amount for such Class for such Distribution Date;
to the Class B-2 Certificates, an amount allocable to principal equal to its Pro Rata Share for such Distribution Date, until the Class Principal Amount of the Class B-2 Certificates has been reduced to zero;
to the Class B-3 Certificates, an amount allocable to interest equal to the Interest Distribution Amount for such Class for such Distribution Date;
to the Class B-3 Certificates, an amount allocable to principal equal to its Pro Rata Share for such Distribution Date, until the Class Principal Amount of the Class B-3 Certificates has been reduced to zero;
to the Class B-4 Certificates, an amount allocable to interest equal to the Interest Distribution Amount for such Class for such Distribution Date;
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

56


 

to the Class B-4 Certificates, an amount allocable to principal equal to its Pro Rata Share for such Distribution Date, until the Class Principal Amount of the Class B-4 Certificates has been reduced to zero;
to the Class B-5 Certificates, an amount allocable to interest equal to the Interest Distribution Amount for such Class for such Distribution Date;
to the Class B-5 Certificates, an amount allocable to principal equal to its Pro Rata Share for such Distribution Date, until the Class Principal Amount of the Class B-5 Certificates has been reduced to zero;
to the Class B-6 Certificates, an amount allocable to interest equal to the Interest Distribution Amount for such Class for such Distribution Date;
to the Class B-6 Certificates, an amount allocable to principal equal to its Pro Rata Share for such Distribution Date, until the Class Principal Amount of the Class B-6 Certificates has been reduced to zero;
to the Class B-7 Certificates, an amount allocable to interest equal to the Interest Distribution Amount for such Class for such Distribution Date;
to the Class B-7 Certificates, an amount allocable to principal equal to its Pro Rata Share for such Distribution Date, until the Class Principal Amount of the Class B-7 Certificates has been reduced to zero;
sequentially, to the Class B-1, Class B-2, Class B-3, Class B-4, Class B-5, Class B-6 and Class B-7 Certificates, in that order, up to an amount of Net Realized Losses for such Class, if any, provided, however, that any distribution pursuant to this Section 5.02(a)(iii)(O) shall not result in a further reduction of the Class Principal Amount of any Class of Subordinate Certificates; and
to the Class AR-L Certificates, any remaining Available Funds (to the extent such amount is held by the Lower-Tier REMIC), or to the Class AR Certificates, any remaining Available Funds (to the extent such amount is held by the Upper-Tier REMIC).
               (b) On each Distribution Date, the amount referred to in clause (i) of the definition of Interest Distribution Amount for such Distribution Date for each Class of Certificates shall be reduced by the Trust Administrator by the related Class’s pro rata share (based on the amount of the Interest Distribution Amount for each such Class before reduction pursuant to this Section 5.02(b)) of (i) Net Prepayment Interest Shortfalls for such Distribution Date and (ii) (A) after the Special Hazard Coverage Termination Date that was the subject of a Special Hazard Loss during the prior calendar month, the excess of one month’s interest at the related Net Mortgage Rate on the Stated Principal Balance of such Mortgage Loan as of the Due Date in such month over the amount of Liquidation Proceeds applied as interest on such Mortgage Loan with respect to such month, (B) after the Bankruptcy Coverage Termination Date that became subject to a Bankruptcy Loss during the prior calendar month, the interest portion of
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

57


 

the related Debt Service Reduction or Deficient Valuation, (C) each Relief Act Reduction incurred during the prior calendar month and (D) after the Fraud Loss Coverage Termination Date with respect to each Mortgage Loan that became a Fraud Loan during the prior calendar month the excess of one month’s interest at the related Net Mortgage Rate on the Stated Principal Balance of such Mortgage Loan as of the Due Date in such month over the amount of Liquidation Proceeds applied as interest on such Mortgage Loan with respect to such month.
               (c) With respect to each Class of Subordinate Certificates, if on any Distribution Date the related Subordination Level of such Class is less than the Original Subordination Level, no distribution of Principal Prepayments will be made to any Class or Classes of Subordinate Certificates junior to such Class (the “Restricted Classes”), and the amount otherwise distributable to the Restricted Classes in respect of such Principal Prepayments will be allocated among the remaining Classes of Subordinate Certificates, pro rata, based upon their respective Class Principal Amounts.
               (d) The Trust Administrator shall distribute the Mortgage Loan Purchase Price of any Optional Termination in excess of the Par Value to the holders of the Class AR-L Certificates.
     Section 5.03. Allocation of Losses; Subsequent Recoveries.
               (a) On or prior to each Distribution Date, the Master Servicer shall aggregate the information provided by each Servicer with respect to the total amount of Realized Losses experienced on the Mortgage Loans for the related Distribution Date.
               (b) Realized Losses on the Mortgage Loans incurred during a calendar month shall be allocated by the Trust Administrator to the Classes of Certificates on the Distribution Date in the next calendar month as follows:
                    (i) any Realized Loss, other than an Excess Loss, shall be allocated first, to the Subordinate Certificates, in decreasing order of their alphanumerical Class designations (beginning with the Class B-7 Certificates), until the respective Class Principal Amount of each such Class has been reduced to zero, and second, to the Senior Certificates, pro rata, on the basis of their respective Class Principal Amounts, until the respective Class Principal Amount of each such Class has been reduced to zero; provided, however, that Realized Losses that would otherwise be allocated to the Class A-1 Certificates and Class A-2 Certificates in the aggregate will instead be allocated first, to the Class A-2 Certificates, until their Class Principal Amount has been reduced to zero, and second, to the Class A-1 Certificates, until their Class Principal Amount has been reduced to zero; and
                    (ii) Excess Losses in respect of principal shall be allocated among all Certificates, pro rata based on their respective Class Principal Amounts.
               (c) On each Distribution Date, if the aggregate Class Principal Amount of the Certificates exceeds the Aggregate Stated Principal Balance (after giving effect to distributions of principal and the allocation of all losses to such Certificates on such Distribution Date), such excess will be deemed a principal loss and will be allocated by the Trust Administrator to the
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

58


 

most junior Class of Senior Certificates then outstanding (beginning with the Class B-7 Certificates).
               (d) Any Realized Loss allocated to a Class of Certificates or any reduction in the Class Principal Amount of a Class of Certificates pursuant to Section 5.03(c) shall be allocated by the Trust Administrator among the Certificates of such Class in proportion to their respective Certificate Amounts.
               (e) Any allocation by the Trust Administrator of Realized Losses to a Certificate or any reduction in the Certificate Amount of a Certificate pursuant to Section 5.03(c) shall be accomplished by reducing the Certificate Amount thereof, immediately following the distributions made on the related Distribution Date in accordance with the definition of “Certificate Amount.”
               (f) With respect to any Class of Certificates to which a Realized Loss or Applied Loss Amount, as applicable, has been allocated (including any such Class for which the related Class Principal Amount has been reduced to zero), the Class Principal Amount of such Class will be increased, up to the amount of related Recoveries for such Distribution Date as follows:
                    (i) first, the Class Principal Amount of each Class of Senior Certificates will be increased, pro rata, up to the amount of Net Recovery Realized Losses for each such Class; and
                    (ii) second, the Class Principal Amount of each Class of Subordinate Certificates will be increased in order of seniority (beginning with the Class B-1 Certificates), up to the amount of Net Recovery Realized Losses for each such Class.
               (g) Any increase to the Class Principal Amount of a Class of Certificates shall increase the Certificate Amount of the related Class pro rata in accordance with the Percentage Interest of such Certificate.
     Section 5.04. Advances by Master Servicer.
     If any Servicer fails to remit any Monthly Advance required to be made under the applicable Servicing Agreement, the Master Servicer shall itself make, or shall cause the successor Servicer to make, such Monthly Advance. If the Master Servicer determines that a Monthly Advance is required, it shall on the second Business Day preceding the related Distribution Date immediately following such Determination Date remit to the Trust Administrator from its own funds (or funds advanced by the applicable Servicer) for deposit in the Certificate Distribution Account immediately available funds in an amount equal to such Monthly Advance. The Master Servicer and each Servicer shall be entitled to be reimbursed for all Monthly Advances made by it. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in the event the Master Servicer determines in its reasonable judgment that an Monthly Advance is non-recoverable, the Master Servicer shall be under no obligation to make such Monthly Advance. If the Master Servicer determines that a Monthly Advance is non-recoverable, it shall, on or prior to the related Distribution Date, deliver an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee and the Trust
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

59


 

Administrator to such effect.
     Section 5.05. Compensating Interest Payments. The amount of the aggregate Master Servicing Fees payable to the Master Servicer in respect of any Distribution Date shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount of any Compensating Interest Payment for such Distribution Date, but only to the extent that Prepayment Interest Shortfalls relating to such Distribution Date are required to be paid but not actually paid by the Servicers. Such amount shall not be treated as a Monthly Advance and shall not be reimbursable to the Master Servicer.
     Section 5.06. [Reserved].
ARTICLE VI.
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE AND THE TRUST ADMINISTRATOR; EVENTS OF
DEFAULT
     Section 6.01. Duties of Trustee and the Trust Administrator.
               (a) The Trustee, except during the continuance of an Event of Default and the Trust Administrator undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Agreement. Any permissive right of the Trustee or the Trust Administrator provided for in this Agreement shall not be construed as a duty of the Trustee or the Trust Administrator. If an Event of Default has occurred and has not otherwise been cured or waived, the Trustee or the Trust Administrator shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Agreement and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise as a prudent Person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such Person’s own affairs, except in the case that the Trustee is acting as Master Servicer, in which case it shall use the same degree of care and skill as the Master Servicer hereunder.
               (b) Each of the Trustee and the Trust Administrator, upon receipt of all resolutions, certificates, statements, opinions, reports, documents, orders or other instruments furnished to the Trustee or the Trust Administrator which are specifically required to be furnished pursuant to any provision of this Agreement, shall examine them to determine whether they are in the form required by this Agreement; provided, however, that neither the Trustee nor the Trust Administrator shall be responsible for the accuracy or content of any such resolution, certificate, statement, opinion, report, document, order or other instrument furnished by the Master Servicer or any Servicer to the Trustee or the Trust Administrator pursuant to this Agreement, and shall not be required to recalculate or verify any numerical information furnished to the Trustee or the Trust Administrator pursuant to this Agreement. Subject to the immediately preceding sentence, if any such resolution, certificate, statement, opinion, report, document, order or other instrument is found not to conform to the form required by this Agreement in a material manner the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable, shall take such action as it deems appropriate to cause the instrument to be corrected, and if the instrument is not corrected to the Trustee’s or the Trust Administrator’s satisfaction, the Trustee or the Trust Administrator will provide notice thereof to the Certificateholders and will, at the expense of the Trust Fund, which expense shall be reasonable given the scope and nature of the required action, take such further action as directed by the Certificateholders.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

60


 

               (c) Neither the Trustee nor the Trust Administrator shall have any liability arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, except for its negligence or willful misconduct. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, neither the Trustee nor the Trust Administrator shall be liable for special, indirect or consequential losses or damages of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, lost profits). No provision of this Agreement shall be construed to relieve the Trustee or the Trust Administrator from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct; provided, however, that:
                    (i) Neither the Trustee nor the Trust Administrator shall be personally liable with respect to any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of Holders of Certificates as provided in Section 6.18 hereof;
                    (ii) For all purposes under this Agreement, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Holders of the Certificates and this Agreement;
                    (iii) For all purposes under this Agreement, the Trust Administrator shall not be deemed to have notice of any Event of Default (other than resulting from a failure by the Master Servicer to furnish information to the Trust Administrator when required to do so) unless a Responsible Officer of the Trust Administrator has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trust Administrator at the address provided in Section 11.07, and such notice references the Holders of the Certificates and this Agreement;
                    (iv) No provision of this Agreement shall require the Trustee or the Trust Administrator to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it; and none of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall in any event require the Trustee or the Trust Administrator to perform, or be responsible for the manner of performance of, any of the obligations of the Master Servicer under this Agreement;
                    (v) Neither the Trustee nor the Trust Administrator (unless acting in such capacity) shall be responsible for any act or omission of the Master Servicer, the Depositor, the Seller, the Authenticating Agent, the Paying Agent, the Certificate Registrar or any Custodian.
               (d) The Trustee shall have no duty hereunder with respect to any complaint, claim, demand, notice or other document it may receive or which may be alleged to have been delivered to or served upon it by the parties as a consequence of the assignment of any Mortgage Loan hereunder; provided, however, that the Trustee shall promptly remit to the applicable Servicer upon receipt any such complaint, claim, demand, notice or other document (i) which is delivered to the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, (ii) of which a Responsible Officer has
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

61


 

actual knowledge, and (iii) which contains information sufficient to permit the Trustee to make a determination that the real property to which such document relates is a Mortgaged Property.
               (e) Neither the Trustee nor the Trust Administrator shall be personally liable with respect to any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Certificateholders of any Class holding Certificates which evidence, as to such Class, Percentage Interests aggregating not less than 25% as to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or the Trust Administrator or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable, under this Agreement.
               (f) Neither the Trustee nor the Trust Administrator shall be required to perform services under this Agreement, or to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur financial liability for the performance of any of its duties hereunder or the exercise of any of its rights or powers if there is reasonable ground for believing that the timely payment of its fees and expenses or the repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it, and none of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall in any event require the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable, to perform, or be responsible for the manner of performance of, any of the obligations of the Master Servicer or any Servicer under this Agreement or any Servicing Agreement except during such time, if any, as the Trustee shall be the successor to, and be vested with the rights, duties, powers and privileges of, the Master Servicer in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
               (g) The Trustee shall not be held liable by reason of any insufficiency in the Certificate Distribution Account resulting from any investment loss on any Permitted Investment included therein (except to the extent that the Trustee is the obligor and has defaulted thereon).
               (h) Except as otherwise provided herein, neither the Trustee nor the Trust Administrator shall have any duty (A) to see to any recording, filing, or depositing of this Agreement or any agreement referred to herein or any financing statement or continuation statement evidencing a security interest, or to see to the maintenance of any such recording or filing or depositing or to any rerecording, refiling or redepositing of any thereof, (B) to see to any insurance, (C) to see to the payment or discharge of any tax, assessment, or other governmental charge or any lien or encumbrance of any kind owing with respect to, assessed or levied against, any part of the Trust Fund other than from funds available in the Certificate Distribution Account, or (D) to confirm or verify the contents of any reports or certificates of the Master Servicer or any Servicer delivered to the Trustee or the Trust Administrator pursuant to this Agreement believed by the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable, to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.
               (i) Neither the Trust Administrator nor the Trustee shall be liable in its individual capacity for an error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer or other officers of the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable, was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

62


 

               (j) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, neither the Trust Administrator nor the Trustee shall be liable for special, indirect or consequential losses or damages of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, lost profits), even if the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable, has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.
               (k) Neither the Trust Administrator nor the Trustee shall be responsible for the acts or omissions of the other, it being understood that this Agreement shall not be construed to render them agents of one another.
     Section 6.02. Certain Matters Affecting the Trustee and the Trust Administrator.
     Except as otherwise provided in Section 6.01:
                    (i) Each of the Trustee and the Trust Administrator may request, and may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, Officer’s Certificate, certificate of auditors or any other certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, bond or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
                    (ii) Each of the Trustee and the Trust Administrator may consult with counsel and any advice of its counsel or Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken or suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such advice or Opinion of Counsel;
                    (iii) Neither the Trustee nor the Trust Administrator shall be personally liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it in good faith and reasonably believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Agreement;
                    (iv) Unless an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, neither the Trustee nor the Trust Administrator shall be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, approval, bond or other paper or document (provided the same appears regular on its face), unless requested in writing to do so by the Holders of at least a majority in Class Principal Amount (or Percentage Interest) of each Class of Certificates; provided, however, that, if the payment within a reasonable time to the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable, of the costs, expenses or liabilities likely to be incurred by it in the making of such investigation is, in the opinion of the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable, not reasonably assured to the Trustee or the Trust Administrator by the security afforded to it by the terms of this Agreement, the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable, may require reasonable indemnity against such expense or liability or payment of such estimated expenses from the Certificateholders as a condition to proceeding. The reasonable expense thereof shall be paid by the party requesting such investigation and if not reimbursed by the requesting party shall be reimbursed by the Trust Fund to the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable;
                    (v) Each of the Trustee and the Trust Administrator may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

63


 

agents, custodians or attorneys, which agents, custodians or attorneys shall have any and all of the rights, powers, duties and obligations of the Trustee and the Trust Administrator conferred on them by such appointment, provided that each of the Trustee and the Trust Administrator shall continue to be responsible for its duties and obligations hereunder to the extent provided herein, and provided further that neither the Trustee nor the Trust Administrator shall be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent or attorney appointed with due care by the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable;
                    (vi) Neither the Trustee nor the Trust Administrator shall be under any obligation to exercise any of the trusts or powers vested in it by this Agreement or to institute, conduct or defend any litigation hereunder or in relation hereto, in each case at the request, order or direction of any of the Certificateholders pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, unless such Certificateholders shall have offered to the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable, reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which may be incurred therein or thereby;
                    (vii) The right of the Trustee and the Trust Administrator to perform any discretionary act enumerated in this Agreement shall not be construed as a duty, and neither the Trustee nor the Trust Administrator shall be answerable for other than its negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of such act; and
                    (viii) Neither the Trustee nor the Trust Administrator shall be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the execution of the Trust Fund created hereby or the powers granted hereunder.
     Section 6.03. Trustee and Trust Administrator Not Liable for Certificates.
     The Trustee and the Trust Administrator make no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Agreement or of the Certificates (other than the certificate of authentication on the Certificates, if signed by such party) or of any Mortgage Loan, or related document save that the Trustee and the Trust Administrator represent that, assuming due execution and delivery by the other parties hereto, this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms except that such enforceability may be subject to (A) applicable bankruptcy and insolvency laws and other similar laws affecting the enforcement of the rights of creditors generally, and (B) general principles of equity regardless of whether such enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law. The Trustee and the Trust Administrator shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Depositor of funds paid to the Depositor in consideration of the assignment of the Mortgage Loans to the Trust Fund by the Depositor or for the use or application of any funds deposited into the Certificate Distribution Account or any other fund or account maintained with respect to the Certificates. The Trustee and the Trust Administrator shall not be responsible for the legality or validity of this Agreement or the validity, priority, perfection or sufficiency of the security for the Certificates issued or intended to be issued hereunder. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Trustee and the Trust Administrator shall have no responsibility for filing any financing or continuation statement in
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

64


 

any public office at any time or to otherwise perfect or maintain the perfection of any security interest or lien granted to it hereunder or to record this Agreement.
     Section 6.04. Trustee and the Trust Administrator May Own Certificates.
     The Trustee and the Trust Administrator and any Affiliate or agent of either of them in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Certificates and may transact banking and trust business with the other parties hereto and their Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Trust Administrator or such agent.
     Section 6.05. Eligibility Requirements for Trustee and Trust Administrator.
     The Trustee hereunder shall at all times (i) be an institution insured by the FDIC, (ii) be a corporation or national banking association, organized and doing business under the laws of any State or the United States of America, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority and (iii) not be an Affiliate of the Master Servicer or any Servicer. If such corporation or national banking association publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of the aforesaid supervising or examining authority, then, for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation or national banking association shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. In case at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with provisions of this Section, the Trustee shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in Section 6.06.
     The Trust Administrator hereunder shall at all times (i) be an institution authorized to exercise corporate trust powers under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization, (ii) be rated at least “A/F1” by Fitch, or if not rated by Fitch, the equivalent rating by S&P or Moody’s and (iii) not be an originator of Mortgage Loans, the Master Servicer, a Servicer, the Depositor, or an Affiliate of the Depositor unless the Trust Administrator is in an institutional trust department of the Trust Administrator.
     Section 6.06. Resignation and Removal of Trustee and the Trust Administrator.
               (a) Each of the Trustee and the Trust Administrator may at any time upon 60 days’ written notice to the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable, the Depositor and the Master Servicer, resign and be discharged from the trust hereby created. Upon receiving such notice of resignation, the Depositor will promptly appoint a successor trustee or a successor trust administrator, as applicable, by written instrument, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the resigning Trustee or resigning Trust Administrator, as applicable, one copy to the successor trustee or successor trust administrator, as applicable, and one copy to the Master Servicer. If no successor trustee or successor trust administrator shall have been so appointed and shall have accepted appointment within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee or resigning Trust Administrator, as applicable, may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor trustee or successor trust administrator, as applicable. In the case of any such resignation by the Trust Administrator, if no successor trust administrator shall have been appointed and shall have accepted appointment
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

65


 

within 60 days after the Trust Administrator ceases to be the Trust Administrator pursuant to this Section 6.06, then the Trustee shall perform the duties of the Trust Administrator pursuant to this Agreement. The Trustee shall notify the Rating Agencies of any change of Trust Administrator.
               (b) If at any time (i) the Trustee or the Trust Administrator shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.05 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Depositor, (ii) the Trust Administrator shall fail to perform its obligations pursuant to Section 5.02 to make distributions to Certificateholders, which failure continues unremedied for a period of one Business Day after the date upon which written notice of such failure shall have been given to the Trust Administrator by the Trustee or the Depositor, (iii) the Trust Administrator fails to provide an assessment of compliance or an attestation report required under Section 6.23 within 15 calendar days of March 1 of each calendar year in which Exchange Act reports are required or (iv) the Trustee or the Trust Administrator shall become incapable of acting, or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent, or a receiver of the Trustee or the Trust Administrator of its property shall be appointed, or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or the Trust Administrator or of either of their property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation, (iv) a tax is imposed or threatened with respect to the Trust Fund by any state in which the Trustee or the Trust Fund held by the Trustee is located, (v) the continued use of the Trustee or Trust Administrator would result in a downgrading of the rating by any Rating Agency of any Class of Certificates with a rating, then the Depositor shall remove the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable, and the Depositor shall appoint a successor trustee or successor trust administrator, as applicable, acceptable to the Depositor or the Trustee by written instrument, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the Trustee or Trust Administrator so removed, one copy each to the successor trustee or successor trust administrator, as applicable, and one copy to the Master Servicer or (vi) the Trust Administrator shall fail to deliver to the Depositor and the Sponsor the information or reports required pursuant to Section 6.20(e) through (g) hereto.
               (c) The Holders of more than 50% of the Class Principal Amount (or Percentage Interest) of each Class of Certificates may at any time upon 30 days’ written notice to the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable, and to the Depositor remove the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable, by such written instrument, signed by such Holders or their attorney-in-fact duly authorized, one copy of which instrument shall be delivered to the Depositor, one copy to the Trustee or Trust Administrator, as applicable and one copy to the Master Servicer; the Depositor shall thereupon appoint a successor trustee or successor trust administrator, as applicable, in accordance with this Section.
               (d) Any resignation or removal of the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable, and appointment of a successor trustee or successor trust administrator pursuant to any of the provisions of this Section shall become effective upon acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee or the successor trust administrator, as applicable, as provided in Section 6.07.
     Section 6.07. Successor Trustee and Successor Trust Administrator.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

66


 

               (a) Any successor trustee or successor trust administrator appointed as provided in Section 6.06 shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Depositor and to its predecessor trustee or predecessor trust administrator, as applicable, (i) an instrument accepting such appointment hereunder and (ii) the certification required pursuant to the first sentence of Section 6.20(e), and thereupon the resignation or removal of the predecessor trustee or predecessor trust administrator, as applicable, shall become effective and such successor trustee or successor trust administrator, as applicable, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become fully vested with all the rights, powers, duties and obligations of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as trustee or trust administrator, as applicable, herein. The predecessor trustee or predecessor trust administrator, as applicable, shall deliver to the successor trustee (or assign to the Trustee its interest under each Custodial Agreement, to the extent permitted thereunder) or successor trust administrator, as applicable, all Trustee Mortgage Files and documents and statements related to each Trustee Mortgage File held by it hereunder, and shall duly assign, transfer, deliver and pay over to the successor trustee the entire Trust Fund, together with all necessary instruments of transfer and assignment or other documents properly executed necessary to effect such transfer and such of the records or copies thereof maintained by the predecessor trustee in the administration hereof as may be requested by the successor trustee and shall thereupon be discharged from all duties and responsibilities under this Agreement. In addition, the Depositor and the predecessor trustee or predecessor trust administrator, as applicable, shall execute and deliver such other instruments and do such other things as may reasonably be required to more fully and certainly vest and confirm in the successor trustee or successor trust administrator, as applicable, all such rights, powers, duties and obligations.
               (b) No successor trustee shall accept appointment as provided in this Section unless at the time of such appointment such successor trustee shall be eligible under the provisions of Section 6.05.
               (c) Upon acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee or successor trust administrator, as applicable, as provided in this Section, the predecessor trustee or predecessor trust administrator, as applicable, shall mail notice of the succession of such trustee or trust administrator, as applicable, hereunder to all Holders of Certificates at their addresses as shown in the Certificate Register and to any Rating Agency. The expenses of such mailing shall be borne by the Master Servicer.
     Section 6.08. Merger or Consolidation of Trustee or the Trust Administrator.
     Any Person into which the Trustee or Trust Administrator may be merged or with which it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee or Trust Administrator shall be a party, or any Persons succeeding to the business of the Trustee or Trust Administrator, shall be the successor to the Trustee or Trust Administrator hereunder, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, provided that, in the case of the Trustee, such Person shall be eligible under the provisions of Section 6.05.
     Section 6.09. Appointment of Co-Trustee, Separate Trustee or Custodian.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

67


 

               (a) Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, at any time, the Trustee, the Depositor or the Certificateholders evidencing more than 50% of the Class Principal Amount (or Percentage Interest) of every Class of Certificates shall have the power from time to time to appoint one or more Persons, approved by the Trustee, to act either as co-trustees jointly with the Trustee, or as separate trustees, or as custodians, for the purpose of holding title to, foreclosing or otherwise taking action with respect to any Mortgage Loan outside the state where the Trustee has its principal place of business where such separate trustee or co-trustee is necessary or advisable (or the Trustee has been advised by the Master Servicer that such separate trustee or co-trustee is necessary or advisable) under the laws of any state in which a property securing a Mortgage Loan is located or for the purpose of otherwise conforming to any legal requirement, restriction or condition in any state in which a property securing a Mortgage Loan is located or in any state in which any portion of the Trust Fund is located. The separate Trustees, co-trustees, or custodians so appointed shall be trustees or custodians for the benefit of all the Certificateholders and shall have such powers, rights and remedies as shall be specified in the instrument of appointment; provided, however, that no such appointment shall, or shall be deemed to, constitute the appointee an agent of the Trustee. The obligation of the Master Servicer to make Monthly Advances pursuant to Section 5.04 hereof shall not be affected or assigned by the appointment of a co-trustee.
               (b) Every separate trustee, co-trustee, and custodian shall, to the extent permitted by law, be appointed and act subject to the following provisions and conditions:
                    (i) all powers, duties, obligations and rights conferred upon the Trustee in respect of the receipt, custody and payment of moneys shall be exercised solely by the Trustee;
                    (ii) all other rights, powers, duties and obligations conferred or imposed upon the Trustee shall be conferred or imposed upon and exercised or performed by the Trustee and such separate trustee, co-trustee, or custodian jointly, except to the extent that under any law of any jurisdiction in which any particular act or acts are to be performed the Trustee shall be incompetent or unqualified to perform such act or acts, in which event such rights, powers, duties and obligations, including the holding of title to the Trust Fund or any portion thereof in any such jurisdiction, shall be exercised and performed by such separate trustee, co-trustee, or custodian;
                    (iii) no trustee or custodian hereunder shall be personally liable by reason of any act or omission of any other trustee or custodian hereunder; and
                    (iv) the Trustee may at any time, by an instrument in writing executed by it, with the concurrence of the Depositor, accept the resignation of or remove any separate trustee, co-trustee or custodian, so appointed by it or them, if such resignation or removal does not violate the other terms of this Agreement.
               (c) Any notice, request or other writing given to the Trustee shall be deemed to have been given to each of the then separate trustees and co-trustees, as effectively as if given to each of them. Every instrument appointing any separate trustee, co-trustee or custodian shall refer to this Agreement and the conditions of this Article VI. Each separate trustee and
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

68


 

co-trustee, upon its acceptance of the trusts conferred, shall be vested with the estates or property specified in its instrument of appointment, either jointly with the Trustee or separately, as may be provided therein, subject to all the provisions of this Agreement, specifically including every provision of this Agreement relating to the conduct of, affecting the liability of, or affording protection to, the Trustee. Every such instrument shall be filed with the Trustee and a copy given to the Master Servicer.
               (d) Any separate trustee, co-trustee or custodian may, at any time, constitute the Trustee its agent or attorney-in-fact with full power and authority, to the extent not prohibited by law, to do any lawful act under or in respect of this Agreement on its behalf and in its name. If any separate trustee, co-trustee or custodian shall die, become incapable of acting, resign or be removed, all of its estates, properties, rights, remedies and trusts shall vest in and be exercised by the Trustee, to the extent permitted by law, without the appointment of a new or successor trustee.
               (e) No separate trustee, co-trustee or custodian hereunder shall be required to meet the terms of eligibility as a successor trustee under Section 6.05 hereunder and no notice to the Certificateholders of the appointment shall be required under Section 6.07 hereof.
               (f) The Trustee agrees to instruct the co-trustees, if any, to the extent necessary to fulfill the Trustee’s obligations hereunder.
               (g) The Trust shall pay the reasonable compensation of the co-trustees (which compensation shall not reduce any compensation payable to the Trustee under such Section).
     Section 6.10. Authenticating Agents.
               (a) The Trustee may appoint one or more Authenticating Agents which shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee in authenticating Certificates. The Trustee hereby appoints the Trust Administrator as initial Authenticating Agent, and the Trust Administrator accepts such appointment. Wherever reference is made in this Agreement to the authentication of Certificates by the Trustee or the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent must be a national banking association or a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or of any state, having a combined capital and surplus of at least $15,000,000, authorized under such laws to do a trust business and subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authorities.
               (b) Any Person into which any Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which any Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any Person succeeding to the corporate agency business of any Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be the Authenticating Agent without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

69


 

               (c) Any Authenticating Agent may at any time resign by giving at least 30 days’ advance written notice of resignation to the Trustee and the Depositor. The Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of any Authenticating Agent by giving written notice of termination to such Authenticating Agent and the Depositor. Upon receiving a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time any Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.10, the Trustee may appoint a successor authenticating agent, shall give written notice of such appointment to the Depositor and shall mail notice of such appointment to all Holders of Certificates. Any successor authenticating agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder shall become vested with all the rights, powers, duties and responsibilities of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as Authenticating Agent. No successor authenticating agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the provisions of this Section 6.10. No Authenticating Agent shall have responsibility or liability for any action taken by it as such in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
    Section 6.11. Indemnification of the Trustee and the Trust Administrator.
     The Trustee and the Trust Administrator and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents shall be entitled to indemnification from the Depositor and the Trust Fund from amounts on deposit in the Certificate Distribution Account (provided that the Trust Fund’s indemnification under this Section 6.11 is limited by Section 4.01(d) for any loss, liability or expense (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, and, in the case of the Trustee, in connection with each Custodial Agreement, including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents or counsel), incurred without negligence or willful misconduct on their part, arising out of, or in connection with, the acceptance or administration of the trusts created hereunder or in connection with the performance of their duties hereunder including the costs and expenses of defending themselves against any claim in connection with the exercise or performance of any of their powers or duties hereunder, provided that:
                    (i) with respect to any such claim, the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable, shall have given the Depositor written notice thereof promptly after the Trustee, the Trust Administrator, as applicable, shall have knowledge thereof;
                    (ii) while maintaining control over its own defense, the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable, shall cooperate and consult fully with the Depositor in preparing such defense; and
                    (iii) notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 6.11, the Trust Fund shall not be liable for settlement of any such claim by the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable, entered into without the prior consent of the Depositor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
     The provisions of this Section 6.11 shall survive any termination of this Agreement and the resignation or removal of the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable, and shall be construed to include, but not be limited to any loss, liability or expense under any environmental law.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

70


 

     Section 6.12. Fees and Expenses of Trust Administrator and the Trustee.
               (a) Compensation for the services of the Trust Administrator hereunder shall be paid from the Master Servicing Fee. The Trust Administrator shall be entitled to all disbursements and advancements incurred or made by the Trust Administrator in accordance with this Agreement (including fees and expenses of its counsel and all persons not regularly in its employment), except any such expenses arising from its negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct. Wells Fargo Bank, National Association shall act as Trust Administrator for so long as it is Master Servicer under this Agreement.
               (b) As compensation for its services hereunder, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive a Trustee fee equal to $3,500 per annum, which shall be paid by the Master Servicer pursuant to a separate agreement between the Trustee and the Master Servicer. Any expenses incurred by the Trustee shall be reimbursed in accordance with Section 6.11.
     Section 6.13. Collection of Monies.
     Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the Trustee and the Trust Administrator may demand payment or delivery of, and shall receive and collect, all money and other property payable to or receivable by it pursuant to this Agreement. The Trustee or the Trust Administrator, as applicable, shall hold all such money and property received by it as part of the Trust Fund and shall distribute it as provided in this Agreement.
     Section 6.14. Events of Default; Trustee To Act; Appointment of Successor.
               (a) The occurrence of any one or more of the following events shall constitute an “Event of Default”:
                    (i) Any failure by the Master Servicer to furnish the Trust Administrator the Mortgage Loan data sufficient to prepare the reports described in Section 4.04 which continues unremedied for a period of one Business Day after the date upon which written notice of such failure shall have been given to such Master Servicer by the Trustee or the Trust Administrator or to such Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator and the Trustee by the Holders of not less than 25% of the Class Principal Amount (or Class Notional Amount) of each Class of Certificates affected thereby; or
                    (ii) Any failure by the Master Servicer to deliver to the Depositor and the Sponsor the information or reports required pursuant to Section 9.01(e) through (g) hereto;
                    (iii) Any failure on the part of the Master Servicer duly to observe or perform in any material respect any other of the covenants or agreements (other than those referred to in (viii) and (ix) below) on the part of the Master Servicer contained in this Agreement which continues unremedied for a period of 30 days after the date on which written notice of such failure, requiring the same to be remedied, shall have been given to the Master Servicer by the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, or to the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator and the Trustee by the Holders of more than 50% of the Aggregate Voting Interests of the Certificates (or in the case of a breach of its obligation beyond any applicable
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

71


 

cure to provide an assessment of compliance or an attestation report pursuant to Section 9.12, for a period of 10 days); or
                    (iv) A decree or order of a court or agency or supervisory authority having jurisdiction for the appointment of a conservator or receiver or liquidator in any insolvency, readjustment of debt, marshalling of assets and liabilities or similar proceedings, or for the winding-up or liquidation of its affairs, shall have been entered against the Master Servicer, and such decree or order shall have remained in force undischarged or unstayed for a period of 60 days or any Rating Agency reduces or withdraws or threatens to reduce or withdraw the rating of the Certificates because of the financial condition or loan servicing capability of such Master Servicer; or
                    (v) The Master Servicer shall consent to the appointment of a conservator or receiver or liquidator in any insolvency, readjustment of debt, marshalling of assets and liabilities, voluntary liquidation or similar proceedings of or relating to the Master Servicer or of or relating to all or substantially all of its property; or
                    (vi) The Master Servicer shall admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, file a petition to take advantage of any applicable insolvency or reorganization statute, make an assignment for the benefit of its creditors or voluntarily suspend payment of its obligations; or
                    (vii) The Master Servicer shall be dissolved, or shall dispose of all or substantially all of its assets, or consolidate with or merge into another entity or shall permit another entity to consolidate or merge into it, such that the resulting entity does not meet the criteria for a successor servicer as specified in Section 9.05 hereof; or
                    (viii) If a representation or warranty set forth in Section 9.03 hereof shall prove to be incorrect as of the time made in any respect that materially and adversely affects the interests of the Certificateholders, and the circumstance or condition in respect of which such representation or warranty was incorrect shall not have been eliminated or cured within 30 days after the date on which written notice of such incorrect representation or warranty shall have been given to the Master Servicer by the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, or to the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator and the Trustee by the Holders of more than 50% of the Aggregate Voting Interests of the Certificates; or
                    (ix) A sale or pledge of any of the rights of the Master Servicer hereunder or an assignment of this Agreement by the Master Servicer or a delegation of the rights or duties of the Master Servicer hereunder shall have occurred in any manner not otherwise permitted hereunder and without the prior written consent of the Trustee and Certificateholders holding more than 50% of the Aggregate Voting Interests of the Certificates; or
                     (x) After receipt of notice from the Trustee or the Trust Administrator, any failure of the Master Servicer to make any Monthly Advances when such Monthly Advances are due, which failure continues unremedied for a period of one Business Day.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

72


 

     If an Event of Default described in clauses (i) through (ix) of this Section shall occur, then, in each and every case, subject to applicable law, so long as any such Event of Default shall not have been remedied within any period of time prescribed by this Section, the Trustee, by notice in writing to the Master Servicer may, and, if so directed by Certificateholders evidencing more than 50% of the Class Principal Amount (or Class Notional Amount) of each Class of Certificates, or upon the occurrence of an Event of Default described in clause (x) of this Section, shall, terminate all of the rights and obligations of the Master Servicer hereunder and in and to the Mortgage Loans and the proceeds thereof. On or after the receipt by the Master Servicer of such written notice, all authority and power of the Master Servicer, and only in its capacity as Master Servicer under this Agreement, whether with respect to the Mortgage Loans or otherwise, shall, subject to Sections 6.14(b) and (c) hereof, pass to and be vested in the Trustee; and the Trustee is hereby authorized and empowered to execute and deliver, on behalf of the defaulting Master Servicer as attorney-in-fact or otherwise, any and all documents and other instruments, and to do or accomplish all other acts or things necessary or appropriate to effect the purposes of such notice of termination, whether to complete the transfer and endorsement or assignment of the Mortgage Loans and related documents or otherwise. The defaulting Master Servicer agrees to cooperate with the Trustee and the Trust Administrator in effecting the termination of the defaulting Master Servicer’s responsibilities and rights hereunder as Master Servicer including, without limitation, notifying Servicers of the assignment of the master servicing function and providing the Trustee or its designee all documents and records in electronic or other form reasonably requested by it to enable the Trustee or its designee to assume the defaulting Master Servicer’s functions hereunder and the transfer to the Trustee for administration by it of all amounts which shall at the time be or should have been deposited by the defaulting Master Servicer in the Certificate Distribution Account and any other account or fund maintained with respect to the Certificates or thereafter received with respect to the Mortgage Loans. The Master Servicer being terminated (unless the predecessor Master Servicer is the Trustee, in which event the previous Master Servicer shall be responsible for such costs so long as the transfer of servicing is not the result of an Event of Default on the part of the Trustee in its capacity as the predecessor Master Servicer) shall bear all costs of a master servicing transfer, including but not limited to those of the Trustee or Trust Administrator reasonably allocable to specific employees and overhead, legal fees and expenses, accounting and financial consulting fees and expenses, and costs of amending this Agreement, if necessary.
     Notwithstanding the termination of its activities as Master Servicer, each terminated Master Servicer shall continue to be entitled to reimbursement under this Agreement to the extent such reimbursement relates to the period prior to such Master Servicer’s termination.
     If any Event of Default shall occur, the Trustee, upon a Responsible Officer thereof becoming aware of the occurrence thereof, shall promptly notify the Trust Administrator and each Rating Agency of the nature and extent of such Event of Default. The Trust Administrator shall immediately give written notice to the Trustee and the Master Servicer upon the Master Servicer’s failure to make Monthly Advances as required under this Agreement.
               (b) On and after the time the Master Servicer receives a notice of termination from the Trustee pursuant to Section 6.14(a) or the Trustee receives the resignation of the Master Servicer evidenced by an Opinion of Counsel pursuant to Section 9.06, the Trustee, unless
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

73


 

another master servicer shall have been appointed, shall be the successor in all respects to the Master Servicer in its capacity as such under this Agreement and the transactions set forth or provided for herein and shall have all the rights and powers and be subject to all the responsibilities, duties and liabilities relating thereto and arising thereafter placed on the Master Servicer hereunder, including the obligation to make Monthly Advances in accordance with Section 5.04; provided, however, that any failure to perform such duties or responsibilities caused by the Master Servicer’s failure to provide information required by this Agreement shall not be considered a default by the Trustee hereunder. In addition, the Trustee shall have no responsibility for any act or omission of the Master Servicer prior to the issuance of any notice of termination and shall have no obligation under Sections 6.21, 9.11 or 9.12 with respect to any period during which the Trustee was not the Master Servicer. The Trustee shall have no liability relating to the representations and warranties of the Master Servicer set forth in Section 9.03. In the Trustee’s capacity as such successor, the Trustee shall have the same limitations on liability herein granted to the Master Servicer. As compensation therefor, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive all compensation payable to the Master Servicer under this Agreement, including the Master Servicing Fee.
               (c) Notwithstanding the above, the Trustee may, if it shall be unwilling to continue to so act, or shall, if it is unable to so act, petition a court of competent jurisdiction to appoint, or appoint on its own behalf any established housing and home finance institution servicer, master servicer, servicing or mortgage servicing institution having a net worth of not less than $15,000,000 and meeting such other standards for a successor master servicer as are set forth in this Agreement, as the successor to such Master Servicer in the assumption of all of the responsibilities, duties or liabilities of a master servicer, like the Master Servicer. Any entity designated by the Trustee as a successor master servicer may be an Affiliate of the Trustee; provided, however, that, unless such Affiliate meets the net worth requirements and other standards set forth herein for a successor master servicer, the Trustee, in its individual capacity shall agree, at the time of such designation, to be and remain liable to the Trust Fund for such Affiliate’s actions and omissions in performing its duties hereunder. In connection with such appointment and assumption, the Trustee may make such arrangements for the compensation of such successor out of payments on Mortgage Loans as it and such successor shall agree; provided, however, that no such compensation shall be in excess of that permitted to the Master Servicer hereunder. The Trustee and such successor shall take such actions, consistent with this Agreement, as shall be necessary to effectuate any such succession and may make other arrangements with respect to the servicing to be conducted hereunder which are not inconsistent herewith. The Master Servicer shall cooperate with the Trustee and any successor master servicer in effecting the termination of the Master Servicer’s responsibilities and rights hereunder including, without limitation, notifying Mortgagors of the assignment of the master servicing functions and providing the Trustee and successor master servicer, as applicable, all documents and records in electronic or other form reasonably requested by it to enable it to assume the Master Servicer’s functions hereunder and the transfer to the Trustee or such successor master servicer, as applicable, all amounts which shall at the time be or should have been deposited by the Master Servicer in the Certificate Distribution Account and any other account or fund maintained with respect to the Certificates or thereafter be received with respect to the Mortgage Loans. Neither the Trustee nor any other successor master servicer shall be deemed to be in default hereunder by reason of any failure to make, or any delay in making, any distribution
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

74


 

hereunder or any portion thereof caused by (i) the failure of the Master Servicer to deliver, or any delay in delivering, cash, documents or records to it, (ii) the failure of the Master Servicer to cooperate as required by this Agreement, (iii) the failure of the Master Servicer to deliver the Mortgage Loan data to the Trustee as required by this Agreement or (iv) restrictions imposed by any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Master Servicer. No successor master servicer shall be deemed to be in default hereunder by reason of any failure to make, or any delay in making, any distribution hereunder or any portion thereof caused by (i) the failure of the Trustee or the Trust Administrator to deliver, or any delay in delivering cash, documents or records to it related to such distribution, or (ii) the failure of Trustee to cooperate as required by this Agreement.
     Any successor Master Servicer shall execute and deliver to the Depositor, the Seller and the predecessor Master Servicer the certification required pursuant to the first sentence of Section 6.20(e).
     Section 6.15. Additional Remedies of Trustee Upon Event of Default.
     During the continuance of any Event of Default, so long as such Event of Default shall not have been remedied, the Trustee, in addition to the rights specified in Section 6.14, shall have the right, in its own name and as trustee of the Trust Fund, to take all actions now or hereafter existing at law, in equity or by statute to enforce its rights and remedies and to protect the interests, and enforce the rights and remedies, of the Certificateholders (including the institution and prosecution of all judicial, administrative and other proceedings and the filings of proofs of claim and debt in connection therewith). Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, no remedy provided for by this Agreement shall be exclusive of any other remedy, and each and every remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to any other remedy, and no delay or omission to exercise any right or remedy shall impair any such right or remedy or shall be deemed to be a waiver of any Event of Default.
     Section 6.16. Waiver of Defaults.
     More than 50% of the Aggregate Voting Interests of the Certificateholders may waive any default or Event of Default by the Master Servicer in the performance of its obligations hereunder, except that a default in the making of any required deposit to the Certificate Distribution Account that would result in a failure of the Trust Administrator to make any required payment of principal of or interest on the Certificates may only be waived with the consent of 100% of the affected Certificateholders. Upon any such waiver of a past default, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been remedied for every purpose of this Agreement. No such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon except to the extent expressly so waived.
     Section 6.17. Notification to Holders.
     Upon termination of the Master Servicer or appointment of a successor to the Master Servicer, in each case as provided herein, the Trustee shall promptly mail notice thereof by first class mail to the Certificateholders at their respective addresses appearing on the Certificate
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

75


 

Register. The Trustee shall, within 45 days after the occurrence of any Event of Default known to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, give written notice thereof to the Trust Administrator and the Certificateholders, unless such Event of Default shall have been cured or waived prior to the issuance of such notice and within such 45-day period.
     Section 6.18. Directions by Certificateholders and Duties of Trustee During Event of Default.
     Subject to the provisions of Section 8.01 hereof, during the continuance of any Event of Default, Holders of Certificates evidencing not less than 25% of the Class Principal Amount (or Percentage Interest) of each Class of Certificates affected thereby may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this Agreement; provided, however, that the Trustee shall be under no obligation to pursue any such remedy, or to exercise any of the trusts or powers vested in it by this Agreement (including, without limitation, (i) the conducting or defending of any administrative action or litigation hereunder or in relation hereto and (ii) the terminating of the Master Servicer or any successor master servicer from its rights and duties as master servicer hereunder) at the request, order or direction of any of the Certificateholders, unless such Certificateholders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the cost, expenses and liabilities which may be incurred therein or thereby; and, provided further, that, subject to the provisions of Section 8.01, the Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow any such direction if the Trustee, in accordance with an Opinion of Counsel, determines that the action or proceeding so directed may not lawfully be taken or if the Trustee in good faith determines that the action or proceeding so directed would involve it in personal liability for which it is not indemnified to its satisfaction or be unjustly prejudicial to the non-assenting Certificateholders.
     Section 6.19. Action Upon Certain Failures of the Master Servicer and Upon Event of Default.
     In the event that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have actual knowledge of any action or inaction of the Master Servicer that would become an Event of Default upon the Master Servicer’s failure to remedy the same after notice, the Trustee shall give notice thereof to the Master Servicer.
     Section 6.20. Preparation of Tax Returns and Other Reports.
               (a) The Trust Administrator shall prepare or cause to be prepared on behalf of the Trust Fund, based upon information calculated in accordance with this Agreement pursuant to instructions given by the Depositor, and the Trust Administrator shall file federal tax returns, all in accordance with Article X hereof. If the Depositor or the Trustee notifies the Trust Administrator in writing that a state tax return or other return is required, then, at the sole expense of the Trust Fund, the Trust Administrator shall prepare and file such state income tax returns and such other returns as may be required by applicable law relating to the Trust Fund, and, if required by state law, and shall file any other documents to the extent required by applicable state tax law (to the extent such documents are in the Trust Administrator’s possession). The Trust Administrator shall forward copies to the Depositor of all such returns
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

76


 

and Form 1099 supplemental tax information and such other information within the control of the Trust Administrator as the Depositor may reasonably request in writing, and shall distribute to each Certificateholder such forms and furnish such information within the control of the Trust Administrator as are required by the Code and the REMIC Provisions to be furnished to them, and will prepare and distribute to Certificateholders Form 1099 (supplemental tax information) (or otherwise furnish information within the control of the Trust Administrator) to the extent required by applicable law. The Master Servicer will indemnify the Trust Administrator and the Trustee for any liability of or assessment against the Trust Administrator and the Trustee, as applicable, resulting from any error in any of such tax or information returns directly resulting from errors in the information provided by such Master Servicer.
               (b) The Trust Administrator shall prepare and file with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), on behalf of the Trust Fund and each REMIC created hereunder, an application for an employer identification number on IRS Form SS-4 or by any other acceptable method. The Trust Administrator shall also file a Form 8811 as required. The Trust Administrator, upon receipt from the IRS of the Notice of Taxpayer Identification Number Assigned, shall upon request promptly forward a copy of such notice to the Trustee and the Depositor. The Trust Administrator shall furnish any other information that is required by the Code and regulations thereunder to be made available to the Certificateholders. The Master Servicer shall cause each Servicer to provide the Trust Administrator with such information as is necessary for the Trust Administrator to prepare such reports.
     Section 6.21. Preparation of Tax Returns and Other Reports.
               (a) Reports Filed on Form 10-D.
     (i) Within 15 days after each Distribution Date (subject to permitted extensions under the Exchange Act), the Trust Administrator shall prepare and file on behalf of the Trust any Form 10-D required by the Exchange Act, in form and substance as required by the Exchange Act. The Trust Administrator shall file each Form 10-D with a copy of the related Distribution Date Statement attached thereto. Any disclosure in addition to the Distribution Date Statement that is required to be included on Form 10-D (“Additional Form 10-D Disclosure”) shall be determined and prepared by and at the direction of the Depositor pursuant to the following paragraph and the Trust Administrator will have no duty or liability for any failure hereunder to determine or prepare any Additional Form 10-D Disclosure, except as set forth in the next paragraph.
     (ii) As set forth on Exhibit O hereto, within 5 calendar days after the related Distribution Date, (i) the parties to the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1 transaction shall be required to provide to the Trust Administrator, to the extent known by a responsible officer thereof, in EDGAR-compatible form, or in such other form as otherwise agreed upon by the Trust Administrator and such party, the form and substance of any Additional Form 10-D Disclosure, if applicable, together with any Additional Disclosure Notification (an “Additional Disclosure Notification”), (ii) the Trust Administrator shall forward to the Depositor, the form and substance of the Additional Form 10-D Disclosure, and (iii) the Depositor will approve, as to form and substance, or
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

77


 

disapprove, as the case may be, the inclusion of the Additional Form 10-D Disclosure on Form 10-D. The Seller will be responsible for any reasonable fees and expenses assessed or incurred by the Trust Administrator in connection with including any Additional Form 10-D Disclosure in Form 10-D pursuant to this paragraph.
     (iii) After preparing the Form 10-D, the Trust Administrator shall forward electronically a draft copy of the Form 10-D to the Depositor and the Master Servicer for review. No later than the Business Day prior to the date specified in the next sentence, the Depositor and the Master Servicer shall notify the Trust Administrator of any changes to or approval of such Form 10-D. No later than 2 Business Days prior to the 15th calendar day after the related Distribution Date, a senior officer of the Master Servicer in charge of the master servicing function shall sign the Form 10-D and return an electronic or fax copy of such signed Form 10-D (with an original executed hard copy to follow by overnight mail) to the Trust Administrator. If a Form 10-D cannot be filed on time or if a previously filed Form 10-D needs to be amended, the Trust Administrator will follow the procedures set forth in subsection (d)(ii) of this Section 6.21. Promptly (but no later than 1 Business Day) after filing with the Commission, the Trust Administrator will make available on its internet website a final executed copy of each Form 10-D. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that the performance by the Master Servicer and the Trust Administrator of its duties under this Section 6.21(a) related to the timely preparation, execution and filing of Form 10-D is contingent upon such parties strictly observing all applicable deadlines in the performance of their duties under this Section 6.21(a). Neither the Master Servicer nor the Trust Administrator shall have any liability for any loss, expense, damage, claim arising out of or with respect to any failure to properly prepare, execute and/or timely file such Form 10-D, where such failure results from the Trust Administrator’s inability or failure to obtain or receive, on a timely basis, any information from any other party hereto needed to prepare, arrange for execution or file such Form 10-D, not resulting from its own negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.
               (b) Reports Filed on Form 10-K.
     (i) Within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Trust Fund or such earlier date as may be required by the Exchange Act (the “10-K Filing Deadline”) (it being understood that the fiscal year for the Trust ends on December 31st of each year), commencing in March 2007, the Trust Administrator shall prepare and file on behalf of the Trust a Form 10-K, in form and substance as required by the Exchange Act. Each such Form 10-K shall include the following items, in each case to the extent they have been delivered to the Trust Administrator within the applicable time frames set forth in this Agreement and the related Servicing Agreement, (i) an annual compliance statement for each Servicer, each Additional Servicer, the Master Servicer and the Trust Administrator and any Servicing Function Participant engaged by such parties (each, a “Reporting Servicer”) as described under Section 6.23 and Section 9.12, (ii)(A) the annual reports on assessment of compliance with servicing criteria for each Reporting Servicer, as described under Sections 6.23(a) and 9.12(a), and (B) if each Reporting Servicer’s report on assessment of compliance with servicing criteria described under Sections 6.23(b) and 9.12(c) identifies any material instance of noncompliance,
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

78


 

disclosure identifying such instance of noncompliance, or if each Reporting Servicer’s report on assessment of compliance with servicing criteria described under Section 6.23(a) or Section 9.12(a) is not included as an exhibit to such Form 10-K, disclosure that such report is not included and an explanation why such report is not included, (iii)(A) the registered public accounting firm attestation report for each Reporting Servicer, as described under Section 6.23(b) or Section 9.12(c), and (B) if any registered public accounting firm attestation report described under Section 6.23(b) or Section 9.12(c) identifies any material instance of noncompliance, disclosure identifying such instance of noncompliance, or if any such registered public accounting firm attestation report is not included as an exhibit to such Form 10-K, disclosure that such report is not included and an explanation why such report is not included, and (iv) a Sarbanes-Oxley Certification as described in Section 6.21(e). Any disclosure or information in addition to (i) through (iv) above that is required to be included on Form 10-K (“Additional Form 10-K Disclosure”) shall be determined and prepared by and at the direction of the Depositor pursuant to the following paragraph and the Trust Administrator will have no duty or liability for any failure hereunder to determine or prepare any Additional Form 10-K Disclosure, except as set forth in the next paragraph.
     (ii) As set forth on Exhibit P hereto, no later than March 10 (with a 5 calendar day cure period) of each year that the Trust Fund is subject to the Exchange Act reporting requirements, commencing in 2007, (i) the parties to the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1 transaction shall be required to provide to the Trust Administrator, to the extent known by a responsible officer thereof, in EDGAR-compatible form, or in such other form as otherwise agreed upon by the Trust Administrator and such party, the form and substance of any Additional Form 10-K Disclosure, if applicable, together with an Additional Disclosure Notification, (ii) the Trust Administrator shall forward to the Depositor, the form and substance of the Additional Form 10-K Disclosure, and (iii) the Depositor will approve, as to form and substance, or disapprove, as the case may be, the inclusion of the Additional Form 10-K Disclosure on Form 10-K. The Seller will be responsible for any reasonable fees and expenses assessed or incurred by the Trust Administrator in connection with including any Additional Form 10-K Disclosure in Form 10-K pursuant to this paragraph.
     (iii) After preparing the Form 10-K, the Trust Administrator shall forward electronically a draft copy of the Form 10-K to the Master Servicer and Depositor for review. No later than the Business Day prior to the date specified in the next sentence, the Depositor and the Master Servicer shall notify the Trust Administrator of any changes to or approval of such Form 10-K. No later than 1 p.m. New York City time on the 4th Business Day prior to the 10-K Filing Deadline, the senior officer of the Depositor in charge of securitization shall sign the Form 10-K and return an electronic or fax copy of such signed Form 10-K (with an original executed hard copy to follow by overnight mail) to the Trust Administrator. If a Form 10-K cannot be filed on time or if a previously filed Form 10-K needs to be amended, the Trust Administrator will follow the procedures set forth in subsection (d) of this Section. Promptly (but no later than 1 Business Day) after filing with the Commission, the Trust Administrator will make available on its internet website a final executed copy of each Form 10-K. The parties to this Agreement
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

79


 

acknowledge that the performance by the Master Servicer and the Trust Administrator of its duties under this Section 6.21(b) related to the timely preparation and filing of Form 10-K is contingent upon such parties (and any Additional Servicer or Servicing Function Participant) strictly observing all applicable deadlines in the performance of their duties under this Sections 6.21, 6.23 and 9.12. Neither the Master Servicer nor the Trust Administrator shall have any liability for any loss, expense, damage or claim arising out of or with respect to any failure to properly prepare and/or timely file such Form 10-K, where such failure results from the Trust Administrator’s inability or failure to obtain or receive, on a timely basis, any information from any other party hereto needed to prepare, arrange for execution or file such Form 10-K, not resulting from its own negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.
               (c) Reports Filed on Form 8-K.
     (i) Within four (4) Business Days after the occurrence of an event requiring disclosure on Form 8-K (each such event, a “Reportable Event”), and if requested by the Depositor, the Trust Administrator shall prepare and file on behalf of the Trust a Form 8-K, as required by the Exchange Act, provided that the Depositor shall file the initial Form 8-K in connection with the issuance of the Certificates. Any disclosure or information related to a Reportable Event or that is otherwise required to be included in Form 8-K (“Form 8-K Disclosure Information”) shall be determined and prepared by and at the direction of the Depositor pursuant to the following paragraph and the Trust Administrator will have no duty or liability for any failure hereunder to determine or prepare any Form 8-K Disclosure Information or any Form 8-K, except as set forth in the next paragraph.
     (ii) As set forth on Exhibit Q hereto, for so long as the Trust is subject to the Exchange Act reporting requirements, no later than the end of business on the 2nd Business Day after the occurrence of a Reportable Event (i) the parties to the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1 transaction shall be required to provide to the Trust Administrator, to the extent known by a responsible officer thereof, in EDGAR-compatible form, or in such other form as otherwise agreed upon by the Trust Administrator and such party, the form and substance of any Form 8-K Disclosure Information, if applicable, together with an Additional Disclosure Notification, (ii) the Trust Administrator shall forward to the Depositor, the form and substance of the Form 8-K Disclosure Information, and (iii) the Depositor will approve, as to form and substance, or disapprove, as the case may be, the inclusion of the Form 8-K Disclosure Information. The Seller will be responsible for any reasonable fees and expenses assessed or incurred by the Trust Administrator in connection with including any Form 8-K Disclosure Information in Form 8-K pursuant to this paragraph.
     (iii) After preparing the Form 8-K, the Trust Administrator shall forward electronically a draft copy of the Form 8-K to the Master Servicer and Depositor for review. No later than the Business Day prior to the date specified in the next sentence, the Depositor and the Master Servicer shall notify the Trust Administrator of any changes to or approval of such Form 8-K. No later than Noon New York City time on the 4th
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

80


 

Business Day after the Reportable Event, a senior officer of the Master Servicer in charge of the master servicing function shall sign the Form 8-K and return an electronic or fax copy of such signed Form 8-K (with an original executed hard copy to follow by overnight mail) to the Trust Administrator. If a Form 8-K cannot be filed on time or if a previously filed Form 8-K needs to be amended, the Trust Administrator will follow the procedures set forth in subsection (d) of this Section. Promptly (but no later than 1 Business Day) after filing with the Commission, the Trust Administrator will, make available on its internet website a final executed copy of each Form 8-K. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge that the performance by the Master Servicer and the Trust Administrator of its duties under this Section 6.21(c) related to the timely preparation, execution and filing of Form 8-K is contingent upon such parties strictly observing all applicable deadlines in the performance of their duties under this Section 6.21(c)(iii). Neither the Trust Administrator nor the Master Servicer shall have any liability for any loss, expense, damage, claim arising out of or with respect to any failure to properly prepare, execute and/or timely file such Form 8-K, where such failure results from the Trust Administrator’s inability or failure to obtain or receive, on a timely basis, any information from any other party hereto needed to prepare, arrange for execution or file such Form 8-K, not resulting from its own negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.
               (d) Delisting; Amendments; Late Filings.
     (i) Prior to January 30 in of the first year in which the Trust Administrator is able to do so under applicable law, unless otherwise directed by the Depositor, the Trust Administrator shall file a Form 15 relating to the automatic suspension of reporting in respect of the Trust under the Exchange Act.
     (ii) In the event that the Trust Administrator becomes aware that it will be unable to timely file with the Commission all or any required portion of any Form 8-K, 10-D or 10-K required to be filed by this Agreement because required disclosure information was either not delivered to it or delivered to it after the delivery deadlines set forth in this Agreement or for any other reason, the Trust Administrator will immediately notify the Depositor. In the case of Form 10-D and 10-K, the parties to this Agreement and each Servicer will cooperate to prepare and file a Form 12b-25 and a 10-D/A and 10-K/A, as applicable, pursuant to Rule 12b-25 of the Exchange Act. In the case of Form 8-K, the Trust Administrator will, upon receipt of all required Form 8-K Disclosure Information and upon the approval and direction of the Depositor, include such disclosure information on the next Form 10-D. In the event that any previously filed Form 8-K, 10-D or 10-K needs to be amended, the Trust Administrator will notify the Depositor and each Servicer and such parties will cooperate to prepare any necessary 8-KA, 10-D/A or 10-K/A. Any Form 15, Form 12b-25 or any amendment to Form 8-K, 10-D or 10-K shall be signed by the senior officer of the Depositor in charge of securitization. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge that the performance by the Master Servicer and the Trust Administrator of its duties under this Section 6.21(d) related to the timely preparation, execution and filing of Form 15, a Form 12b-25 or any amendment to Form 8-K, 10-D or 10-K is contingent upon each such party performing its duties under this Section. Neither the Master Servicer nor the Trust Administrator shall
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

81


 

have any liability for any loss, expense, damage, claim arising out of or with respect to any failure to properly prepare, execute and/or timely file any such Form 15, Form 12b-25 or any amendments to Forms 8-K, 10-D or 10-K, where such failure results from the Trust Administrator’s inability or failure to obtain or receive, on a timely basis, any information from any other party hereto needed to prepare, arrange for execution or file such Form 15, Form 12b-25 or any amendments to Forms 8-K, 10-D or 10-K, not resulting from its own negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.
     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Trust Administrator shall not file any Form 8-K, Form 10-D or Form 10K as to which it has received from the Depositor a notice to the effect that, upon review of the proposed filing, the Depositor does not approve of such filing.
               (e) Sarbanes-Oxley Certification.
     Each Form 10-K shall include the Sarbanes-Oxley Certification. Each Servicer, the Trust Administrator, the Master Servicer shall, and each Servicer, the Trust Administrator and the Master Servicer shall cause any Servicing Function Participant engaged by it to, provide to the Person who signs the Sarbanes-Oxley Certification (the “Certifying Person”), by March 10 (with a 5 calendar day cure period) of each year in which the Trust is subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and otherwise within a reasonable period of time upon request, a certification (each, a “Back-Up Certification”), in the form attached hereto as Exhibit M (or in such other form attached to the Servicing Agreement), upon which the Certifying Person, the entity for which the Certifying Person acts as an officer, and such entity’s officers, directors and Affiliates (collectively with the Certifying Person, “Certification Parties”) can reasonably rely. The senior officer of the Depositor in charge of securitization shall serve as the Certifying Person on behalf of the Trust Fund. In the event the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator or any Servicing Function Participant engaged by such parties is terminated or resigns pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, or any applicable sub-servicing agreement, as the case may be, such party or Servicing Function Participant shall provide a Back-Up Certification to the Certifying Person pursuant to this Section 6.21(e) with respect to the period of time it was subject to this Agreement or any applicable sub-servicing agreement, as the case may be. The Master Servicer shall enforce any obligation of the Servicers, to the extent set forth in the related Servicing Agreement, to deliver to the Master Servicer a certification similar to the Back-Up Certification as may be required pursuant to the related Servicing Agreement.
     Section 6.22. Trust Administrator Annual Statement of Compliance.
     The Trust Administrator shall deliver (and the Trust Administrator shall cause any Servicing Function Participant engaged by it to deliver) to the Depositor on or before March 10 (with a 5 calendar day cure period) of each year, commencing in March 2007, an Officer’s Certificate stating, as to the signer thereof, that (A) a review of such party’s activities during the preceding calendar year or portion thereof and of such party’s performance under this Agreement, or such
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

82


 

other applicable agreement in the case of a Servicing Function Participant, has been made under such officer’s supervision and (B) to the best of such officer’s knowledge, based on such review, such party has fulfilled all its obligations under this Agreement, or such other applicable agreement in the case of a Servicing Function Participant, in all material respects throughout such year or portion thereof, or, if there has been a failure to fulfill any such obligation in any material respect, specifying each such failure known to such officer and the nature and status thereof. Promptly after receipt of each such Officer’s Certificate, the Depositor shall review such Officer’s Certificate and, if applicable, consult with each such party, as applicable, as to the nature of any failures by such party, in the fulfillment of any of such party’s obligations hereunder or, in the case of a Servicing Function Participant, under such other applicable agreement.
     Section 6.23. Trust Administrator Assessments of Compliance and Attestation Reports.
          (a) By March 10 (with a 5 calendar day cure period) of each year, commencing in March 2007, the Trust Administrator, at its own expense, shall furnish, and shall cause any Servicing Function Participant engaged by it to furnish, each at its own expense, to the Depositor, a report on an assessment of compliance with the Relevant Servicing Criteria that contains (A) a statement by such party of its responsibility for assessing compliance with the Relevant Servicing Criteria, (B) a statement that such party used the Servicing Criteria to assess compliance with the Relevant Servicing Criteria, (C) such party’s assessment of compliance with the Relevant Servicing Criteria as of and for the fiscal year covered by the Form 10-K required to be filed pursuant to Section 6.21(b), including, if there has been any material instance of noncompliance with the Relevant Servicing Criteria, a discussion of each such failure and the nature and status thereof, and (D) a statement that a registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on such party’s assessment of compliance with the Relevant Servicing Criteria as of and for such period.
          (b) By March 10 (with a 5 calendar day cure period) of each year, commencing in March 2007, the Trust Administrator, at its own expense, shall cause, and shall cause any Servicing Function Participant engaged by it to cause, each at its own expense, a registered public accounting firm (which may also render other services to the Trust Administrator or such other Servicing Function Participants, as the case may be) and that is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants to furnish a report to the Trust Administrator and the Depositor, to the effect that (i) it has obtained a representation regarding certain matters from the management of such party, which includes an assertion that such party has complied with the Relevant Servicing Criteria, and (ii) on the basis of an examination conducted by such firm in accordance with standards for attestation engagements issued or adopted by the PCAOB, it is expressing an opinion as to whether such party’s compliance with the Relevant Servicing Criteria was fairly stated in all material respects, or it cannot express an overall opinion regarding such party’s assessment of compliance with the Relevant Servicing Criteria. In the event that an overall opinion cannot be expressed, such registered public accounting firm shall state in such report why it was unable to express such an opinion. Such report must be available for general use and not contain restricted use language.
          (c) Promptly after receipt of such report on assessment of compliance and accountants’ report, (i) the Depositor shall review such reports and, if applicable, consult with the Trust Administrator and any Servicing Function Participant engaged by the Trust Administrator as to the nature of any material instance of noncompliance with the Relevant
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

83


 

Servicing Criteria by the Trust Administrator, and (ii) the Trust Administrator shall confirm that the assessments, taken as a whole, address all of the Servicing Criteria and taken individually address the Relevant Servicing Criteria for each party as set forth on Exhibit N and on any similar exhibit set forth in each Servicing Agreement in respect of each Servicer, and that each assessment is coupled with an attestation meeting the requirements of this Section and notify the Depositor of any exceptions. The Trust Administrator shall not be required to deliver any such assessments or accountants’ reports until April 15 in any given year so long as it has received written confirmation from the Depositor that a Form 10-K is not required to be filed in respect of the Trust Fund for the preceding calendar year.
ARTICLE VII.
PURCHASE OF MORTGAGE LOANS AND
TERMINATION OF THE TRUST FUND
     Section 7.01. Purchase of Mortgage Loans; Termination of Trust Fund Upon Purchase or Liquidation of All Mortgage Loans.
          (a) The respective obligations and responsibilities of the Trustee, the Trust Administrator and the Master Servicer created hereby (other than the obligation of the Trust Administrator to make payments to the Certificateholders as set forth in Section 7.02), shall terminate on the earliest of (i) the final payment or other liquidation of the last Mortgage Loan remaining in the Trust Fund and the disposition of all REO Property, (ii) the sale of the property held by the Trust Fund in accordance with Section 7.01(c) and (iii) the Distribution Date immediately following the Latest Possible Maturity Date; provided, however, that in no event shall the Trust Fund created hereby continue beyond the expiration of 21 years from the death of the last survivor of the descendants of Joseph P. Kennedy, the late Ambassador of the United States to the Court of St. James’s, living on the date hereof. Any termination of the Trust Fund shall be carried out in such a manner so that the termination of each REMIC included therein shall qualify as a “qualified liquidation” under the REMIC Provisions.
          (b) [Reserved].
          (c) The obligations and responsibilities of the Master Servicer, the Servicer, the Seller, the Depositor, the Trustee and the Trust Administrator created hereby shall terminate upon the earlier of:
               (i) the purchase by the Terminating Entity, at its election, of all Mortgage Loans and all property acquired in respect of any remaining Mortgage Loan, which purchase right the Terminating Entity may exercise at its sole and exclusive election as of any Distribution Date (such applicable Distribution Date with respect to such Mortgage Loans being herein referred to as the “Optional Termination Date”) on or after the date on which the aggregate Principal Balance of the Mortgage Loans, at the time of the purchase is less than or equal to 10% of the Aggregate Stated Principal Balance as of the Cut-off Date; or
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

84


 

     (iii) the purchase by the Terminating Auction Purchaser of all Mortgage Loans and all property acquired in respect of any remaining Mortgage Loan (the “Trust Collateral”) as described below.
     The “Mortgage Loan Purchase Price” for any such Optional Termination shall be equal to the greater of (a) the sum of (i) 100% of the Stated Principal Balance of each Mortgage Loan (other than in respect of REO Property) plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon from the date to which such interest was paid or advanced at the applicable Mortgage Rate, to but not including the Due Date in the month of the final Distribution Date and (ii) with respect to any REO Property, the lesser of (x) the appraised value of any REO Property as determined by the higher of two appraisals completed by two independent appraisers selected by the Depositor at the expense of the Depositor and (y) the Stated Principal Balance of each related Mortgage Loan related to any REO Property, in each case and (iii) any remaining unreimbursed Monthly Advances, Servicer Advances and unpaid Servicing Fees (other than any remaining unreimbursed Monthly Advances and Servicer Advances and unpaid Servicing Fees, if any, due to the Terminating Entity) and other amounts payable to the Trustee and Trust Administrator (the sum of (i), (ii) and (iii), collectively, the “Par Value”) and (b) the Fair Market Value of all of the property of the Trust subject to such Optional Termination.
     The “Fair Market Value” shall be the fair market value of all of the property of the Trust subject to an Optional Termination, as agreed upon between the Terminating Entity and a majority of the holders of the Class AR-L Certificates; provided, however, that if the Terminating Entity and a majority of the holders of the Class AR-L Certificates do not agree upon the fair market value of such property of the Trust, the Terminating Entity, or (subject to the approval of the majority of the holders of the Class AR-L Certificates of such appointment, an agent appointed by the Terminating Entity and approved by the majority of the holders of the Class AR-L Certificates) shall solicit bids for such property of the Trust until it has received three bids, and the Fair Market Value shall be equal to the highest of such three bids. The Trust Administrator shall give notice to the Rating Agencies of any election to purchase Mortgage Loans pursuant to this Section and of the applicable Optional Termination Date.
          (d) On any Distribution Date on or after the date on which the aggregate Principal Balance of the Mortgage Loans is less than 5% of the Aggregate Stated Principal Balance as of the Cut-off Date (a “Terminating Auction Date”), the Trust Administrator shall solicit bids for the related Trust Collateral from at least three institutions that are regular purchasers and/or sellers in the secondary market of residential whole mortgage loans similar to the Mortgage Loans. If the Trust Administrator receives at least three bids for the related Trust Collateral, and one of such bids is equal to or greater than the Par Value, the Trust Administrator shall sell the related Trust Collateral to the highest bidder (a “Terminating Auction Purchaser”) at the price offered by the Terminating Auction Purchaser (a “Mortgage Loan Terminating Auction Price”). If the Trust Administrator receives less than three bids, or does not receive any bid that is equal to or greater than the Par Value, the Trust Administrator shall, on each six-month anniversary of the initial Terminating Auction Date, repeat these auction procedures until the Trust Administrator receives a bid that is equal to or greater than the Par Value, and upon receipt of such bid shall sell the related Trust Collateral to the Terminating Auction Purchaser at that Mortgage Loan Terminating Auction Price; provided, however, that the Trust
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

85


 

Administrator shall not be required to repeat these auction procedures on any Distribution Date for any six-month anniversary of the initial Terminating Auction Date unless the Trust Administrator reasonably believes that there is a reasonable likelihood of receiving a bid in excess of the Par Value. The Trust Administrator shall give notice to the Rating Agencies and each Servicer that is servicing any of the related Mortgage Loans of the sale of the related Trust Collateral pursuant to this Section 7.01 (a “Terminating Auction Sale”) and of the Terminating Auction Date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Terminating Auction Purchaser shall not be the Depositor, the Seller, the Underwriter or any of their respective Affiliates.
     Section 7.02. Procedure Upon Termination of Trust Fund.
     (a) In case of any Optional Termination, the Terminating Entity shall, no later than ten (10) days prior to the first day of the Optional Termination Notice Period, notify the Trustee and Trust Administrator of such Optional Termination Date and of the applicable purchase price of the Mortgage Loans to be purchased. Upon purchase by the Terminating Entity of any Mortgage Loans pursuant to Section 7.01, the Trust Administrator shall notify each Servicer that is servicing any of such Mortgage Loans of such purchase.
     (c) Any purchase of the Mortgage Loans by the Terminating Entity shall be made on an Optional Termination Date by deposit of the applicable purchase price into the Certificate Distribution Account, as applicable, before the Distribution Date on which such purchase is effected. Upon receipt by the Trust Administrator of an Officer’s Certificate of the Terminating Entity certifying as to the deposit of such purchase price into the Certificate Distribution Account, the Trustee, the Trust Administrator and each co-trust administrator and separate trust administrator, if any, then acting as such under this Agreement, shall, upon request and at the expense of the Terminating Entity execute and deliver all such instruments of transfer or assignment, in each case without recourse, as shall be reasonably requested by the Terminating Entity to vest title in the Terminating Entity in the Mortgage Loans so purchased and shall transfer or deliver to the Terminating Entity the purchased Mortgage Loans. Any distributions on the Mortgage Loans which have been subject to an Optional Termination received by the Trust Administrator subsequent to (or with respect to any period subsequent to) the Optional Termination Date shall be promptly remitted by it to the Terminating Entity.
     (d) Any purchase of the Trust Collateral by the related Terminating Auction Purchaser shall be made on an Terminating Auction Date by receipt of the Trust Administrator of the related Mortgage Loan Terminating Auction Price from the Terminating Auction Purchaser, and deposit of such Mortgage Loan Terminating Auction Price into the Certificate Distribution Account by the Trust Administrator before the Distribution Date on which such purchase is effected. Upon deposit of such purchase price into the Certificate Distribution Account, the Trustee and the Trust Administrator and each co-trust administrator and separate trust administrator, if any, then acting as such under this Agreement, shall, upon request and at the expense of the Terminating Auction Purchaser execute and deliver all such instruments of transfer or assignment, in each case without recourse, as shall be reasonably requested by the Terminating Auction Purchaser to vest title in the Terminating Auction Purchaser in the Trust
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

86


 

Collateral so purchased and shall transfer or deliver to the Terminating Auction Purchaser the purchased Trust Collateral.
     (e) Notice of the Distribution Date on which the Trust Administrator anticipates that the final distribution shall be made on a Class of Certificates (whether upon Optional Termination, Terminating Auction Sale or otherwise), shall be given promptly by the Trust Administrator by first class mail to Holders of the affected Certificates. Such notice shall be mailed no earlier than the 15th day and not later than the 10th day preceding the applicable Optional Termination Date, Terminating Auction Date or date of final distribution, as the case may be. Such notice shall specify (i) the Distribution Date upon which final distribution on the affected Certificates will be made upon presentation and surrender of such Certificates at the office or agency therein designated, (ii) the amount of such final distribution and (iii) that the Record Date otherwise applicable to such Distribution Date is not applicable, such distribution being made only upon presentation and surrender of such Certificates at the office or agency maintained for such purposes (the address of which shall be set forth in such notice).
     (f) In the event that any Certificateholders shall not surrender Certificates for cancellation within six months after the date specified in the above mentioned written notice, the Trust Administrator shall give a second written notice to the remaining such Certificateholders to surrender their Certificates for cancellation and receive the final distribution with respect thereto. If within six months after the second notice all the Certificates shall not have been surrendered for cancellation, the Trust Administrator may take appropriate steps, or may appoint an agent to take appropriate steps, to contact the remaining Certificateholders concerning surrender of their Certificates, and the cost thereof shall be paid out of the funds and other assets which remain subject to the Trust Fund.
     Section 7.03. Additional REMIC Related Termination Requirements.
          (a) Any termination of a REMIC shall be effected in accordance with the following additional requirements, unless the Master Servicer delivers to the Trustee and the Trust Administrator an Opinion of Counsel addressed to the Trustee and the Trust Administrator to the effect that the failure of the Trust Fund to comply with the requirements of this Section 7.03 will not result in an Adverse REMIC Event:
               (i) Within 89 days prior to the date of the making of the final payment (or credit of funds with respect thereto) on the Certificates related to such REMIC, upon notification by the Master Servicer that it intends to exercise its option to cause the termination of the REMIC or REMICs, the Trustee shall adopt a plan of complete liquidation of the related REMIC or REMICs, meeting the requirements of a qualified liquidation under the REMIC Provisions;
               (ii) Any sale of the assets of the Trust Fund pursuant to Section 7.01 shall be a sale for cash and shall occur on or after the date of adoption of such a plan of complete liquidation and prior to the 89th day after such date;
               (iii) On the date specified for final payment of the Certificates related to such REMIC, the Trust Administrator shall make final distributions of principal and interest
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

87


 

on the Certificates in accordance with Section 5.02 and, after payment of, or provision for any outstanding expenses, distribute or credit, or cause to be distributed or credited, to the Holders of the Residual Certificates related to such REMIC all cash on hand after such final payment (other than cash retained to meet claims), and such REMIC shall terminate at that time; and
               (iv) In no event may the final payment on the Certificates related to such REMIC or the final distribution or credit to the Holders of the Residual Certificates related to such REMIC be made after the 89th day from the date on which the plan of complete liquidation for such REMIC or REMICs is adopted.
          (b) By its acceptance of a Residual Certificate, each Holder thereof hereby agrees to accept the plan of complete liquidation adopted by the Trustee under this Section and to take such other action in connection therewith as may be reasonably requested by the Trust Administrator or any Servicer.
ARTICLE VIII.
RIGHTS OF CERTIFICATEHOLDERS
     Section 8.01. Limitation on Rights of Holders.
          (a) The death or incapacity of any Certificateholder shall not operate to terminate this Agreement or this Trust Fund, nor entitle such Certificateholder’s legal representatives or heirs to claim an accounting or take any action or proceeding in any court for a partition or winding up of this Trust Fund, nor otherwise affect the rights, obligations and liabilities of the parties hereto or any of them. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, no Certificateholder, solely by virtue of its status as a Certificateholder, shall have any right to vote or in any manner otherwise control the Master Servicer or the operation and management of the Trust Fund, or the obligations of the parties hereto, nor shall anything herein set forth, or contained in the terms of the Certificates, be construed so as to constitute the Certificateholders from time to time as partners or members of an association, nor shall any Certificateholder be under any liability to any third person by reason of any action taken by the parties to this Agreement pursuant to any provision hereof.
          (b) No Certificateholder, solely by virtue of its status as Certificateholder, shall have any right by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Agreement to institute any suit, action or proceeding in equity or at law upon or under or with respect to this Agreement, unless such Holder previously shall have given to the Trustee a written notice of an Event of Default and of the continuance thereof, as hereinbefore provided, and unless also the Holders of Certificates evidencing not less than 25% of the Class Principal Amount or Class Notional Amount (or Percentage Interest) of Certificates of each Class affected thereby shall have made written request upon the Trustee to institute such action, suit or proceeding in its own name as Trustee hereunder and shall have offered to the Trustee such reasonable indemnity as it may require against the cost, expenses and liabilities to be incurred therein or thereby, and the Trustee, for sixty days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity, shall have neglected or refused to institute any such action, suit or proceeding and no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given such Trustee during such sixty-day period by such
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

88


 

Certificateholders; it being understood and intended, and being expressly covenanted by each Certificateholder with every other Certificateholder, the Trust Administrator and the Trustee, that no one or more Holders of Certificates shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Agreement to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of the Holders of any other of such Certificates, or to obtain or seek to obtain priority over or preference to any other such Holder, or to enforce any right under this Agreement, except in the manner herein provided and for the benefit of all Certificateholders. For the protection and enforcement of the provisions of this Section, each and every Certificateholder and the Trustee shall be entitled to such relief as can be given either at law or in equity.
     Section 8.02. Access to List of Holders.
          (a) If the Trustee is not acting as Certificate Registrar, the Certificate Registrar will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee, within fifteen days after receipt by the Certificate Registrar of a request by the Trustee in writing, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Certificateholders of each Class as of the most recent Record Date.
          (b) If three or more Holders or Certificate Owners (hereinafter referred to as “Applicants”) apply in writing to the Certificate Registrar, and such application states that the Applicants desire to communicate with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Agreement or under the Certificates and is accompanied by a copy of the communication which such Applicants propose to transmit, then the Certificate Registrar shall, within five Business Days after the receipt of such application, afford such Applicants reasonable access during the normal business hours of the Certificate Registrar to the most recent list of Certificateholders held by the Certificate Registrar or shall, as an alternative, send, at the Applicants’ expense, the written communication proffered by the Applicants to all Certificateholders at their addresses as they appear in the Certificate Register.
          (c) Every Holder or Certificate Owner, if the Holder is a Clearing Agency, by receiving and holding a Certificate, agrees with the Depositor, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator, the Certificate Registrar and the Trustee that neither the Depositor, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator, the Certificate Registrar nor the Trustee shall be held accountable by reason of the disclosure of any such information as to the names and addresses of the Certificateholders hereunder, regardless of the source from which such information was derived.
     Section 8.03. Acts of Holders of Certificates.
          (a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Agreement to be given or taken by Holders or Certificate Owners, if the Holder is a Clearing Agency, may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by agent duly appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee and the Trust Administrator and, where expressly required herein, to the Master Servicer. Such instrument or instruments (as the action embodies therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

89


 

referred to as an “Act” of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agents shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Agreement and conclusive in favor of the Trustee, the Trust Administrator and the Master Servicer, if made in the manner provided in this Section. Each of the Trustee, the Trust Administrator and the Master Servicer shall promptly notify the others of receipt of any such instrument by it, and shall promptly forward a copy of such instrument to the others.
          (b) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by the certificate of any notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments or deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Whenever such execution is by an officer of a corporation or a member of a partnership on behalf of such corporation or partnership, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of his authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the individual executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient.
          (c) The ownership of Certificates (whether or not such Certificates shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing thereon made by anyone other than the Trustee) shall be proved by the Certificate Register, and neither the Trustee, the Trust Administrator, the Master Servicer, nor the Depositor shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.
          (d) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action by the Holder of any Certificate shall bind every future Holder of the same Certificate and the Holder of every Certificate issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof, in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee, the Trust Administrator or the Master Servicer in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Certificate.
ARTICLE IX.
ADMINISTRATION AND SERVICING OF MORTGAGE LOANS
BY THE MASTER SERVICER
    Section 9.01. Duties of the Master Servicer; Enforcement of Servicer’s and Master Servicer’s Obligations.
          (a) The Master Servicer, on behalf of the Trust Fund, the Depositor and the Certificateholders shall, from and after the Closing Date, monitor the performance of the Servicers under the Servicing Agreements, and shall use its reasonable good faith efforts to cause the Servicers duly and punctually to perform all of their duties and obligations thereunder. Upon the occurrence of a default of which an Authorized Officer of the Master Servicer has actual knowledge under a Servicing Agreement, the Master Servicer shall promptly notify the Trustee and the Trust Administrator thereof, and shall specify in such notice the action, if any, the Master Servicer is taking in respect of such default. So long as any such default shall be continuing, the
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

90


 

Master Servicer may, and shall if it determines such action to be in the best interests of Certificateholders, (i) terminate all of the rights and powers of such Servicer pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Servicing Agreement; (ii) exercise any rights it may have to enforce the Servicing Agreement against such Servicer; and/or (iii) waive any such default under the Servicing Agreement or take any other action with respect to such default as is permitted thereunder. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement or any Servicing Agreement to the contrary, the Master Servicer shall have no duty or obligation to supervise, monitor or oversee the activities of, or to enforce the obligations of, (i) any Servicer under its Servicing Agreement with respect to any Additional Collateral or any Limited Purpose Surety Bond relating thereto, including, without limitation, the collection of any amounts owing to the Trust Fund in respect thereof (unless and until the Master Servicer shall have assumed the obligations of such Servicer as successor servicer under the related Servicing Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.01, in which case, as successor servicer, it shall be bound to serve and administer the Additional Collateral and any related Limited Purpose Surety Bond in accordance with the provisions of such Servicing Agreement) or (ii) any Servicer under its Servicing Agreement with respect to the servicing or administration of defaulted or delinquent Mortgage Loans and the management and disposition of any REO Properties or for any actions of the Trustee or the Seller in connection therewith.
          (b) Upon any termination by the Master Servicer of a Servicer’s rights and powers pursuant to its Servicing Agreement, the rights and powers of the Servicer with respect to the Mortgage Loans shall vest in the Master Servicer and the Master Servicer shall be the successor in all respects to such Servicer in its capacity as Servicer with respect to such Mortgage Loans under the related Servicing Agreement, unless or until the Master Servicer shall have appointed, with the consent of the Trustee and the Rating Agencies, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Servicing Agreement, a new Fannie Mae- or FHLMC-approved Person that is a member in good standing of MERS to serve as successor to the Servicer; provided, however, that no Trustee consent or Rating Agency approval shall be required if the successor servicer is a Person that was a Servicer on the Closing Date; provided, further, that it is understood and agreed by the parties hereto that there will be a period of transition (not to exceed 90 days) before the actual servicing functions can be fully transferred to a successor servicer (including the Master Servicer). With such consent, the Master Servicer may elect to continue to serve as successor servicer under the Servicing Agreement. Upon appointment of a successor servicer, as authorized under this Section 9.01(b), unless the successor servicer shall have assumed the obligation of the terminated Servicer under such Servicing Agreement, the Master Servicer, the Trustee and such successor servicer shall enter into a servicing agreement in a form substantially similar to the affected Servicing Agreement. In connection with any such appointment, the Master Servicer may make such arrangements for the compensation of such successor as it and such successor shall agree, but in no event shall such compensation of any successor servicer (including the Master Servicer) be in excess of that payable to the Servicer under the affected Servicing Agreement.
     The Master Servicer shall pay the costs of such enforcement (including the termination of any Servicer, the appointment of a successor servicer or the transfer and assumption of the servicing by the Master Servicer) at its own expense and shall be reimbursed therefor initially (i) by the terminated Servicer, (ii) from a general recovery resulting from such enforcement only to
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

91


 

the extent, if any, that such recovery exceeds all amounts due in respect of the related Mortgage Loans, (iii) from a specific recovery of costs, expenses or attorney’s fees against the party against whom such enforcement is directed, or (iv) to the extent that such amounts described in (i)-(iii) above are insufficient to reimburse the Master Servicer for such costs of enforcement, from the Trust Fund, as provided in Section 9.04.
     If the Master Servicer assumes the servicing with respect to any of the Mortgage Loans, it will not assume liability for the representations and warranties of any Servicer it replaces or for the errors or omissions of such Servicer.
          (c) Upon any termination of a Servicer’s rights and powers pursuant to its Servicing Agreement, the Master Servicer shall promptly notify the Trustee, the Trust Administrator and the Rating Agencies, specifying in such notice that the Master Servicer or any successor servicer, as the case may be, has succeeded the Servicer under the Servicing Agreement, which notice shall also specify the name and address of any such successor servicer.
          (d) Unless otherwise specified herein, the provisions of Section 9.01(b) (relating to the Fannie Mae- and Freddie Mac- approval and MERS membership of any successor servicer, the form of any servicing agreement to be entered into by such successor servicer and the amount of compensation payable thereunder) and the provisions of Section 9.01(c) (relating to notices to the Trustee, the Trust Administrator and the Rating Agencies) shall apply to any proposed transfer or assignment by the Seller of its rights under any Servicing Agreement or of the servicing thereunder or delegation of its rights or duties thereunder or any portion thereof to any other Person other than the initial Servicer under such Servicing Agreement; provided that the Seller shall not be required to provide prior notice to anyone other than the Master Servicer of any transfer of servicing that occurs within four months following the Closing Date to an entity that is a Servicer on the Closing Date. In addition, neither the Depositor nor the Trustee shall consent to the assignment by any Servicer of such Servicer’s rights and obligations under the Servicing Agreement to a successor servicer other than a Person that was a Servicer on the Closing Date without the prior written consent of the Master Servicer, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
     In connection with any transfer of servicing, the Seller shall, at its cost and expense, take such steps, or cause the terminated Servicer to take such steps, as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate and evidence the transfer of the servicing of the Mortgage Loans to such successor servicer, including, but not limited to, the following: (A) to the extent required by the terms of the Mortgage Loans and by applicable federal and state laws and regulations, the Seller shall cause the prior Servicer to timely mail to each obligor under a Mortgage Loan any required notices or disclosures describing the transfer of servicing of the Mortgage Loans to the successor servicer; (B) prior to the effective date of such transfer of servicing, the Seller shall cause the prior Servicer to transmit to any related insurer notification of such transfer of servicing; (C) on or prior to the effective date of such transfer of servicing, the Seller shall cause the prior Servicer to deliver to the successor servicer all Mortgage Documents and any related records or materials; (D) on or prior to the effective date of such transfer of servicing, the Seller shall cause the prior Servicer to transfer to the successor servicer all funds held by the prior Servicer in respect of the Mortgage Loans; (E) on or prior to the effective date of such transfer of
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

92


 

servicing, the Seller shall cause the prior Servicer to, after the effective date of the transfer of servicing to the successor servicer, continue to forward to such successor servicer, within one Business Day of receipt, the amount of any payments or other recoveries received by the prior Servicer, and to notify the successor servicer of the source and proper application of each such payment or recovery; and (F) the Seller shall cause the prior Servicer to, after the effective date of transfer of servicing to the successor servicer, continue to cooperate with the successor servicer to facilitate such transfer in such manner and to such extent as the successor servicer may reasonably request. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the prior Servicer shall be obligated to perform the items listed above to the extent provided in the Servicing Agreement.
     Section 9.02. Assumption of Master Servicing by Trustee.
          (a) In the event the Master Servicer shall for any reason no longer be the Master Servicer (including by reason of any Event of Default under this Agreement), the Trustee shall, subject to the provisions of Sections 6.14(b) and (c) hereof, thereupon assume all of the rights and obligations of such Master Servicer hereunder and under each Servicing Agreement entered into with respect to the Mortgage Loans or shall appoint as successor master servicer a Fannie-Mae or FHLMC-approved servicer that is acceptable to the Depositor and the Rating Agencies. The Trustee, its designee or any successor master servicer appointed by the Trustee shall be deemed to have assumed all of the Master Servicer’s interest herein and therein to the same extent as if such Servicing Agreement had been assigned to the assuming party, except that the Master Servicer shall not thereby be relieved of any liability or obligations of the Master Servicer under such Servicing Agreement accruing prior to its replacement as Master Servicer, and shall be liable to the Trustee, and hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Trustee from and against all costs, damages, expenses and liabilities (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Trustee as a result of such liability or obligations of the Master Servicer and in connection with the Trustee’s assumption (but not its performance, except to the extent that costs or liability of the Trustee are created or increased as a result of negligent or wrongful acts or omissions of the Master Servicer prior to its replacement as Master Servicer) of the Master Servicer’s obligations, duties or responsibilities thereunder.
          (b) The Master Servicer that has been terminated shall, upon request of the Trustee but at the expense of such Master Servicer, deliver to the assuming party all documents and records relating to each Servicing Agreement and the related Mortgage Loans and an accounting of amounts collected and held by it and otherwise use its best efforts to effect the orderly and efficient transfer of each Servicing Agreement to the assuming party.
     Section 9.03. Representations and Warranties of the Master Servicer.
          (a) The Master Servicer hereby represents and warrants to the Depositor, the Trust Administrator and the Trustee, for the benefit of the Certificateholders, as of the Closing Date that:
               (i) it is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the United States of America as a national banking association, and as Master Servicer has full power and authority to transact any and all business contemplated by this Agreement and to execute, deliver and comply with its obligations under the terms of this Agreement, the
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

93


 

execution, delivery and performance of which have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Master Servicer;
               (ii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Master Servicer and its performance and compliance with the terms of this Agreement will not (A) violate the Master Servicer’s charter or bylaws, (B) violate any law or regulation or any administrative decree or order to which it is subject or (C) constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in the breach of, any material contract, agreement or other instrument to which the Master Servicer is a party or by which it is bound or to which any of its assets are subject, which violation, default or breach would materially and adversely affect the Master Servicer’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement;
               (iii) this Agreement constitutes, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the other respective parties hereto, a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Master Servicer, enforceable against it in accordance with the terms hereof, except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights in general, and by general equity principles (regardless of whether such enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law);
               (iv) the Master Servicer is not in default with respect to any order or decree of any court or any order or regulation of any federal, state, municipal or governmental agency to the extent that any such default would materially and adversely affect its performance hereunder;
               (v) the Master Servicer is not a party to or bound by any agreement or instrument or subject to any charter provision, bylaw or any other corporate restriction or any judgment, order, writ, injunction, decree, law or regulation that may materially and adversely affect its ability as Master Servicer to perform its obligations under this Agreement or that requires the consent of any third person to the execution of this Agreement or the performance by the Master Servicer of its obligations under this Agreement;
               (vi) no litigation is pending or, to the best of the Master Servicer’s knowledge, threatened against the Master Servicer which would prohibit its entering into this Agreement or performing its obligations under this Agreement;
               (vii) the Master Servicer, or an affiliate thereof the primary business of which is the servicing of conventional residential mortgage loans, is a Fannie Mae- or FHLMC-approved seller/servicer;
               (viii) no consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental agency or body is required for the execution, delivery and performance by the Master Servicer of or compliance by the Master Servicer with this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for such consents, approvals, authorizations and orders (if any) as have been obtained; and
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

94


 

               (ix) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are in the ordinary course of business of the Master Servicer;
          (b) It is understood and agreed that the representations and warranties set forth in this Section shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement. In addition to any indemnity required pursuant to Section 11.22 hereof, the Master Servicer shall indemnify the Depositor, the Trust Administrator and the Trustee and hold them harmless against any loss, damages, penalties, fines, forfeitures, legal fees and related costs, judgments, and other costs and expenses resulting from any claim, demand, defense or assertion based on or grounded upon, or resulting from, a material breach of the Master Servicer’s representations and warranties contained in Section 9.03(a) or any failure by the Master Servicer to deliver any information, report, certification, accountants’ letter or other material when and as required under this Agreement, including any report under Section 9.01(e) or any failure by the Master Servicer to identify pursuant to Section 9.01(g) any Subcontractor for the Master Servicer. It is understood and agreed that the enforcement of the obligation of the Master Servicer set forth in this Section to indemnify the Depositor, the Trust Administrator and the Trustee as provided in this Section constitutes the sole remedy (other than as set forth in Section 6.14) of the Depositor, the Trust Administrator and the Trustee, respecting a breach of the foregoing representations and warranties. Such indemnification shall survive any termination of the Master Servicer as Master Servicer hereunder, and any termination of this Agreement.
     Any cause of action against the Master Servicer relating to or arising out of the breach of any representations and warranties made in this Section shall accrue upon discovery of such breach by either the Depositor, the Master Servicer or the Trustee or notice thereof by any one of such parties to the other parties.
     Section 9.04. Compensation to the Master Servicer.
     The Master Servicer shall be entitled to be paid by the Trust Fund, and either retain or withdraw from the Certificate Distribution Account, (i) its Master Servicing Fee with respect to each Distribution Date, (ii) amounts necessary to reimburse itself for any previously unreimbursed Monthly Advances, Servicer Advances and Nonrecoverable Advances in accordance with the definition of “Available Funds” and (iii) amounts representing assumption fees, late payment charges or other ancillary income not included in the definition of “Available Funds” and which are not required to be remitted by the Servicers to the Trust Administrator or deposited by the Trust Administrator into the Certificate Distribution Account. The Master Servicer shall be required to pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities hereunder and shall not be entitled to reimbursement therefor except as provided in this Agreement.
     In addition, Depositor agrees, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Master Servicer, upon its request, for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Master Servicer in connection with the performance of its duties hereunder (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), to the extent not otherwise reimbursed pursuant to this Agreement,
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

95


 

except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence.
     Section 9.05. Merger or Consolidation.
     Any Person into which the Master Servicer may be merged or consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, conversion, other change in form or consolidation to which the Master Servicer shall be a party, or any Person succeeding to the business of the Master Servicer, shall be the successor to the Master Servicer hereunder, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding; provided, however, that the successor or resulting Person to the Master Servicer or its Affiliate whose primary business is the servicing of conventional residential mortgage loans shall be a Person that shall be qualified and approved to service mortgage loans for Fannie Mae or FHLMC and shall have a net worth of not less than $15,000,000.
     Section 9.06. Resignation of Master Servicer.
     Except as otherwise provided in Sections 9.05 and 9.07 hereof, the Master Servicer shall not resign from the obligations and duties hereby imposed on it unless the Master Servicer’s duties hereunder are no longer permissible under applicable law or are in material conflict by reason of applicable law with any other activities carried on by it and cannot be cured. Any such determination permitting the resignation of the Master Servicer shall be evidenced by an Opinion of Counsel that shall be Independent to such effect delivered to the Trustee. No such resignation shall become effective until the Trustee shall have assumed, in accordance with Sections 6.14(b) and (c) hereof, or a successor master servicer shall have been appointed by the Trustee and until such successor shall have assumed, the Master Servicer’s responsibilities and obligations under this Agreement. Notice of such resignation shall be given promptly by the Master Servicer and the Depositor to the Trustee.
     If, at any time, the Master Servicer resigns under this Section 9.06, or transfers or assigns its rights and obligations under Section 9.07, or is removed as Master Servicer pursuant to Section 6.14, then at such time as Wells Fargo Bank, National Association also shall resign (and shall be entitled to resign) as Trust Administrator, Paying Agent, Authenticating Agent and Certificate Registrar under this Agreement. In such event, the obligations of each such party shall be assumed by the Trustee or such successor master servicer appointed by the Trustee (subject to the provisions of Section 9.02(a)).
     Section 9.07. Assignment or Delegation of Duties by the Master Servicer.
     Except as expressly provided herein, the Master Servicer shall not assign or transfer any of its rights, benefits or privileges hereunder to any other Person, or delegate to or subcontract with, or authorize or appoint any other Person to perform any of the duties, covenants or obligations to be performed by the Master Servicer hereunder; provided, however, that the Master Servicer shall have the right with the prior written consent of the Trustee and the Depositor (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), and upon delivery to the Trustee, the Trust Administrator and the Depositor of a letter from each Rating Agency to the effect that such action shall not result in a downgrading of the Certificates, to delegate or assign to or
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

96


 

subcontract with or authorize or appoint any qualified Person to perform and carry out any duties, covenants or obligations to be performed and carried out by the Master Servicer hereunder. Notice of such permitted assignment shall be given promptly by the Master Servicer to the Depositor, the Trust Administrator and the Trustee. If, pursuant to any provision hereof, the duties of the Master Servicer are transferred to a successor master servicer, the entire amount of the Master Servicing Fees and other compensation payable to the Master Servicer pursuant hereto shall thereafter be payable to such successor master servicer. Such successor master servicer shall also pay the fees of the Trustee and the Trust Administrator, as provided herein.
     Section 9.08. Limitation on Liability of the Master Servicer and Others.
     Neither the Master Servicer nor any of the directors, officers, employees or agents of the Master Servicer shall be under any liability to the Trustee, the Trust Administrator or the Certificateholders for any action taken or for refraining from the taking of any action in good faith pursuant to this Agreement, or for errors in judgment; provided, however, that this provision shall not protect the Master Servicer or any such person against any liability that would otherwise be imposed by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in its performance of its duties or by reason of reckless disregard for its obligations and duties under this Agreement. The Master Servicer and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Master Servicer may rely in good faith on any document of any kind prima facie properly executed and submitted by any Person respecting any matters arising hereunder. The Master Servicer shall be under no obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any legal action that is not incidental to its duties to master service the Mortgage Loans in accordance with this Agreement and that in its opinion may involve it in any expenses or liability; provided, however, that the Master Servicer may in its sole discretion undertake any such action that it may deem necessary or desirable in respect to this Agreement and the rights and duties of the parties hereto and the interests of the Certificateholders hereunder. In such event, the legal expenses and costs of such action and any liability resulting therefrom shall be expenses, costs and liabilities of the Trust Fund and the Master Servicer shall be entitled to be reimbursed therefor out of the Certificate Distribution Account.
     The Master Servicer shall not be liable for any acts or omissions of any Servicer except to the extent that damages or expenses are incurred as a result of such act or omissions and such damages and expenses would not have been incurred but for the negligence, willful misfeasance, bad faith or recklessness of the Master Servicer in supervising, monitoring and overseeing the obligations of the Servicers in this Agreement.
     Section 9.09. Indemnification; Third-Party Claims.
     In addition to any indemnity required pursuant to Section 11.22 hereof, the Master Servicer agrees to indemnify the Depositor, the Trust Administrator and the Trustee, and hold them harmless against any and all claims, losses, penalties, fines, forfeitures, legal fees and related costs, judgments, and any other costs, liability, fees and expenses that the Depositor, the Trust Administrator or the Trustee may sustain as a result of the Master Servicer’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of its duties hereunder or by reason of its reckless disregard for its obligations and duties under this Agreement. The Depositor, the
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

97


 

Trust Administrator and the Trustee shall immediately notify the Master Servicer if a claim is made by a third party with respect to this Agreement or the Mortgage Loans entitling the Depositor, the Trust Administrator or the Trustee to indemnification under this Section 9.09, whereupon the Master Servicer shall assume the defense of any such claim and pay all expenses in connection therewith, including counsel fees, and promptly pay, discharge and satisfy any judgment or decree which may be entered against it or them in respect of such claim.
     Section 9.10. Master Servicer Fidelity Bond and Master Servicer Errors and Omissions Insurance Policy.
     The Master Servicer, at its expense, shall maintain in effect a blanket fidelity bond and an errors and omissions insurance policy, affording coverage with respect to all directors, officers, employees and other Persons acting on such Master Servicer’s behalf, and covering errors and omissions in the performance of the Master Servicer’s obligations hereunder. The errors and omissions insurance policy and the fidelity bond shall be in such form and amount generally acceptable for entities serving as master servicers or trustees.
     Section 9.11. Master Servicer Annual Compliance Statement.
     The Master Servicer shall deliver (and the Master Servicer shall cause any Servicing Function Participant engaged by it to deliver) to the Depositor and the Trust Administrator on or before March 10 (with a 5 calendar day cure period) of each year, commencing in March 2007, an Officer’s Certificate stating, as to the signer thereof, that (A) a review of such party’s activities during the preceding calendar year or portion thereof and of such party’s performance under this Agreement, or such other applicable agreement in the case of a Servicing Function Participant, has been made under such officer’s supervision and (B) to the best of such officer’s knowledge, based on such review, such party has fulfilled all its obligations under this Agreement, or such other applicable agreement in the case of a Servicing Function Participant, in all material respects throughout such year or portion thereof, or, if there has been a failure to fulfill any such obligation in any material respect, specifying each such failure known to such officer and the nature and status thereof. Promptly after receipt of each such Officer’s Certificate, the Depositor shall review such Officer’s Certificate and, if applicable, consult with each such party, as applicable, as to the nature of any failures by such party, in the fulfillment of any of such party’s obligations hereunder or, in the case of a Servicing Function Participant, under such other applicable agreement.
     Section 9.12. Master Servicer Assessments of Compliance and Attestation Reports.
          (a) By March 10 (with a 5 calendar day cure period) of each year, commencing in March 2007, the Master Servicer, at its own expense, shall furnish, and shall cause any Servicing Function Participant engaged by it to furnish, each at its own expense, to the Trust Administrator and the Depositor, a report on an assessment of compliance with the Relevant Servicing Criteria that contains (A) a statement by such party of its responsibility for assessing compliance with the Relevant Servicing Criteria, (B) a statement that such party used the Servicing Criteria to assess compliance with the Relevant Servicing Criteria, (C) such party’s assessment of compliance with the Relevant Servicing Criteria as of and for the fiscal year covered by the Form 10-K required to be filed pursuant to Section 6.21(b), including, if there has
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

98


 

been any material instance of noncompliance with the Relevant Servicing Criteria, a discussion of each such failure and the nature and status thereof, and (D) a statement that a registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on such party’s assessment of compliance with the Relevant Servicing Criteria as of and for such period.
     The Master Servicer shall enforce the obligation of the Servicers, to the extent set forth in the related Servicing Agreement, to deliver to the Master Servicer an annual report on assessment of compliance as may be required pursuant to the related Servicing Agreement. The Master Servicing shall include such annual report on assessment of compliance with its own assessment of compliance to be submitted to the Trust Administrator and the Depositor pursuant to this Section.
          (b) No later than the end of each fiscal year for the Trust Fund for which a 10-K is required to be filed, the Master Servicer shall forward to the Trust Administrator the name of each Servicing Function Participant engaged by it and what Relevant Servicing Criteria will be addressed in the report on assessment of compliance prepared by such Servicing Function Participant. When the Master Servicer submits its assessments (and the assessments of any Servicing Function Participant engaged by them) to the Trust Administrator, such parties will also at such time include the assessment (and attestation pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section) of each Servicing Function Participant engaged by it.
          (c) By March 10 (with a 5 calendar day cure period) of each year, commencing in March 2007, the Master Servicer, at its own expense, shall cause, and shall cause any Servicing Function Participant engaged by it to cause, each at its own expense, a registered public accounting firm (which may also render other services to the Master Service or such other Servicing Function Participants, as the case may be) and that is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants to furnish a report to the Trust Administrator and the Depositor, to the effect that (i) it has obtained a representation regarding certain matters from the management of such party, which includes an assertion that such party has complied with the Relevant Servicing Criteria, and (ii) on the basis of an examination conducted by such firm in accordance with standards for attestation engagements issued or adopted by the PCAOB, it is expressing an opinion as to whether such party’s compliance with the Relevant Servicing Criteria was fairly stated in all material respects, or it cannot express an overall opinion regarding such party’s assessment of compliance with the Relevant Servicing Criteria. In the event that an overall opinion cannot be expressed, such registered public accounting firm shall state in such report why it was unable to express such an opinion. Such report must be available for general use and not contain restricted use language.
     The Master Servicer shall enforce any obligation of a Servicer, to the extent set forth in the related Servicing Agreement, to deliver to the Master Servicer an accountant’s attestation as may be required pursuant to the related Servicing Agreement. The Master Servicer shall include such attestation with its own accountant’s attestation to be submitted to the Trust Administrator and the Depositor.
          (d) Promptly after receipt of such report on assessment of compliance and accountants’ report, (i) the Depositor shall review such reports and, if applicable, consult with
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

99


 

the Master Servicer and any Servicing Function Participant engaged by the Master Servicer as to the nature of any material instance of noncompliance with the Relevant Servicing Criteria by the Master Servicer, and (ii) the Trust Administrator shall confirm that the assessments, taken as a whole, address all of the Servicing Criteria and taken individually address the Relevant Servicing Criteria for each party as set forth on Exhibit N and on any similar exhibit set forth in each Servicing Agreement in respect of each Servicer, and that each assessment is coupled with an attestation meeting the requirements of this Section and notify the Depositor of any exceptions. The Master Servicer shall not be required to deliver any such assessments or accountants’ reports until April 15 in any given year so long as it has received written confirmation from the Depositor that a Form 10-K is not required to be filed in respect of the Trust Fund for the preceding calendar year.
ARTICLE X.
REMIC ADMINISTRATION
     Section 10.01. REMIC Administration.
          (a) REMIC elections as set forth in the Preliminary Statement to this Agreement shall be made on Forms 1066 or other appropriate federal tax or information return for the taxable year ending on the last day of the calendar year in which the Certificates are issued. The regular interests and residual interest in each REMIC shall be as designated in the Preliminary Statement to this Agreement.
          (b) The Closing Date is hereby designated as the “Startup Day” of each REMIC within the meaning of section 86OG(a)(9) of the Code. The “latest possible maturity date” for purposes of Treasury Regulation 1.86OG-1(a)(4) will be the Latest Possible Maturity Date.
          (c) The Trust Administrator shall represent the Trust Fund in any administrative or judicial proceeding relating to an examination or audit by any governmental taxing authority with respect thereto. The Trust Administrator shall pay any and all tax related expenses (not including taxes) of each REMIC, including but not limited to any professional fees or expenses related to audits or any administrative or judicial proceedings with respect to such REMIC that involve the Internal Revenue Service or state tax authorities, but only to the extent that (i) such expenses are ordinary or routine expenses, including expenses of a routine audit but not expenses of litigation (except as described in (ii)); or (ii) such expenses or liabilities (including taxes and penalties) are attributable to the negligence or willful misconduct of the Trust Administrator in fulfilling its duties hereunder (including its duties as tax return preparer). The Trust Administrator shall be entitled to reimbursement of expenses to the extent provided in clause (i) above from the Certificate Distribution Account, provided, however, the Trust Administrator shall not be entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred in connection with the preparation of tax returns and other reports as required by Section 6.20 and this Section.
          (d) The Trust Administrator shall prepare, and the Trustee shall sign and file, as instructed by the Trust Administrator, all of each REMIC’s federal and appropriate state tax and information returns as such REMIC’s direct representative. The expenses of preparing and
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

100


 

filing such returns shall be borne by the Trust Administrator. In preparing such returns, the Trust Administrator shall, with respect to each REMIC created hereunder other than the Upper-Tier REMIC (each such REMIC, a “Non-Upper-Tier REMIC”): (i) treat the accrual period for interests in such Non-Upper-Tier REMIC as the calendar month; (ii) account for distributions made from such Non-Upper-Tier REMIC as made on the first day of each succeeding calendar month; (iii) account for income under the all-OID method at the Net WAC; (iv) use the aggregation method provided in Treasury Regulation section 1.1275-2(c); and (v) account for income and expenses related to such Non-Upper-Tier REMIC in the manner resulting in the lowest amount of excess inclusion income possible accruing to the Holder of the residual interest in such Non-Upper-Tier REMIC.
          (e) The Trust Administrator or its designee shall perform on behalf of each REMIC all reporting and other tax compliance duties that are the responsibility of such REMIC under the Code, the REMIC Provisions, or other compliance guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service or any state or local taxing authority. Among its other duties, if required by the Code, the REMIC Provisions, or other such guidance, the Trust Administrator shall provide, upon receipt of additional reasonable compensation, (i) to the Treasury or other governmental authority such information as is necessary for the application of any tax relating to the transfer of a Residual Certificate to any disqualified person or organization pursuant to Treasury Regulation 1.860E-2(a)(5) and any person designated in Section 860E(e)(3) of the Code and (ii) to the Certificateholders such information or reports as are required by the Code or REMIC Provisions.
          (f) The Trustee, the Trust Administrator, the Master Servicer and the Holders of Certificates shall take any action or cause any REMIC to take any action necessary to create or maintain the status of any REMIC as a REMIC under the REMIC Provisions and shall assist each other as necessary to create or maintain such status. Neither the Trustee, the Trust Administrator, the Master Servicer nor the Holder of any Residual Certificate shall knowingly take any action, cause any REMIC to take any action or fail to take (or fail to cause to be taken) any action that, under the REMIC Provisions, if taken or not taken, as the case may be, could result in an Adverse REMIC Event unless the Trustee, the Trust Administrator and the Master Servicer have received an Opinion of Counsel (at the expense of the party seeking to take such action or failing to take such action) to the effect that the contemplated action (or inaction, as the case may be) will not endanger such status or result in the imposition of such a tax. In addition, prior to taking any action with respect to any REMIC or the assets therein, or causing any REMIC to take any action, which is not expressly permitted under the terms of this Agreement, any Holder of a Residual Certificate will consult with the Trustee, the Trust Administrator, the Master Servicer or their respective designees, in writing, with respect to whether such action could cause an Adverse REMIC Event to occur with respect to any REMIC, and no such Person shall take any such action or cause any REMIC to take any such action as to which the Trustee, the Trust Administrator or the Master Servicer has advised it in writing that an Adverse REMIC Event could occur; provided, however, that if no Adverse REMIC Event would occur but such action could result in the imposition of additional taxes on the Residual Certificateholders, no such Person shall take any such action, or cause any REMIC to take any such action without the written consent of the Residual Certificateholders.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

101


 

          (g) Each Holder of a Residual Certificate shall pay when due any and all taxes imposed on the related REMIC by federal or state governmental authorities. To the extent that such taxes are not paid by a Residual Certificateholder, the Trust Administrator or the Paying Agent shall pay any remaining REMIC taxes out of current or future amounts otherwise distributable to the Holder of the Residual Certificate in any such REMIC or, if no such amounts are available, out of other amounts held in the Certificate Distribution Account, and shall reduce amounts otherwise payable to holders of regular interests in any such REMIC, as the case may be.
          (h) The Trust Administrator shall, for federal income tax purposes, maintain books and records with respect to each REMIC on a calendar year and on an accrual basis.
          (i) No additional contributions of assets shall be made to any REMIC, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.
          (j) Neither the Trust Administrator nor the Master Servicer shall enter into any arrangement by which any REMIC will receive a fee or other compensation for services.
          (k) [Reserved].
          (l) The Holder of the Class AR-L Certificate shall act as “tax matters person” with respect to the Lower-Tier REMIC and the Upper-Tier REMIC, and shall act as agent for the Holder of the Class AR Certificates. The Trust Administrator shall act as agent for the Holder of each Residual Certificate in such role, unless and until another party is so designated by the Holder of such Residual Certificate.
     Section 10.02. Prohibited Transactions and Activities.
     Neither the Depositor, the Master Servicer nor the Trustee shall sell, dispose of, or substitute for any of the Mortgage Loans, except in a disposition pursuant to (i) the foreclosure of a Mortgage Loan, (ii) the bankruptcy of the Trust Fund, (iii) the termination of each REMIC pursuant to Article VII of this Agreement, (iv) a substitution pursuant to Article II of this Agreement or (v) a repurchase of Mortgage Loans pursuant to Article II of this Agreement, nor acquire any assets for any REMIC, nor sell or dispose of any investments in the Certificate Distribution Account for gain, nor accept any contributions to any REMIC after the Closing Date, unless it has received an Opinion of Counsel (at the expense of the party causing such sale, disposition, or substitution) that such disposition, acquisition, substitution, or acceptance will not result in an Adverse REMIC Event, (b) affect the distribution of interest or principal on the Certificates or (c) result in the encumbrance of the assets transferred or assigned to the Trust Fund (except pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement).
     Section 10.03. Indemnification with Respect to Prohibited Transactions or Loss of REMIC Status.
     Upon the occurrence of an Adverse REMIC Event due to the negligent performance by the Trust Administrator of its duties and obligations set forth herein, the Trust Administrator shall indemnify the Certificateholders of the related Residual Certificate against any and all
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

102


 

losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (“Losses”) resulting from such negligence; provided, however, that the Trust Administrator shall not be liable for any such Losses attributable to the action or inaction of the Depositor, the Trustee or the Holder of the Residual Certificate, nor for any such Losses resulting from misinformation provided by any of the foregoing parties on which the Trust Administrator has relied. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, in no event shall the Trust Administrator have any liability (1) for any action or omission that is taken in accordance with and in compliance with the express terms of, or which is expressly permitted by the terms of, this Agreement or under any Servicing Agreement or under any Acknowledgement, (2) for any Losses other than arising out of malfeasance, willful misconduct or negligent performance by the Trust Administrator of its duties and obligations set forth herein, and (3) for any special or consequential damages to Certificateholders of the related Residual Certificate (in addition to payment of principal and interest on the Certificates).
     Section 10.04. REO Property.
          (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Master Servicer, acting on behalf of the Trust Fund hereunder, shall not, except to the extent provided in the applicable Servicing Agreement, knowingly permit any Servicer to, rent, lease, or otherwise earn income on behalf of any REMIC with respect to any REO Property which might cause an Adverse REMIC Event unless the applicable Servicer has provided to the Trustee and the Trust Administrator an Opinion of Counsel concluding that, under the REMIC Provisions, such action would not adversely affect the status of any REMIC as a REMIC and any income generated for any REMIC by the REO Property would not result in an Adverse REMIC Event.
          (b) The Depositor shall cause the applicable Servicer (to the extent provided in its Servicing Agreement) to make reasonable efforts to sell any REO Property for its fair market value. In any event, however, the Depositor shall, or shall cause the applicable Servicer (to the extent provided in its Servicing Agreement) to, dispose of any REO Property within three years of its acquisition by the Trust Fund unless the Depositor or the applicable Servicer (on behalf of the Trust Fund) has received a grant of extension from the Internal Revenue Service to the effect that, under the REMIC Provisions and any relevant proposed legislation and under applicable state law, the REMIC may hold REO Property for a longer period without causing an Adverse REMIC Event. If such an extension has been received, then the Depositor, acting on behalf of the Trust Fund hereunder, shall, or shall cause the applicable Servicer to, continue to attempt to sell the REO Property for its fair market value for such period longer than three years as such extension permits (the “Extended Period”). If such an extension has not been received and the Depositor or the applicable Servicer, acting on behalf of the Trust Fund hereunder, is unable to sell the REO Property within 33 months after its acquisition by the Trust Fund or if such an extension, has been received and the Depositor or the applicable Servicer is unable to sell the REO Property within the period ending three months before the close of the Extended Period, the Depositor shall cause the applicable Servicer, before the end of the three year period or the Extended Period, as applicable, to (i) purchase such REO Property at a price equal to the REO Property’s fair market value or (ii) auction the REO Property to the highest bidder (which may be the applicable Servicer) in an auction reasonably designed to produce a fair price prior to the expiration of the three-year period or the Extended Period, as the case may be.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

103


 

ARTICLE XI.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
     Section 11.01. Binding Nature of Agreement; Assignment.
     This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
     Section 11.02. Entire Agreement.
     This Agreement contains the entire agreement and understanding among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, inducements and conditions, express or implied, oral or written, of any nature whatsoever with respect to the subject matter hereof. The express terms hereof control and supersede any course of performance and/or usage of the trade inconsistent with any of the terms hereof.
     Section 11.03. Amendment.
          (a) This Agreement may be amended from time to time by the Depositor, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator, and the Trustee, without notice to or the consent of any of the Holders, (i) to cure any ambiguity or mistake, (ii) to cause the provisions herein to conform to or be consistent with or in furtherance of the statements made with respect to the Certificates, the Trust Fund or this Agreement in any Offering Document, or to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be inconsistent with any other provisions herein or with the provisions of any Servicing Agreement, (iii) to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Agreement or (iv) to add, delete, or amend any provisions to the extent necessary or desirable to comply with any requirements imposed by the Code and the REMIC Provisions. No such amendment effected pursuant to the preceding sentence shall, as evidenced by an Opinion of Counsel, result in an Adverse REMIC Event, nor shall such amendment effected pursuant to clause (iii) of such sentence adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any Holder. Prior to entering into any amendment without the consent of Holders pursuant to this paragraph, the Trustee shall be provided with an Opinion of Counsel (at the expense of the party requesting such amendment) to the effect that such amendment is permitted under this Section. Any such amendment shall be deemed not to adversely affect in any material respect any Holder, if the Trustee and the Trust Administrator receive written confirmation from each Rating Agency that such amendment will not cause such Rating Agency to reduce the then current rating assigned to the Certificates.
          (b) This Agreement may also be amended from time to time by the Depositor, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator and the Trustee, with the consent of the Holders of not less than 66-2/3% of the Class Principal Amount (or Percentage Interest) of each Class of Certificates affected thereby for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Agreement or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders; provided, however, that no such amendment shall be made unless the Trustee and the Trust Administrator receive an Opinion of Counsel, at the expense of the party
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

104


 

requesting the change, that such change will not cause an Adverse REMIC Event; and provided further, that no such amendment may (i) reduce in any manner the amount of, or delay the timing of, payments received on Mortgage Loans which are required to be distributed on any Certificate, without the consent of the Holder of such Certificate or (ii) reduce the aforesaid percentages of Class Principal Amount or Class Notional Amount (or Percentage Interest) of Certificates of each Class, the Holders of which are required to consent to any such amendment without the consent of the Holders of 100% of the Class Principal Amount or Class Notional Amount (or Percentage Interest) of each Class of Certificates affected thereby. For purposes of this paragraph, references to “Holder” or “Holders” shall be deemed to include, in the case of any Class of Book-Entry Certificates, the related Certificate Owners.
          (c) Promptly after the execution of any such amendment, the Trustee shall furnish written notification of the substance of such amendment to each Holder, the Depositor and the Rating Agencies.
          (d) It shall not be necessary for the consent of Holders under this Section 11.03 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the substance thereof. The manner of obtaining such consents and of evidencing the authorization of the execution thereof by Holders shall be subject to such reasonable regulations as the Trustee may prescribe.
          (e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Servicing Agreement, the Trustee shall not consent to any amendment of any Servicing Agreement except pursuant to the standards provided in this Section with respect to amendment of this Agreement.
          (f) Prior to the execution of any amendment to this Agreement, each of the Trustee and the Trust Administrator shall be entitled to receive and conclusively rely on an Opinion of Counsel (at the expense of the Person seeking such amendment) stating that the execution of such amendment is authorized and permitted by this Agreement. The Trustee and the Trust Administrator may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such amendment which affects the Trustee’s or the Trust Administrator’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Agreement.
     Section 11.04. Voting Rights.
     Except to the extent that the consent of all affected Certificateholders is required pursuant to this Agreement, with respect to any provision of this Agreement requiring the consent of Certificateholders representing specified percentages of aggregate outstanding Class Principal Amount or Class Notional Amount (or Percentage Interest), Certificates owned by the Depositor, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator, the Trustee, any Servicer or any Affiliates thereof are not to be counted so long as such Certificates are owned by the Depositor, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator, the Trustee, any Servicer or any Affiliate thereof.
     Section 11.05. Provision of Information.
          (a) For so long as any of the Certificates of any Series or Class are “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act, each of the Depositor,
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

105


 

the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator and the Trustee agree to cooperate with each other to provide to any Certificateholders and to any prospective purchaser of Certificates designated by such holder, upon the request of such holder or prospective purchaser, any information required to be provided to such holder or prospective purchaser to satisfy the condition set forth in Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act. Any reasonable, out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Trustee, the Master Servicer or the Trust Administrator in providing such information shall be reimbursed by the Depositor.
          (b) The Trust Administrator shall provide to any person to whom a Prospectus was delivered, upon the request of such person specifying the document or documents requested, (i) a copy (excluding exhibits) of any report on Form 8-K, Form 10-D (or other prescribed form) or Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 6.20(c) and (ii) a copy of any other document incorporated by reference in the Prospectus. Any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Trust Administrator in providing copies of such documents shall be reimbursed by the Depositor.
          (c) On each Distribution Date, the Trust Administrator shall deliver or cause to be delivered by first class mail or make available on its website to the Depositor, Attention: Contract Finance, a copy of the report delivered to Certificateholders pursuant to Section 4.02.
     Section 11.06. Governing Law.
     THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PROVISIONS (OTHER THAN SECTION 5-1401 OF THE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW), AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.
     Section 11.07. Notices.
     All requests, demands, notices, authorizations, directions, consents, waivers and communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when received by (a) in the case of the Depositor, Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc., One Belvedere Place, Suite 330, Mill Valley, CA 94941, telecopy number (415) 381-1773, Attention: SQALT 2006-1, (b) in the case of the Seller and the Sponsor, RWT Holdings, Inc., One Belvedere Place, Suite 330, Mill Valley, CA 94941, telecopy number (415) 381-1773, Attention: SQALT 2006-1, (c) in the case of the Master Servicer or the Trust Administrator, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, P.O. Box 98, Columbia, Maryland 21046 (or, for overnight deliveries, 9062 Old Annapolis Road, Columbia, Maryland 21045), telecopy number (410) 715-2380, Attention: SQALT 2006-1, and (d) with respect to the Trustee or the Certificate Registrar, its respective Corporate Trust Office, or as to each party such other address as may hereafter be furnished by such party to the other parties in writing. All demands, notices and communications to a party hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered to such party at the relevant address, facsimile number or electronic mail address set forth above or at such other address, facsimile number or electronic mail address as such party may designate from time to time by written notice in accordance with this Section 11.07.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

106


 

     Section 11.08. Severability of Provisions.
     If any one or more of the covenants, agreements, provisions or terms of this Agreement shall be for any reason whatsoever held invalid, then such covenants, agreements, provisions or terms shall be deemed severable from the remaining covenants, agreements, provisions or terms of this Agreement and shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions of this Agreement or of the Certificates or the rights of the Holders thereof.
     Section 11.09. Indulgences; No Waivers.
     Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of a party to exercise any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the same or of any other right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any occurrence be construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver.
     Section 11.10. Headings Not To Affect Interpretation.
     The headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only, and they shall not be used in the interpretation hereof.
     Section 11.11. Benefits of Agreement.
     Nothing in this Agreement or in the Certificates, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties to this Agreement and their successors hereunder and the Holders of the Certificates, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, power, remedy or claim under this Agreement, except to the extent specified in Section 11.15.
     Section 11.12. Special Notices to the Rating Agencies.
          (a) The Depositor shall give prompt notice to the Rating Agencies of the occurrence of any of the following events of which it has notice:
               (i) any amendment to this Agreement pursuant to Section 11.03;
               (ii) any assignment by the Master Servicer of its rights hereunder or delegation of its duties hereunder;
               (iii) the occurrence of any Event of Default described in Section 6.14;
               (iv) any notice of termination given to the Master Servicer pursuant to Section 6.14 and any resignation of the Master Servicer hereunder;
               (v) the appointment of any successor to any Master Servicer pursuant to Section 6.14;
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

107


 

               (vi) the making of a final payment pursuant to Section 7.02; and
               (vii) any termination of the rights and obligations of any Servicer under the applicable Servicing Agreement.
          (b) All notices to the Rating Agencies provided for this Section shall be in writing and sent by first class mail, telecopy or overnight courier, as follows:
If to Moody’s, to:
Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
99 Church Street
New York, New York 10007
Attention: Residential Mortgages
If to S&P, to:
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services,
a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
55 Water Street
New York, New York 10041
Attention: Residential Mortgages
          (c) The Trust Administrator shall provide or make available to the Rating Agencies reports prepared pursuant to Section 4.02. In addition, the Trust Administrator shall, at the expense of the Trust Fund, make available to each Rating Agency such information as such Rating Agency may reasonably request regarding the Certificates or the Trust Fund, to the extent that such information is reasonably available to the Trust Administrator.
          (d) The Depositor hereby represents to S&P that, to the Depositor’s knowledge, the information provided to such Rating Agency, including the loan level detail, is true and correct according to such Rating Agency’s requirements.
     Section 11.13. Conflicts.
     To the extent that the terms of this Agreement conflict with the terms of any Servicing Agreement, the related Servicing Agreement shall govern.
     Section 11.14. Counterparts.
     This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
     Section 11.15. No Petitions.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

108


 

     The Trustee, the Trust Administrator and the Master Servicer, by entering into this Agreement, hereby covenant and agree that they shall not at any time institute against the Depositor, or join in any institution against the Depositor of, any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceedings, or other proceedings under any United States federal or state bankruptcy or similar law in connection with any obligations relating to this Agreement or any of the documents entered into by the Depositor in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
     Section 11.16. Intention of the Parties and Interpretation; Indemnification.
     Each of the parties acknowledges and agrees that the purpose of Sections 6.21, 6.22, 6.23, 9.10, 9.11 and 9.12 of this Agreement is to facilitate compliance by the Trust Administrator and the Depositor with the provisions of Regulation AB promulgated by the Commission under the Exchange Act (17 C.F.R. §§ 229.1100 — 229.1123), as such may be amended from time to time and subject to such clarification and interpretive advice as may be issued by the staff of the Commission from time to time. Therefore, each of the parties agrees that (a) the obligations of the parties hereunder shall be interpreted in such a manner as to accomplish that purpose, (b) the parties’ obligations hereunder will be supplemented and modified as necessary to be consistent with any such amendments, interpretive advice or guidance, convention or consensus among active participants in the asset-backed securities markets, advice of counsel, or otherwise in respect of the requirements of Regulation AB, (c) the parties shall comply with the reasonable requests made by the Trust Administrator or the Depositor for delivery of such additional or different information as the Trust Administrator or the Depositor may determine in good faith is necessary to comply with the provisions of Regulation AB, which information is available to such party without unreasonable effort or expense and within such timeframe as may be reasonably requested, and (d) no amendment of this Agreement shall be required to effect any such changes in the parties’ obligations as are necessary to accommodate evolving interpretations of the provisions of Regulation AB.
Each party required to deliver an assessment of compliance and attestation report pursuant to Section 6.23 or Section 9.12 (each, an “Item 1122 Responsible Party”) shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trust Administrator, the Master Servicer, the Depositor and the Seller and each of their directors, officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, losses, damages, penalties, fines, forfeitures, reasonable legal fees and related costs, judgments and other costs and expenses arising out of or based upon (a) any breach by such Item 1122 Responsible Party of any of its obligations hereunder relating to its obligations as an Item 1122 Responsible Party, including particularly its obligations to provide any assessment of compliance, attestation report, compliance statement or certification required under Section 6.22, 6.23, 9.11 or 9.12, or any information, data or materials required to be included in any Exchange Act report, (b) any misstatement or omission in any information, data or materials provided by such Item 1122 Responsible Party, or (c) the negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of such Item 1122 Responsible Party in connection with its performance hereunder relating to its obligations as an Item 1122 Responsible Party. If the indemnification provided for herein is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless the Trust Administrator, the Depositor or the Seller, then each Item 1122 Responsible Party agrees that it shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the Trust Administrator, the Master Servicer, the Depositor and the Seller as a result
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

109


 

of any claims, losses, damages or liabilities incurred by the Trust Administrator, the Master Servicer, the Depositor or the Seller in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Trust Administrator, the Master Servicer, the Depositor or the Seller on the one hand and such Item 1122 Responsible Party on the other. This indemnification shall survive the termination of this Agreement or the termination of any party to this Agreement.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

110


 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused their names to be signed hereto by their respective officers hereunto duly authorized as of the day and year first above written.
         
    SEQUOIA RESIDENTIAL FUNDING, INC., as Depositor
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ John Arens
 
       
 
      Name: John Arens
Title: Vice President
 
       
    U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ Charles F. Pedersen
 
       
 
      Name: Charles F. Pedersen
Title: Vice President
 
       
    WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Master Servicer
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ Amy Doyle
 
       
 
      Name: Amy Doyle

Title: Vice President
 
       
    WELLS FARGO BANK,
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trust Administrator
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ Amy Doyle
 
       
 
      Name: Amy Doyle
Title: Vice President
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

 


 

Solely for purposes of Section 2.04 and 9.01(d) accepted and agreed to by:
         
RWT HOLDINGS, INC.    
 
       
By:
  /s/ John Arens
 
   
 
  Name: John Arens    
 
  Title: Authorized Signatory    
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

 


 

EXHIBIT A
FORMS OF CERTIFICATES
[See Tab #          ]
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

A-1


 

EXHIBIT B
FORM OF RESIDUAL CERTIFICATE TRANSFER AFFIDAVIT (TRANSFEREE)
             
STATE OF
    )      
 
    )     ss.:
COUNTY OF
    )      
     [NAME OF OFFICER],                                          being first duly sworn, deposes and says:
  1.   That he [she] is [title of officer]                                                               of [name of Purchaser]                                                               (the “Purchaser”), a                                             [description of type of entity] duly organized and existing under the laws of the [State of                     ] [United States], on behalf of which he [she] makes this affidavit.
 
  2.   That the Purchaser’s Taxpayer Identification Number is [          ].
 
  3.   That the Purchaser is not a “disqualified organization” within the meaning of Section 860E(e)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and will not be a “disqualified organization” as of [date of transfer], and that the Purchaser is not acquiring a Residual Certificate (as defined in the Agreement) for the account of, or as agent (including a broker, nominee, or other middleman) for, any person or entity from which it has not received an affidavit substantially in the form of this affidavit. For these purposes, a “disqualified organization” means the United States, any state or political subdivision thereof, any foreign government, any international organization, any agency or instrumentality of any of the foregoing (other than an instrumentality if all of its activities are subject to tax and a majority of its board of directors is not selected by such governmental entity), any cooperative organization furnishing electric energy or providing telephone service to persons in rural areas as described in Code Section 1381(a)(2)(C), any “electing large partnership” within the meaning of Section 775 of the Code, or any organization (other than a farmers’ cooperative described in Code Section 521) that is exempt from federal income tax unless such organization is subject to the tax on unrelated business income imposed by Code Section 511.
 
  4.   That the Purchaser either (x) is not, and on                      [date of transfer] will not be, an employee benefit plan or other retirement arrangement subject to Section 406 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), or Section 4975 of the Code (“Code”), (collectively, a “Plan”) or a person acting on behalf of any such Plan or investing the assets of any such Plan to acquire a Residual Certificate; (y) if the Residual Certificate has been subject to an ERISA-Qualifying Underwriting, is an insurance company that
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

B-1


 

      is purchasing the Certificate with funds contained in an “insurance company general account” as defined in Section V(e) of Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption (“PTCE”) 95-60 and the purchase and holding of the Certificate are covered under Sections I and III of PTCE 95-60; or (z) herewith delivers to the Certificate Registrar an opinion of counsel (a “Benefit Plan Opinion”) satisfactory to the Certificate Registrar, and upon which the Certificate Registrar, the Trustee, the Master Servicer, the Depositor and Trust Administrator shall be entitled to rely, to the effect that the purchase or holding of such Residual Certificate by the Investor will not result in any non-exempt prohibited transactions under Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code and will not subject the Certificate Registrar, the Trustee, the Depositor, the Master Servicer or the Trust Administrator to any obligation in addition to those undertaken by such entities in the Agreement, which opinion of counsel shall not be an expense of the Trust Fund or any of the above parties.
 
  5.   That the Purchaser hereby acknowledges that under the terms of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2006 (the “Agreement”), by and among Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc., as Depositor, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Master Servicer and Trust Administrator, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee with respect to Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1 Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, no transfer of the Residual Certificates shall be permitted to be made to any person unless the Certificate Registrar and Trustee have received a certificate from such transferee containing the representations in paragraphs 3 and 4 hereof.
 
  6.   That the Purchaser does not hold REMIC residual securities as nominee to facilitate the clearance and settlement of such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of participating organizations (such entity, a “Book-Entry Nominee”).
 
  7.   That the Purchaser does not have the intention to impede the assessment or collection of any federal, state or local taxes legally required to be paid with respect to such Residual Certificate.
 
  8.   That the Purchaser will not transfer a Residual Certificate to any person or entity (i) as to which the Purchaser has actual knowledge that the requirements set forth in paragraph 3, paragraph 6 or paragraph 10 hereof are not satisfied or that the Purchaser has reason to believe does not satisfy the requirements set forth in paragraph 7 hereof, and (ii) without obtaining from the prospective Purchaser an affidavit substantially in this form and providing to the Trustee and the Certificate Registrar a written statement substantially in the form of Exhibit C to the Agreement.
 
  9.   That the Purchaser understands that, as the holder of a Residual Certificate, the Purchaser may incur tax liabilities in excess of any cash flows generated by the
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

B-2


 

      interest and that the Purchaser has and expects to have sufficient net worth and/or liquidity to pay in full any tax liabilities attributable to ownership of a Residual Certificate and intends to pay taxes associated with holding such Residual Certificate as they become due.
 
  10.   That the Purchaser (i) is not a Non-U.S. Person or (ii) is a Non-U.S. Person that holds a Residual Certificate in connection with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States and has furnished the transferor, the Trustee and the Certificate Registrar with an effective Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI (Certificate of Foreign Person’s Claim for Exemption From Withholding on Income Effectively Connected With the Conduct of a Trade or Business in the United States) or successor form at the time and in the manner required by the Code or (iii) is a Non-U.S. Person that has delivered to the transferor, the Trustee and the Certificate Registrar an opinion of a nationally recognized tax counsel to the effect that the transfer of such Residual Certificate to it is in accordance with the requirements of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder and that such transfer of a Residual Certificate will not be disregarded for federal income tax purposes. “Non-U.S. Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership or other person other than (i) a citizen or resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, including for this purpose, the District of Columbia; (iii) an estate that is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of the source of its income; (iv) a trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more United States trustees have authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust; and, (v) to the extent provided in Treasury regulations, certain trusts in existence on August 20, 1996 that are treated as United States persons prior to such date and elect to continue to be treated as United States persons.
 
  11.   The Purchaser will not cause income from the Residual Certificate to be attributable to a foreign permanent establishment or fixed base of the Purchaser or another U.S. taxpayer.
 
  12.   That the Purchaser agrees to such amendments of the Agreement as may be required to further effectuate the restrictions on transfer of any Residual Certificate to such a “disqualified organization,” an agent thereof, a Book-Entry Nominee, or a person that does not satisfy the requirements of paragraph 7 and paragraph 10 hereof.
 
  13.   That the Purchaser consents to the designation of the Trust Administrator to act as agent for the “tax matters person” of each REMIC created by the Trust Fund pursuant to the Agreement.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

B-3


 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Purchaser has caused this instrument to be executed on its behalf, pursuant to authority of its Board of Directors, by its [title of officer] this                      day of                      20    .
             
         
    [name of Purchaser]    
 
           
 
  By:        
 
           
 
      Name:    
 
      Title:    
     Personally appeared before me the above-named [name of officer]                                         , known or proved to me to be the same person who executed the foregoing instrument and to be the [title of officer]                                          of the Purchaser, and acknowledged to me that he [she] executed the same as his [her] free act and deed and the free act and deed of the Purchaser.
     Subscribed and sworn before me this                      day of                      20    .
         
NOTARY PUBLIC    
 
       
       
 
       
COUNTY OF
       
 
       
 
       
STATE OF
       
 
       
 
       
My commission expires the                      day of                      20     .
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

B-4


 

EXHIBIT C
RESIDUAL CERTIFICATE TRANSFER AFFIDAVIT (TRANSFEROR)
     
 
   
 
  Date
Re:   Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates
                                                                                      (the “Transferor”) has reviewed the attached affidavit of                                                                                    (the “Transferee”), and has no actual knowledge that such affidavit is not true and has no reason to believe that the information contained in paragraph 7 thereof is not true, and has no reason to believe that the Transferee has the intention to impede the assessment or collection of any federal, state or local taxes legally required to be paid with respect to a Residual Certificate. In addition, the Transferor has conducted a reasonable investigation at the time of the transfer and found that the Transferee had historically paid its debts as they came due and found no significant evidence to indicate that the Transferee will not continue to pay its debts as they become due.
         
 
  Very truly yours,    
 
       
 
       
 
  Name:    
 
  Title:    
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

C-1


 

EXHIBIT D
FORM OF CUSTODIAL AGREEMENTS
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

D-1


 

EXHIBIT E
LIST OF SERVICING AGREEMENTS
1. Mortgage Loan Purchase and Servicing Agreement dated as of April 1, 1998, between Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. (“Countrywide”) and RWT Holdings, Inc. (“RWT”), as amended by the Amendment Number One to such agreement dated February 27, 2004, between Countrywide and RWT, an Assignment Agreement dated January 1, 2001 between Countrywide and Countrywide Home Loans Servicing L.P., and an Assignment, Assumption and Recognition Agreement dated December 15, 2005 among RWT and DLJ Mortgage Capital, Inc. Countrywide and Countrywide Home Loans Servicing L.P., as modified by the related Acknowledgements.
2. Mortgage Loan Purchase and Servicing Agreement dated as of March 1, 2004, among DLJ Mortgage Capital, Inc., Countrywide, as seller, and Countrywide Home Loans Servicing L.P., as servicer, as modified by the related Acknowledgements.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

E-1


 

EXHIBIT F
LIST OF PURCHASE AGREEMENTS
1. Mortgage Loan Purchase and Servicing Agreement dated as of April 1, 1998, between Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. (“Countrywide”) and RWT Holdings, Inc. (“RWT”), as amended by the Amendment Number One to such agreement dated February 27, 2004, between Countrywide and RWT, an Assignment Agreement dated January 1, 2001 between Countrywide and Countrywide Home Loans Servicing L.P., and an Assignment, Assumption and Recognition Agreement dated December 15, 2005 among RWT and DLJ Mortgage Capital, Inc. Countrywide and Countrywide Home Loans Servicing L.P., as modified by the related Acknowledgements.
2. Mortgage Loan Purchase and Servicing Agreement dated as of March 1, 2004, among DLJ Mortgage Capital, Inc., Countrywide, as seller, and Countrywide Home Loans Servicing L.P., as servicer, as modified by the related Acknowledgements.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

F-1


 

EXHIBIT G
LIST OF LIMITED PURPOSE SURETY BONDS
[None]
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

G-1


 

EXHIBIT H
FORM OF RULE 144A TRANSFER CERTIFICATE
Re:   Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates
     Reference is hereby made to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2006 (the “Pooling and Servicing Agreement”), by and among Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc., as Depositor, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Master Servicer and Trust Administrator, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
     This letter relates to $                     initial Certificate Amount of Class                      Certificates which are held in the form of Definitive Certificates registered in the name of                                          (the “Transferor”). The Transferor has requested a transfer of such Definitive Certificates for Definitive Certificates of such Class registered in the name of [insert name of transferee].
     In connection with such request, and in respect of such Certificates, the Transferor hereby certifies that such Certificates are being transferred in accordance with (i) the transfer restrictions set forth in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement and the Certificates and (ii) Rule 144A under the Securities Act to a purchaser that the Transferor reasonably believes is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A purchasing for its own account or for the account of a “qualified institutional buyer,” which purchaser is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance upon Rule 144A, in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States or any other applicable jurisdiction.
     This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Underwriter and the Depositor.
             
         
    [Name of Transferor]
 
           
 
  By:        
 
           
 
      Name:    
 
      Title:    
Dated:                     ,           
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

H-1


 

EXHIBIT I
FORM OF PURCHASER’S LETTER FOR
INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR
     
 
  Date
Dear Sirs:
     In connection with our proposed purchase of $                                         principal amount of Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1 Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (the “Privately Offered Certificates”) of Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc. (the “Depositor”), we confirm that:
(1)   We understand that the Privately Offered Certificates have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be sold except as permitted in the following sentence. We agree, on our own behalf and on behalf of any accounts for which we are acting as hereinafter stated, that if we should sell any Privately Offered Certificates within two years of the later of the date of original issuance of the Privately Offered Certificates or the last day on which such Privately Offered Certificates are owned by the Depositor or any affiliate of the Depositor we will do so only (A) to the Depositor, (B) to “qualified institutional buyers” (within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act) in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act (“QIBs”), (C) pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144 under the Securities Act, or (D) to an institutional “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) of Regulation D under the Securities Act that is not a QIB (an “Institutional Accredited Investor”) which, prior to such transfer, delivers to the Certificate Registrar under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2006 (the “Agreement”), by and among Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc., as Depositor, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Master Servicer and Trust Administrator, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, a signed letter in the form of this letter; and we further agree, in the capacities stated above, to provide to any person purchasing any of the Privately Offered Certificates from us a notice advising such purchaser that resales of the Privately Offered Certificates are restricted as stated herein.
 
(2)   We understand that, in connection with any proposed resale of any Privately Offered Certificates to an Institutional Accredited Investor, we will be required to furnish to the Certificate Registrar a certification from such transferee in the form hereof to confirm that the proposed sale is being made pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. We further understand that the Privately Offered Certificates purchased by us will bear a legend to the foregoing effect.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

I-1


 

(3)   We are acquiring the Privately Offered Certificates for investment purposes and not with a view to, or for offer or sale in connection with, any distribution in violation of the Securities Act. We have such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of our investment in the Privately Offered Certificates, and we and any account for which we are acting are each able to bear the economic risk of such investment.
 
(4)   We are an Institutional Accredited Investor and we are acquiring the Privately Offered Certificates purchased by us for our own account or for one or more accounts (each of which is an Institutional Accredited Investor) as to each of which we exercise sole investment discretion.
 
(5)   We have received such information as we deem necessary in order to make our investment decision.
 
(6)   If we are acquiring ERISA-Restricted Certificates, we understand that in accordance with ERISA, the Code and the Exemption, no Plan and no person acting on behalf of such a Plan may acquire such Certificate except in accordance with Section 3.03(d) of the Agreement.
     Terms used in this letter which are not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings assigned thereto in the Agreement.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

I-2


 

     You are entitled to rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceeding or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby.
             
    Very truly yours,  
 
           
         
    [Purchaser]
 
           
 
  By:        
 
           
 
      Name:    
 
      Title:    
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

I-3


 

EXHIBIT J
FORM OF ERISA TRANSFER AFFIDAVIT
             
STATE OF NEW YORK
    )      
 
    )     ss.:
COUNTY OF NEW YORK
    )      
     The undersigned, being first duly sworn, deposes and says as follows:
     1. The undersigned is the                                          of                      (the “Investor”), a [corporation duly organized] and existing under the laws of                     , on behalf of which he makes this affidavit.
     2. The Investor either (x) is not, and on                      [date of transfer] will not be, an employee benefit plan or other retirement arrangement subject to Section 406 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), (collectively, a “Plan”) or a person acting on behalf of any such Plan or investing the assets of any such Plan; (y) if the Certificate has been the subject of an ERISA-Qualifying Underwriting, is an insurance company that is purchasing the Certificate with funds contained in an “insurance company general account” as defined in Section V(e) of Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption (“PTCE”) 95-60 and the purchase and holding of the Certificate are covered under Sections I and III of PTCE 95-60; or (z) herewith delivers to the Certificate Registrar an opinion of counsel (a “Benefit Plan Opinion”) satisfactory to the Certificate Registrar, and upon which the Certificate Registrar, the Trustee, the Master Servicer, the Depositor and the Trust Administrator shall be entitled to rely, to the effect that the purchase or holding of such Certificate by the Investor will not constitute or result in any non-exempt prohibited transactions under Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code and will not subject the Certificate Registrar, the Trustee, the Master Servicer, the Depositor or the Trust Administrator to any obligation in addition to those undertaken by such entities in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2006 (the “Agreement”), by and among Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc., as Depositor, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Master Servicer and Trust Administrator, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, which opinion of counsel shall not be an expense of the Trust Fund or the above parties.
     3. The Investor hereby acknowledges that under the terms of the Agreement, no transfer of the ERISA-Restricted Certificates shall be permitted to be made to any person unless the Certificate Registrar has received a certificate from such transferee in the form hereof.
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

J-1


 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Investor has caused this instrument to be executed on its behalf, pursuant to proper authority, by its duly authorized officer, duly attested, this            day of                                          20   .
             
         
    [Investor]
 
           
 
  By:        
 
           
 
      Name:    
 
      Title:    
             
ATTEST:    
 
           
     
 
           
STATE OF
    )      
 
    )     ss.:
COUNTY OF
    )      
     Personally appeared before me the above-named                                         , known or proved to me to be the same person who executed the foregoing instrument and to be the                                          of the Investor, and acknowledged that he executed the same as his free act and deed and the free act and deed of the Investor.
     Subscribed and sworn before me this            day of                      20   .
         
 
  NOTARY PUBLIC    
 
       
 
  My commission expires the
           day of                      20     .
   
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

J-2


 

EXHIBIT K
FORM OF LETTER OF REPRESENTATIONS
WITH THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

K-1


 

EXHIBIT L
[RESERVED]
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

L-1


 

EXHIBIT M
FORM OF CERTIFICATION TO BE PROVIDED TO
DEPOSITOR BY THE TRUST ADMINISTRATOR
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1 (the “Trust”)
Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates
I,                                         , a                      of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), as Trust Administrator of the Trust, hereby certify to Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc. (the “Depositor”) and its officers, directions and affiliates, and with the knowledge and intent that they will rely upon this certification, that:
     1. I have reviewed the monthly distribution reports that will be covered by the Depositor’s Form 10-K for the Trust’s fiscal year ending on [                    ].
     2. Based on my knowledge, the information in these distribution reports prepared by the Trust Administrator, taken as a whole, does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading as of the last day of the period covered by that annual report.
     3. Based on my knowledge, the distribution information required to be provided by the Trust Administrator under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2006, among the Depositor, Wells Fargo, as Master Servicer and Trust Administrator, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee creating the Trust is included in these reports.
[SIGNATURE PAGE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWS]
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

M-1


 

                     
            WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,  
              as Trust Administrator
 
                   
Dated:
          By:        
 
                   
            Name:
            Title:
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

M-2


 

EXHIBIT N
SERVICING CRITERIA
     The assessment of compliance to be delivered by the Master Servicer and the Trust Administrator shall address, at a minimum, the criteria identified as below as “Applicable Servicing Criteria” with respect to such party:
Where there are multiple checks for criteria the attesting party will identify in their management assertion that they are attesting only to the portion of the distribution chain they are responsible for in the related transaction agreements.
                 
Regulation AB               Trust
Reference   Servicing Criteria   Servicers   Master Servicer   Administrator
 
  General Servicing Considerations            
 
               
1122(d)(1)(i)
  Policies and procedures are instituted to monitor any performance or other triggers and events of default in accordance with the transaction agreements.   X   X   X
 
               
1122(d)(1)(ii)
  If any material servicing activities are outsourced to third parties, policies and procedures are instituted to monitor the third party’s performance and compliance with such servicing activities.   X   X    
 
               
1122(d)(1)(iii)
  Any requirements in the transaction agreements to maintain a back-up servicer for the Pool Assets are maintained.            
 
               
1122(d)(1)(iv)
  A fidelity bond and errors and omissions policy is in effect on the party participating in the servicing function throughout the reporting period in the amount of coverage required by and otherwise in accordance with the terms of the transaction agreements.   X   X    
 
               
 
  Cash Collection and Administration            
 
               
1122(d)(2)(i)
  Payments on pool assets are deposited into the appropriate custodial bank accounts and related bank clearing accounts no more than two business days following receipt, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.   X   X   X
 
               
1122(d)(2)(ii)
  Disbursements made via wire transfer on behalf of an obligor or to an investor are made only by authorized personnel.   X   X   X
 
               
1122(d)(2)(iii)
  Advances of funds or guarantees regarding collections, cash flows or distributions, and any interest or other fees charged for such advances, are made, reviewed and approved as specified in the transaction agreements.   X   X    
 
               
1122(d)(2)(iv)
  The related accounts for the transaction, such as cash reserve accounts or accounts established as a form of over   X   X   X
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

N-5


 

                 
Regulation AB               Trust
Reference   Servicing Criteria   Servicers   Master Servicer   Administrator
 
  collateralization, are separately maintained (e.g., with respect to commingling of cash) as set forth in the transaction agreements.            
 
               
1122(d)(2)(v)
  Each custodial account is maintained at a federally insured depository institution as set forth in the transaction agreements. For purposes of this criterion, “federally insured depository institution” with respect to a foreign financial institution means a foreign financial institution that meets the requirements of Rule 13k-1(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act.   X   X   X
 
               
1122(d)(2)(vi)
  Unissued checks are safeguarded so as to prevent unauthorized access.   X        
 
               
1122(d)(2)(vii)
  Reconciliations are prepared on a monthly basis for all asset-backed securities related bank accounts, including custodial accounts and related bank clearing accounts. These reconciliations are (A) mathematically accurate; (B) prepared within 30 calendar days after the bank statement cutoff date, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements; (C) reviewed and approved by someone other than the person who prepared the reconciliation; and (D) contain explanations for reconciling items. These reconciling items are resolved within 90 calendar days of their original identification, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.   X   X   X
 
               
 
  Investor Remittances and Reporting            
 
               
1122(d)(3)(i)
  Reports to investors, including those to be filed with the Commission, are maintained in accordance with the transaction agreements and applicable Commission requirements. Specifically, such reports (A) are prepared in accordance with timeframes and other terms set forth in the transaction agreements; (B) provide information calculated in accordance with the terms specified in the transaction agreements; (C) are filed with the Commission as required by its rules and regulations; and (D) agree with investors’ or the trustee’s records as to the total unpaid principal balance and number of Pool Assets serviced by the Servicer.   X   X   X
 
               
1122(d)(3)(ii)
  Amounts due to investors are allocated and remitted in accordance with timeframes, distribution priority and other terms set forth in the transaction agreements.   X   X   X
 
               
1122(d)(3)(iii)
  Disbursements made to an investor are posted within two business days to the Servicer’s investor records, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.   X   X   X
 
               
1122(d)(3)(iv)
  Amounts remitted to investors per the investor reports agree with cancelled checks, or other form of payment, or custodial bank statements.   X   X   X
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

N-5


 

                 
Regulation AB               Trust
Reference   Servicing Criteria   Servicers   Master Servicer   Administrator
 
  Pool Asset Administration            
 
               
1122(d)(4)(i)
  Collateral or security on pool assets is maintained as required by the transaction agreements or related pool asset documents.   X        
 
               
1122(d)(4)(ii)
  Pool assets and related documents are safeguarded as required by the transaction agreements   X        
 
               
1122(d)(4)(iii)
  Any additions, removals or substitutions to the asset pool are made, reviewed and approved in accordance with any conditions or requirements in the transaction agreements.   X        
 
               
1122(d)(4)(iv)
  Payments on pool assets, including any payoffs, made in accordance with the related pool asset documents are posted to the Servicer’s obligor records maintained no more than two business days after receipt, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements, and allocated to principal, interest or other items (e.g., escrow) in accordance with the related pool asset documents.   X        
 
               
1122(d)(4)(v)
  The Servicer’s records regarding the pool assets agree with the Servicer’s records with respect to an obligor’s unpaid principal balance.   X        
 
               
1122(d)(4)(vi)
  Changes with respect to the terms or status of an obligor’s pool assets (e.g., loan modifications or re-agings) are made, reviewed and approved by authorized personnel in accordance with the transaction agreements and related pool asset documents.   X        
 
               
1122(d)(4)(vii)
  Loss mitigation or recovery actions (e.g., forbearance plans, modifications and deeds in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosures and repossessions, as applicable) are initiated, conducted and concluded in accordance with the timeframes or other requirements established by the transaction agreements.   X        
 
               
1122(d)(4)(viii)
  Records documenting collection efforts are maintained during the period a pool asset is delinquent in accordance with the transaction agreements. Such records are maintained on at least a monthly basis, or such other period specified in the transaction agreements, and describe the entity’s activities in monitoring delinquent pool assets including, for example, phone calls, letters and payment rescheduling plans in cases where delinquency is deemed temporary (e.g., illness or unemployment).   X        
 
               
1122(d)(4)(ix)
  Adjustments to interest rates or rates of return for pool assets with variable rates are computed based on the related pool asset documents.   X        
 
               
 
  Regarding any funds held in trust for an obligor (such as escrow accounts):            
 
  (A) such            
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

N-5


 

                 
Regulation AB               Trust
Reference   Servicing Criteria   Servicers   Master Servicer   Administrator
1122(d)(4)(x)
  funds are analyzed, in accordance with the obligor’s pool asset documents, on at least an annual basis, or such other period specified in the transaction agreements; (B) interest on such funds is paid, or credited, to obligors in accordance with applicable pool asset documents and state laws; and (C) such funds are returned to the obligor within 30 calendar days of full repayment of the related pool assets, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.   X        
 
               
1122(d)(4)(xi)
  Payments made on behalf of an obligor (such as tax or insurance payments) are made on or before the related penalty or expiration dates, as indicated on the appropriate bills or notices for such payments, provided that such support has been received by the servicer at least 30 calendar days prior to these dates, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.   X        
 
               
1122(d)(4)(xii)
  Any late payment penalties in connection with any payment to be made on behalf of an obligor are paid from the Servicer’s funds and not charged to the obligor, unless the late payment was due to the obligor’s error or omission.   X        
 
               
1122(d)(4)(xiii)
  Disbursements made on behalf of an obligor are posted within two business days to the obligor’s records maintained by the servicer, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.   X        
 
               
1122(d)(4)(xiv)
  Delinquencies, charge-offs and uncollectible accounts are recognized and recorded in accordance with the transaction agreements.   X   X    
 
               
1122(d)(4)(xv)
  Any external enhancement or other support, identified in Item 1114(a)(1) through (3) or Item 1115 of Regulation AB, is maintained as set forth in the transaction agreements.            
                 
    [NAME OF COMPANY]    
 
               
 
  By:            
 
               
 
  Name:            
             
 
               
 
  Title:            
             
 
               
 
  Date:            
 
               
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

N-5


 

EXHIBIT O
ADDITIONAL FORM 10-D DISCLOSURE
     
Item on Form 10-D   Party Responsible
Item 1: Distribution and Pool Performance Information

Any information required by 1121 which is NOT included on the Monthly Statement

  Servicer
Trust Administrator
Depositor

Item 2: Legal Proceedings

per Item 1117 of Reg AB
  (i) All parties to the PSA (as to themselves),
(ii) the Depositor and servicer as to the
issuing entity, (iii) the Depositor as to the
sponsor, any 1106(b) originator, any
1100(d)(1) party
 
   
Item 3: Sale of Securities and Use of Proceeds
  Depositor
 
   
Item 4: Defaults Upon Senior Securities
  Trust Administrator
 
   
Item 5: Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
  Trust Administrator
 
   
Item 6: Significant Obligors of Pool Assets
  Depositor
 
   
Item 7: Significant Enhancement Provider Information
  Depositor
 
   
Item 8: Other Information
  Any party responsible for disclosure items on Form 8-K
 
   
Item 9: Exhibits
  Trust Administrator/Depositor

 


 

EXHIBIT P
ADDITIONAL FORM 10-K DISCLOSURE
     
Item on Form 10-K   Party Responsible
Item 1B: Unresolved Staff Comments
  Depositor
 
   
Item 9B: Other Information
  Any party responsible for disclosure items on Form 8-K
 
   
Item 15: Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

  Trust Administrator
Depositor
 
   
Additional Item:

Disclosure per Item 1117 of Reg AB
  (i) All parties to the PSA (as to themselves),
(ii) the Trust Administrator and Master
Servicer as to the issuing entity, (iii) the
Depositor as to the sponsor, any 1106(b)
originator, any 1100(d)(1) party
 
   
Additional Item:
Disclosure per Item 1119 of Reg AB
  (i) All parties to the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement as to themselves, (ii) the
Depositor as to he sponsor, originator,
significant obligor, enhancement or support
provider
 
   
Additional Item:
Disclosure per Item 1112(b) of Reg AB
  Depositor
 
   
Additional Item:
Disclosure per Items 1114(b) and 1115(b)
of Reg AB
  Depositor

 


 

EXHIBIT Q
ADDITIONAL FORM 8-K DISCLOSURE
     
Item on Form 8-K   Party Responsible
Item 1.01- Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement
  All parties (except the Trustee)
 
   
Item 1.02- Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement
  All parties (except the Trustee)
 
   
Item 1.03- Bankruptcy or Receivership
  All parties (as to themselves)
 
   
Item 2.04- Triggering Events that Accelerate or Increase a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement
  Depositor
 
   
Item 3.03- Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders
  Trust Administrator
 
   
Item 5.03- Amendments of Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change of Fiscal Year
  Depositor
 
   
Item 6.01- ABS Informational and Computational Material
  Depositor
 
   
Item 6.02- Change of Servicer or Trust Administrator
  Master Servicer, Trust Administrator, Servicer
 
   
Item 6.03- Change in Credit Enhancement or External Support
  Depositor
 
   
Item 6.04- Failure to Make a Required Distribution
  Trust Administrator
 
   
Item 6.05- Securities Act Updating Disclosure
  Depositor
 
   
Item 7.01- Reg FD Disclosure
  Depositor
 
   
Item 8.01
  Depositor
 
   
Item 9.01
  Depositor
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

 


 

             
    WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,  
       as [Trust Administrator] [Master Servicer]
 
           
 
  By:        
 
           
 
      Name:    
 
      Title:    

 


 

SCHEDULE A
MORTGAGE LOAN SCHEDULE
174197
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Pooling and Servicing Agmt.

 

EX-99.2 3 f17506exv99w2.htm EXHIBIT 99.2 exv99w2
 

Exhibit 99.2
Law Offices of
CHAPMAN AND CUTLER llp
         
 
  595 Market Street, San Francisco, California 94105-2839   Chicago
Theodore S. Chapman
       
1877-1943
  Telephone (415) 541-0500   111 West Monroe Street
Henry E. Cutler
  Facsimile (415) 541-0506   Chicago, IL 60603
1879-1959
  chapman.com   (312) 845-3000
 
       
 
      Salt Lake City
 
 
      201 South Main Street
 
  February 1, 2006   Salt Lake City, UT 84111
 
      (801) 533-0066
TO THE PARTIES LISTED
ON SCHEDULE A HERETO
     Re:      Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1 / Tax Opinion
Ladies and Gentlemen:
     You have requested our opinion in connection with certain federal income tax matters related to Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1 (the “Trust Fund” ) and the $301,057,342 Class AR, Class AR-L, Class A-1, Class A-2, Class B-1, Class B-2, Class B-3, Class B-4, Class B-5, Class B-6 and Class B-7 Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1 issued with respect thereto (the “Certificates”). The Trust Fund was established by Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc. (the “Depositor”) pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2006 (the “Pooling and Servicing Agreement” ), among the Depositor, U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Master Servicer and Trust Administrator. The Certificates are being issued pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement. Reference is hereby made to the Depositor’s Universal Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration Statement No. 333-118832) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 on September 7, 2004 and declared effective on or about September 17, 2004, and as amended by Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 21, 2005 and declared effective on or about December 29, 2005 (as amended, the “Registration Statement” ), and to the Prospectus, dated September 17, 2004 (the “Prospectus” ) and the forms of prospectus supplements included in the Registration Statement. Each capitalized term used but not defined herein has the meaning assigned thereto in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
     We have acted as special tax counsel to the Depositor in connection with the above transaction and have assisted in the preparation of the federal income tax summaries set forth in the Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement, dated January 26, 2006, and as amended by the Supplement, dated February 1, 2006 (the “Prospectus Supplement ) used in connection with the issuance of the Certificates. In formulating our opinions, we have reviewed copies of (i) the Prospectus and Prospectus Supplement, (ii) the Pooling and Servicing Agreement and the forms of Certificates issued pursuant thereto, (iii) the Mortgage Loan Purchase and Sale Agreement, (iv) the Purchase Agreements and the Servicing Agreements, (v) the Acknowledgments, dated as of February 1, 2006, assigning rights under the Purchase Agreements and the Servicing Agreements, and (vi) such resolutions, certificates, records, and other documents provided by the

 


 

Law Offices of
CHAPMAN AND CUTLER llp
TO THE PARTIES LISTED
ON SCHEDULE A HERETO
February 1, 2006
Page 2
Depositor as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinions set forth below.
     In our examination, we have assumed the legal capacity of all natural persons, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals or finals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified, conformed or other copies, and the authenticity of the originals of such copies. In rendering our opinions, we have assumed that the transactions described in or contemplated by the foregoing documents have been and will be consummated in accordance with the terms of such operative documents, and that such documents accurately reflect the material facts of such transactions.
     Our opinion is also based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, each as amended to the date hereof (the “Code”), administrative rulings, judicial decisions and other applicable authorities. The statutory provisions, regulations, and interpretations on which our opinion is based are subject to change, possibly retroactively. In addition, there can be no complete assurance that the Internal Revenue Service will not take positions contrary to the conclusions stated in our opinion.
     Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that, assuming (i) the making of a timely election to treat the Trust Fund as consisting of multiple REMICs, each comprised of the assets and interests specified in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement and (ii) compliance with the provisions of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, the Mortgage Loan Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Purchase Agreements, the Servicing Agreements and the Acknowledgments, for United States federal income tax purposes:
  1.   the statements in the Prospectus under the heading “Federal Income Tax Consequences,” as supplemented or modified by the statements in the Prospectus Supplement under the heading “Federal Income Tax Consequences,” to the extent that they constitute matters of law or legal conclusions with respect to United States federal income tax matters, are correct in all material respects; and
 
  2.   each segregated asset pool for which the Pooling and Servicing Agreement directs the Trustee to make a REMIC election will qualify as a REMIC within the meaning of Section 860D of the Code.
     Other than as expressly stated above, we express no opinion on any issue relating to the Depositor, the Trust Fund, or to any other securities issued by them, or under any law other than United States federal income tax laws.

 


 

Law Offices of
CHAPMAN AND CUTLER llp
TO THE PARTIES LISTED
ON SCHEDULE A HERETO
February 1, 2006

Page 3
     We impose no limit on your disclosure of this opinion or the tax treatment or tax structure of the transactions described herein. However, we are furnishing this opinion to you solely in connection with the initial sale of the Certificates and it cannot be relied upon by any other person or for any other purpose without our express written permission.
     
 
       Very truly yours,

     /s/ Chapman and Cutler LLP

 


 

Law Offices of
CHAPMAN AND CUTLER llp
SCHEDULE A
Redwood Trust, Inc.
One Belvedere Place
Suite 300
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc.
One Belvedere Place
Suite 330
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC
Eleven Madison Avenue, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10010
Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association
9062 Old Annapolis Road
Columbia, MD 21045
U.S. Bank National Association
60 Livingston Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55107

 

EX-99.3 4 f17506exv99w3.htm EXHIBIT 99.3 exv99w3
 

Exhibit 99.3
         
 
  Tobin & Tobin    
 
  A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION    
PHILLIP R. POLLOCK
  500 SANSOME STREET   RICHARD TOBIN (1852-1887)
Email: prpollock@tobinlaw.com
  EIGHTH FLOOR   ROBERT TOBIN (1875-1889)
 
  SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94111-3214   CYRIL R. TOBIN (1905-1977)
 
  FACSIMILE (415) 433-3883    
 
  (415) 433-1400    
February 1, 2006
Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc.
One Belvedere Place
Suite 330
Mill Valley, CA 94941
     Re: Issuance of Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1 Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates
Ladies and Gentlemen:
     We have acted as special counsel to Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Registrant”), in connection with the preparation and filing of a registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-118832) (the “Registration Statement”) for the registration of asset-backed securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), and the issuance of the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1 Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (the “Certificates”) pursuant to a Pooling and Servicing Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2006 (the “Pooling and Servicing Agreement”), among the Registrant, U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (the “Trustee”), and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Master Servicer and Trust Administrator.
     We have examined and relied upon copies of the Registrant’s Charter and Bylaws, the Registration Statement, the Pooling and Servicing Agreement and the forms of Certificates included as exhibits thereto, and such other records, documents and statutes as we have deemed necessary for purposes of this opinion.
     In our examination we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies and the authenticity of the originals of such documents. As to any facts material to the opinions expressed herein that were not independently established or verified, we have relied upon statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Registrant and others.
     Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
     1. The Pooling and Servicing Agreement has been duly and validly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Registrant and has been duly executed and delivered by the

 


 

Tobin & Tobin
Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc.
February 1, 2006
Page 2
Registrant, and such Pooling and Servicing Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding agreement of the Registrant, enforceable against the Registrant in accordance with its terms, except an enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally or by general equity principles.
     2. The Certificates have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Registrant, duly executed and authenticated by the Trustee in accordance with the terms of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement and issued and delivered against payment therefor as described in the Registration Statement and the prospectus delivered in connection therewith, and such Certificates are legally and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and the holders thereof are entitled to the benefits of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
     In rendering the foregoing opinions, we express no opinion as to the laws of any jurisdiction other than the laws of the State of New York (excluding choice of law principles therein), the corporation laws of the State of Delaware and the federal laws of the United States of America.
     We hereby consent to the filing of this letter on Form 8-K for incorporation into the Registration Statement and to the references to this firm under the heading “Legal Matters” in the base prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement and the prospectus supplement relating to the Certificates, without admitting that we are “experts” within the meaning of the Act or the Rules and Regulations of the Commission issued thereunder, with respect to any part of the Registration Statement.
Very truly yours,
TOBIN & TOBIN
/s/ TOBIN & TOBIN

 

EX-99.4 5 f17506exv99w4.htm EXHIBIT 99.4 exv99w4
 

Exhibit 99.4
SEQUOIA ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2006-1
Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
January 26, 2006
The Firm or Firms
     of Underwriters named
     on the signature page hereof
Ladies and Gentlemen:
     Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Depositor”) and an indirect wholly-owned limited purpose subsidiary of Redwood Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“Redwood Trust”), proposes to cause Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1 (the “Trust”) to issue and sell to you (each, an “Underwriter”) its Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Class A-1, Class A-2, Class B-1, Class B-2, Class B-3, Class B-4, Class AR and Class AR-L (the “Publicly-Offered Certificates”) having the characteristics set forth in the Final Prospectus, evidencing beneficial ownership interests in a trust fund (the “Trust Fund”), the assets of which will consist primarily of a pool of adjustable rate mortgage loans secured by first liens on one- to four-family residential properties (the “Mortgage Loans”). The Mortgage Loans will have the characteristics described in the Final Prospectus, subject to the variances, ranges, minimums and maximums set forth in the Final Prospectus.
     The Trust Fund will be formed, and the Publicly-Offered Certificates, together with the Class B-5, Class B-6 and Class B-7 Certificates (collectively, the “Certificates”) will be issued, pursuant to a pooling and servicing agreement (the “Pooling and Servicing Agreement”) dated as of January 1, 2006, by and among the Depositor, U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

 


 

“Trustee”), Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., in the capacities of master servicer (in such capacity, the “Master Servicer”), trust administrator (in such capacity, the “Trust Administrator”), and acknowledged by RWT Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Redwood Trust, as seller (the “Seller”). On or about February 1, 2006 (the “Closing Date”), the Seller will assign all of its right, title and interest in the Mortgage Loans to the Depositor pursuant to a mortgage loan purchase and sale agreement, dated as of January 1, 2006 (the “Mortgage Loan Purchase Agreement”), between the Seller, as seller, and the Depositor, as purchaser. Pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, the Mortgage Loans will, in turn, be assigned by the Depositor to the Trustee for the benefit of the Certificateholders, together with all principal and interest collections received with respect to the Mortgage Loans on and after January 1, 2006 (the “Cut-off Date”) (other than Scheduled Payments due on that date). The Trustee will concurrently with such assignment, authenticate and deliver the Certificates to the Depositor for sale to the Underwriters. In addition, pursuant to various assignment, assumption and recognition agreements (collectively, the “Assignment Agreements”), (i) the Seller will assign its rights under various underlying mortgage loan purchase and servicing agreements relating to the Mortgage Loans entered into by the Seller (collectively, the “Underlying Purchase and Servicing Agreements”), to the Depositor and (ii) the Depositor will, in turn, assign its rights under the Underlying Purchase and Servicing Agreements to the Trustee for the benefit of the Certificateholders. The Master Servicer will monitor the servicing of the Mortgage Loans by the primary servicer pursuant to the provisions of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
     The Pooling and Servicing Agreement, the Mortgage Loan Purchase Agreement, the Assignment Agreements and this Agreement are sometimes referred to herein collectively as the “Transaction Documents.” Capitalized terms shall have the respective meanings set forth in this
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

2


 

Agreement (or by reference to Section 10 hereof) or, if not defined therein, as set forth in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
     1. Representations and Warranties. The Seller, the Depositor and Redwood Trust, jointly and severally represent and warrant to, and agree with, each Underwriter that:
     (i) A registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-118832) relating to mortgage pass-through certificates has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) and has become effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”). Such registration statement as of its effective date, and each amendment thereto and any document incorporated by reference therein and any prospectus included or deemed or retroactively deemed to be a part thereof pursuant to Rule 430A, to the date of this Agreement, is hereinafter referred to as the “Registration Statement.” The Registration Statement meets the requirements set forth in Rule 415(a)(1)(x) under the Act. As of the Closing Date, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been initiated or, to the knowledge of the Seller, the Depositor or Redwood Trust, threatened by the Commission. The Depositor proposes to prepare and file with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424 under the Act a final prospectus dated September 17, 2004 (the “Base Prospectus”) to be supplemented by a prospectus supplement dated the date hereof relating to the Publicly-Offered Certificates in the form filed after the date of this Agreement pursuant to Section 424(b) that discloses the public offering price and other final terms of the Publicly-Offered Certificates (together with any revision, amendment or supplement, the “Prospectus Supplement”). The Prospectus Supplement, together with the Base Prospectus, including the documents incorporated therein as of the
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

3


 

time of such filing is hereinafter referred to as the “Final Prospectus”. If requested by the Underwriters, the Depositor will also prepare a preliminary prospectus supplement relating to the Publicly-Offered Certificates that constitutes a statutory prospectus to be retroactively included in the Registration Statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act (the “Preliminary Prospectus Supplement” and together with the Base Prospectus, the “Preliminary Prospectus”). The Preliminary Prospectus and the Final Prospectus together, are referred to herein as the “Prospectus.” Any reference herein to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include the documents incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3 which were filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), on or before the date on which the Registration Statement, as amended, became effective, or the issue date of any Preliminary Prospectus, or the date on which the Final Prospectus is filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act, as the case may be; and any reference herein to the terms “amend,” “amendment” or “supplement” with respect to the Registration Statement and each Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include the filing of any document under the Exchange Act after the date on which the Registration Statement became effective, the issue date of any Preliminary Prospectus or the date on which a Final Prospectus is filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act, as the case may be, deemed to be incorporated therein by reference. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Depositor does not intend to prepare any Preliminary Prospectus in connection with the offering of the Publicly-Offered Certificates.
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

4


 

     (ii) (A) The Registration Statement, as of its effective date, (B) the Preliminary Prospectus, as of its issue date, and (C) the Final Prospectus, as of its issue date, as revised, amended or supplemented and filed with the Commission prior to the termination of the offering of the Publicly-Offered Certificates, each will conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder applicable to such documents as of such respective dates, and the Registration Statement and the Final Prospectus as revised, amended or supplemented and filed with the Commission as of the Closing Date will conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder applicable to such documents as of the Closing Date. None of (A) the Registration Statement, at the time it became effective and as of the Closing Date, (B) the Preliminary Prospectus, as of its issue date, and (C) the Final Prospectus as of its issue date and as of the Closing Date, contained or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that the Seller, the Depositor and Redwood Trust make no representations, warranties or agreements as to the information contained in the Prospectus or any revision or amendment thereof or supplement thereto (in the case of the Final Prospectus) in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Depositor by or on behalf of any Underwriter specifically for use in connection with the preparation of the Prospectus or any revision or amendment thereof or supplement thereto, such information being defined as the “Underwriter Information” in Section 10 hereof.
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

5


 

     (iii) The conditions to the use by the Depositor of a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Act, as set forth in the General Instructions to Form S-3, have been satisfied with respect to the Registration Statement. There are no contracts or documents of the Depositor which are required to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement pursuant to the Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder which have not been so filed.
     (iv) (A) At the time of the filing of the Registration Statement and (B) at the date of this Agreement, the Depositor was not and is not an “ineligible issuer,” as defined in Rule 405 under the Act.
     (v) As of the date hereof and at all subsequent times through the completion of the public offer and sale of the Publicly-Offered Certificates, none of any Free Writing Prospectus(es) issued at or prior to the date hereof, nor any Issuer Information nor the Seller Mortgage Loan Information (each as defined below) contained in a Free Writing Prospectus included any untrue statement of a material fact of omitted to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Each Free Writing Prospectus, as of its issue date and at all subsequent times through the completion of the public offer and sale of the Publicly-Offered Certificates or until any earlier date that the Depositor notified or notifies the Underwriters as described in the next sentence, did not, does not and will not include any information that conflicted, conflicts or will conflict with the information then contained in the Registration Statement. If at any time following issuance of a Free Writing Prospectus there occurred or occurs an event or development as a result of which such Free Writing Prospectus conflicted or would
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

6


 

conflict with the information then contained in the Registration Statement or included or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances prevailing at that subsequent time, not misleading, (i) the Depositor will promptly notify each Underwriter and (ii) the Depositor will promptly amend or supplement such Free Writing Prospectus to eliminate or correct such conflict, untrue statement or omission.
     (vi) The Publicly-Offered Certificates conform in all material respects to the description thereof contained in the Prospectus. The issuance of the Publicly-Offered Certificates has been authorized and on the Closing Date the Publicly-Offered Certificates will have been duly and validly executed, authenticated and delivered in accordance with the Pooling and Serving Agreement and delivered to the Underwriters for the account of the Underwriters against payment therefor as provided herein, will be duly and validly issued and outstanding and entitled to the benefits afforded by the Pooling and Servicing Agreement. Each Publicly-Offered Certificate of the Class (or if applicable, Classes) or type indicated to be “mortgage related securities” under the heading “Summary — Legal Investment” in the Prospectus Supplement will, when issued, be a “mortgage related security” as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(41) of the Exchange Act.
     (vii) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by each of the Seller, the Depositor and Redwood Trust and as of the Closing Date, each of the other Transaction Documents to which the Seller, the Depositor or Redwood Trust is a party will have been, duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Seller, the Depositor
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

7


 

or Redwood Trust, as applicable, and will conform in all material respects to the descriptions thereof contained in the Prospectus and, assuming the valid execution and delivery thereof by the other parties thereto, each Transaction Document to which Redwood Trust, the Seller or the Depositor is a party will constitute a legal, valid and binding agreement of the Seller, the Depositor or Redwood Trust, as applicable, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as the same may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.
     (viii) Each of the Seller, the Depositor and Redwood Trust has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of its respective State of incorporation, and each of the Seller, the Depositor and Redwood Trust is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation and is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction where the character of its respective properties or the nature of its respective activities makes such qualification necessary, except such jurisdictions, if any, in which the failure to be so qualified will not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, regulatory affairs, business affairs, business prospects or properties of Redwood Trust, the Seller or the Depositor; each of Redwood Trust, the Seller and the Depositor holds all material licenses, certificates and permits from all governmental authorities necessary for the conduct of its respective business as described in the Prospectus; and each of the Seller, the Depositor and Redwood Trust has the corporate power and authority to own its respective properties and conduct its respective business as described in the Prospectus
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

8


 

and to enter into and perform its respective obligations under each Transaction Document to which it is a party.
     (ix) Neither the issuance, delivery or sale of the Publicly-Offered Certificates, nor the consummation of any other of the transactions contemplated herein, nor the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents by the Seller, the Depositor or Redwood Trust, as applicable, and compliance with the provisions of the Transaction Documents, does or will conflict with or result in the breach of any material term or provision of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of the Seller, the Depositor, or Redwood Trust, and none of the Seller, the Depositor or Redwood Trust is in breach or violation of or in default (nor has an event occurred which with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute a default) under the terms of (i) any indenture, contract, lease, mortgage, deed of trust, note, agreement or other evidence of indebtedness or other agreement, obligation or instrument to which the Seller, the Depositor or Redwood Trust is a party or by which it or its respective properties are bound, or (ii) any law, decree, order, rule or regulation applicable to the Seller, the Depositor or Redwood Trust of any court or supervisory, regulatory, administrative or governmental agency, body or authority, or arbitrator having jurisdiction over the Seller, the Depositor or Redwood Trust, or its respective properties, the default in or the breach or violation of which would have a material adverse effect on the Depositor, Redwood Trust, the Trust Fund or the Certificates or on the ability of the Seller, the Depositor or Redwood Trust to perform its respective obligations under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party; and neither the delivery of the Certificates, nor the consummation of any other of the transactions contemplated herein, nor the compliance with the provisions of the Transaction
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

9


 

Documents will result in such a breach, violation or default which would have such a material adverse effect.
     (x) No filing or registration with, notice to, or consent, approval, authorization or order or other action of any court or governmental authority or agency is required for the consummation by the Seller, the Depositor or Redwood Trust of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents to which it is a party (other than as required under “blue sky” or state securities laws, as to which no representations and warranties are made by the Seller, the Depositor or Redwood Trust), except such as have been, or will have been prior to the Closing Date, obtained under the Act, and such recordations of the assignment of the Mortgage Loans to the Trustee (to the extent such recordations are required pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement) that have not yet been completed.
     (xi) There is no action, order, suit or proceeding before or by any court, administrative or governmental agency now pending to which the Seller, the Depositor or Redwood Trust is a party, or to the best knowledge of the Seller, the Depositor or Redwood Trust, threatened against the Seller, the Depositor or Redwood Trust, which could reasonably result individually or in the aggregate in any material adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, regulatory affairs, business affairs, business prospects or properties of the Seller, the Depositor or Redwood Trust or could reasonably interfere with or materially and adversely affect the consummation of the transactions contemplated in the Transaction Documents.
     (xii) At the time of execution and delivery of the Mortgage Loan Purchase Agreement between the Seller and the Depositor, the Seller will own the Mortgage Loans
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

10


 

being sold to the Depositor pursuant thereto, free and clear of any lien, mortgage, pledge, charge, encumbrance, adverse claim or other security interest (collectively “Liens”), except to the extent permitted by the Mortgage Loan Purchase Agreement, and will not have assigned to any person other than the Depositor any of its right, title or interest in the Mortgage Loans.
     (xiii) Immediately prior to the assignment of the Mortgage Loans by the Depositor to the Trustee as contemplated by the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, the Depositor (i) will have good title to and was the sole owner of, each such Mortgage Loan free and clear of any Lien, (ii) will not have assigned to any Person any of its rights, title or interest in and to such Mortgage Loans or in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement and (iii) will have the power and authority to sell such Mortgage Loans to the Trustee, and upon execution and delivery of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement by the Trustee, the Trustee will have acquired all of the Depositor’s rights, title and interest in and to such Mortgage Loans.
     (xiv) Any taxes, fees and other governmental charges in connection with the execution, delivery and issuance of the Transaction Documents and the Certificates have been or will be paid by the Seller, the Depositor or Redwood Trust at or prior to the Closing Date, except for fees for recording assignments of the Mortgage Loans to the Trustee pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement that have not yet been completed, which fees will be paid by or on behalf of Redwood Trust.
     (xv) The Mortgage Loans conform in all material respects to the description thereof contained in the Prospectus.
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

11


 

     (xvi) Neither the Depositor nor the Trust Fund is, and neither the issuance and sale of the Certificates nor the activities of the Trust Fund pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement will cause the Depositor or the Trust Fund to be, an “investment company” or under the interest of an “investment company” as such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”).
     (xvii) None of the Seller, the Depositor or Redwood Trust is doing business with Cuba.
     (xviii) As of the date of delivery, any Seller Mortgage Loan Information provided to the Underwriters is true and correct in all material respects, or if there is any material error in any Seller Mortgage Loan Information, the Depositor or the Seller has promptly provided corrected information to the Underwriters.
     2. Purchase and Sale. Subject to the terms and conditions and in reliance upon the representations and warranties herein set forth, the Depositor agrees to sell, and each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Depositor, each Class of Publicly-Offered Certificates to be purchased by such Underwriter in the respective initial Class Principal Amounts and at the purchase prices set forth on Schedule 1 annexed hereto (including accrued interest from and including the Cut-off Date to, but not including, the Closing Date).
     3. Delivery and Payment. The Publicly-Offered Certificates shall be delivered at the office, on the date and at the time specified in the Final Prospectus, which place, date and time may be changed by agreement between the Underwriters and the Depositor (such date and time of delivery of and payment for the Publicly-Offered Certificates being hereinafter referred to as the “Closing Date”). Delivery of the Publicly-Offered Certificates shall be made to each of the Underwriters as against their respective payment of the purchase price therefor to or upon the
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

12


 

order of the Issuer in immediately available federal funds. The Publicly-Offered Certificates shall be registered in such names and in such denominations as required by book-entry registration not less than two full business days prior to the Closing Date. The Depositor agrees to cause the Publicly-Offered Certificates to be made available for inspection, checking and packaging in New York, New York on the business day prior to the Closing Date.
     4. Offering by Underwriters. It is understood that the Underwriters propose to offer the Publicly-Offered Certificates for sale as set forth in the Prospectus and that you will not offer, sell or otherwise distribute the Publicly-Offered Certificates (except for the sale thereof in exempt transactions) in any state in which the Publicly-Offered Certificates are not exempt from registration under “blue sky” or state securities laws (except where the Publicly-Offered Certificates will have been qualified for offering and sale at your direction under such “blue sky” or state securities laws).
     5. Agreements.
     (a) The Depositor agrees with each Underwriter that:
     (i) The Depositor will cause the Preliminary Prospectus and the Final Prospectus to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act not later than 9:00 a.m. (New York time) on the Closing Date and, if necessary, within 15 days of the Closing Date, will file a report on Form 8-K setting forth specific information concerning the Mortgage Loans, and will promptly advise each Underwriter when such Prospectus has been so filed, and, prior to the termination of the offering of the Publicly-Offered Certificates, will also promptly advise each Underwriter (i) when any amendment to the Registration Statement has become effective or any revision of or supplement to the Final Prospectus has been so filed (unless such amendment, revision or
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

13


 

supplement does not relate to the Publicly-Offered Certificates or the Trust Fund), (ii) of any request by the Commission for any amendment of the Registration Statement or any Final Prospectus or for any additional information (unless such amendment or request for additional information does not relate to the Publicly-Offered Certificates or the Trust Fund), (iii) of any written notification received by the Depositor of the suspension of qualification of the Publicly-Offered Certificates for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose and (iv) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the institution or, to the knowledge of the Depositor, the threatening of any proceeding for that purpose. The Depositor will use its best efforts to prevent the issuance of any such stop order and, if issued, to obtain as soon as possible the withdrawal thereof. The Depositor will not file prior to the termination of such offering any amendment to the Registration Statement or any revision of or supplement to the Final Prospectus (other than any such amendment, revision or supplement which does not relate to Publicly-Offered Certificates or the Trust Fund) which shall be disapproved by the Underwriters after reasonable notice and review of such filing.
     (ii) If, at any time when a prospectus relating to the Publicly-Offered Certificates is required to be delivered under the Act (i) any event occurs as a result of which the Final Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein in the light of the circumstances under which they were made not misleading, or (ii) it shall be necessary to revise, amend or supplement the Final Prospectus to comply with the Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

14


 

thereunder, the Depositor promptly will notify each Underwriter and will, upon the request of any Underwriter, or may, after consultation with each Underwriter, prepare and file with the Commission a revision, amendment or supplement which will correct such statement or omission or effect such compliance, and furnish without charge to each Underwriter as many copies as such Underwriter may from time to time reasonably request of an amended Final Prospectus or a supplement to the Final Prospectus which will correct such statement or omission or effect such compliance.
     (iii) The Depositor will furnish to each Underwriter and counsel to the Underwriters, without charge, conformed copies of the Registration Statement (including exhibits thereto) and, so long as delivery of a prospectus relating to the Publicly-Offered Certificates is required under the Act, as many copies of any Preliminary Prospectus, the Final Prospectus and any revisions or amendments thereof or supplements thereto as may be reasonably requested.
     (iv) The Depositor will, as between itself and the Underwriters, pay all expenses incidental to the performance of the obligations of the Depositor, the Seller or the Redwood Trust under this Agreement, including without limitation (i) expenses of preparing, printing and reproducing the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Final Prospectus, the Free Writing Prospectus(es), the Transaction Documents and the Certificates, (ii) the cost of delivering the Publicly-Offered Certificates to the Underwriters, (iii) the fees charged by securities rating agencies for rating the Publicly-Offered Certificates, (iv) all transfer taxes, if any, with respect to the sale and delivery of the Publicly-Offered Certificates to the Underwriters, (v) any expenses for the qualification of the Publicly-Offered Certificates under “blue sky” or
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

15


 

state securities laws, including filing fees and the fees and disbursements of counsel for such Underwriter in connection therewith and in connection with the preparation of any Blue Sky Survey, (vi) all other costs and expenses incidental to the performance by the Depositor, the Seller or the Redwood Trust of their respective obligations hereunder which are not otherwise specifically provided for in this subsection, (vii) the fees of any counsel to the Underwriters, including the fees incurred in connection with the review of the Transaction Documents and the preparation of the Underwriting Agreement and the legal opinions and (viii) the fees of any accountants in connection with preparation of any comfort letter in connection with a Prospectus or with respect to static pool data. In addition, it is understood that, except as provided in this paragraph (iv) and in Section 9 hereof, the Underwriters will pay all the following additional expenses: (i) any transfer taxes on resale of any of the Publicly-Offered Certificates by it and (ii) any advertising expenses connected with any offers that such Underwriters may make.
          (v) So long as any Publicly-Offered Certificates are outstanding, upon request of any Underwriter, the Depositor will furnish, or will cause to be furnished, to such Underwriter, as soon as available, a copy of (i) the annual statement of compliance prepared by the Master Servicer and the servicer pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement or the servicing agreement, respectively, (ii) each report regarding the Publicly-Offered Certificates filed with the Commission under the Exchange Act or mailed to the holders of the Publicly-Offered Certificates and (iii) from time to time, such other information concerning the Publicly-Offered Certificates which may be furnished by the Depositor or the Trustee without undue expense and without violation of applicable law.
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

16


 

          (vi) [Reserved]
          (vii) For a period ending on the Closing Date, the Depositor shall not offer or sell, or announce the offering of, or cause any trust created by the Depositor to offer or sell, or announce the offering of, any mortgage pass-through certificates or other similar mortgage-related securities, without the prior written consent of the Underwriters.
          (viii) If so provided in Section 1(i), the Depositor will prepare the Preliminary Prospectus relating to the Publicly-Offered Certificates in a form consented to by the Underwriters, and will file such Preliminary Prospectus within the period required by Rule 424(b).
          (ix) All written and graphic communications relating to the Publicly-Offered Certificates used prior to the availability of the Prospectus will comply with the requirements of Rule 433, including the inclusion of the legend required by Rule 433(c)(2).
          (x) To the extent prepared by or on behalf of the Depositor or to the extent that an Underwriter has provided to the Depositor ABS ICM (as defined below) or a Free Writing Prospectus, the Depositor will file or cause to be filed with the Commission such ABS ICM or Free Writing Prospectus as soon as reasonably practicable after the date hereof, but in any event not later than required pursuant to Rules 426 or 433, respectively, under the Act; provided, however, that the Depositor shall not be required to file (A) any Free Writing Prospectus, if the information included therein is included or incorporated by reference in a prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus previously filed with the Commission that related to the offering of the Publicly-Offered Certificates or (B) any Free Writing Prospectus or portion thereof that contains a description of the Certificates
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

17


 

or the offering of the Publicly-Offered Certificates that does not reflect the final terms thereof.
          (b) Redwood Trust covenants with each Underwriter and with the Depositor that it shall notify you and the Depositor of the occurrence of any material events respecting the activities, affairs or condition, financial or otherwise, of Redwood Trust and its subsidiaries and, if as a result of any such event it is necessary to amend or supplement the Final Prospectus in order to make the Final Prospectus not misleading in the light of the circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a purchaser, Redwood Trust will forthwith supply such information to the Depositor as shall be necessary for the Depositor to prepare an amendment or supplement to the Final Prospectus so that, as so amended or supplemented, such Final Prospectus will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading.
     6. Conditions to the Obligations of Underwriters. The obligation of each Underwriter to purchase the Publicly-Offered Certificates to be purchased by it as set forth on Schedule 1 annexed hereto shall be subject to the accuracy in all material respects of the representations and warranties on the part of the Seller, the Depositor and Redwood Trust contained herein as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, to the accuracy of the statements of the Seller, the Depositor and Redwood Trust made in any officer’s certificate pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the performance in all material respects by the Seller, the Depositor and Redwood Trust of its obligations hereunder and to the following additional conditions:
          (a) No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been instituted and be
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

18


 

pending or shall have been threatened, any requests for additional information on the part of the Commission (to be included in the Registration Statement or in the Prospectus or otherwise) shall have been complied with to the reasonable satisfaction of the Underwriters, and the Preliminary Prospectus and the Final Prospectus shall have been filed or transmitted for filing with the Commission not later than the time the same is required to be filed or transmitted for filing pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Commission.
          (b) Each of the Depositor and the Seller shall have furnished to the Underwriters a certificate, dated the Closing Date, signed by the Chairman of the Board or the President and the principal financial or accounting officer of such entity, to the effect that each signer of such certificate has carefully examined the Registration Statement, the Final Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus and this Agreement and that:
     (i) The representations and warranties made by such entity herein are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as if made on the Closing Date, and such entity has complied with all agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the Closing Date;
     (ii) No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued, and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted and are pending or, to the knowledge of such officer, have been threatened as of the Closing Date;
     (iii) Nothing has come to the attention of such officer that would lead such officer to believe that either the Preliminary Prospectus or the Final Prospectus contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

19


 

     (iv) Nothing has come to the attention of such officer that would lead such officer to believe that any Seller Mortgage Loan Information contains any untrue statement of a material fact or, in conjunction with the Preliminary Prospectus or the Final Prospectus, omits any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and
     (v) Nothing has come to the attention of such officer that would lead such officer to believe that the Free Writing Prospectus, as of the date thereof and at any time during the period from the date of this Agreement to the prior to the termination of the offering of the Publicly-Offered Certificates, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
          (c) Redwood Trust shall have furnished to the Underwriters a certificate, dated the Closing Date, of Redwood Trust, signed by the Chairman of the Board or President and the principal financial or accounting officer of Redwood Trust, to the effect that each signer of such certificate has carefully examined the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus, the Final Prospectus and this Agreement and that:
     (i) The representations and warranties of Redwood Trust herein are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as if made on the Closing Date, and Redwood Trust has complied with all agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the Closing Date;
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

20


 

     (ii) No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued, and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted and are pending or, to the knowledge of such officer, have been threatened as of the Closing Date; and
     (iii) Nothing has come to the attention of such officer that would lead such officer to believe that either the Preliminary Prospectus or the Final Prospectus contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and
     (iv) Nothing has come to the attention of such officer that would lead such officer to believe that the Free Writing Prospectus, as of the date thereof or at any time from the date of this Agreement to the termination of the offering of the Publicly-Offered Certificates, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
          (d) Each of the Depositor and the Seller shall have furnished to you an opinion, dated the Closing Date, of Tobin & Tobin, special counsel to the Depositor and the Seller, in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters and counsel to the Underwriters, to the effect that:
     (i) Such entity has been duly incorporated, is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of its incorporation and is duly qualified to do business in, and is in good standing as a foreign corporation under the laws of, each jurisdiction where the character of its properties or the nature of its activities makes such qualification necessary, except such jurisdictions, if any, in which the failure to be so
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

21


 

qualified will not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, regulatory affairs, business affairs, business prospects or properties of such entity; and such entity holds all material licenses, certificates and permits from all governmental authorities necessary for the conduct of its business as described in the Prospectus;
     (ii) No filing or registration with, notice to, or consent, approval, authorization, order or other action of any governmental agency or body or any court is required for the consummation by such entity of the transactions contemplated by the terms of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party except such as may be required under the “blue sky” or state securities laws of any jurisdiction in connection with the offering, sale or acquisition of the Publicly-Offered Certificates, any recordations of the Mortgage Loans to the Trustee (to the extent such recordations are required pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement) that have not yet been completed and such other approvals as have been obtained;
     (iii) The issuance, delivery and sale of the Publicly-Offered Certificates to be purchased by the Underwriters pursuant to this Agreement, the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents by such entity and the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by the terms of the Transaction Documents do not conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any material term or provision of, or constitute a default under, the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of such entity, or any indenture, contract, lease, mortgage, deed of trust, note, agreement or other evidence of indebtedness or other agreement, obligation or instrument to which such entity is a party or by which it or its property is bound, or any statute or any law, decree, order, rule or
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

22


 

regulation applicable to such entity of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency or governmental body having jurisdiction over such entity or its properties;
     (iv) There are no legal or governmental actions, investigations or proceedings pending to which such entity is a party, or, to the best knowledge of such counsel, threatened against the such entity, (A) asserting the invalidity of any Transaction Document or the Certificates, (B) seeking to prevent the issuance of the Certificates or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by any Transaction Document, (C) which might materially and adversely affect the performance by such entity of its respective obligations under, or the validity or enforceability of, any Transaction Document or the Certificates or (D) seeking to affect adversely the Federal income tax attributes of the Publicly-Offered Certificates as described in the Final Prospectus under the heading “Federal Income Tax Consequences” or the state income tax attributes of the Publicly-Offered Certificates as described in the Final Prospectus under the heading “State Tax Considerations;”
     (v) The Registration Statement and any amendments thereto have become effective under the Act; to the best knowledge of such counsel, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and not withdrawn, no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or threatened and not terminated; and the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and each amendment or supplement thereto (in the case of the Registration Statement and the Final Prospectus), as of their respective effective or issue dates (other than the financial and statistical information contained therein as to which such counsel need express no opinion), complied as to form
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

23


 

in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Act and the respective rules and regulations thereunder;
     (vi) To the best knowledge of such counsel, there are no material contracts, indentures or other documents of a character required to be described or referred to in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement other than those described or referred to therein or filed or incorporated by reference as exhibits thereto;
     (vii) Each Transaction Document to which such entity is a party has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such entity and constitutes a valid, legal and binding agreement of such entity enforceable against such entity in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforceability to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general principles of equity regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity or at law;
     (viii) The direction by the Depositor to the Trustee to execute, authenticate and deliver the Publicly-Offered Certificates has been duly authorized by the Depositor, and the Publicly-Offered Certificates, when authenticated by the Trustee in the manner anticipated by the Pooling and Servicing Agreement and delivered and paid for by you as provided in this Agreement, will be validly issued and outstanding and entitled to the benefits of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement;
     (ix) The Publicly-Offered Certificates and the Transaction Documents conform in all material respects to the descriptions thereof contained in the Prospectus;
     (x) The statements in the Final Prospectus under the headings “Certain Legal Aspects of the Loans” and “Legal Investment,” to the extent that they constitute matters
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

24


 

of law or legal conclusions with respect thereto, have been reviewed by such counsel and are correct in all material respects; and
     (xi) The Publicly-Offered Certificates indicated under the heading “Summary — Legal Investment” in the Final Prospectus to be “mortgage related securities” will be mortgage related securities, as defined in Section 3(a)(41) of the Exchange Act, so long as such Publicly-Offered Certificates are rated in one of the two highest rating categories by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization.
     (xii) The Pooling and Servicing Agreement is not required to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and neither the Depositor nor the Trust Fund is required to be registered as an “investment company” under the 1940 Act.
     Such counsel shall also state that nothing has come to its attention that would lead such counsel to believe that the Registration Statement, at the time it became effective, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; that any Preliminary Prospectus, as of the date of such Preliminary Prospectus contained or contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; or that the Final Prospectus, as of the date of the Prospectus Supplement, and on the Closing Date, contained or contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; it being understood that such counsel need express no view as to financial and statistical information contained therein.
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

25


 

     Such opinion may express its reliance as to factual matters on the representations and warranties made by, and on certificates or other documents furnished by officers of, the parties to the Transaction Documents. Such opinion may assume the due authorization, execution and delivery of the instruments and documents referred to therein by the parties thereto other than the Seller, the Depositor and Redwood Trust. Such opinion may be qualified as an opinion only on the laws of the States of New York, California and Delaware and the federal law of the United States. To the extent that such firm relies upon the opinion of other counsel in rendering any portion of its opinion, the opinion of such other counsel shall be attached to and delivered with the opinion of such firm that is delivered to you.
          (e) The Depositor shall have furnished to the Underwriters an opinion, dated the Closing Date, of Chapman and Cutler LLP, special tax counsel to the Depositor, in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters and counsel to the Underwriters, to the effect that:
     (i) the statements in the Final Prospectus under the heading “Federal Income Tax Consequences”, as supplemented or modified by the statements in the Prospectus Supplement under the heading “Federal Income Tax Consequences,” to the extent that they constitute matters of law or legal conclusions with respect to Federal income tax matters, are correct in all material respects;
     (ii) each segregated asset pool for which the Pooling and Servicing Agreement directs the Trustee to make a REMIC election will qualify as a REMIC within the meaning of Section 860D of the Code;
          (f) Redwood Trust shall have furnished to the Underwriters an opinion, dated the Closing Date, of Tobin & Tobin, special counsel to Redwood Trust, in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters and counsel to the Underwriters, to the effect that:
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

26


 

     (i) Redwood Trust has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland and is duly qualified to do business in, and is in good standing as a foreign corporation under the laws of, each jurisdiction where the character of its properties or the nature of its activities makes such qualification necessary, except such jurisdictions, if any, in which the failure to be so qualified will not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, regulatory affairs, business affairs, business prospects or properties of Redwood Trust; and Redwood Trust holds all material licenses, certificates and permits from all governmental authorities necessary for the conduct of its business as described in the Prospectus;
     (ii) Each Transaction Document to which Redwood Trust is a party has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Redwood Trust and constitutes a valid, legal binding agreement of Redwood Trust, enforceable against Redwood Trust in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforceability to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general principles of equity regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity or at law;
     (iii) No consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental agency or body is required for the consummation by Redwood Trust of the transactions contemplated by the terms of the Transaction Documents to which Redwood Trust is a party except such as may be required under the “blue sky” or state securities laws of any jurisdiction in connection with the offering, sale or acquisition of the Publicly-Offered Certificates, any recordations of the assignment of the Mortgage Loans to the Trustee (to
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

27


 

the extent such recordations are required pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement) that have not yet been completed and such other approvals as have been obtained;
     (iv) The consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by the terms of the Transaction Documents to which Redwood Trust is a party do not conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any material term or provision of, or constitute a default under, the charter or by-laws of Redwood Trust, or, to the best knowledge of such counsel, any indenture or other agreement or instrument to which Redwood Trust is a party or by which it is bound, or any statute or regulation applicable to Redwood Trust or any order of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency or governmental body having jurisdiction over Redwood Trust; and
     (v) There are no legal or governmental actions, investigations or proceedings pending to which Redwood Trust is a party, or, to the best knowledge of such counsel, threatened against Redwood Trust, (A) asserting the invalidity of any Transaction Document to which Redwood Trust is a party or (B) which might materially and adversely affect the performance by Redwood Trust of its obligations under, or the validity or enforceability of any Transaction Document to which Redwood Trust is a party.
     Such opinion may express its reliance as to factual matters on the representations and warranties made by, and on certificates or other documents furnished by officers of, the parties to the Transaction Documents. Such opinion may assume the due authorization, execution and delivery of the instruments and documents referred to therein by the parties thereto other than Redwood Trust, the Seller and the Depositor. Such opinion may be qualified as an opinion only
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

28


 

on the laws of the States of Maryland, New York, Delaware and California and the federal law of the United States. To the extent that such counsel relies upon the opinion of other counsel in rendering any portion of its opinion, the opinion of such other counsel shall be attached to and delivered with the opinion of such counsel that is delivered to the Underwriters.
          (g) The Trustee shall have furnished to the Underwriters an opinion, dated the Closing Date, of Dorsey & Whitney LLP, counsel to the Trustee, in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters and counsel to the Underwriters, to the effect that:
     (i) The Trustee has been duly organized and is validly existing as a national banking association duly organized under the laws of the United States of America, and is duly qualified to do business in each jurisdiction where the character of its properties or the nature of its activities makes such qualification necessary, except such jurisdictions, if any, in which the failure to be so qualified will not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, regulatory affairs, business affairs, business prospects or properties of the Trustee; and the Trustee holds all material licenses, certificates and permits from all governmental authorities necessary for the conduct of its business as described in the Prospectus;
     (ii) The Pooling and Servicing Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Trustee and constitutes a valid, legal and binding agreement of the Trustee, enforceable against the Trustee in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforceability to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general principles of equity regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity or at law;
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

29


 

     (iii) No consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental agency or body is required for the consummation by the Trustee of the transactions contemplated by the terms of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, except any such as may be required under the “blue sky” or state securities laws of any jurisdiction in connection with the offering, sale or acquisition of the Publicly-Offered Certificates, any recordations of the assignment of the Mortgage Loans to the Trustee (to the extent such recordations are required pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement) that have not yet been completed and such other approvals as have been obtained; and
     (iv) The consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by the Pooling and Servicing Agreement do not conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any material term or provision of, or constitute a default under, the charter or by-laws of the Trustee, or, to the best knowledge of such counsel, any indenture or other agreement or instrument to which the Trustee is a party or by which it is bound, or any statute or regulation applicable to the Trustee or any order of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Trustee.
     Such opinion may express its reliance as to factual matters on the representations and warranties made by, and on certificates or other documents furnished by officers of, the parties to the Transaction Documents. Such opinion may assume the due authorization, execution and delivery of the instruments and documents referred to therein by the parties thereto other than the Trustee. Such opinion may be qualified as an opinion only on the laws of the States of New York, Delaware and the federal law of the United States. To the extent that such counsel relies upon the opinion of other counsel in rendering any portion of its opinion, the opinion of such
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

30


 

other counsel shall be attached to and delivered with the opinion of such counsel that is delivered to the Underwriters.
          (h) The Master Servicer and the Trust Administrator shall have furnished to the Underwriters an opinion, dated the Closing Date, of in-house counsel to the Master Servicer and Hunton & Williams LLP, counsel to such parties, in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters and counsel to the Underwriters, to the effect that:
     (i) Each of the Master Servicer and the Trust Administrator has been duly organized and is validly existing as a national banking association duly organized under the laws of the United States of America, and is duly qualified to do business in each jurisdiction where the character of its properties or the nature of its activities makes such qualification necessary, except such jurisdictions, if any, in which the failure to be so qualified will not have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), earnings, regulatory affairs, business affairs, business prospects or properties of the such party; and such party holds all material licenses, certificates and permits from all governmental authorities necessary for the conduct of its business as described in the Prospectus;
     (ii) The Pooling and Servicing Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by each of the Master Servicer and the Trust Administrator constitutes a valid, legal and binding agreement of the such party, enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforceability to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general principles of equity regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity or at law;
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

31


 

     (iii) No consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental agency or body is required for the consummation by any of the Master Servicer or the Trust Administrator of the transactions contemplated by the terms of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement;
     (iv) The consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by the terms of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement do not conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any material term or provision of, or constitute a default under, the charter or by-laws of any of the Master Servicer or the Trust Administrator or, to the best knowledge of such counsel, any indenture or other agreement or instrument to which such party is a party or by which it is bound, or any statute or regulation applicable to such party or any order of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency or governmental body having jurisdiction over such party; and
     (v) There are no legal or governmental actions, investigations or proceedings pending to which any of the Master Servicer or the Trust Administrator is a party, or, to the best knowledge of such counsel, threatened against the such party, (A) asserting the invalidity of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement or (B) which might materially and adversely affect the performance by such party of its obligations under, or the validity or enforceability of, the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
     Such opinion may express its reliance as to factual matters on the representations and warranties made by, and on certificates or other documents furnished by officers of, the parties to the Transaction Documents. Such opinion may assume the due authorization, execution and delivery of the instruments and documents referred to therein by the parties thereto other than the Master Servicer, the Securities . Such opinion may be qualified as an opinion only on the laws
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

32


 

of the States of New York, Delaware and the federal law of the United States. To the extent that such counsel relies upon the opinion of other counsel in rendering any portion of its opinion, the opinion of such other counsel shall be attached to and delivered with the opinion of such counsel that is delivered to the Underwriters.
          (i) The servicer shall have furnished to the Underwriters an opinion of counsel to such servicer, in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters and counsel to the Underwriters.
          (j) The Underwriters shall have received copies of any opinions of counsel delivered to the rating agencies set forth in the Final Prospectus as rating the Publicly-Offered Certificates, including, but not limited to, any “true sale,” “non-consolidation” or “perfection” opinions. Any such opinions shall be dated the Closing Date and addressed to the Underwriters or accompanied by reliance letters addressed to the Underwriters.
          (k) The Underwriters shall have received from their counsel such opinion or opinions, dated the Closing Date, with respect to the issuance and sale of the Publicly-Offered Certificates, the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and such other related matters as you may reasonably require, including a negative assurance letter with respect to each Preliminary Prospectus or Final Prospectus.
          (l) The Depositor’s independent accountants, Deloitte & Touche LLP shall have furnished to the Underwriters a letter or letters addressed to the Underwriters and dated as of or prior to the date of first use of any Preliminary Prospectus or Final Prospectus in the form and reflecting the performance of the procedures previously agreed to by the Depositor and the Underwriters, which letter(s) shall cover the use of any static pool data.
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

33


 

          (m) Subsequent to the date hereof, there shall not have occurred any change, or any development involving a prospective change in or affecting the earnings, business or properties of Redwood Trust, the Depositor or the Seller which, in your judgment, materially impairs the investment quality of the Publicly-Offered Certificates so as to make it impractical or inadvisable to proceed with the public offering or the delivery of the Publicly-Offered Certificates as contemplated by the Prospectus.
          (n) The Publicly-Offered Certificates shall be rated not lower than the required ratings set forth under the heading “Ratings” in the Final Prospectus, such ratings shall not have been rescinded and no public announcement shall have been made that any such required rating of the Publicly-Offered Certificates has been placed under review (otherwise than for possible upgrading).
          (o) The Depositor shall have furnished to the Underwriters such further information, certificates and documents as the Underwriters may reasonably have requested, and all proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and all documents incident hereto shall be in all material respects satisfactory in form and substance to the Underwriters and their counsel.
          If any of the conditions specified in this Section 6 shall not have been fulfilled when and as provided in this Agreement, this Agreement and all obligations of an Underwriter hereunder may be canceled at, or at any time prior to, the Closing Date by such Underwriter. Notice of such cancellation shall be given to the Depositor in writing, or by telephone or telegraph confirmed in writing.
     7. Termination. This Agreement shall be subject to termination in your absolute discretion, by notice given to the Depositor if, subsequent to the date hereof, (i) trading generally
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

34


 

shall have been suspended or materially limited on, or by, as the case may be, any of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq National Market, the Chicago Board of Options Exchange, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange or the Chicago Board of Trade, (ii) trading of any securities of Redwood Trust or the Depositor shall have been suspended on any exchange or in any over-the-counter market, (iii) a material disruption in securities settlement, payment or clearance services in the United States shall have occurred, (iv) any moratorium on commercial banking activities shall have been declared by Federal or New York State authorities or (v) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities, or any change in financial markets or any calamity or crisis that, in your judgment, is material and adverse and which, singly or together with any other event specified in this clause (v), makes it, in your judgment, impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offer, sale or delivery of the Publicly-Offered Certificates on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus.
     8. Representations and Indemnities to Survive. The respective agreements, representations, warranties, indemnities and other statements of the Depositor, the Seller and Redwood Trust and their respective officers and of each Underwriter set forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement will remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or the Depositor, the Seller or Redwood Trust, and will survive delivery of and payment for the Publicly-Offered Certificates. The provisions of Section 5(a)(iv), Section 9, Section 12 and Section 13 hereof shall survive the termination or cancellation of this Agreement.
     9. Reimbursement of Underwriter Expenses. If for any reason, other than default by any Underwriter in its obligation to purchase the Publicly-Offered Certificates or termination by any Underwriter pursuant to Section 7 hereof, the Publicly-Offered Certificates are not delivered as
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

35


 

provided herein, the Depositor, the Seller and Redwood Trust jointly and severally agree to reimburse each Underwriter for all damages, losses and out-of-pocket expenses of such Underwriter, including reasonable fees and disbursements of its counsel, reasonably incurred by such Underwriter in making preparations for the purchase, sale and delivery of the Publicly-Offered Certificates, but the Depositor, the Seller and Redwood Trust shall then be under no further liability to any Underwriter with respect to the Publicly-Offered Certificates, except as provided in Section 5(a)(iv), Section 8, Section 12 or Section 13 hereof.
     10. Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below:
     ABS ICM: ABS Informational and Computational Materials as defined in Item 1101(a) of Regulation AB promulgated by the Commission.
     Free Writing Prospectus: A “written communication” within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Act that describes the Publicly-Offered Certificates and/or the Mortgage Loans.
     Issuer Information: Such information as defined in Rule 433(h) under the Act and information that is based on or derived from such approved information.
     Seller Mortgage Loan Information: Information relating to the Mortgage Loans furnished by or on behalf of the Depositor or the Seller to the Underwriters.
     Spread: The excess, if any, of (i) the purchase prices paid by investors to an Underwriter for the Publicly-Offered Certificates over (ii) the purchase price paid by such Underwriter to the Depositor for the Publicly-Offered Certificates purchased by such Underwriter.
     Underwriter Information: The only written information furnished by or on behalf of an Underwriter to the Depositor specifically for use in connection with the preparation of the
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

36


 

Registration Statement, any Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus, such information being (i) ABS ICM prepared by an Underwriter that contains information specified in the definition of ABS ICM and does not include Issuer Information, (ii) any Free Writing Prospectus prepared by or on behalf of an Underwriter that does not include any Issuer Information, (iii) any Free Writing Prospectus prepared by or on behalf of an Underwriter that includes any Issuer Information not approved by the Depositor for use in a Free Writing Prospectus and (iv) the information relating to the Underwriter specified on Exhibit A hereto.
     11. Free Writing Prospectuses.
     (a) The Depositor represents and agrees that, unless it obtains the prior consent of the Underwriters, and each Underwriter represents and agrees that, unless it obtains the prior consent of the Depositor, it has not made and will not make any offer relating to the Publicly-Offered Certificates that would constitute a Free Writing Prospectus required to be filed with the Commission. The Depositor represents that it has treated and agrees that it will treat each Free Writing Prospectus as an “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433, and has complied and will comply with the requirements of Rule 433 applicable to any Free Writing Prospectus, including timely Commission filing where required, legending and record-keeping.
     (b) The Depositor will prepare a final term sheet relating to the Publicly-Offered Certificates containing only information that describes the final terms of the Publicly-Offered Certificates and otherwise in a form consented to by the Underwriters, and will file such final term sheet within the period required by Rule 433(d)(5)(ii) following the date such final terms have been established for all classes of the offering of the Publicly-Offered Certificates. Any such final term sheet is an “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433, for purposes of this Agreement.
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

37


 

     12. Indemnification. (a) The Depositor, the Seller and Redwood Trust jointly and severally agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter and each person who controls an Underwriter within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which they may become subject under the Act, the Exchange Act, or other federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or in any revision or amendment thereof or supplement thereto, (ii) the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated in the Registration Statement or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, (iii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Preliminary Prospectus, (iv) the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated in the Preliminary Prospectus or necessary to make the statement therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, (v) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Final Prospectus or in any revision or amendment thereof or supplement thereto, (vi) the omission or alleged omission to state in the Final Prospectus a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statement therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, (vii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in a Free Writing Prospectus, or (viii) the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated in a Free Writing Prospectus or necessary to make the statement therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and further agree to promptly
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

38


 

reimburse each such indemnified party for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by it or him, as incurred, in connection with investigating or defending or preparing to defend against any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided, however, that none of the Depositor, the Seller or Redwood Trust shall be liable to a particular Underwriter or any person who controls such Underwriter to the extent that any misstatement or alleged misstatement or omission or alleged omission (i) was made in the Preliminary Prospectus, the Final Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus or the Registration Statement, as applicable, pursuant to Underwriter Information or (ii) was corrected (with such correction timely delivered to the Underwriter) at least one business day prior to the written confirmation of such sale and such correction did not materially and adversely affect the marketing or pricing of the Publicly-Offered Certificates and such Underwriter did not deliver, at or prior to the written confirmation of such sale, a copy of the Final Prospectus as then revised, amended or supplemented in any case where such delivery is required by the Act or the Exchange Act, if the Depositor has previously furnished copies thereof to the Underwriters in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability that the Depositor, the Seller or Redwood Trust may otherwise have.
     (a) Each Underwriter severally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Depositor, Redwood Trust and the Seller, the officers of the Depositor who signed the Registration Statement or any amendment thereof, the directors of the Depositor, and each person who controls the Depositor, Redwood Trust or the Seller within the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act, to the same extent as the foregoing indemnities from the Depositor, the Seller and Redwood Trust to each Underwriter; provided, however, that an Underwriter will be liable in any such case only to the extent that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

39


 

or omission or alleged omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with Underwriter Information furnished by that particular Underwriter to the Depositor or to a prospective investor, except to the extent that any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement therein or omission therefrom (or is alleged to have resulted) directly from an error in the Seller Mortgage Loan Information that was used in the preparation of either (x) any Underwriter Information (or amendment or supplement thereof) or (y) any written or electronic materials furnished to prospective investors on which the Underwriter Information (or amendments or supplements) were based. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability that any Underwriter may otherwise have.
     (b) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 12 of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under this Section 12, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof; but the omission so to notify the indemnifying party will not relieve the indemnifying party from any liability which it may have to any indemnified party, unless the indemnifying party is materially prejudiced by such failure to notify and in any event shall not relieve the indemnifying party from any liability which it may have to any indemnified party other than under this Section 12. In case any such action is brought against any indemnified party and it notifies the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate therein, and to the extent that it may elect by written notice delivered to the indemnified party promptly after receiving the aforesaid notice from such indemnified party, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to such indemnified party; provided, however, that if the defendants in any such action include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying party and the indemnified
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

40


 

party (including impleaded parties) and the indemnified party or parties shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to it or them and/or other indemnified parties that are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party, the indemnified party or parties shall have the right to elect separate counsel to assert such legal defenses and to otherwise participate in the defense of such action on behalf of such indemnified party or parties. Upon receipt of notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense of such action and approval by the indemnified party of counsel, the indemnifying party will not be liable for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof, unless (i) the indemnified party shall have employed separate counsel in connection with the assertion of legal defenses in accordance with the proviso to the next preceding sentence (it being understood, however, that the indemnifying party shall not be liable for the expenses of more than one separate counsel (in addition to local counsel) for each of, and approved by, the Underwriters in the case of paragraph (a) of this Section 12, representing the related indemnified parties under such paragraph (a) who are parties to such action), (ii) the indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party within a reasonable time after notice of commencement of the action or (iii) the indemnifying party has authorized the employment of counsel for the indemnified party at the expense of the indemnifying party; and except that, if clause (i) or (iii) is applicable, such liability shall only be in respect of the counsel referred to in such clause (i) or (iii). No indemnifying party shall, without the consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

41


 

includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding.
     13. Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in Section 12 is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under Section 12, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to in Section 12 above in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Depositor, the Seller and Redwood Trust on the one hand and the Underwriter on the other from the offering of the Publicly-Offered Certificates or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Depositor, the Seller and Redwood Trust on the one hand and the Underwriter on the other in connection with the statements or omissions or alleged statements or alleged omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Depositor, the Seller and Redwood Trust on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other shall be in such proportion so that the Underwriters are responsible for an amount equal to the Spread, and the Depositor, the Seller and Redwood Trust are responsible for the balance. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omissions or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Depositor, the Seller or Redwood Trust or by the Underwriters and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue statement or omission. The amount paid by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to in the first
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

42


 

sentence of this Section 13 shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any action or claim which is the subject of this Section 13. An Underwriter shall not be required to contribute any amount in excess of (x) the Spread of such Underwriter, over (y) the amount of any damages which the applicable Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. The obligation of any Underwriter to contribute under this Section 13 is several in proportion to the portion of the Spread applicable to it. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
     14. Successors. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, and no other person will have any right or obligation hereunder.
     15. Applicable Law. This Agreement will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made and to be performed therein, without reference to its conflict of law provisions (other than Section 5-1401 of the General Obligations Law), and the obligations, rights and remedies of the parties hereunder shall be determined in accordance with such laws.
     16. No Fiduciary Duty. Each of the Depositor, the Seller and Redwood Trust (each, a “Redwood Party”) acknowledges that in connection with the offering of the Publicly-Offered Certificates: (a) the Underwriters have acted at arms length, are not agents of, and owe no fiduciary duties to, any Redwood Party or any other person, (b) the Underwriters owe the Redwood Parties only those duties and obligations set forth in this Agreement and (c) the
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

43


 

Underwriters may have interests that differ from those of the Redwood Parties. Each Redwood Party waives to the full extent permitted by applicable law any claims it may have against the Underwriters arising from an alleged breach of fiduciary duty in connection with the offering of the Publicly-Offered Certificates.
     17. Miscellaneous. Time shall be of the essence of this Agreement. This Agreement, together with any contemporaneous written agreements and any prior written agreements (to the extent not superseded by this Agreement) that relate to the offering of the Publicly-Offered Certificates, represents the entire agreement between the Redwood Parties, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, with respect to the preparation of the Preliminary Prospectus, the Final Prospectus and any Free Writing Prospectus and the conduct of the offering, and the purchase and sale of the Publicly-Offered Certificates. Neither this Agreement nor any term hereof may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated except by a writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of such change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought. This Agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
     18. Notices. All communications hereunder shall be in writing and effective only on receipt and, if sent to an Underwriter, shall be delivered to the address specified on the signature page hereof. If such notice is sent to the Depositor, the Seller or Redwood Trust, it shall be delivered to One Belvedere Place, Suite 330, Mill Valley, California 94941, attention of John Isbrandtsen, Vice President.
* * *
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

44


 

     If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement please sign and return to the undersigned a counterpart hereof, whereupon this Agreement and your acceptance shall represent a binding agreement by and among the Depositor, the Seller, Redwood Trust and each Underwriter relating to the Publicly-Offered Certificates.
         
    Very truly yours,
 
       
    REDWOOD TRUST, INC.
 
       
 
  By:    
 
       
 
      Name: John Arens
Title: Vice President
 
       
    RWT HOLDINGS, INC.,
as Seller
 
       
 
  By:    
 
       
 
      Name: John Arens
Title: Vice President
 
       
    SEQUOIA RESIDENTIAL FUNDING, INC.,
as Depositor
 
       
 
  By:    
 
       
 
      Name: John Arens
 
      Title: Vice President
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

 


 

             
 
           
The foregoing Agreement
is hereby confirmed and accepted by:
   
 
           
CREDIT SUISSE SECURITIES (USA) LLC    
 
           
By:
           
         
 
  Name:        
 
  Title:        
 
  Address:   Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC    
 
      Eleven Madison Avenue, 4th Floor    
 
      New York, New York 10010-3629    
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

 


 

Schedule 1
                                 
                            Original Amount to  
                            be purchased by  
    Original Class     Class             Credit Suisse  
    Principal     Interest     Purchase Price     Securities (USA)  
Class   Amount(1)     Rate(2)     Percentage     LLC  
A-1
  $ 237,930,000     Variable     101.4921875 %   $ 237,930,000  
A-2
  $ 41,000,000     Variable     101.4921875 %   $ 41,000,000  
AR
  $ 50     Variable     N/A     $ 50  
AR-L
  $ 50     Variable     N/A     $ 50  
B-1
  $ 9,784,000     Variable     101.2031250 %   $ 9,784,000  
B-2
  $ 4,215,000     Variable     100.0898438 %   $ 4,215,000  
B-3
  $ 2,559,000     Variable     96.84765625 %   $ 2,559,000  
B-4
  $ 753,000     Variable     79.91015625 %   $ 753,000  
 
(1)   These balances are approximate, as described in the Final Prospectus.
 
(2)   These Publicly-Offered Certificates will accrue interest based on the weighted average net mortgage rate of the mortgage loans, as described in the Final Prospectus.
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

 


 

EXHIBIT A
     The following constitutes Underwriter Information for purposes of Section 10 of this Agreement:
     Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, as underwriter, will buy the offered certificates from Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc., the depositor, at a price equal to approximately 101.0737% of their initial principal amount, plus accrued interest, if applicable, from the cut-off date.
     The distribution of the offered certificates by the underwriter may be effected from time to time in one or more negotiated transactions, or otherwise, at varying prices to be determined at the time of sale. The underwriter may effect the transactions by selling the offered certificates to or through dealers, and these dealers may receive compensation in the form of underwriting discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriter for whom they act as agent. In connection with the sale of the offered certificates, the underwriter may be deemed to have received compensation from the depositor in the form of underwriting compensation. The underwriter and any dealers that participate with the underwriter in the distribution of any offered certificates may be deemed to be underwriters and any profit on the resale of the offered certificates positioned by them may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Proceeds to the depositor from the sale of the offered certificates, before deducting expenses payable by the depositor, will be approximately 101.0737% of the aggregate certificate principal balance of the offered certificates, plus accrued interest, if applicable, from the cut-off date. The depositor will pay the expenses related to the issuance of the certificates from these proceeds.
173830 Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust 2006-1
Underwriting Agreement

 

EX-99.5 6 f17506exv99w5.htm EXHIBIT 99.5 exv99w5
 

Exhibit 99.5
Execution Version
SEQUOIA ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST,
MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-1
MORTGAGE LOAN PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
Between
RWT HOLDINGS, INC.
and
SEQUOIA RESIDENTIAL FUNDING, INC.
dated as of January 1, 2006

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
    PAGE  
Section 1. Representations and Warranties of RWT and Sequoia
    1  
 
       
Section 2. Additional Representations, Warranties and Agreements of RWT
    1  
 
       
Section 3. Conveyance of Mortgage Loans
    2  
 
       
Section 4. Intention of Parties
    3  
 
       
Section 5. Termination
    3  
 
       
Section 6. Miscellaneous
    4  
i

 


 

MORTGAGE LOAN PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
     This Mortgage Loan Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of January 1, 2006, by and between RWT Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“RWT”) and Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Sequoia”).
     WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to provide for the purchase and sale of the Mortgage Loans (the “Mortgage Loans”) on the Closing Date (as defined in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2006 (the “Pooling and Servicing Agreement”) by and among Sequoia, as depositor, U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”), and Wells Fargo Bank, N. A., as master servicer and trust administrator, and acknowledged by RWT, as seller, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
     NOW, THEREFORE, the parties in consideration of good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
     Section 1. Representations and Warranties of RWT and Sequoia. RWT and Sequoia, each as to itself and not the other, hereby represents, warrants and agrees for the benefit of the other party that:
     (a) Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by it are within its respective powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary action on its part.
     (b) No Conflict. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement will not violate or conflict with (i) its charter or bylaws, (ii) any resolution or other corporate action by it, or (iii) any decisions, statutes, ordinances, rulings, directions, rules, regulations, orders, writs, decrees, injunctions, permits, certificates or other requirements of any court or other governmental or public authority in any way applicable to or binding upon it, and will not result in or require the creation, except as provided in or contemplated by this Agreement, of any lien, mortgage, pledge, security interest, charge or encumbrance of any kind upon the Mortgage Loans.
     (c) Binding Obligation. This Agreement has been duly executed by it and is its legally valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with this Agreement’s terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, and by general principles of equity.
     Section 2. Additional Representations, Warranties and Agreements of RWT.
     (a) RWT represents and warrants to, and agrees with, Sequoia that (i) on the Closing Date, RWT will have good, valid and marketable title to the Mortgage Loans that are identified in Schedule A to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement and the contractual rights with respect to the Mortgage Loans under each of the Purchase Agreements and the Servicing Agreements, (as modified by the related Acknowledgements, collectively referred to herein as the “Purchase and Servicing Agreements”), in each case free and clear of all liens, mortgages, deeds of trust, pledges, security interests, charges, encumbrances or other claims; and (ii) upon transfer to Sequoia, Sequoia will receive good, valid and marketable title to all of the Mortgage Loans and

 


 

will receive all of RWT’s contractual rights and obligations under each such Purchase and Servicing Agreements, in each case free and clear of any liens, mortgages, deeds of trust, pledges, security interests, charges, encumbrances or other claims.
     (b) RWT hereby makes the representations and warranties as to the Mortgage Loans set forth in Schedule A-1 and Schedule A-2 to this Agreement, for the benefit of Sequoia and the Trustee.
     (c) RWT hereby agrees that it will comply with the provisions of Section 2.04 of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement in respect of a breach of any of the representations and warranties set forth in this Section 2.
     (d) RWT hereby represents and warrants for the benefit of Sequoia and the Trustee: (i) this Agreement creates a valid and continuing security interest (as defined in the applicable UCC) in the Mortgage Loans in favor of Sequoia, which security interest is prior to all other Liens, and is enforceable as such as against creditors of and purchasers from RWT; (ii) the Mortgage Loans constitute “instruments” within the meaning of the applicable UCC; (iii) RWT, immediately prior to its transfer of Mortgage Loans under this Agreement, will own and have good, valid and marketable title to the Mortgage Loans free and clear of any Lien, claim or encumbrance of any Person; (iv) RWT has received all consents and approvals required by the terms of the Mortgage Loans to the sale of the Mortgage Loans hereunder to Sequoia; (v) all original executed copies of each Mortgage Note that constitute or evidence the Mortgage Loans have been delivered to the applicable Custodian; (vi) RWT has received a written acknowledgment from the applicable Custodian that such Custodian is holding the Mortgage Notes that constitute or evidence the Mortgage Loans solely on behalf and for the benefit of Sequoia; (vii) other than the security interest granted to Sequoia pursuant to this Agreement and security interests granted to lenders which will be automatically released at the Closing, RWT has not pledged, assigned, sold, granted a security interest in, or otherwise conveyed any of the Mortgage Loans; RWT has not authorized the filing of and is not aware of any financing statements against it that include a description of collateral covering the Mortgage Loans other than any financing statement relating to the security interest granted to Sequoia hereunder or that will be automatically released upon the sales to Sequoia; (viii) RWT is not aware of any judgment or tax lien filing against itself; and (ix) none of the Mortgage Notes that constitute or evidence the Mortgage Loans have any marks or notations indicating that they have been pledged, assigned or otherwise conveyed to any Person other than Sequoia.
     Section 3. Conveyance of Mortgage Loans.
     (a) Mortgage Loans. RWT, concurrently with the execution and delivery hereof, hereby sells, transfers, assigns, sets over and otherwise conveys to Sequoia, without recourse, all of RWT’s right, title and interest in and to (i) the Mortgage Loans, including the related Mortgage Documents and all interest and principal received or receivable by RWT on or with respect to the Mortgage Loans after the Cut-off Date and all interest and principal payments on the Mortgage Loans received prior to the Cut-off Date in respect of installments of interest and principal due thereafter, but not including payments of interest and principal due and payable on the Mortgage Loans on or before the Cut-off Date, and all other proceeds received in respect of such Mortgage Loans, (ii) RWT’s rights and obligations under the Purchase Agreements and the Servicing Agreements with respect to the Mortgage Loans, as modified by the related Acknowledgements, (iii) the Insurance Policies with respect to the Mortgage Loans, (iv) all cash, instruments or other property held or required to be deposited in the Custodial Accounts and the

2


 

Certificate Distribution Account, and (v) all proceeds of the conversion, voluntary or involuntary, of any of the foregoing into cash or other liquid assets, including, without limitation, all Insurance Proceeds, Liquidation Proceeds and condemnation awards.
     On or prior to the Closing Date, RWT shall deliver to Sequoia or, at Sequoia’s direction, to the applicable Custodian, the Trustee’s Mortgage File for each Mortgage Loan in the manner set forth in Section 2 of the applicable Custodial Agreement. Release of the Trustee’s Mortgage Files on the Closing Date shall be made against payment by Sequoia of the purchase price for the Mortgage Loans and related assets, which shall be a combination of credit for an additional capital contribution and cash wired to RWT’s account. The amount of the purchase price payable by Sequoia shall be set forth in writing in a separate letter.
     (b) Defective Mortgage Loans. If any Mortgage Loan is required to be repurchased due to defective or missing documentation pursuant to Section 2.04 of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, RWT shall, at its option, either (a) repurchase or cause the applicable seller of such Mortgage Loan to RWT to repurchase such Mortgage Loan at the Purchase Price, or (b) provide or cause the applicable seller of such Mortgage Loan to RWT to provide a Replacement Mortgage Loan, subject to the terms and conditions of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
     Section 4. Intention of Parties. It is the express intent of the parties hereto that (without addressing characterization for GAAP purposes) the conveyance of the Mortgage Loans by RWT to Sequoia be construed as, an absolute sale thereof. It is, further, not the intention of the parties that such conveyance be deemed a pledge thereof. However, in the event that, notwithstanding the intent of the parties, such assets are held to be the property of the assigning party, or if for any other reason this Agreement is held or deemed to create a security interest in the Mortgage Loans, then (i) this Agreement shall be deemed to be a security agreement within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code of the State of New York and (ii) the conveyance provided for in this Agreement shall be deemed to be an assignment and a grant by RWT to Sequoia of a security interest in all of the assets described in such conveyances, whether now owned or hereafter acquired.
     RWT and Sequoia shall, to the extent consistent with this Agreement, take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that, if this Agreement were deemed to create a security interest in the Mortgage Loans, such security interest would be deemed to be a perfected security interest of first priority under applicable law and will be maintained as such throughout the term of this Agreement. RWT shall arrange for filing any Uniform Commercial Code continuation statements in connection with any security interest granted or assigned hereunder.
     Section 5. Termination.
     (a) Sequoia may terminate this Agreement, by notice to RWT, at any time at or prior to the Closing Date:
     (i) if the Underwriting Agreement is terminated by the Underwriters pursuant to the terms of the Underwriting Agreement or if the Underwriter does not complete the transactions contemplated by the Underwriting Agreement as the result of the failure of any condition set forth therein or if there has been, since the time of execution of this Agreement or since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Prospectus or Prospectus Supplement, any material adverse change in the financial

3


 

condition, earnings, business affairs or business prospects of RWT, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, or
     (ii) if there has occurred any material adverse change in the financial markets in the United States, any outbreak of hostilities or escalation thereof or other calamity or crisis or any change or development involving a prospective change in national or international political, financial or economic conditions, in each case the effect of which is such as to make it, in the judgment of the Underwriter, impracticable to market the Certificates or to enforce contracts for the sale of the Certificates, or
     (iii) if a banking moratorium has been declared by either Federal or New York authorities.
     (b) This Agreement shall terminate automatically without any required notice or other action by any party hereto if the Closing Date for the issuance of the Certificates has not occurred by February 15, 2006.
     (c) Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement or the completion of all sales contemplated hereby, the representations, warranties and agreements in Sections 1 and 2 hereof shall survive and remain in full force and effect.
     Section 6. Miscellaneous.
     (a) Amendments, Etc. No rescission, modification, amendment, supplement or change of this Agreement shall be valid or effective unless in writing and signed by all of the parties to this Agreement. No amendment of this Agreement may modify or waive the representations, warranties and agreements set forth in Sections 1 and 2 hereof.
     (b) Binding Upon Successors, Etc. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by RWT and Sequoia, and the respective successors and assigns thereof. The parties hereto acknowledge that Sequoia is acquiring the Mortgage Loans for the purpose of pledging, transferring, assigning, setting over and otherwise conveying them to the Trustee, pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement for inclusion in the Trust Fund. As an inducement to Sequoia to purchase the Mortgage Loans, RWT acknowledges and consents to the assignment to the Trustee by Sequoia of all of Sequoia’s rights against RWT hereunder in respect of the Mortgage Loans sold to Sequoia and that the enforcement or exercise of any right or remedy against RWT hereunder by the Trustee or to the extent permitted under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement shall have the same force and effect as if enforced and exercised by Sequoia directly.
     (c) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
     (d) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
     (e) Headings. The headings of the several parts of this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference and are not intended to be a part of or affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

4


 

     (f) Definitions. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
     (g) Nonpetition Covenant. Until one year plus one day shall have elapsed since the termination of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement in accordance with its terms, neither RWT nor any assignee of RWT shall petition or otherwise invoke the process of any court or government authority for the purpose of commencing or sustaining a case against Sequoia under any federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian, sequestrator or other similar official of Sequoia or any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of the affairs of Sequoia.
[remainder of page intentionally left blank]

5


 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party has caused this Mortgage Loan Purchase and Sale Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer or officers as of the day and year first above written.
             
    RWT HOLDINGS, INC.    
 
           
    By:/s/ RWT HOLDINGS, INC.    
 
  Name:        
 
  Title:  
 
   
 
     
 
   
 
           
    SEQUOIA RESIDENTIAL FUNDING, INC.    
 
           
    By: /s/ SEQUOIA RESIDENTIAL FUNDING, INC.    
 
  Name:        
 
  Title:  
 
   
 
     
 
   

6


 

SCHEDULE A-1
MORTGAGE LOAN REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
OF THE SELLER AS TO MORTGAGE LOANS DLJ MORTGAGE CAPITAL, INC.
RECEIVED FROM SELLER ON DECEMBER 15, 2005
I.   With respect to Mortgage Loans purchased under the Mortgage Loan Purchase and Servicing Agreement, dated as of April 1, 1998 (the “Mortgage Loan Purchase and Servicing Agreement”), as amended by the Amendment Number One to such agreement dated February 27, 2004 (the “Amendment Number One,” and together with the Mortgage Loan Purchase and Servicing Agreement, the “Purchase and Servicing Agreement”), between Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. (“Countrywide”) and RWT Holdings.
     With respect to each Mortgage Loan, RWT Holdings hereby makes the following representations and warranties. Such representations and warranties speak as of the Closing Date with respect to the Mortgage Loans (as such capitalized terms are defined in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement), unless otherwise indicated. Capitalized terms are as defined in this Schedule A or in the Purchase and Servicing Agreement.
          (a) Mortgage Loan Schedule. The information contained in the Mortgage Loan Schedule is complete, true and correct in all material respects and the information provided to the rating agencies, including the loan level detail, is true and correct according to the rating agency requirements;
          (b) No Delinquencies or Advances. All payments required to be made prior to the related Cut-off Date for such Mortgage Loan under the terms of the Mortgage Note have been made; RWT Holdings has not advanced funds, or induced, solicited or knowingly received any advance of funds from a party other than the owner of the Mortgaged Property subject to the Mortgage, directly or indirectly, for the payment of any amount required by the Mortgage Loan; and there has been no delinquency of thirty (30) days or more in any payment by the Mortgagor thereunder during the last twelve (12) months;
          (c) Taxes, Assessments, Insurance Premiums and Other Charges. RWT Holdings has no knowledge of any delinquent taxes, ground rents, water charges, sewer rents, assessments, insurance premiums, leasehold payments, including assessments payable in future installments or other outstanding charges affecting the related Mortgaged Property;
          (d) No Modifications. The terms of the Mortgage Note and the Mortgage have not been impaired, waived, altered or modified in any respect, except by written instruments that have been or will be recorded, if necessary to protect the interests of Purchaser, and that have been or will be delivered to Purchaser, all in accordance with the Purchase and Servicing Agreement. The substance of any such waiver, alteration or modification has been approved by the primary mortgage guaranty insurer, if any, and by the title insurer, to the extent required by the related policy and its terms are reflected on the Mortgage Loan Schedule. No Mortgagor has been released, in whole or in part, except in connection with an assumption agreement approved by the primary mortgage insurer, if any, and the title insurer, to the extent required by the policy, and which assumption agreement is part of the Collateral File and the terms of which are reflected in the Mortgage Loan Schedule if executed prior to the Closing Date;
          (e) No Defenses. The Mortgage Note and the Mortgage are not subject to any right of rescission, set-off, counterclaim or defense, including the defense of usury, nor will the operation of any of the terms of the Mortgage Note and the Mortgage, or the exercise of any right thereunder, render the Mortgage unenforceable, in whole or in part, or subject to any right of rescission, set-off, counterclaim or defense, including the defense of usury, and no such right of rescission, set-off, counterclaim or

 


 

defense has been asserted with respect thereto;
          (f) Hazard and Flood Insurance. All buildings upon the Mortgaged Property are insured by an insurer acceptable to an Agency against loss by fire, hazards of extended coverage and such other hazards as are customary in the area where the Mortgaged Property is located, and such insurer is licensed to do business in the state where the Mortgaged Property is located. All such insurance policies contain a standard mortgagee clause naming Countrywide, its successors and assigns as mortgagee, and all premiums thereon have been paid. If, upon the origination of the Mortgage Loan, the Mortgaged Property was, or was subsequently deemed to be, in an area identified in the Federal Register by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as having special flood hazards (and such flood insurance has been made available), a flood insurance policy that meets the requirements of the current guidelines of the Federal Insurance Administration (or any successor thereto) and conforms to the requirements of an Agency is in effect. The Mortgage obligates the Mortgagor thereunder to maintain all such insurance at the Mortgagor’s expense and, upon the failure of the Mortgagor to do so, the holder of the Mortgage is authorized to maintain such insurance at the Mortgagor’s expense and to seek reimbursement therefor from the Mortgagor;
          (g) Compliance with Applicable Law. Each Mortgage Loan at the time of origination complied in all material respects with applicable state and federal laws including truth in lending, real estate settlement procedures, consumer credit protection, equal credit opportunity and disclosure laws applicable to the Mortgage Loan;
          (h) No Release of Mortgage. The Mortgage has not been satisfied, canceled, subordinated, or rescinded, in whole or in part, and the Mortgaged Property has not been released from the lien of the Mortgage, in whole or in part, nor has any instrument been executed that would effect any such release, cancellation, subordination or rescission;
          (i) Enforceability of Mortgage Documents. The Mortgage Note and the related Mortgage are genuine and each is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the maker thereof, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws;
          (j) Validity of Mortgage. The Mortgage is a valid, existing and enforceable first lien on the Mortgaged Property, including all improvements on the Mortgaged Property, subject only to (i) the lien of current real property taxes and assessments not yet due and payable; (ii) covenants, conditions and restrictions, rights of way, easements and other matters of public record as of the date of recording that are acceptable to mortgage lending institutions generally and specifically referred to in lender’s title insurance policy delivered to the originator of the Mortgage Loan and that do not adversely affect the Appraised Value (as evidenced by an appraisal referred to in such definition) of the Mortgaged Property; and (iii) other matters to which like properties are commonly subject that do not materially interfere with the benefits of the security intended to be provided by the Mortgage or the use, enjoyment, value or marketability of the related Mortgaged Property;
          (k) Binding Obligation. The Mortgage Note and the related Mortgage are genuine and each is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the maker thereof, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization;
          (l) Legal Capacity. All parties to the Mortgage Note and the Mortgage had legal capacity to enter into the Mortgage Loan and to execute and deliver the Mortgage Note and the Mortgage, and the Mortgage Note and the Mortgage have been duly and properly executed by such parties;
          (m) Disbursements of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Mortgage Loan have been fully disbursed, and there is no requirement for future advances thereunder, and any and all requirements as to

2


 

completion of any on-site or off-site improvement and as to disbursements of any escrow funds therefor have been complied with. All costs, fees and expenses incurred in making or closing the Mortgage Loan and recording the Mortgage were paid, and the Mortgagor is not entitled to any refund of any amounts paid or due under the Mortgage Note or Mortgage;
          (n) Sole Owner. RWT Holdings is the sole owner and holder of the Mortgage Loan. The Mortgage Loan is not assigned or pledged, and RWT Holdings has good and marketable title thereto, and has full right to transfer and sell the Mortgage Loan to Purchaser free and clear of any encumbrance, equity, lien, pledge, charge, claim or security interest not specifically set forth in the related Mortgage Loan Schedule and has full right and authority subject to no interest or participation of, or agreement with, any other party, to sell and assign each Mortgage Loan pursuant to the terms of the Purchase and Servicing Agreement;
          (o) Interested Parties. All parties that have had any interest in the Mortgage, whether as mortgagee, assignee, pledgee or otherwise, are (or, during the period in which they held and disposed of such interest, were) (a) in compliance with any and all applicable licensing requirements of the laws of the state wherein the Mortgage Property is located, and (b)(i) organized under the laws of such state,
          (p) Title Insurance. Each Mortgage Loan secured by a first priority Mortgage is covered by an ALTA lender’s title insurance policy acceptable to an Agency, issued by a title insurer acceptable to an Agency and qualified to do business in the jurisdiction where the Mortgaged Property is located, insuring (subject to the exceptions contained in Section 3.02(j)(i), (ii) and (iii) above) Countrywide, its successors and assigns as to the first priority lien of the Mortgage, as applicable. Additionally, such lender’s title insurance policy affirmatively insures ingress and egress, and against encroachments by or upon the Mortgaged Property or any interest therein. Purchaser is the sole insured of such lender’s title insurance policy, and such lender’s title insurance policy is in full force and effect and will be in full force and effect upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Purchase and Servicing Agreement. No claims have been made under such lender’s title insurance policy, and RWT Holdings and no prior holder of the related Mortgage, has done, by act or omission, anything which would impair the coverage of such lender’s title insurance policy;
          (q) No Default. There is no default, breach, violation or event of acceleration existing under the Mortgage or the Mortgage Note and no event which, with the passage of time or with notice and the expiration of any grace or cure period, would constitute a default, breach, violation or event of acceleration, and RWT Holdings has not waived any default, breach, violation or event of acceleration;
          (r) No Mechanics’ Liens. There are no mechanics’ or similar liens or claims which have been filed for work, labor or material (and no rights are outstanding that under law could give rise to such lien) affecting the related Mortgaged Property which are or may be liens prior to, or equal or coordinate with, the lien of the related Mortgage;
          (s) Improvements. All improvements which were considered in determining the Appraised Value of the related Mortgage Property lay wholly within the boundaries and building restriction lines of the Mortgaged Property, and no improvements on adjoining properties encroach upon the Mortgaged Property;
          (t) The Mortgage Loan was originated by Countrywide or by a FNMA approved or FHLMC approved mortgage banker (which mortgage banker is a mortgagee approved by HUD), or savings and loan association, a savings bank, a commercial bank or similar banking institution that is supervised and examined by a federal or state authority, or by another mortgagee approved by the Secretary of HUD.
          (u) Origination and Collection Practices. The origination and collection practices

3


 

used by Countrywide with respect to each Mortgage Note and Mortgage have been in all respects legal, proper, prudent and customary in the mortgage origination and servicing business. With respect to escrow deposits and Escrow Payments, if any, all such payments are in the possession of, or under the control of, Seller and there exist no deficiencies in connection therewith for which customary arrangements for repayment thereof have not been made. No escrow deposits or Escrow Payments or other charges or payments due Countrywide have been capitalized under any Mortgage or the related Mortgage Note. With respect to Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loans, all Mortgage Interest Rate adjustments have been made in strict compliance with state and federal law and the terms of the related Mortgage Note. Any interest required to be paid pursuant to state and local law has been properly paid and credited;
          (v) No Condemnation or Damage. The Mortgaged Property is free of material damage and waste by fire, earthquake or earth movement, windstorm, flood, tornado, or other casualty and there is no proceeding pending for the total or partial condemnation thereof;
          (w) Customary and Enforceable Provisions. The Mortgage contains customary and enforceable provisions such as to render the rights and remedies of the holder thereof adequate for the realization against the Mortgaged Property of the benefits of the security provided thereby including (a) in the case of a Mortgage designated as a deed of trust, by trustee’s sale, and (b) otherwise by judicial foreclosure. There is no other exemption available to the Mortgagor which would interfere with the right to sell the Mortgaged Property at a trustee’s sale or the right to foreclose the Mortgage. The Mortgagor has not notified RWT Holdings and RWT Holdings has no knowledge of any relief requested or allowed to the Mortgagor under the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act of 1940 (now known as the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act);
          (x) Collateral. The Mortgage Note is not and has not been secured by any collateral except the lien of the corresponding Mortgage and the security interest of any applicable security agreement or chattel mortgage referred to in Section 3.02(i) of the Purchase and Servicing Agreement;
          (y) Appraisal. Unless the Mortgage Loan was underwritten pursuant to one of Countrywide’s streamline documentation programs, the Credit File contains an appraisal of the related Mortgaged Property signed prior to the approval of the Mortgage Loan application by an appraiser who meets the minimum requisite qualifications of an Agency for appraisers, duly appointed by the originator, that had no interest, direct or indirect in the Mortgaged Property, and whose compensation is not affected by the approval or disapproval of the Mortgage Loan; the appraisal is in a form acceptable to an Agency, with such riders as are acceptable to such Agency;
          (z) Trustee for Deed of Trust. In the event the Mortgage constitutes a deed of trust, a trustee, duly qualified under applicable law to serve as such, has been properly designated and currently so serves and is named in the Mortgage, and no fees or expenses are or will become payable by Purchaser to the trustee under the deed of trust, except in connection with a trustee’s sale after default by the Mortgagor;
          (aa) Private Mortgage Insurance. Each Mortgage Loan with an LTV at origination in excess of 80% is and will be subject to a PMI Policy, which provides coverage in an amount at least equal to that which would be required by FNMA. All provisions of such PMI Policy have been and are being complied with, such policy is in full force and effect, and all premiums due thereunder have been paid. Any Mortgage subject to any such PMI Policy obligates the Mortgagor thereunder to maintain such insurance and to pay all premiums and charges in connection therewith or, in the case of a lender paid mortgage insurance policy, the premiums and charges are included in the Mortgage Interest Rate for the Mortgage Loan;
          (bb) Lawfully Occupied. The Mortgaged Property is lawfully occupied under applicable law. All inspections, licenses and certificates required to be made or issued with respect to all

4


 

occupied portions of the Mortgaged Property and, with respect to the use and occupancy of the same including certificates of occupancy, have been made or obtained from the appropriate authorities;
          (cc) No Action Resulting in Exclusion of Coverage. No action has been taken or failed to be taken, no event has occurred and no state of facts exists or has existed on or prior to the Closing Date (whether or not known to RWT Holdings on or prior to such date) which has resulted or will result in an exclusion from, denial of, or defense to coverage under any private mortgage insurance (including, without limitation, any exclusions, denials or defenses which would limit or reduce the availability of the timely payment of the full amount of the loss otherwise due thereunder to the insured) whether arising out of actions, representations, errors, omissions, negligence, or fraud of RWT Holdings, the related Mortgagor or any party involved in the application for such coverage, including the appraisal, plans and specifications and other exhibits or documents submitted therewith to the insurer under such insurance policy, or for any other reason under such coverage, but not including the failure of such insurer to pay by reason of such insurer’s breach of such insurance policy or such insurer’s financial inability to pay;
          (dd) Assignment of Mortgage. Except for the absence of recording information, the Assignment of Mortgage is in recordable form and is acceptable for recording under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the Mortgaged Property is located;
          (ee) Consolidation of Future Advances. Any future advances made to the Mortgagor prior to the Cut-off Date have been consolidated with the outstanding principal amount secured by the Mortgage, and the secured principal amount, as consolidated, bears a single interest rate and single repayment term. The consolidated principal amount does not exceed the original principal amount of the Mortgage Loan;
          (ff) Form of Mortgage Note and Mortgage. The Mortgage Note and Mortgage are on forms acceptable to an Agency;
          (gg) Mortgaged Property. The Mortgaged Property is located in the state indicated on the Mortgage Loan Schedule, and consists of a single parcel of real property with a detached single family residence erected thereon, or an individual residential condominium unit, or a 2-4 family dwelling or an individual residential unit in a planned unit development as defined by FNMA, none of which is a mobile home or a manufactured dwelling;
          (hh) Relevant Circumstances. RWT Holdings has no knowledge of any circumstances or conditions with respect to the Mortgage, the Mortgaged Property, the Mortgagor of the Mortgagor’s credit standing that can reasonably be expected to cause the Mortgage Loan to be an unacceptable investment, cause the Mortgage Loan to become delinquent, or adversely affect the value of the Mortgage Loan;
          (ii) No Fraud. No fraud, error, omission, misrepresentation, negligence or similar occurrence with respect to a Mortgage Loan has taken place on the part of any Person, including without limitation, the Mortgagor, any appraiser, any builder or developer, or any other party involved in the origination of the Mortgage Loan;
          (jj) Buydown Provisions. No Mortgage Loan contains a permanent “buydown” provision. No Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan contains a temporary “buydown” provision. With respect to any Fixed Rate Mortgage Loan which contains a temporary “buydown” provision, the value of such buydown funds does not exceed 6% of the Appraised Value of the Mortgaged Property securing such Mortgage Loan. The Mortgage Loan is not a graduated payment mortgage loan and the Mortgage Loan does not have a shared appreciation or other contingent interest feature;

5


 

          (kk) Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Relief Act. The Mortgagor has not notified RWT Holdings and RWT Holdings has no knowledge of any relief requested or allowed to the Mortgagor under the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act of 1940 (now known as the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act);
          (ll) Disclosure Statements. With respect to an Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan, the Mortgagor has executed one or more statements to the effect that the Mortgagor has received all disclosure materials required by applicable law with respect to the making of an Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan. Purchaser shall maintain all such statements in the Credit File;
          (mm) Construction or Rehabilitation of Mortgaged Property. No Mortgage Loan was made in connection with the construction or rehabilitation of a Mortgaged Property;
          (nn) Due on Sale. The Mortgage contains an enforceable provision for the acceleration of the payment of the unpaid principal balance of the Mortgage Loan in the event that the Mortgaged Property is sold or transferred without the prior written consent of the mortgagee thereunder;
          (oo) Condominiums and Planned Unit Developments. With respect to each Mortgage Loan eligible for sale to FNMA or FHLMC, if the Mortgaged Property is a condominium unit or a planned unit development (other than a de minimis planned unit development) such condominium or planned unit development project meets the eligibility requirements for FNMA or FHLMC;
          (pp) Leasehold Estates. Each Mortgage Loan that is secured by a leasehold interest conforms to the FNMA requirements for mortgage loans secured by leasehold estates;
          (qq) There is no pending action or proceeding directly involving the Mortgaged Property in which compliance with any environmental law, rule or regulation is an issue; there is no violation of any environmental law, rule or regulation with respect to the Mortgaged Property; and nothing further remains to be done to satisfy in full all requirements of each such law, rule or regulation constituting a prerequisite to use and enjoyment of said property. And there does not exist on the related Mortgage Property any hazardous substances, hazardous wastes or solid wastes, as such terms are defined in the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, or other federal, state or local environmental legislation;
          (rr) Each Mortgage Loan at the time it was made complied in all material respects with applicable local, state, and federal laws, including, but not limited to, all applicable predatory and abusive lending laws;
          (ss) None of the Mortgage Loans are classified as (a) “high cost” loans under the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994, (b) “high cost,” “threshold,” “predatory”, or “covered”, loans under and in violation of any other applicable state, federal or local law, or (c) “high cost” or “covered”, as applicable (as such terms are defined in the then current Standard and Poor’s LEVELS Glossary which is now Version 5.6(c) Revised, Appendix E);
          (tt) No Mortgage Loan was originated on or after October 1, 2002 and prior to March 7, 2003, which is secured by property located in the State of Georgia. No Mortgage Loan was originated on or after March 7, 2003 which is a “high cost home loan” as defined under the Georgia Fair Lending Act;
          (uu) No Mortgage Loan which is secured by property located in the State of New Jersey is a “High-Cost Home Loan” as defined in the New Jersey Home Ownership Act, which became effective November 27, 2003;
          (vv) No Mortgage Loan which is secured by property located in the State of New Mexico is a “High-Cost Home Loan” as defined in the New Mexico Home Loan Protection Act, which

6


 

became effective January 1, 2004;
          (ww) No Mortgage Loan which is secured by property located in the State of Kentucky is a “High-Cost Home Loan” as defined in the Kentucky House Bill 287, which became effective June 24, 2003;
          (xx) Each Mortgage Loan is a “qualified mortgage” within Section 860G(a)(3) of the Code;
          (yy) No Mortgage Loan which is secured by property located in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a “High Cost Home Loan” as defined in Part 40 and Part 32, 209 C.M.R. §§ 32.00 et seq. and 209 C.M.R. §§ 40.01 et seq., which became effective March 22, 2001 and amended from time to time; and
          (zz) No Mortgage Loan that is secured by property located in the State of Illinois is a “High-Risk Home Loan” as defined in the Illinois High Risk Home Loan Act effective January 1, 2004 (815 Ill. Comp. Stat. 137/1 et seq.); and none of the Mortgage Loans that are secured by property located in the State of Illinois are in violation of the provisions of the Illinois Interest Act (815 Ill. Comp. Stat. 205/1 et. seq.).

7


 

SCHEDULE A-2
MORTGAGE LOAN REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
OF DLJ AND THE SELLER AS TO MORTGAGE LOANS DLJ MORTGAGE CAPITAL, INC.
RECEIVED DIRECTLY FROM COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC.
I.   With respect to Mortgage Loans purchased under the Mortgage Loan Purchase and Servicing Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2004 (the “Agreement”), among DLJ Mortgage Capital, Inc. (“DLJ”), Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., as the seller (the “Seller”) and Countrywide Home Loans Servicing L.P., as the servicer (the “Servicer”).
     With respect to each Mortgage Loan, RWT Holdings hereby makes the following representations and warranties. Such representations and warranties speak as of the Closing Date with respect to the Mortgage Loans (as such capitalized terms are defined in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement), unless otherwise indicated. Capitalized terms are as defined in this Schedule A or in the Agreement.
          (i) The information contained in the Mortgage Loan Schedule is complete, true and correct in all material respects and the information provided to the rating agencies, including the loan level detail, is true and correct according to the rating agency requirements;
          (ii) All payments required to be made up to, and excluding, the related Cut-off Date for such Mortgage Loan under the terms of the Mortgage Note have been made; the Seller has not advanced funds, or induced, solicited or knowingly received any advance of funds from a party other than the owner of the Mortgaged Property subject to the Mortgage, directly or indirectly, for the payment of any amount required by the Mortgage Loan; and there has been no more than one delinquency of more than thirty days in any payment by the Mortgagor thereunder during the last twelve months and such delinquency did not exceed one payment;
          (iii) There are no delinquent taxes, ground rents, water charges, sewer rents, assessments, insurance premiums, leasehold payments, including assessments payable in future installments or other outstanding charges affecting the related Mortgaged Property;
          (iv) The terms of the Mortgage Note and the Mortgage have not been impaired, waived, altered or modified in any respect, except by written instruments which have been recorded, if necessary to protect the interests of the Purchaser, and which have been delivered to the Purchaser or the Custodian. The substance of any such waiver, alteration or modification has been approved by the primary mortgage guaranty insurer, if any, and by the title insurer, to the extent required by the related policy and its terms are reflected on the Mortgage Loan Schedule. No Mortgagor has been released, in whole or in part, except in connection with an assumption agreement approved by the primary mortgage insurer, if any, and title insurer, to the extent required by the policy, and which assumption agreement is part of the Mortgage File and the terms of which are reflected in the Mortgage Loan Schedule;
          (v) The Mortgage Note and the Mortgage are not subject to any right of rescission, set-off, counterclaim or defense, including the defense of usury, nor will the operation of any of the terms of the Mortgage Note and the Mortgage, or the exercise of any right thereunder, render the Mortgage unenforceable, in whole or in part, or subject to any right of rescission, set-off, counterclaim or defense, including the defense of usury and no such right of rescission, set-off, counterclaim or defense has been asserted with respect thereto; and the Mortgagor was not a debtor in any state or federal bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding at the time the Mortgage Loan was originated;

 


 

          (vi) All buildings upon the Mortgaged Property are insured by a Qualified Insurer against loss by fire, hazards of extended coverage and such other hazards as are customary in the area where the Mortgaged Property is located, pursuant to insurance policies conforming to the requirements of the Seller’s Warranties and Servicing Agreement attached to the Agreement as Exhibit 9. All such insurance policies (collectively, the “hazard insurance policy”) contain a standard mortgagee clause naming the Seller, its successors and assigns as mortgagee and all premiums thereon have been paid. If the Mortgaged Property is in an area identified in the Federal Register by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as having special flood hazards (and such flood insurance has been made available) a flood insurance policy meeting the requirements of the current guidelines of the Federal Insurance Administration is in effect which policy conforms to the requirements of either FNMA or FHLMC. The Mortgage obligates the Mortgagor thereunder to maintain all such insurance at Mortgagor’s cost and expense, and on the Mortgagor’s failure to do so, authorizes the holder of the Mortgage to maintain such insurance at Mortgagor’s cost and expense and to seek reimbursement therefor from the Mortgagor;
          (vii) Any and all requirements of any federal, state or local law including, without limitation, usury, truth in lending, real estate settlement procedures, consumer credit protection, equal credit opportunity or disclosure laws applicable to the Mortgage Loan have been complied with;
          (viii) The Mortgage has not been satisfied, canceled, subordinated, or rescinded, in whole or in part, and the Mortgaged Property has not been released from the lien of the Mortgage, in whole or in part, nor has any instrument been executed that would effect any such release, cancellation, subordination or rescission;
          (ix) The Mortgage is a valid, existing and enforceable first lien on the Mortgaged Property, including all improvements on the Mortgaged Property, subject only to (a) the lien of current real property taxes and assessments not yet due and payable, (b) covenants, conditions and restrictions, rights of way, easements and other matters of the public record as of the date of recording being acceptable to mortgage lending institutions generally and specifically referred to in lender’s title insurance policy delivered to the originator of the Mortgage Loan and which do not adversely affect the Appraised Value of the Mortgaged Property, and (c) other matters to which like properties are commonly subject which do not materially interfere with the benefits of the security intended to be provided by the Mortgage or the use, enjoyment, value or marketability of the related Mortgaged Property. Any security agreement, chattel mortgage or equivalent document related to and delivered in connection with the Mortgage Loan establishes and creates a valid, existing and enforceable first lien and first priority security interest on the property described therein and the Seller has full right to sell and assign the same to the Purchaser;
          (x) The Mortgage Note and the related Mortgage are genuine and each is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the maker thereof, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization;
          (xi) All other parties to the Mortgage Note and the Mortgage had legal capacity to enter into the Mortgage Loan and to execute and deliver the Mortgage Note and the Mortgage, and the Mortgage Note and the Mortgage have been duly and properly executed by such parties. The Mortgagor is a human person or is otherwise an eligible borrower under FNMA’s Selling Guide or FHLMC’s Selling Guide;
          (xii) The proceeds of the Mortgage Loan have been fully disbursed and there is no requirement for future advances thereunder and any and all requirements as to completion of any on-site or off-site improvement and as to disbursements of any escrow funds therefor have been complied with. All costs, fees and expenses incurred in making or closing the Mortgage Loan and the recording of the Mortgage were paid, and the Mortgagor is not entitled to any refund of any amounts paid or due under the Mortgage Note or Mortgage;

2


 

          (xiii) The Seller is the sole owner and holder of the Mortgage Loan. The Mortgage Loan is not assigned or pledged, and the Seller has good and marketable title thereto and has full right to transfer and sell the Mortgage Loan to the Purchaser free and clear of any encumbrance, equity, lien, pledge, charge, claim or security interest and has full right and authority subject to no interest or participation of, or agreement with, any other party, to sell and assign each Mortgage Loan pursuant to this Agreement;
          (xiv) All parties which have had any interest in the Mortgage, whether as mortgagee, assignee, pledgee or otherwise, are (or, during the period in which they held and disposed of such interest, were) (a) in compliance with any and all applicable licensing requirements of the laws of the state wherein the Mortgaged Property is located, and (b) organized under the laws of such state, or (c) qualified to do business in such state, or (d) a federal savings and loan association or national bank having principal offices in such state, or (e) not doing business in such state;
          (xv) The Mortgage Loan is covered by an ALTA lender’s title insurance policy acceptable to either FNMA or FHLMC, issued by a title insurer acceptable to either FNMA or FHLMC and qualified to do business in the jurisdiction where the Mortgaged Property is located, insuring (subject to the exceptions contained in (ix)(a) and (b) above) the Seller, its successors and assigns as to the first priority lien of the Mortgage in the original principal amount of the Mortgage Loan or, in the case of a NegAm Mortgage Loan, the outstanding principal amount of such Mortgage Loan at any time such amount is greater than the original principal amount thereof, and, in the case of an Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan, against any loss by reason of the invalidity or unenforceability of the lien resulting from the provisions of the Mortgage Note and/or Mortgage providing for adjustment in the Mortgage Interest Rate and Monthly Payment. Additionally, such lender’s title insurance policy affirmatively insures ingress and egress, and against encroachments by or upon the Mortgaged Property or any interest therein. The Seller is the sole insured of such lender’s title insurance policy, and such lender’s title insurance policy is in full force and effect and will be in full force and effect upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. No claims have been made under such lender’s title insurance policy, and no prior holder of the related Mortgage, including the Seller, has done, by act or omission, anything which would impair the coverage of such lender’s title insurance policy;
          (xvi) There is no default, breach, violation or event of acceleration existing under the Mortgage or the Mortgage Note and no event which, with the passage of time or with notice and the expiration of any grace or cure period, would constitute a default, breach, violation or event of acceleration, and the Seller has not waived any default, breach, violation or event of acceleration;
          (xvii) There are no mechanics’ or similar liens or claims which have been filed for work, labor or material (and no rights are outstanding that under law could give rise to such lien) affecting the related Mortgaged Property which are or may be liens prior to, or equal or coordinate with, the lien of the related Mortgage;
          (xviii) All improvements which were considered in determining the Appraised Value (as defined in clause (i) of said definition) of the related Mortgaged Property lay wholly within the boundaries and building restriction lines of the Mortgaged Property, and no improvements on adjoining properties encroach upon the Mortgaged Property;
          (xix) The Mortgage Loan was originated by the Seller or by a FNMA approved or FHLMC approved mortgage banker (which mortgage banker is a mortgagee approved by HUD), or savings and loan association, a savings bank, a commercial bank or similar banking institution which is supervised and examined by a federal or state authority, or by another mortgagee approved by the Secretary of HUD pursuant to Sections 203 and 211 of the National Housing Act. Scheduled payments on the Mortgage Loan commenced no more than sixty (60) days after funds were disbursed in connection with the Mortgage Loan. The Mortgage Note is payable on the first day of each month in monthly installments of principal and interest, with interest in arrears, and requires Monthly Payments sufficient to

3


 

amortize the original principal balance (a) with respect to each Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan, over a term of thirty (30) years, and (b) with respect to each Fixed Rate Mortgage Loan, over a term of either fifteen (15) or thirty (30) years; provided, however, in the case of a Balloon Mortgage Loan, the Mortgage Loan matures after seven years requiring a final payment of the outstanding principal prior to full amortization. With respect to each Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan other than a NegAm Mortgage Loan, there is no negative amortization. Each Convertible Mortgage Loan contains a provision whereby the Mortgagor is permitted to convert the Mortgage Loan to a fixed rate mortgage loan in accordance with the terms of the related Mortgage Note;
          (xx) The origination, servicing and collection practices used by the Seller with respect to each Mortgage Note and Mortgage have been in all respects legal, proper, prudent and customary in the mortgage origination and servicing business. With respect to escrow deposits and Escrow Payments, if any, all such payments are in the possession of, or under the control of, the Seller and there exist no deficiencies in connection therewith for which customary arrangements for repayment thereof have not been made. No escrow deposits or Escrow Payments or other charges or payments due the Seller have been capitalized under any Mortgage or the related Mortgage Note. With respect to Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loans, all Mortgage Interest Rate adjustments have been made in strict compliance with state and federal law and the terms of the related Mortgage Note. Any interest required to be paid pursuant to state and local law has been properly paid and credited;
          (xxi) The Mortgaged Property is free of damage and waste and there is no proceeding pending for the total or partial condemnation thereof;
          (xxii) The Mortgage contains customary and enforceable provisions such as to render the rights and remedies of the holder thereof adequate for the realization against the Mortgaged Property of the benefits of the security provided thereby, including, (a) in the case of a Mortgage designated as a deed of trust, by trustee’s sale, and (b) otherwise by judicial foreclosure. There is no other exemption available to the Mortgagor which would interfere with the right to sell the Mortgaged Property at a trustee’s sale or the right to foreclose the Mortgage. The Mortgagor has not notified the Seller and the Seller has no knowledge of any relief requested or allowed to the Mortgagor under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act or any similar federal, state or local laws or ordinances;
          (xxiii) The Mortgage Loan was underwritten generally in accordance with the Seller’s underwriting standards in effect at the time the Mortgage Loan was originated or acquired and the underwriting guidelines described in the related Purchase Price and Terms Letter. The Seller’s underwriting standards in effect as of the date of the initial Closing Date have been delivered to Purchaser and are attached to the Agreement as Exhibit 10;
          (xxiv) The Mortgage Note is not and has not been secured by any collateral except the lien of the corresponding Mortgage and the security interest of any applicable security agreement or chattel mortgage referred to in (ix) above;
          (xxv) The Mortgage File contains an appraisal of the related Mortgaged Property signed prior to the approval of the Mortgage Loan application by an appraiser which meets the minimum FNMA or FHLMC requisite qualifications for appraisers, duly appointed by the originator, who had no interest, direct or indirect in the Mortgaged Property or in any loan made on the security thereof, and whose compensation is not affected by the approval or disapproval of the Mortgage Loan; the appraisal is in a form acceptable to FNMA or FHLMC, with such riders as are acceptable to FNMA or FHLMC, as the case may be, and Title XI of FIRREA and the regulations promulgated thereunder;
          (xxvi) In the event the Mortgage constitutes a deed of trust, a trustee, duly qualified under applicable law to serve as such, has been properly designated and currently so serves and is named in the Mortgage, and no fees or expenses are or will become payable by the Purchaser to the trustee under the deed of trust, except in connection with a trustee’s sale after default by the Mortgagor;

4


 

          (xxvii) No Mortgage Loan contains a permanent “buydown” provision. No Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan contains a temporary “buydown” provision. With respect to any Fixed Rate Mortgage Loan which contains a temporary “buydown” provision, the value of such buydown funds does not exceed 6% of the Appraised Value of the Mortgaged Property securing such Mortgage Loan. The Mortgage Loan is not a graduated payment mortgage loan and the Mortgage Loan does not have a shared appreciation or other contingent interest feature;
          (xxviii) With respect to an Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan or a Balloon Mortgage Loan, the Mortgagor has executed one or more statements to the effect that the Mortgagor has received all disclosure materials required by applicable law with respect to the making of an adjustable rate mortgage loan or a fixed rate balloon payment mortgage loan, as the case may be. The Seller shall maintain all such statements in the Mortgage File;
          (xxix) No Mortgage Loan was made in connection with (a) the construction or rehabilitation of a Mortgaged Property or (b) facilitating the trade-in or exchange of a Mortgaged Property;
          (xxx) The Seller has no knowledge of any circumstances or condition with respect to the Mortgage, the Mortgaged Property, the Mortgagor or the Mortgagor’s credit standing that can reasonably be expected to cause the Mortgage Loan to be an unacceptable investment, cause the Mortgage Loan to become delinquent, or adversely affect the value of the Mortgage Loan;
          (xxxi) No Mortgage Loan has a Loan-to-Value Ratio at origination in excess of 95%. Each such Mortgage Loan with an LTV at origination in excess of 80% is and will be subject to a Primary Mortgage Insurance Policy, issued by a Qualified Insurer, which insures that portion of the Mortgage Loan over 75% of the Appraised Value of the related Mortgaged Property or, in the case of NegAm Mortgage Loans provides at least 25% coverage. All provisions of such Primary Mortgage Insurance Policy have been and are being complied with, such policy is in full force and effect, and all premiums due thereunder have been paid. Any Mortgage subject to any such Primary Mortgage Insurance Policy obligates the Mortgagor thereunder to maintain such insurance and to pay all premiums and charges in connection therewith, except with respect to any Lender PMI Mortgage Loan. Except in connection with a Lender PMI Mortgage Loan, the Mortgage Interest Rate for the Mortgage Loan is exclusive of any such insurance premium;
          (xxxii) At the origination date of the Mortgage Loan, the related Mortgaged Property was lawfully occupied under applicable law. To the best of the Seller’s knowledge, after reasonable inquiry and investigation, the Mortgaged Property is lawfully occupied under applicable law and all inspections, licenses and certificates required to be made or issued with respect to all occupied portions of the Mortgaged Property and, with respect to the use and occupancy of the same, including but not limited to certificates of occupancy, have been made or obtained from the appropriate authorities;
          (xxxiii) No action has been taken or failed to be taken, no event has occurred and no state of facts exists or has existed on or prior to the Closing Date (whether or not known to the Seller on or prior to such date) which has resulted or will result in an exclusion from, denial of, or defense to coverage under any private mortgage insurance (including, without limitation, any exclusions, denials or defenses which would limit or reduce the availability of the timely payment of the full amount of the loss otherwise due thereunder to the insured) whether arising out of actions, representations, errors, omissions, negligence, or fraud of the Seller, the related Mortgagor or any party involved in the application for such coverage, including the appraisal, plans and specifications and other exhibits or documents submitted therewith to the insurer under such insurance policy, or for any other reason under such coverage, but not including the failure of such insurer to pay by reason of such insurer’s breach of such insurance policy or such insurer’s financial inability to pay;
          (xxxiv) The Assignment of Mortgage, is in recordable form and is acceptable for

5


 

recording under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the Mortgaged Property is located;
          (xxxv) Any future advances made to the Mortgagor prior to the Cut-off Date have been consolidated with the outstanding principal amount secured by the Mortgage, and the secured principal amount, as consolidated, bears a single interest rate and single repayment term. The lien of the Mortgage securing the consolidated principal amount is expressly insured as having first lien priority by a title insurance policy, an endorsement to the policy insuring the mortgagee’s consolidated interest or by other title evidence acceptable to FNMA or FHLMC. The consolidated principal amount does not exceed the original principal amount of the Mortgage Loan;
          (xxxvi) If the Mortgaged Property is a condominium unit or a planned unit development (other than a de minimis planned unit development) such condominium or planned unit development project meets the eligibility requirements for FNMA or FHLMC;
          (xxxvii) The Mortgage Note and Mortgage are on forms acceptable to FNMA or FHLMC;
          (xxxviii) The Mortgaged Property is located in the state indicated on the Mortgage Loan Schedule, and consists of a single parcel of real property with a detached single family residence erected thereon, or an individual condominium unit, or a 2-4 family dwelling or an individual unit in a planned unit development as defined by FNMA, none of which is a mobile home or manufactured dwelling;
          (xxxix) The Mortgage Note, the Mortgage, the Assignment of Mortgage and any other documents required to be delivered with respect to each Mortgage Loan pursuant to the Custodial Agreement, have been delivered to the Custodian all in compliance with the specific requirements of the Custodial Agreement. With respect to each Mortgage Loan, the Seller is in possession of a complete Mortgage File in compliance with Exhibit 5 to the Agreement, except for such documents as have been delivered to the Custodian;
          (xl) Except for a Mortgage Loan secured by Mortgaged Property located in the state of Hawaii, no Mortgage Loan is secured by a Mortgage on a leasehold estate. With respect to Mortgage Loans in the state of Hawaii that are secured by a leasehold estate, (i) the lease is valid, in full force and effect, and conforms to all of FNMA’s requirements for leasehold estates; (ii) all rents and other payments due under the lease have been paid; (iii) the lessee is not in default under any provision of the lease; (iv) the term of the lease exceeds the maturity date of the related Mortgage Loan by at least ten years; and (v) the mortgagee under the Mortgage Loan is given notice and an opportunity to cure any defaults under the lease;
          (xli) The Mortgage contains an enforceable provision for the acceleration of the payment of the unpaid principal balance of the Mortgage Loan in the event that the Mortgaged Property is sold or transferred without the prior written consent of the mortgagee thereunder;
          (xlii) Except as set forth on the related Purchase Price and Terms Letter, interest on each Mortgage Loan is calculated on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months;
          (xliii) No fraud error, omission, misrepresentation or similar occurrence with respect to a Mortgage Loan was committed by the Seller in connection with the origination of the Mortgage Loan. To the best of the Seller’s knowledge after reasonable inquiry, no fraud error, omission, misrepresentation or similar occurrence with respect to a Mortgage Loan was committed by any other person involved in the origination or servicing of the Mortgage Loan;
          (xliv) Each Mortgage Loan constitutes a “qualified mortgage” under Section 860G(a)(3)(A) of the Code and Treasury Regulations Section 1.860G-2(a)(1);

6


 

          (xlv) No Mortgage Loan is classified as a “high cost” mortgage loan under the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994, as amended, nor is any Mortgage Loan a “high cost home,” “covered” (excluding home loans defined as “covered home loans” pursuant to the New Jersey Home Ownership Security Act of 2002), “high risk home” or “predatory” loan under any applicable state, federal or local law (or a similarly classified loan using different terminology under a law imposing heightened regulatory scrutiny or additional legal liability for residential mortgage loans having high interest rates, points and/or fees), or (c) “high cost” or “covered”, as applicable (as such terms are defined in the then current Standard and Poor’s LEVELS Glossary which is now Version 5.6(c) Revised, Appendix E);
          (xlvi) No Mortgage Loan with a conforming principal balance, determined as of the date of origination of such Mortgage Loan, that secures real property located in the State of Georgia was originated or modified on or after October 1, 2002 and prior to March 7, 2003;
          (xlvii) No Mortgagor was required to purchase any credit life, disability, accident or health insurance product as a condition of obtaining the extension of credit. No Mortgagor obtained a prepaid single premium credit life, disability, accident or health insurance policy in connection with the origination of the Mortgage Loan.
          (xlviii) As of the origination date of each Mortgage Loan subject to a prepayment penalty, such prepayment penalty complied with all applicable laws and no Mortgage Loan provides for the payment of a prepayment penalty beyond the five-year term following the origination of the Mortgage Loan;
          (xlix) The Servicer has fully furnished, in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and its implementing regulations, accurate and complete information (e.g., favorable and unfavorable) on its Mortgagor credit files to Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union Credit Information Company, on a monthly basis;
          (l) As of the date of origination, no portion of the Mortgaged Property was used for commercial purposes, and to the best of the Seller’s knowledge after reasonable inquiry and investigation, since the date of origination no portion of the Mortgaged Property has been used for commercial purposes;
          (li) The Mortgagor was not a debtor in any state or federal bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding at the time the Mortgage Loan was originated or as of the related Closing Date;
          (lii) No Mortgage Loan was made in connection with the construction or rehabilitation of a Mortgaged Property or facilitating the trade-in of a Mortgaged Property;
          (liii) To the best of the Seller’s knowledge after reasonable inquiry and investigation, there is no pending action or proceeding directly involving any Mortgaged Property in which compliance with any environmental law, rule or regulation is an issue;
          (liv) With respect to any Mortgage Loan which is a Texas Home Equity Loan, any and all requirements of Section 50, Article XVI of the Texas Constitution applicable to Texas Home Equity Loans which were in effect at the time of the origination of the Mortgage Loan have been complied with;
          (lv) With respect to any Mortgage Loan as to which an affidavit has been delivered to the Purchaser certifying that the original Mortgage Note has been lost or destroyed and not been replaced, if such Mortgage Loan is subsequently in default, the enforcement of such Mortgage Loan will not be materially adversely affected by the absence of the original Mortgage Note;

7


 

          (lvi) Except as disclosed on the related Mortgage Loan Schedule, the Mortgaged Property was not, as of the date of origination of the Mortgage Loan, subject to a mortgage, deed of trust, deed to secure debt or other security instrument creating a lien subordinate to the lien of the Mortgage. No Mortgage Loan had a combined loan-to-value ratio at origination greater than 100%;
          (lvii) No Mortgage Loan was made to finance a cooperative;
          (lviii) No Mortgage Loan which is secured by property located in the State of New Mexico is a “High-Cost Home Loan” as defined in the New Mexico Home Loan Protection Act, which became effective January 1, 2004;
          (lix) No Mortgage Loan which is secured by property located in the State of Kentucky is a “High-Cost Home Loan” as defined in the Kentucky House Bill 287, which became effective June 24, 2003;
          (lx) No Mortgage Loan which is secured by property located in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a “High Cost Home Loan” as defined in Part 40 and Part 32, 209 C.M.R. §§ 32.00 et seq. and 209 C.M.R. §§ 40.01 et seq., which became effective March 22, 2001 and amended from time to time; and
          (lxi) No Mortgage Loan that is secured by property located in the State of Illinois is a “High-Risk Home Loan” as defined in the Illinois High Risk Home Loan Act effective January 1, 2004 (815 Ill. Comp. Stat. 137/1 et seq.); and none of the Mortgage Loans that are secured by property located in the State of Illinois are in violation of the provisions of the Illinois Interest Act (815 Ill. Comp. Stat. 205/1 et. seq.).

8

EX-99.6 7 f17506exv99w6.htm EXHIBIT 99.6 exv99w6
 

Exhibit 99.6
EXECUTION VERSION
 
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee for the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust,
Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1,
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,
as Trust Administrator for the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust,
Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-
and
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,
as Custodian
 
CUSTODIAL AGREEMENT
as of January 1, 2006
 
 

 


 

Table of Contents
                 
            Page  
  1.    
Definitions
    1  
  2.    
Delivery of Custodial Files
    3  
  3.    
Custodian as Bailee
    4  
  4.    
Trust Receipt and Initial Certification of the Custodian
    4  
  5.    
Obligations of the Custodian
    5  
  6.    
Final Certification
    6  
  7.    
Future Defects
    6  
  8.    
Release for Servicing
    7  
  9.    
Limitation on Release
    7  
  10.    
Release for Payment
    7  
  11.    
Fees of Custodian
    7  
  12.    
Removal of Custodian
    8  
  13.    
Transfer of Custodial Files
    8  
  14.    
Examination of Custodial Files
    8  
  15.    
Insurance of Custodian
    8  
  16.    
Counterparts
    9  
  17.    
Periodic Statements
    9  
  19.    
Copies of Mortgage Documents
    9  
  20.    
No Adverse Interest of Custodian
    9  
  21.    
Termination by Custodian
    9  
  22.    
Term of Agreement
    10  
  23.    
Notices
    10  
  24.    
Successors and Assigns
    10  
  25.    
Indemnification
    10  
  26.    
Reliance of Custodian
    11  
  27.    
Transmission of Custodial Files
    12  
  28.    
Authorized Representatives
    12  
  29.    
Reproduction of Documents
    12  
  30.    
Force Majeure
    13  
  31.    
Limitations on the Responsibilities of the Custodian
    13  
  32.    
Binding Arbitration
    14  
EXHIBITS
     
EXHIBIT 1
  FORM OF TRUST RECEIPT AND INITIAL CERTIFICATION
EXHIBIT 2
  FORM OF TRUST RECEIPT AND FINAL CERTIFICATION
EXHIBIT 3
  FORM OF REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF DOCUMENTS AND RECEIPT
EXHIBIT 4
  SCHEDULE OF MORTGAGE LOANS
EXHIBIT 5
  FORM OF CUSTODIAL FEE LETTER
EXHIBIT 6
  AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES OF TRUSTEE
EXHIBIT 7
  SERVICING OFFICERS OF COUNTRYWIDE SERVICING LP
EXHIBIT 8
  FORM OF CERTIFICATION REGARDING SERVICING CRITERIA TO BE
 
  ADDRESSED IN REPORT ON ASSESSMENT OF COMPLIANCE
-i-
 

 


 

          THIS CUSTODIAL AGREEMENT (the “Custodial Agreement”), dated as of January 1, 2006, by and among U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association organized under the laws of the United States (the “Trustee”), having an address at Corporate Trust Services – EP-MN-WS3D, 60 Livingston Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55107-2292, not individually, but solely as trustee under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement for the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1 (the “Trust”), WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., having an address at 9062 Old Annapolis Road, Columbia, MD 21045, (the “Trust Administrator”), and WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., having an address at 1015 Tenth Avenue S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55414, as custodian (the “Custodian”),
W I T N E S S E T H
          WHEREAS, Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc. (the “Depositor”) has agreed to transfer certain conventional adjustable-rate mortgage loans (the “Mortgage Loans”) to the Trustee, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, dated January 1, 2006 (the “Pooling and Servicing Agreement”), among the Depositor, RWT Holdings, Inc., as seller (“RWT”), Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as master servicer and as trust administrator, and the Trustee.
          WHEREAS, the Master Servicer is to oversee and enforce the servicing of the Mortgage Loans by the Servicer pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, and the Trustee will retain record title to the Mortgage Loans; and
          WHEREAS, the Custodian is a national banking association and is otherwise authorized to act as Custodian pursuant to this Custodial Agreement; and
          NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual undertakings herein expressed, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
          1. Definitions.
          Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, a copy of which has been received by the Custodian.
          Agreement: This Custodial Agreement and all amendments, attachments and supplements hereto.
          Business Day: Any day other than (i) a Saturday or a Sunday, or (ii) a day on which banking institutions in the City of New York, New York, the City of Minneapolis, Minnesota or the city in which the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee or the Custodian is located are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to be closed.
          Closing Date: February 1, 2006.
          Commission: The United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

 


 

          Custodian: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its successor in interest or assigns, or any successor to the Custodian under this Custodial Agreement as herein provided.
          Custodial File: As to each Mortgage Loan, any mortgage loan documents which are delivered to the Custodian or which at any time come into the possession of the Custodian as set forth in Section 2 of this Custodial Agreement.
          Delivery Date: The date which occurs five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing Date or such other date as mutually agreed upon by the Trustee and the Custodian.
          Master Servicer: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, as therein provided.
          Mortgage Loan: Each mortgage loan sold, assigned or transferred pursuant to this Custodial Agreement and identified on the Mortgage Loan Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit 4, as such Mortgage Loan Schedule may be supplemented from time to time.
          Regulation AB: Subpart 229.1100 – Asset Backed Securities (Regulation AB), 17 C.F.R. §§229.1100-229.1123, as such may be amended from time to time, and subject to such clarification and interpretation as have been provided by the Commission in the adopting release (Asset-Backed Securities, Securities Act Release No. 33-8518, 70 Fed. Reg. 1,506, 1,531 (Jan. 7, 2005)) or by the staff of the Commission, or as may be provided by the Commission or its staff from time to time.
          Servicer: Countrywide Home Loans Servicing LP, as provided in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
          Subcontractor: Any vendor, subcontractor or other person that is not responsible for the overall servicing (as “servicing” is commonly understood by participants in the mortgage-backed securities market) of the Mortgage Loans but performs one or more discrete functions identified in Item 1122(d) of Regulation AB with respect to the Mortgage Loans under the direction or authority of the Custodian.
          Trust Administrator: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trust Administrator for the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1, or its successors or assigns.
          Trust Receipt: Either a Trust Receipt and Initial Certification or a Trust Receipt and Final Certification.
          Trust Receipt and Initial Certification: A trust receipt and initial certification as to each Mortgage Loan, which Trust Receipt and Initial Certification is delivered to the Trustee by the Custodian in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit 1.
          Trust Receipt and Final Certification: A trust receipt and final certification as to each Mortgage Loan, which Trust Receipt and Final Certification is delivered to the Trustee by the Custodian in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit 2.

-2-


 

          Trustee: U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1, or its successor in interest or assigns.
          2. Delivery of Custodial Files.
          The Trustee will deliver and release or cause to be delivered and released to the Custodian on each Delivery Date the following original documents pertaining to each of the Mortgage Loans identified in the related Mortgage Loan Schedule:
  (i)   the electronic Mortgage Loan Schedule;
 
  (ii)   (A) the original Mortgage Note bearing all intervening endorsements and including any riders to the Mortgage Note, endorsed “Pay to the order of [___,] without recourse” and signed in the name of the last named endorsee by an authorized officer, or
 
      (B) with respect to any Lost Mortgage Note, a lost note affidavit stating that the original Mortgage Note was lost or destroyed, together with a copy of such Mortgage Note;
 
  (iii)   the original of any guarantee executed in connection with the Mortgage Note (if any);
 
  (iv)   the original Mortgage, with evidence of recording thereon, or copies certified by the related recording office or if the original Mortgage has not yet been returned from the recording office, a copy certified by or on behalf of the related Seller indicating that such Mortgage has been delivered for recording. The return directions for the original Mortgage should indicate, when recorded, mail to the related Seller;
 
  (v)   the originals of all assumption, modification, consolidation or extension agreements, (or, if an original of any of these documents has not been returned from the recording office, a copy thereof certified by or on behalf of the related Seller, the original to be delivered to the related Seller forthwith after return from such recording office) with evidence of recording thereon, if any;
 
  (vi)   the original Assignment of Mortgage as appropriate, in recordable form, for the Mortgage Loan assigned in blank;
 
  (vii)   the originals of any intervening recorded Assignments of Mortgage, showing a complete chain of assignment from origination to the related Seller, including warehousing assignments, with evidence of recording thereon (or, if an original intervening Assignment of Mortgage has not been returned from the recording office, a copy thereof certified by or on behalf of the related Seller, the original to be delivered to the Trustee forthwith after return from such recording office);
 
  (viii)   the original mortgage title insurance policy;

-3-


 

  (ix)   such other documents that the Trustee may require from time to time, with notification to Custodian which Custodian has consented to review and that are in Custodian’s possession.
          In the event that, pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, an Officer’s Certificate of a Master Servicer or Servicer is delivered to the Trustee because of a delay caused by the public recording office in returning any recorded document, the Trustee shall deliver such Officer’s Certificate to the Custodian. The Custodian shall deliver written notice to the Trust Administrator, and the Trust Administrator shall forward to each Rating Agency, as such term is defined in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, within 270 days from the Closing Date indicating each Mortgage (a) which has not been returned by the appropriate recording office or (b) as to which there is a dispute as to location or status of such Mortgage. Such notice shall be delivered every 90 days thereafter until the related Mortgage is returned to the Custodian.
          From time to time, the Trustee shall forward or shall cause to be forwarded to the Custodian additional original documents, additional documents evidencing an assumption, modification, consolidation or extension of a Mortgage Loan approved by the related Master Servicer or Servicer, in accordance with the terms of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement. All such mortgage documents held by the Custodian as to each Mortgage Loan shall constitute the “Custodial File.” From time to time, the Trustee shall instruct or cause the instruction of the Custodian to deliver certain mortgage loan documents to the Trustee for assignment and recordation.
          At least 24 hours prior to delivery of the Mortgage Loans, the Trustee will provide or cause to be provided to the Custodian, via electronic transmission, a list of all the Mortgage Loans and their related data fields including loan ID, Mortgagor name, mortgaged property address, mortgage rate, maturity date, and original principal balance of each such Mortgage Loan. This data shall be delivered to the Custodian in an acceptable format that can be easily uploaded to the Custodian’s system. A hard copy of the Mortgage Loan Schedule will be delivered to the Custodian at the time of delivery to the Custodian of such documents related to the Mortgage Loans identified in such Mortgage Loan Schedule.
          3. Custodian as Bailee.
          The Custodian hereby acknowledges that it is, and agrees to act as, bailee for the Trustee and is holding each Custodial File delivered to it in trust for the Trustee.
          4. Trust Receipt and Initial Certification of the Custodian.
          (a) No later than 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the Closing Date, the Custodian shall deliver to the Trustee, the Trust Administrator and the Depositor a Trust Receipt and Initial Certification certifying, subject to any exceptions noted thereon, as to each Mortgage Loan on the Mortgage Loan Schedule, (i) receipt of the original Mortgage Note and Assignment of Mortgage and (ii) that the Mortgage Note has been reviewed by the Custodian and appears regular on its face and relates to such Mortgage Loan.
          (b) Upon the written directions of the Trustee, and upon the prior tender by the Trustee of an applicable trust receipt or trust receipts (including any related Trust Receipt and

-4-


 

Final Certification that has been issued), the Custodian shall deliver all or any portion of the related Custodial Files held by it pursuant to such Trust Receipt to the Trustee, or to such other party designated by such Trustee in such written direction, and to the place indicated in any such written direction from the Trustee. If such delivery is for less than all of the Custodial Files held by the Custodian with respect to such Trust Receipt (and a Trust Receipt and Final Certification has been issued), the Custodian shall deliver to the Trustee a new Trust Receipt and Final Certification with respect to the related Custodial Files retained by the Custodian. Each Trust Receipt (including any Trust Receipt and Final Certification) surrendered shall be canceled by the Custodian.
          5. Obligations of the Custodian.
          (a) With respect to the Mortgage Note, the Mortgage and the Assignment of Mortgage and other documents constituting each Custodial File which is delivered to the Custodian or which come into the possession of the Custodian, the Custodian is the custodian for the Trustee exclusively. The Custodian shall hold all mortgage documents received by it constituting the Custodial File for the exclusive use and benefit of the Trustee, and shall make disposition thereof only in accordance with this Custodial Agreement and the instructions furnished by the Trustee. The Custodian shall segregate and maintain continuous custody of all mortgage documents constituting the Custodial File in secure and fire-resistant facilities in accordance with customary standards for such custody. The Custodian shall not be responsible to verify (i) the validity, legality, enforceability, sufficiency, due authorization or genuineness of any document in the Custodial File or of any Mortgage Loans or (ii) the collectability, insurability, effectiveness including the authority or capacity of any person to execute or issue any document in the Custodial File, or suitability of any Mortgage Loan unless specified otherwise in this Custodial Agreement. The Custodian shall promptly report to the Trustee any failure on its part to hold the Custodial Files and maintain its accounts, records and computer systems as herein provided and promptly take appropriate action to remedy such failure.
          (b) On or before March 1st of each calendar year, beginning with March 1, 2007, the Custodian shall, at its own expense, cause a firm of independent public accountants (who may also render other services to Custodian), which is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, to furnish to the Seller, the Trustee, the Depositor, the Trust Administrator and Master Servicer (i) year-end audited (if available) financial statements of the Custodian and (ii) a report to the effect that such firm that attests to, and reports on, the assessment made by such asserting party pursuant to Section 5(c) below, which report shall be made in accordance with standards for attestation engagements issued or adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
          (c) On or prior to the Closing Date, the Custodian shall deliver to the Seller, the Trustee, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator and the Depositor a certification in the form of Exhibit 8 attached hereto regarding the items it will address in its assessment of compliance with the servicing criteria under this Section 5(c). On or before March 1st of each calendar year, beginning with March 1, 2007, the Custodian shall deliver to the Seller, the Trustee, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator and the Depositor a report regarding its assessment of compliance with the servicing criteria identified in Exhibit 8 attached hereto, as of and for the period ending the end of the fiscal year ending no later than December 31 of the year

-5-


 

prior to the year of delivery of the report, with respect to asset-backed security transactions taken as a whole in which the Custodian is performing any of the servicing criteria specified in Exhibit 8 and that are backed by the same asset type backing such asset-backed securities. Each such report shall include (a) a statement of the party’s responsibility for assessing compliance with the servicing criteria applicable to such party, (b) a statement that such party used the criteria identified in Item 1122(d) of Regulation AB (§ 229.1122(d)) to assess compliance with the applicable servicing criteria, (c) disclosure of any material instance of noncompliance identified by such party, and (d) a statement that a registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on such party’s assessment of compliance with the applicable servicing criteria, which report shall be delivered by the Custodian as provided in this Section 5(c).
          (d) The Custodian has not and shall not engage any Subcontractor which is “participating in the servicing function” within the meaning of Item 1122 of Regulation AB.
          6. Final Certification.
          Not later than 90 days following the Closing Date, the Custodian shall ascertain that all documents specified in Sections 2(i) through (ix) of this Custodial Agreement are in its possession, and shall deliver to the Trustee, the Trust Administrator and the Depositor a Trust Receipt and Final Certification certifying, subject to any exceptions noted thereon that, as to each Mortgage Loan listed in the Mortgage Loan Schedule (other than any Mortgage Loan paid in full or any Mortgage Loan specifically identified in such certification as not covered by such certification): (i) all documents required to be delivered to it pursuant to Sections 2(i)-(ix) of this Custodial Agreement are in its possession; (ii) such documents have been reviewed by it (including the information set forth in items (1),(2),(3),(8) and (10) of the Mortgage Loan Schedule) and appear regular on their face and relate to such Mortgage Loan; (iii) all Assignments of Mortgage or intervening assignments of mortgage, as applicable, have been submitted for recording in the jurisdiction in which recording is necessary; and (iv) each Mortgage Note has been endorsed as provided in Section 2(ii) of this Custodial Agreement and each Mortgage has been assigned in accordance with Section 2(vi) of this Custodial Agreement.
          7. Future Defects.
          During the term of this Custodial Agreement, if the Custodian discovers any defect with respect to the Custodial File, the Custodian shall give written specification of such defect to the Trustee and the related Master Servicer or Servicer.

-6-


 

          8. Release for Servicing.
          From time to time and as appropriate for the foreclosure or servicing of any of the Mortgage Loans, the Custodian is hereby authorized, upon written receipt from a Servicer of a request for release of documents and receipt in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit 3, to release to such Servicer the related Custodial File or the documents set forth in such request and receipt. Such Servicer shall promptly return to the Custodian the Custodial File or other such documents when such Servicer’s need therefor no longer exists, unless the related Mortgage Loan shall be liquidated in which case, upon receipt of an additional request for release of documents and receipt certifying such liquidation from such Servicer to the Custodian in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit 3, such Servicer’s request and receipt submitted pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 8 shall be released by the Custodian to such Servicer. If the Custodian fails to release the Custodial File within five (5) business days of receipt of the request for release of documents, the Custodian, upon the written request of such Servicer, will provide such Servicer with a lost note affidavit and indemnity; provided, however, that in the event such Custodial File did not contain an original Mortgage Note and such exception was duly reported on the document exception report attached to the Trust Receipt and Initial Certification, the Custodian will not be required to provide a lost note affidavit and indemnity. The Custodian agrees to indemnify the Servicer and the Trustee for the reasonable replacement cost of the file, as well as any actual penalties or charges resulting from the failure of the Custodian to return the Mortgage Files within the time frame described above.
          9. Limitation on Release.
          The foregoing provision respecting release to a Servicer of the Custodial Files and documents by the Custodian upon request by such Servicer shall be operative only to the extent that the Custodian shall have used its best efforts to have not released to all of the Servicer active Custodial Files or documents (including those requested) pertaining to more than thirty (30) of the Mortgage Loans in the Mortgage Pool. Any additional Custodial Files or documents requested to be released by any Servicer may be released only upon written authorization of the Depositor. The limitations of this paragraph shall not apply to the release of Custodial Files to a Servicer under Section 10 below.
          10. Release for Payment.
          Upon receipt by the Custodian of the Master Servicer’s or Servicer’s request for release of documents and receipt in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit 3 (which certification shall include a statement to the effect that all amounts received in connection with such payment or repurchase have been credited to the Certificate Account as provided in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement), the Custodian shall promptly, and no later than three days following the receipt of such notice, release the related Custodial File to the Master Servicer or Servicer.
          11. Fees of Custodian.
          The Custodian shall charge such fees for its services under this Custodial Agreement as are set forth in Exhibit 5 hereto, the payment of which fees (with the exception of conference room fees and extraordinary time charges which shall be the expense of the party

-7-


 

requesting such services), together with the Custodian’s expenses in connection herewith, shall be solely the obligation of the Trust Administrator.
          12. Removal of Custodian.
          The Trustee, with or without cause, may upon at least 60 days’ notice remove and discharge the Custodian from the performance of its duties under this Custodial Agreement by written notice from the Trustee to the Custodian. Having given notice of such removal, the Trustee promptly shall appoint a successor Custodian (which may be the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee) to act on behalf of the Trustee by written instrument, one original counterpart of which instrument shall be delivered to the Trustee and an original to the successor Custodian. In the event of any such removal, the Custodian shall promptly transfer to the successor Custodian, as directed, all Custodial Files being administered under this Custodial Agreement. If the Custodian is removed for cause, the fees and expenses of the existing and successor Custodian (including, without limitation, any recertification fees) shall be the responsibility of the removed Custodian. If the Trustee removes the Custodian without cause, the Trustee shall be responsible for payment of all fees and expenses of the existing Custodian, including all expenses incurred in the transmission of the Custodial Files to the successor Custodian and for all applicable release fees of the Custodian; provided, however, that if the Trustee removes the Custodian without cause and upon the written direction of RWT, RWT shall be responsible for payment of all expenses incurred in the transmission of the Custodial Files to the successor Custodian and for all applicable release fees of the Custodian. If the Trustee removes the Custodian without cause, the Trust Administrator shall be responsible for the fees and expenses of the successor Custodian, provided that the schedule of fees of the successor Custodian is substantially similar to that of the existing Custodian.
          13. Transfer of Custodial Files.
          Upon written request of the Trustee, the Custodian shall release to such persons as the Trustee shall designate the Custodial Files relating to such Mortgage Loans as the Trustee shall request.
          14. Examination of Custodial Files.
          Upon reasonable prior notice to the Custodian but not less than two (2) Business Days notice, the Trustee and its agents, accountants, attorneys, auditors and designees will be permitted during normal business hours to examine the Custodial Files, documents, records and other papers in the possession of or under the control of the Custodian relating to any or all of the Mortgage Loans. The Custodial Files shall be maintained at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A, 24 Executive Park, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92614 or at such other location as the Custodian may designate in writing to the Trustee.
          15. Insurance of Custodian.
          At its own expense, the Custodian shall maintain at all times during the existence of this Custodial Agreement and keep in full force and effect such insurance in amounts, with standard coverage and subject to deductibles, all as is customary for insurance typically maintained by banks which act as custodian. The minimum coverage under any such bond and

-8-


 

insurance policies shall be at least equal to the corresponding amounts required by FNMA in the FNMA Servicing Guide or by FHLMC in the FHLMC Company’s & Servicer’s Guide. Upon request, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive evidence satisfactory to the Trustee that such insurance is in full force and effect.
          16. Counterparts.
          For the purpose of facilitating the execution of this Custodial Agreement as herein provided and for other purposes, this Custodial Agreement may be executed simultaneously in any number of counterparts, each of which counterparts shall be deemed to be an original, and such counterparts shall constitute and be one and the same instrument.
          17. Periodic Statements.
          Within 10 days of each anniversary of the date of this Custodial Agreement, or upon the request of the Trustee at any other time, the Custodian shall provide to the Trustee a list of all the Mortgage Loans and file exceptions for which the Custodian holds a Custodial File pursuant to this Custodial Agreement and the Pooling and Servicing Agreement. Such list may be in a mutually agreeable electronic format.
          18. Governing Law.
          THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS, AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.
          19. Copies of Mortgage Documents.
          Upon the request of the Trustee, acting solely at the direction of the Master Servicer, a Servicer or a Certificateholder, the Custodian shall provide the Trustee with copies of the Mortgage Notes, Mortgages, Assignments of Mortgage and other documents relating to one or more of the Mortgage Loans.
          20. No Adverse Interest of Custodian.
          By execution of this Custodial Agreement, the Custodian represents and warrants that it currently holds, and during the existence of this Custodial Agreement shall hold, no interest adverse to the Trustee, by way of security or otherwise, in any Mortgage Loan, and hereby waives and releases any such interest which it may have in any Mortgage Loan as of the date hereof.
          21. Termination by Custodian.
          The Custodian may terminate its obligations under this Custodial Agreement upon at least 60 days’ prior written notice to the Trustee. In the event of such termination, the Trustee shall appoint a successor Custodian. The payment of such successor Custodian’s fees and expenses shall be solely the responsibility of the Trust Administrator. Upon such appointment,

-9-


 

the Custodian shall promptly transfer at its expense to the successor Custodian, as directed, all Custodial Files being administered under this Custodial Agreement.
          22. Term of Agreement.
          Unless terminated pursuant to Section 12 or Section 21 hereof, this Custodial Agreement shall terminate upon the final payment or other liquidation (or advance with respect thereto) of the last Mortgage Loan or the disposition of all property acquired upon foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure of any Mortgage Loan, and the final remittance of all funds due under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement. In such event all documents remaining in the Custodial Files shall be released in accordance with the written instructions of the Trustee.
          23. Notices.
          All demands, notices and communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when received by the recipient party at the addresses shown on the first page hereof, and in the case of the Trustee, to the attention of Corporate Trust Services, U.S. Bank National Association, Corporate Trust Services – EP-MN-WS3D, 60 Livingston Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55107-2292, in the case of the Custodian, to the attention of the Document Custodian, 1015 Tenth Avenue, S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55414, and to the Trust Administrator, to the attention of 9062 Old Annapolis Road, Columbia, MD 21045, Attention: Sequoia 2006-1-ALT1, or at such other addresses as may hereafter be furnished to the other parties by like notice. Any such demand, notice or communication hereunder shall be deemed to have been received on the date delivered to or received at the premises of the addressee (as evidenced, in the case of registered or certified mail, by the date noted on the return receipt).
          24. Successors and Assigns.
          The Custodian may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any Affiliate; however, the Custodian agrees to notify the Trustee of any such assignment. “Affiliate” is defined as any entity that directly or indirectly is under common control with Custodian, or is under contract to be under common control with Custodian, and shall include a subsidiary or parent company of Custodian.
          This Custodial Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the parties hereto. Any person into which the Custodian may be merged or converted or with which the Custodian may be consolidated, or any person resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Custodian shall be a party, or any person succeeding to the business of the Custodian, shall be the successor of the Custodian hereunder, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding. Any assignee shall forward a list of authorized representatives to each party to this Custodial Agreement pursuant to Section 28 of this Custodial Agreement.
          25. Indemnification.
          Neither the Custodian nor any of its directors, affiliates, officers, agents, or

-10-


 

employees, shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them hereunder or in connection herewith in good faith and believed by it or them to be within the purview of this Agreement, except for its or their own negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct. In no event shall the Custodian or its directors, affiliates, officers, agents, and employees be held liable for any special, indirect or consequential damages resulting from any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them hereunder or in connection herewith even if advised of the possibility of such damages. The indemnification set forth in this section shall survive any termination of this Agreement and the termination, resignation or removal of the Custodian.
          The Custodian and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Custodian shall be indemnified by RWT (or if RWT shall fail to do so, by the Trust) and held harmless against any loss, liability or expense (including reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses) incurred in connection with any claim or legal action relating to this Custodial Agreement or the performance of any of the Custodian’s duties hereunder, other than any loss, liability or expense incurred by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of any of the Custodian’s duties hereunder or incurred by reason of any action of the Custodian; provided, however, that the sum of (x) such indemnity amounts payable by RWT or the Trust to the Custodian pursuant to Section 3.14(c) of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, (y) the indemnity amounts payable by RWT or the Trust to the Trust Administrator pursuant to Section 10.05 of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement and (z) the indemnity amounts payable by RWT or the Trust to the Custodian, pursuant to this Section 25, shall not exceed $200,000 per year; provided, further, that any amounts not payable by RWT or the Trust to the Custodian due to the preceding proviso shall be payable by RWT (or if RWT fails to do so, by the Trust) in any succeeding year, subject to the aggregate $200,000 per annum limitation imposed by the preceding proviso. The indemnification set forth in this section shall survive any termination of this Agreement and the termination, resignation or removal of the Custodian.
          The Custodian agrees to indemnify and defend, from Custodian’s own funds, and hold the Trust and RWT, including its directors, affiliates, officers, agents, and employees, harmless against any liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements, including reasonable attorney’s fees, that may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against it or them directly relating to or arising out of the Custodian’s breach of this Agreement, negligence, lack of good faith or willful misconduct, or based upon the engagement of any Subcontractor in violation of Section 5(d) or any failure by the Custodian to deliver any information, report, certification, accountants’ letter or other material when and as required under this Agreement, including any report under Sections 5(b) or 5(c).
          . The indemnification set forth in this section shall survive any termination of this Agreement and the termination, resignation or removal of the Custodian.
          26. Reliance of Custodian.
          In the absence of gross negligence or bad faith on the part of the Custodian, the Custodian may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any data communications, magnetic tape, request, instructions, certificate, opinion or other document furnished to the Custodian, reasonably believed by the Custodian to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties and

-11-


 

conforming to the requirements of this Custodial Agreement; but in the case of any loan document or other request, instruction, document or certificate which by any provision hereof is specifically required to be furnished to the Custodian, the Custodian shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not it conforms prima facie to the requirements of this Custodial Agreement.
          27. Transmission of Custodial Files.
          Written instructions as to the method of shipment and shipper(s) the Custodian is directed to utilize in connection with transmission of mortgage files and loan documents in the performance of the Custodian’s duties hereunder shall be delivered by each Master Servicer, Servicer or the Trustee, as applicable, to the Custodian prior to any shipment of any mortgage files and loan documents hereunder. The Trustee, the Master Servicer or the Servicer, as applicable, will arrange for the provision of such services at the reasonable cost and expense of such Trustee, Master Servicer or Servicer, as applicable (or, at the Custodian’s option, such Trustee, the Master Servicer or Servicer shall reimburse the Custodian for all costs and expenses incurred by the Custodian consistent with such instructions) and will maintain such insurance against loss or damage to mortgage files and loan documents as the Trustee deems appropriate. Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 25 above, it is expressly agreed that in no event shall the Custodian have any liability for any losses or damages to any person, including without limitation, the Trustee, arising out of actions of the Custodian consistent with instructions of such Trustee, Master Servicer or Servicer.
          28. Authorized Representatives.
          Each individual designated as an authorized representative of the Trustee (an “Authorized Representative”) or as an authorized representative of a Master Servicer or Servicer (a “Master Servicing Officer” and “Servicing Officer,” respectively), is authorized to give and receive notices, requests and instructions and to deliver certificates and documents in connection with this Custodial Agreement on behalf of the Trustee or the related Master Servicer or Servicer, and the specimen signature for each Authorized Representative. Master Servicing Officer or Servicing Officer of each such Authorized Representative, Master Servicing Officer or Servicing Officer of the Trustee, the Master Servicer or any Servicer, as applicable, initially authorized hereunder, is set forth in Exhibit 6, and Exhibit 7, hereto. From time to time, the Trustee, the Master Servicer and any Servicer may, by delivering to the Custodian a revised exhibit, change the information previously given pursuant to this Section 28, but each of the parties hereto shall be entitled to rely conclusively on the then current exhibit until receipt of a superseding exhibit.
          29. Reproduction of Documents.
          This Custodial Agreement and all documents relating thereto except with respect to the Custodial File, including, without limitation, (a) consents, waivers and modifications which may hereafter be executed, and (b) certificates and other information previously or hereafter furnished, may be reproduced by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm, microcard, miniature photographic or other similar process. The parties agree that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding,

-12-


 

whether or not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by a party in the regular course of business, and that any enlargement, facsimile or further reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in evidence.
          30. Force Majeure.
          The Custodian shall not be responsible for delays or failures in performance resulting from acts beyond its control. Such acts shall include, without limitation, acts of God, strikes, lockouts, riots, acts of war or terrorism, epidemics, nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, governmental regulations adopted after the date of this Agreement, fire, communication line failures, computer viruses, power failures, earthquakes or other disasters of a similar nature to the foregoing.
          31. Limitations on the Responsibilities of the Custodian.
          Except as provided herein, the Custodian shall be under no duty or obligation to inspect, review or examine the Custodial Files to determine that the contents thereof are appropriate for the represented purpose or that they have been actually recorded or that they are other than what they purport to be on their face.
          The Custodian shall not be responsible for preparing or filing any reports or returns relating to federal, state or local income taxes with respect to this Agreement, other than for the Custodian’s compensation or for reimbursement of expenses.
          The Custodian shall not be responsible or liable for, and makes no representation or warranty with respect to, the validity, adequacy or perfection or any lien upon or security interest in any Custodial File.
          Any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Custodian shall have no notice, and shall not be bound by any of the terms and conditions of any other document or agreement executed or delivered in connection with, or intended to control any part of, the transactions anticipated by or referred to in this Agreement unless the Custodian is a signatory party to that document or agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Custodian shall be deemed to have notice of the terms and conditions (including without limitation definitions not otherwise set forth in full in this Agreement) of other documents and agreements executed or delivered in connection with, or intended to control any part of, the transactions anticipated by or referred to in this Agreement, to the extent such terms and provisions are referenced, or are incorporated by reference, into this Agreement only as long as the Custodian shall have been provided a copy of any such document or agreement.
          The duties and obligations of the Custodian shall only be such as are expressly set forth in this Agreement or as set forth in a written amendment to this Agreement executed by the parties hereto or their successors and assigns. In the event that any provision of this Agreement implies or requires that action or forbearance be taken by a party, but is silent as to which party has the duty to act or refrain from acting, the parties agree that the Custodian shall not be the party required to take the action or refrain from acting. In no event shall the Custodian have any responsibility to ascertain or take action except as expressly provided herein.

-13-


 

          Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to impose on the Custodian any duty to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction, other than (i) any jurisdiction where any Custodial File is or may be held by the Custodian from time to time hereunder, and (ii) any jurisdiction where its ownership of property or conduct of business requires such qualification and where failure to qualify could have a material adverse effect on the Custodian or its property or business or on the ability of the Custodian to perform its duties hereunder.
          The Custodian may consult with counsel selected by the Custodian with regard to legal questions arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, and the written opinion of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action reasonably taken, omitted or suffered by the Custodian in good faith and in accordance therewith.
          No provision of this Agreement shall require the Custodian to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights and powers, if, in its sole judgment, it shall believe that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not assured to it.
          The Custodian shall have no duty to ascertain whether or not each amount or payment has been received by the Trustee or any third person.
          32. Binding Arbitration.
          Upon demand of any party hereto, whether made before or after institution of any judicial proceeding, any dispute, claim or controversy arising out of, connected with or relating to this Agreement (“Disputes”), between or among parties hereto shall be resolved by binding arbitration as provided herein. Institution of a judicial proceeding by a party does not waive the right of that party to demand arbitration hereunder. Disputes may include, without limitation tort claims, counterclaims, claims brought as class actions or claims concerning any aspect of the past, present or future relationships arising out of or connected with this Agreement. Arbitration shall be conducted under and governed by the Commercial Financial Disputes Arbitration Rules (the “Arbitration Rules”) of the American Arbitration Association and Title 9 of the U.S. Code. All arbitration hearings shall be conducted in New York, New York. The expedited procedures set forth in Rule 51, et seq. of the Arbitration Rules shall be applicable to claims of less than $1,000,000. All applicable statutes of limitation shall apply to any Dispute. A judgment upon the award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. The panel from which all arbitrators are selected shall be comprised of licensed attorneys. The single arbitrator selected for expedited procedure shall be a retired judge from the highest court of general jurisdiction, state or federal, of the state where the hearing will be conducted.
[Signature Page Follows]

-14-


 

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties below have caused their names to be duly signed to this Custodial Agreement by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, all as of the date first above written.
         
    U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
 
      not in its individual capacity but solely as
 
      Trustee for the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust,
 
      Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ U.S. Bank National Association
 
      Name:
 
      Title:
 
       
    WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,
 
      as Custodian
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
 
      Name:
 
      Title:
 
       
    WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,
 
      not in its individual capacity but solely as
 
      Trust Administrator for the Sequoia Alternative
 
      Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates,
 
      Series 2006-1
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
 
      Name:
 
      Title:

 


 

EXHIBIT 1
TRUST RECEIPT AND INITIAL CERTIFICATION
February 1, 2006
U.S. Bank National Association
           as Trustee for the
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1
Attn: Corporate Trust Services /EP-MN-WS3D/ [___]
60 Livingston Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55107-2292
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.,
as Trust Administrator and Master Servicer for the
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1
9062 Old Annapolis Road,
Columbia, MD 21045
Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc.
One Belvedere Place
Suite 330
Mill Valley, CA 94941
         
 
  Re:   Custodial Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2006, among U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trust Administrator, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Custodian
     Ladies and Gentlemen:
          I In accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of the above-referenced Custodial Agreement, the undersigned, as the Custodian, hereby certifies as to each Mortgage Loan in the Mortgage Loan Schedule that (i) it has received the original Mortgage Note and Assignment of Mortgage with respect to each Mortgage Loan identified on the Mortgage Loan Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit A and (ii) such Mortgage Note has been reviewed by it and appears regular on its face and relates to such Mortgage Loan. The Custodian makes no representations as to (i) the validity, legality, enforceability, sufficiency, due authorization or genuineness of any of the documents contained in each Custodial File or of any of the Mortgage Loans or (ii) the collectability, insurability, effectiveness or suitability of any such Mortgage Loan.
          The Custodian hereby confirms that it is holding each such Mortgage Note, Assignment of Mortgage and Assignment of Note as agent and bailee of, and custodian for the exclusive use and benefit, and subject to the sole direction, of the Trustee pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Custodial Agreement.
1-1
 

 


 

          This Trust Receipt and Initial Certification is not divisible or negotiable.
          The Custodian will accept and act on instructions with respect to the Mortgage Loans subject hereto upon surrender of this Trust Receipt and Initial Certification at its office at 1015 Tenth Avenue, S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55414, Attention: Document Custodian.
[Signature Page Follows]
1-2
 

 


 

Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Custodial Agreement.
             
    WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,    
 
      as Custodian    
 
           
 
  By:        
 
     
 
Name:
   
 
      Title:    
1-3
 

 


 

EXHIBIT 2
TRUST RECEIPT AND FINAL CERTIFICATION
[Trust Receipt #__________]
[Cut-off Date Principal Balance $__________]
U.S. Bank National Association
           as Trustee for the
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1
Attn: Corporate Trust Services /EP-MN-WS3D/ [___]
60 Livingston Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55107-2292
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.,
as Trust Administrator and Master Servicer for the
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1
9062 Old Annapolis Road,
Columbia, MD 21045
Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc.
One Belvedere Place
Suite 330
Mill Valley, CA 94941
         
 
  Re:   Custodial Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2006, among U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trust Administrator, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Custodian
Ladies and Gentlemen:
          In accordance with the provisions of Section 6 of the above-referenced Custodial Agreement, the undersigned, as the Custodian, hereby certifies that as to each Mortgage Loan listed on the Mortgage Loan Schedule (other than any Mortgage Loan paid in full or any Mortgage Loan listed on the attachment hereto) it has reviewed the Custodial Files and has determined that (i) all documents required to be delivered to it pursuant to Sections 2(i)-(ix) of the Custodial Agreement are in its possession; (ii) such documents have been reviewed by it and appear regular on their face and related to such Mortgage Loan; (iii) all Assignments of Mortgage or intervening assignments of mortgage, as applicable, have been submitted for recording in the jurisdictions in which recording is necessary; and (iv) each Mortgage Note has been endorsed as provided in Section 2(iii) of the Custodial Agreement and each Mortgage has been assigned in accordance with Section 2(v) of the Custodial Agreement. The Custodian makes no representations as to (i) the validity, legality, enforceability, sufficiency, due authorization or genuineness of any of the documents contained in each Custodial File or of any of the Mortgage Loans or (ii) the collectability, insurability, effectiveness or suitability of any such Mortgage Loan.
1-4
 

 


 

          The Custodian hereby confirms that it is holding each such Custodial File as agent and bailee of, and custodian for the exclusive use and benefit, and subject to the sole direction, of Trustee pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Custodial Agreement.
          This Trust Receipt and Final Certification is not divisible or negotiable.
          The Custodian will accept and act on instructions with respect to the Mortgage Loans subject hereto upon surrender of this Trust Receipt and Final Certification at its office at 1015 Tenth Avenue, S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55414, Attention: Document Custodian.
[Signature Page Follows]
1-5
 

 


 

Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Custodial Agreement.
             
    WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,    
 
      as Custodian    
 
           
 
  By:        
 
     
 
Name:
   
 
      Title:    
1-6
 

 


 

EXHIBIT 3
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF DOCUMENTS AND RECEIPT
To: [Address]
         
 
  Re:   Custodial Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2006, among U.S.
 
      Bank National Association, as Trustee, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trust
 
      Administrator, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Custodian
 
       
    In connection with the administration of the Mortgage Loans held
 
      by you as the Custodian on behalf of the Trustee, we request the
 
      release, and acknowledge receipt, of the (Custodial File/[specify
 
      documents]) for the Mortgage Loan described below, for the reason
 
      indicated.
Mortgagor’s Name Address & Zip Code:
Mortgage Loan Number:
Reason for Requesting Documents (check one)
             
___
    1.     Mortgage Loan Paid in Full. (The Trustee or the related Master Servicer or Servicer hereby certifies that all amounts received in connection therewith have been credited to the account of the Trustee or the related Master Servicer or Servicer.)
 
           
___
    2.     Mortgage Loan Liquidated By ___ (The Trustee or the related Master Servicer or Servicer hereby certifies that all proceeds of foreclosure, insurance, condemnation or other liquidation have been finally received and credited to the account of the Trustee or the related Master Servicer or Servicer.)
 
           
___
    3.     Mortgage Loan in Foreclosure
 
           
___
    4.     Other (explain)
          If box 1 or 2 above is checked, and if all or part of the Custodial File was previously released to us, please release to us our previous request and receipt on file with you, as well as any additional documents in your possession relating to the specified Mortgage Loan.
3-1
 

 


 

          If box 3 or 4 above is checked, upon our return of all of the above documents to you as the Custodian, please acknowledge your receipt by signing in the space indicated below, and returning this form.
             
    U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,    
 
      as Trustee    
 
           
 
  By:        
 
     
 
Name:
   
 
      Title:    
 
           
 
  Date:        
 
           
 
           
 
  Or        
 
        ,  
 
     
 
as [Servicer] [Master Servicer]
   
 
           
 
  By:        
 
           
 
      Name:    
 
      Title:    
 
           
 
  Date:        
 
           
 
           
Acknowledgment of Documents returned to the Custodian:    
 
           
    WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,    
 
      as Custodian    
 
           
 
  By:        
 
           
 
      Name:    
 
      Title:    
 
           
 
  Date:        
 
           
3-2
 

 


 

EXHIBIT 4
SCHEDULE OF MORTGAGE LOANS
[Attached as Schedule I to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement]
4-1
 

 


 

EXHIBIT 5
FEE SCHEDULE
         
I. Primary Custody Services:
       
 
       
Transfer Fee
  $ 1.00  
Per Mortgage File
       
 
       
File Re-Label
  $ 0.50  
Per Mortgage File
       
 
       
Annual Safekeeping Fee
  $ 2.40  
Per Mortgage File held at end of the month ($.20 per month)
       
 
       
Release Requests/Rejected Release Requests
       
 
       
Standard Release
  $ 3.50  
- 48-hour turnaround time, excludes shipping expense
       
- Applies to releases related to standard Servicing activity
       
 
       
Rush Release
  $ 4.50  
- 24 hour or less release, excludes shipping expense
       
- Applies to releases related to takeout investor activity
       
 
       
Assumes that shipping expenses would be borne by CSFB. Wells Fargo would be willing to ship files using a courier service and account number provided by CSFB.
       
 
       
II. Other Custody Services
       
 
       
Trailing Document/Final Document Package Filing Fee
  $ 1.00  
Per document or final document package.
       
This includes the tracking, filing and/or forwarding of trailing documents received by Wells Fargo
       
 
       
Copies of Documents
       
Pull fee per file
  $ 1.00  
Per single sided copy
  $ .25  
 
       
Endorsement and Assignment Stamping
       
Per document stamped
  $ 1.00  
 
       
Bailee Letters
  $ 25.00  
Per bailee letter issued
       
 
       
5-1
 

 


 

     
Trust Receipts/Position Update Reports
  $25.00
Per trust receipt or exception report/loan schedule issuance; regardless as to whether or not the report issuance is in connection with a superceding trust receipt
   
 
   
Barcode Labeling of Files
  $ .50
Per label created at time of collateral receipt
   
 
   
Transfer Fee
  Waived
Per loan transferred from warehouse to securitization.
   
Entails obtaining required warehouse bank approvals, releasing/paying-off of loans from warehouse lines, system updates, and certification pursuant to securitization.
   
Assumes that warehouse review encompasses securitization review.
   
 
   
Out of Pocket Expenses
  as incurred
Including, but not limited to, travel, attorney’s fees, photocopies, etc.
   
III.   General Business Assumptions
  Wells Fargo will provide review and certification services for your account from its facilities located in Irvine, CA.
  Wells Fargo will utilize the WinCMSS system for loan tracking and record keeping purposes.
  Final documents will be delivered in pool number and loan number order.
  Data for loan file transfer requests will be provided to Wells Fargo in electronic format
  Files received during the “Warehouse” period will be maintained in Irvine, California. Upon Securitization, or as deemed necessary by Wells Fargo files may be moved to one of Wells Fargo’s other safekeeping locations.
Acceptance of this business and fees is based upon our current understanding of Wells Fargo’s roles and responsibilities. Fees for services, other than those covered by this fee schedule, shall be negotiated and approved by both parties in writing prior to the delivery of such service.
August, 2005
5-2
 

 


 

EXHIBIT 6
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES OF TRUSTEE
     
NAME   SPECIMEN SIGNATURE
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
6-1
 

 


 

EXHIBIT 7
SERVICING OFFICERS OF COUNTRYWIDE SERVICING LP
     
NAME   SPECIMEN SIGNATURE
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
-8-
 

 


 

EXHIBIT 8
FORM OF CERTIFICATION REGARDING SERVICING CRITERIA TO BE
ADDRESSED IN REPORT ON ASSESSMENT OF COMPLIANCE
     The assessment of compliance to be delivered by the Custodian shall address, at a minimum, the criteria identified as below as “Applicable Servicing Criteria”:
         
        Applicable
Servicing Criteria   Servicing Criteria
Reference
  Criteria    
 
       
 
  General Servicing Considerations    
 
1122(d)(1)(i)
  Policies and procedures are instituted to monitor any performance or other triggers and events of default in accordance with the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(1)(ii)
  If any material servicing activities are outsourced to third parties, policies and procedures are instituted to monitor the third party’s performance and compliance with such servicing activities.    
 
       
1122(d)(1)(iii)
  Any requirements in the transaction agreements to maintain a back-up servicer for the mortgage loans are maintained.    
 
       
1122(d)(1)(iv)
  A fidelity bond and errors and omissions policy is in effect on the party participating in the servicing function throughout the reporting period in the amount of coverage required by and otherwise in accordance with the terms of the transaction agreements.    
 
       
 
  Cash Collection and Administration    
 
       
1122(d)(2)(i)
  Payments on mortgage loans are deposited into the appropriate custodial bank accounts and related bank clearing accounts no more than two business days following receipt, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(2)(ii)
  Disbursements made via wire transfer on behalf of an obligor or to an investor are made only by authorized personnel.    
 
       
1122(d)(2)(iii)
  Advances of funds or guarantees regarding collections, cash flows or distributions, and any interest or other fees charged for such advances, are made, reviewed and approved as specified in the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(2)(iv)
  The related accounts for the transaction, such as cash reserve accounts or accounts established as a form of overcollateralization, are separately maintained (e.g., with respect to commingling of cash) as set forth in the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(2)(v)
  Each custodial account is maintained at a federally insured depository institution as set forth in the transaction agreements. For purposes of this criterion, “federally insured depository institution” with respect to a foreign financial institution means a foreign financial institution that meets the requirements of Rule 13k-1(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act.    
 
       
1122(d)(2)(vi)
  Unissued checks are safeguarded so as to prevent unauthorized access.    
 
       
1122(d)(2)(vii)
  Reconciliations are prepared on a monthly basis for all asset-backed securities related bank accounts, including custodial accounts and related bank clearing accounts. These reconciliations are (A) mathematically accurate; (B) prepared within 30 calendar days after the bank statement cutoff date, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements; (C) reviewed and approved by someone other than the person who prepared the reconciliation; and (D) contain explanations for reconciling items. These reconciling items are resolved within 90 calendar days of their original identification, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.    
 
       
17-1
 

 


 

         
        Applicable
Servicing Criteria   Servicing Criteria
Reference
  Criteria    
 
       
 
  Investor Remittances and Reporting    
 
       
1122(d)(3)(i)
  Reports to investors, including those to be filed with the Commission, are maintained in accordance with the transaction agreements and applicable Commission requirements. Specifically, such reports (A) are prepared in accordance with timeframes and other terms set forth in the transaction agreements; (B) provide information calculated in accordance with the terms specified in the transaction agreements; (C) are filed with the Commission as required by its rules and regulations; and (D) agree with investors’ or the trustee’s records as to the total unpaid principal balance and number of mortgage loans serviced by the Servicer.    
 
       
1122(d)(3)(ii)
  Amounts due to investors are allocated and remitted in accordance with timeframes, distribution priority and other terms set forth in the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(3)(iii)
  Disbursements made to an investor are posted within two business days to the Servicer’s investor records, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(3)(iv)
  Amounts remitted to investors per the investor reports agree with cancelled checks, or other form of payment, or custodial bank statements.    
 
       
 
  Pool Asset Administration    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(i)
  Collateral or security on mortgage loans is maintained as required by the transaction agreements or related mortgage loan documents.    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(ii)
  Mortgage loan and related documents are safeguarded as required by the transaction agreements    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(iii)
  Any additions, removals or substitutions to the asset pool are made, reviewed and approved in accordance with any conditions or requirements in the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(iv)
  Payments on mortgage loans, including any payoffs, made in accordance with the related mortgage loan documents are posted to the Servicer’s obligor records maintained no more than two business days after receipt, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements, and allocated to principal, interest or other items (e.g., escrow) in accordance with the related mortgage loan documents.    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(v)
  The Servicer’s records regarding the mortgage loans agree with the Servicer’s records with respect to an obligor’s unpaid principal balance.    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(vi)
  Changes with respect to the terms or status of an obligor’s mortgage loans (e.g., loan modifications or re-agings) are made, reviewed and approved by authorized personnel in accordance with the transaction agreements and related pool asset documents.    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(vii)
  Loss mitigation or recovery actions (e.g., forbearance plans, modifications and deeds in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosures and repossessions, as applicable) are initiated, conducted and concluded in accordance with the timeframes or other requirements established by the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(viii)
  Records documenting collection efforts are maintained during the period a mortgage loan is delinquent in accordance with the transaction agreements. Such records are maintained on at least a monthly basis, or such other period specified in the transaction agreements, and describe the entity’s activities in monitoring delinquent mortgage loans including, for example, phone calls, letters and payment rescheduling plans in cases where delinquency is deemed temporary (e.g., illness or unemployment).    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(ix)
  Adjustments to interest rates or rates of return for mortgage loans with variable rates are computed based on the related mortgage loan documents.    

 


 

         
        Applicable
Servicing Criteria   Servicing Criteria
Reference
  Criteria    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(x)
  Regarding any funds held in trust for an obligor (such as escrow accounts): (A) such funds are analyzed, in accordance with the obligor’s mortgage loan documents, on at least an annual basis, or such other period specified in the transaction agreements; (B) interest on such funds is paid, or credited, to obligors in accordance with applicable mortgage loan documents and state laws; and (C) such funds are returned to the obligor within 30 calendar days of full repayment of the related mortgage loans, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(xi)
  Payments made on behalf of an obligor (such as tax or insurance payments) are made on or before the related penalty or expiration dates, as indicated on the appropriate bills or notices for such payments, provided that such support has been received by the servicer at least 30 calendar days prior to these dates, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(xii)
  Any late payment penalties in connection with any payment to be made on behalf of an obligor are paid from the servicer’s funds and not charged to the obligor, unless the late payment was due to the obligor’s error or omission.    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(xiii)
  Disbursements made on behalf of an obligor are posted within two business days to the obligor’s records maintained by the servicer, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(xiv)
  Delinquencies, charge-offs and uncollectible accounts are recognized and recorded in accordance with the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(xv)
  Any external enhancement or other support, identified in Item 1114(a)(1) through (3) or Item 1115 of Regulation AB, is maintained as set forth in the transaction agreements.    
             
    [NAME OF CUSTODIAN],    
 
           
 
  Date:        
 
     
 
   
 
  By:        
 
           
 
  Name:        
 
  Title:        
-3-
 

 

EX-99.7 8 f17506exv99w7.htm EXHIBIT 99.7 exv99w7
 

Exhibit 99.7
Execution Version
 
 
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee for the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust,
Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1,
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,
as Trust Administrator for the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust,
Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1,
and
LASALLE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Custodian
 
CUSTODIAL AGREEMENT
as of January 1, 2006
 
 

 


 

Table of Contents
                 
            Page  
  1.    
Definitions
    1  
  2.    
Delivery of Custodial Files
    2  
  3.    
Custodian as Bailee
    4  
  4.    
Trust Receipt and Initial Certification of the Custodian
    4  
  5.    
Obligations of the Custodian
    5  
  6.    
Final Certification
    6  
  7.    
Future Defects
    6  
  8.    
Release for Servicing
    7  
  9.    
Limitation on Release
    7  
  10.    
Release for Payment
    7  
  11.    
Fees of Custodian
    7  
  12.    
Removal of Custodian
    8  
  13.    
Transfer of Custodial Files
    8  
  14.    
Examination of Custodial Files
    8  
  15.    
Insurance of Custodian
    8  
  16.    
Counterparts
    9  
  17.    
Periodic Statements
    9  
  19.    
Copies of Mortgage Documents
    9  
  20.    
No Adverse Interest of Custodian
    9  
  21.    
Termination by Custodian
    9  
  22.    
Term of Agreement
    10  
  23.    
Notices
    10  
  24.    
Successors and Assigns
    10  
  25.    
Indemnification
    11  
  26.    
Reliance of Custodian
    11  
  27.    
Transmission of Custodial Files
    11  
  28.    
Authorized Representatives
    12  
  29.    
Reproduction of Documents
    12  
  30.    
Force Majeure
    12  
  31.    
Limitations on the Responsibilities of the Custodian
    12  
  32.    
Binding Arbitration
    14  
EXHIBITS
     
EXHIBIT 1
  FORM OF TRUST RECEIPT AND INITIAL CERTIFICATION
EXHIBIT 2
  FORM OF TRUST RECEIPT AND FINAL CERTIFICATION
EXHIBIT 3
  FORM OF REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF DOCUMENTS AND RECEIPT
EXHIBIT 4
  SCHEDULE OF MORTGAGE LOANS
EXHIBIT 5
  FORM OF CUSTODIAL FEE LETTER
EXHIBIT 6
  AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES OF TRUSTEE
EXHIBIT 7
  SERVICING OFFICERS OF WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.
EXHIBIT 8
  SERVICING OFFICERS OF COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS SERVICING LP
EXHIBIT 9
  FORM OF CERTIFICATION REGARDING SERVICING CRITERIA TO BE
 
  ADDRESSED IN REPORT ON ASSESSMENT OF COMPLIANCE
-i-
 

 


 

          THIS CUSTODIAL AGREEMENT (the “Custodial Agreement”), dated as of January 1, 2006, by and among U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association organized under the laws of the United States (the “Trustee”), having an address at Corporate Trust Services – EP-MN-WS3D, 60 Livingston Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55107-2292, not individually, but solely as trustee under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement for the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1 (the “Trust”), WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., having an address at 9062 Old Annapolis Road, Columbia, MD 21045, (the “Trust Administrator”), and LASALLE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, having an address at 2571 Busse Road, Suite 200, Dock #49, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, as custodian (the “Custodian”).
W I T N E S S E T H
          WHEREAS, Sequoia Residential Funding, Inc. (the “Depositor”) has agreed to transfer certain conventional adjustable-rate mortgage loans (the “Mortgage Loans”) to the Trustee, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, dated January 1, 2006 (the “Pooling and Servicing Agreement”), among the Depositor, RWT Holdings, Inc., as seller (“RWT”), Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as master servicer and trust administrator, and the Trustee.
          WHEREAS, the Master Servicer is to oversee and enforce the servicing of the Mortgage Loans by the Servicer pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, and the Trustee will retain record title to the Mortgage Loans; and
          WHEREAS, the Custodian is a national banking association and is otherwise authorized to act as Custodian pursuant to this Custodial Agreement; and
          NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual undertakings herein expressed, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
          1. Definitions.
          Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, a copy of which has been received by the Custodian.
          Agreement: This Custodial Agreement and all amendments, attachments and supplements hereto.
          Business Day: Any day other than (i) a Saturday or a Sunday, or (ii) a day on which banking institutions in the City of New York, New York, the City of Minneapolis, Minnesota or the city in which the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee or the Custodian is located are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to be closed.
          Closing Date: February 1, 2006.
          Commission: The United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

 


 

          Custodian: LaSalle Bank, National Association or its successor in interest or assigns, or any successor to the Custodian under this Custodial Agreement as herein provided.
          Custodian Fees: As defined in Section 11 hereof.
          Custodial File: As to each Mortgage Loan, any mortgage loan documents which are delivered to the Custodian or which at any time come into the possession of the Custodian as set forth in Section 2 of this Custodial Agreement.
          Delivery Date: The date which occurs five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing Date or such other date as mutually agreed upon by the Trustee and the Custodian.
          Master Servicer: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, as therein provided.
          Mortgage Loan: Each mortgage loan sold, assigned or transferred pursuant to this Custodial Agreement and identified on the Mortgage Loan Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit 4, as such Mortgage Loan Schedule may be supplemented from time to time.
          Regulation AB: Subpart 229.1100 – Asset Backed Securities (Regulation AB), 17 C.F.R. §§229.1100-229.1123, as such may be amended from time to time, and subject to such clarification and interpretation as have been provided by the Commission in the adopting release (Asset-Backed Securities, Securities Act Release No. 33-8518, 70 Fed. Reg. 1,506, 1,531 (Jan. 7, 2005)) or by the staff of the Commission, or as may be provided by the Commission or its staff from time to time.
          Servicer: Countrywide Home Loans Servicing LP, as provided in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
          Subcontractor: Any vendor, subcontractor or other person that is not responsible for the overall servicing (as “servicing” is commonly understood by participants in the mortgage-backed securities market) of the Mortgage Loans but performs one or more discrete functions identified in Item 1122(d) of Regulation AB with respect to the Mortgage Loans under the direction or authority of the Custodian.
          Trust Administrator: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trust Administrator for the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust, or its successors or assigns.
          Trust Receipt: Either a Trust Receipt and Initial Certification or a Trust Receipt and Final Certification.
          Trust Receipt and Initial Certification: A trust receipt and initial certification as to each Mortgage Loan, which Trust Receipt and Initial Certification is delivered to the Trustee by the Custodian in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit 1.
          Trust Receipt and Final Certification: A trust receipt and final certification as to each Mortgage Loan, which Trust Receipt and Final Certification is delivered to the Trustee by the Custodian in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit 2.

-2-


 

          Trustee: U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1, or its successor in interest or assigns.
          2. Delivery of Custodial Files.
          The Trustee will deliver and release or cause to be delivered and released to the Custodian on each Delivery Date the following original documents pertaining to each of the Mortgage Loans identified in the related Mortgage Loan Schedule:
  (i)   the electronic Mortgage Loan Schedule;
 
  (ii)   (A) the original Mortgage Note bearing all intervening endorsements and including any riders to the Mortgage Note, endorsed “Pay to the order of [___,] without recourse” and signed in the name of the last named endorsee by an authorized officer, or
 
      (B) with respect to any Lost Mortgage Note, a lost note affidavit stating that the original Mortgage Note was lost or destroyed, together with a copy of such Mortgage Note;
 
  (iii)   the original of any guarantee executed in connection with the Mortgage Note (if any);
 
  (iv)   the original Mortgage, with evidence of recording thereon, or copies certified by the related recording office or if the original Mortgage has not yet been returned from the recording office, a copy certified by or on behalf of the related Seller indicating that such Mortgage has been delivered for recording. The return directions for the original Mortgage should indicate, when recorded, mail to the related Seller;
 
  (v)   the originals of all assumption, modification, consolidation or extension agreements, (or, if an original of any of these documents has not been returned from the recording office, a copy thereof certified by or on behalf of the related Seller, the original to be delivered to the related Seller forthwith after return from such recording office) with evidence of recording thereon, if any;
 
  (vi)   the original Assignment of Mortgage as appropriate, in recordable form, for the Mortgage Loan assigned in blank;
 
  (vii)   the originals of any intervening recorded Assignments of Mortgage, showing a complete chain of assignment from origination to the related Seller, including warehousing assignments, with evidence of recording thereon (or, if an original intervening Assignment of Mortgage has not been returned from the recording office, a copy thereof certified by or on behalf of the related Seller, the original to be delivered to the Trustee forthwith after return from such recording office);
 
  (viii)   the original mortgage title insurance policy;

-3-


 

  (ix)   such other documents that the Trustee may require from time to time, with notification to Custodian which Custodian has consented to review and that are in Custodian’s possession.
          In the event that, pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, an Officer’s Certificate of a Master Servicer or Servicer is delivered to the Trustee because of a delay caused by the public recording office in returning any recorded document, the Trustee shall deliver such Officer’s Certificate to the Custodian. The Custodian shall deliver written notice to the Trust Administrator, and the Trust Administrator shall forward to each Rating Agency, as such term is defined in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, within 270 days from the Closing Date indicating each Mortgage (a) which has not been returned by the appropriate recording office or (b) as to which there is a dispute as to location or status of such Mortgage. Such notice shall be delivered every 90 days thereafter until the related Mortgage is returned to the Custodian.
          From time to time, the Trustee shall forward or shall cause to be forwarded to the Custodian additional original documents, additional documents evidencing an assumption, modification, consolidation or extension of a Mortgage Loan approved by the related Master Servicer or Servicer, in accordance with the terms of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement. All such mortgage documents held by the Custodian as to each Mortgage Loan shall constitute the “Custodial File.” From time to time, the Trustee shall instruct or cause the instruction of the Custodian to deliver certain mortgage loan documents to the Trustee for assignment and recordation.
          At least 24 hours prior to delivery of the Mortgage Loans, the Trustee will provide or cause to be provided to the Custodian, via electronic transmission, a list of all the Mortgage Loans and their related data fields including loan ID, Mortgagor name, mortgaged property address, mortgage rate, maturity date, and original principal balance of each such Mortgage Loan. This data shall be delivered to the Custodian in an acceptable format that can be easily uploaded to the Custodian’s system. A hard copy of the Mortgage Loan Schedule will be delivered to the Custodian at the time of delivery to the Custodian of such documents related to the Mortgage Loans identified in such Mortgage Loan Schedule.
          3. Custodian as Bailee.
          The Custodian hereby acknowledges that it is, and agrees to act as, bailee for the Trustee and is holding each Custodial File delivered to it in trust for the Trustee.
          4. Trust Receipt and Initial Certification of the Custodian.
          (a) No later than 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the Closing Date, the Custodian shall deliver to the Trustee, the Trust Administrator and the Depositor a Trust Receipt and Initial Certification certifying, subject to any exceptions noted thereon, as to each Mortgage Loan on the Mortgage Loan Schedule, (i) receipt of the original Mortgage Note and Assignment of Mortgage and (ii) that the Mortgage Note has been reviewed by the Custodian and appears regular on its face and relates to such Mortgage Loan.
          (b) Upon the written directions of the Trustee, and upon the prior tender by the Trustee of an applicable trust receipt or trust receipts (including any related Trust Receipt and

-4-


 

Final Certification that has been issued), the Custodian shall deliver all or any portion of the related Custodial Files held by it pursuant to such Trust Receipt to the Trustee, or to such other party designated by such Trustee in such written direction, and to the place indicated in any such written direction from the Trustee. If such delivery is for less than all of the Custodial Files held by the Custodian with respect to such Trust Receipt (and a Trust Receipt and Final Certification has been issued), the Custodian shall deliver to the Trustee a new Trust Receipt and Final Certification with respect to the related Custodial Files retained by the Custodian. Each Trust Receipt (including any Trust Receipt and Final Certification) surrendered shall be canceled by the Custodian.
          5. Obligations of the Custodian.
          (a) With respect to the Mortgage Note, the Mortgage and the Assignment of Mortgage and other documents constituting each Custodial File which is delivered to the Custodian or which come into the possession of the Custodian, the Custodian is the custodian for the Trustee exclusively. The Custodian shall hold all mortgage documents received by it constituting the Custodial File for the exclusive use and benefit of the Trustee, and shall make disposition thereof only in accordance with this Custodial Agreement and the instructions furnished by the Trustee. The Custodian shall segregate and maintain continuous custody of all mortgage documents constituting the Custodial File in secure and fire-resistant facilities in accordance with customary standards for such custody. The Custodian shall not be responsible to verify (i) the validity, legality, enforceability, sufficiency, due authorization or genuineness of any document in the Custodial File or of any Mortgage Loans or (ii) the collectability, insurability, effectiveness including the authority or capacity of any person to execute or issue any document in the Custodial File, or suitability of any Mortgage Loan unless specified otherwise in this Custodial Agreement. The Custodian shall promptly report to the Trustee any failure on its part to hold the Custodial Files and maintain its accounts, records and computer systems as herein provided and promptly take appropriate action to remedy such failure.
          (b) On or before March 1st of each calendar year that the Trust is subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, beginning with March 1, 2007, the Custodian shall, at its own expense, cause a firm of independent public accountants (who may also render other services to Custodian), which is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, to furnish to the Seller, the Trustee, the Depositor, the Trust Administrator and Master Servicer a report to the effect that such firm that attests to, and reports on, the assessment made by such asserting party pursuant to Section 5(c) below, which report shall be made in accordance with standards for attestation engagements issued or adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
          (c) On or prior to the Closing Date, the Custodian shall deliver to the Seller, the Trustee, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator and the Depositor a certification in the form of Exhibit 9 attached hereto regarding the items it will address in its assessment of compliance with the servicing criteria under this Section 5(c). On or before March 1st of each calendar year, beginning with March 1, 2007, the Custodian shall deliver to the Seller, the Trustee, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator and the Depositor a report regarding its assessment of compliance with the servicing criteria identified in Exhibit 9 attached hereto, as of and for the period ending the end of the fiscal year ending no later than December 31 of the year

-5-


 

prior to the year of delivery of the report, with respect to asset-backed security transactions taken as a whole in which the Custodian is performing any of the servicing criteria specified in Exhibit 9 and that are backed by the same asset type backing such asset-backed securities. Each such report shall include (a) a statement of the party’s responsibility for assessing compliance with the servicing criteria applicable to such party, (b) a statement that such party used the criteria identified in Item 1122(d) of Regulation AB (§ 229.1122(d)) to assess compliance with the applicable servicing criteria, (c) disclosure of any material instance of noncompliance identified by such party, and (d) a statement that a registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on such party’s assessment of compliance with the applicable servicing criteria, which report shall be delivered by the Custodian as provided in this Section 5(c).
          (d) The Custodian has not and shall not engage any Subcontractor which is “participating in the servicing function” within the meaning of Item 1122 of Regulation AB without (a) giving notice to the Seller, the Trustee, the Master Servicer and the Depositor, and (b) requiring any such Subcontractor to provide to the Custodian an attestation report as provided for in Section 5(b) above and an assessment report as provided for in Section 5(c) above, which reports the Custodian shall include in the Custodian’s attestation and assessment reports.
          6. Final Certification.
          Not later than 90 days following the Closing Date, the Custodian shall ascertain that all documents specified in Sections 2(i) through (ix) of this Custodial Agreement are in its possession, and shall deliver to the Trustee, the Trust Administrator and the Depositor a Trust Receipt and Final Certification certifying, subject to any exceptions noted thereon that, as to each Mortgage Loan listed in the Mortgage Loan Schedule (other than any Mortgage Loan paid in full or any Mortgage Loan specifically identified in such certification as not covered by such certification): (i) all documents required to be delivered to it pursuant to Sections 2(i)-(ix) of this Custodial Agreement are in its possession; (ii) such documents have been reviewed by it (including the information set forth in items (1),(2),(3),(5),(8) and (10) of the Mortgage Loan Schedule) and appear regular on their face and relate to such Mortgage Loan; (iii) all Assignments of Mortgage or intervening assignments of mortgage, as applicable, have been submitted for recording in the jurisdiction in which recording is necessary; and (iv) each Mortgage Note has been endorsed as provided in Section 2(ii) of this Custodial Agreement and each Mortgage has been assigned in accordance with Section 2(vi) of this Custodial Agreement.
          7. Future Defects.
          During the term of this Custodial Agreement, if the Custodian discovers any defect with respect to the Custodial File, the Custodian shall give written specification of such defect to the Trustee and the related Master Servicer or Servicer.

-6-


 

          8. Release for Servicing.
          From time to time and as appropriate for the foreclosure or servicing of any of the Mortgage Loans, the Custodian is hereby authorized, upon written receipt from a Servicer of a request for release of documents and receipt in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit 3, to release to such Servicer the related Custodial File or the documents set forth in such request and receipt. Such Servicer shall promptly return to the Custodian the Custodial File or other such documents when such Servicer’s need therefor no longer exists, unless the related Mortgage Loan shall be liquidated in which case, upon receipt of an additional request for release of documents and receipt certifying such liquidation from such Servicer to the Custodian in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit 3, such Servicer’s request and receipt submitted pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 8 shall be released by the Custodian to such Servicer. If the Custodian fails to release the Custodial File within five (5) business days of receipt of the request for release of documents, the Custodian, upon the written request of such Servicer, will provide such Servicer with a lost note affidavit and indemnity; provided, however, that in the event such Custodial File did not contain an original Mortgage Note and such exception was duly reported on the document exception report attached to the Trust Receipt and Initial Certification, the Custodian will not be required to provide a lost note affidavit and indemnity. The Custodian agrees to indemnify the related Servicer and the Trustee for the reasonable replacement cost of the file, as well as any actual penalties or charges resulting from the failure of the Custodian to return the Mortgage Files within the time frame described above.
          9. Limitation on Release.
          The foregoing provision respecting release to a Servicer of the Custodial Files and documents by the Custodian upon request by such Servicer shall be operative only to the extent that the Custodian shall have used its best efforts to have not released to the Servicer active Custodial Files or documents (including those requested) pertaining to more than 15 percent of the Mortgage Loans in the Mortgage Pool. Any additional Custodial Files or documents requested to be released by any Servicer may be released only upon written authorization of the Depositor. The limitations of this paragraph shall not apply to the release of Custodial Files to a Servicer under Section 10 below.
          10. Release for Payment.
          Upon receipt by the Custodian of the Master Servicer’s or Servicer’s request for release of documents and receipt in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit 3 (which certification shall include a statement to the effect that all amounts received in connection with such payment or repurchase have been credited to the Certificate Account as provided in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement), the Custodian shall promptly, and no later than three days following the receipt of such notice, release the related Custodial File to the Master Servicer or Servicer.
          11. Fees of Custodian.
          The Custodian shall charge such fees for its services under this Custodial Agreement as are set forth in Exhibit 5 hereto (the “Custodian Fees”), the payment of which fees (with the exception of conference room fees and extraordinary time charges which shall be the

-7-


 

expense of the party requesting such services) shall be solely the obligation of the Trust Administrator.
          12. Removal of Custodian.
          The Trustee, with or without cause, may upon at least 60 days’ notice remove and discharge the Custodian from the performance of its duties under this Custodial Agreement by written notice from the Trustee to the Custodian. Having given notice of such removal, the Trustee promptly shall appoint a successor Custodian (which may be the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee) to act on behalf of the Trustee by written instrument, one original counterpart of which instrument shall be delivered to the Trustee and an original to the successor Custodian. In the event of any such removal, the Custodian shall promptly transfer to the successor Custodian, as directed, all Custodial Files being administered under this Custodial Agreement. If the Custodian is removed for cause, the fees and expenses of the existing and successor Custodian (including, without limitation, any recertification fees) shall be the responsibility of the removed Custodian. If the Trustee removes the Custodian without cause, the Trustee shall be responsible for payment of all Custodian Fees of the existing Custodian, including all expenses incurred in the transmission of the Custodial Files to the successor Custodian and for all applicable release fees of the Custodian; provided, however, that if the Trustee removes the Custodian without cause and upon the written direction of RWT, RWT shall be responsible for payment of all expenses incurred in the transmission of the Custodial Files to the successor Custodian and for all applicable release fees of the Custodian. If the Trustee removes the Custodian without cause, the Trust Administrator shall be responsible for the fees of the successor Custodian, provided that the schedule of fees of the successor Custodian is substantially similar to the Custodian Fees.
          13. Transfer of Custodial Files.
          Upon written request of the Trustee, the Custodian shall release to such persons as the Trustee shall designate the Custodial Files relating to such Mortgage Loans as the Trustee shall request.
          14. Examination of Custodial Files.
          Upon reasonable prior notice to the Custodian but not less than two (2) Business Days notice, the Trustee and its agents, accountants, attorneys, auditors and designees will be permitted during normal business hours to examine the Custodial Files, documents, records and other papers in the possession of or under the control of the Custodian relating to any or all of the Mortgage Loans. The Custodial Files shall be maintained at LaSalle Bank, National Association, 2571 Busse Road, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 or at such other location as the Custodian may designate in writing to the Trustee.
          15. Insurance of Custodian.
          At its own expense, the Custodian shall maintain at all times during the existence of this Custodial Agreement and keep in full force and effect such insurance in amounts, with standard coverage and subject to deductibles, all as is customary for insurance typically maintained by banks which act as custodian. The minimum coverage under any such bond and insurance policies shall be at least equal to the corresponding amounts required by FNMA in the

-8-


 

FNMA Servicing Guide or by FHLMC in the FHLMC Company’s & Servicer’s Guide. Upon request, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive evidence satisfactory to the Trustee that such insurance is in full force and effect.
          16. Counterparts.
          For the purpose of facilitating the execution of this Custodial Agreement as herein provided and for other purposes, this Custodial Agreement may be executed simultaneously in any number of counterparts, each of which counterparts shall be deemed to be an original, and such counterparts shall constitute and be one and the same instrument.
          17. Periodic Statements.
          Within 10 days of each anniversary of the date of this Custodial Agreement, or upon the request of the Trustee at any other time, the Custodian shall provide to the Trustee a list of all the Mortgage Loans and file exceptions for which the Custodian holds a Custodial File pursuant to this Custodial Agreement and the Pooling and Servicing Agreement. Such list may be in a mutually agreeable electronic format.
          18. Governing Law.
          THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS, AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.
          19. Copies of Mortgage Documents.
          Upon the request of the Trustee, acting solely at the direction of the Master Servicer, a Servicer or a Certificateholder, the Custodian shall provide the Trustee with copies of the Mortgage Notes, Mortgages, Assignments of Mortgage and other documents relating to one or more of the Mortgage Loans.
          20. No Adverse Interest of Custodian.
          By execution of this Custodial Agreement, the Custodian represents and warrants that it currently holds, and during the existence of this Custodial Agreement shall hold, no interest adverse to the Trustee, by way of security or otherwise, in any Mortgage Loan, and hereby waives and releases any such interest which it may have in any Mortgage Loan as of the date hereof.
          21. Termination by Custodian.
          The Custodian may terminate its obligations under this Custodial Agreement upon at least 60 days’ prior written notice to the Trustee. In the event of such termination, the Trustee shall appoint a successor Custodian. The payment of such successor Custodian’s fees (which shall be substantially similar to the Custodian Fees) shall be solely the responsibility of the Trust Administrator. Upon such appointment, the Custodian shall promptly transfer at its expense to

-9-


 

the successor Custodian, as directed, all Custodial Files being administered under this Custodial Agreement.
          22. Term of Agreement.
          Unless terminated pursuant to Section 12 or Section 21 hereof, this Custodial Agreement shall terminate upon the final payment or other liquidation (or advance with respect thereto) of the last Mortgage Loan or the disposition of all property acquired upon foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure of any Mortgage Loan, and the final remittance of all funds due under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement. In such event all documents remaining in the Custodial Files shall be released in accordance with the written instructions of the Trustee.
          23. Notices.
          All demands, notices and communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when received by the recipient party at the addresses shown on the first page hereof, and in the case of the Trustee, to the attention of Corporate Trust Services, U.S. Bank National Association, Corporate Trust Services – EP-MN-WS3D, 60 Livingston Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55107-2292, in the case of the Custodian, to the attention of the Document Custodian, LaSalle Bank, National Association, 2571 Busse Road, Suite 200, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007; and to the Trust Administrator, to the attention of 9062 Old Annapolis Road, Columbia, MD 21045, Attention: [___], or at such other addresses as may hereafter be furnished to the other parties by like notice. Any such demand, notice or communication hereunder shall be deemed to have been received on the date delivered to or received at the premises of the addressee (as evidenced, in the case of registered or certified mail, by the date noted on the return receipt).
          24. Successors and Assigns.
          The Custodian may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any Affiliate; however, the Custodian agrees to notify the Trustee of any such assignment. “Affiliate” is defined as any entity that directly or indirectly is under common control with Custodian, or is under contract to be under common control with Custodian, and shall include a subsidiary or parent company of Custodian.
          This Custodial Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the parties hereto. Any person into which the Custodian may be merged or converted or with which the Custodian may be consolidated, or any person resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Custodian shall be a party, or any person succeeding to the business of the Custodian, shall be the successor of the Custodian hereunder, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding. Any assignee shall forward a list of authorized representatives to each party to this Custodial Agreement pursuant to Section 28 of this Custodial Agreement.

-10-


 

          25. Indemnification.
          Neither the Custodian nor any of its directors, affiliates, officers, agents or employees, shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them hereunder or in connection herewith in good faith and believed by it or them to be within the purview of this Custodial Agreement, except for its or their own gross negligence, lack of good faith or willful misconduct. In no event shall the Custodian or its directors, affiliates, officers, agents and employees be held liable for any special, indirect or consequential damages resulting from any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them hereunder or in connection herewith even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
          The Custodian agrees to indemnify the Depositor, the Trustee, the Master Servicer, the Trust Administrator, the Trust and each of their respective directors, officers, employees and agents and the Trust and hold each of them harmless from and against any losses, damages, penalties, fines, forfeitures, legal fees and expenses and related costs, judgments, and any other costs, fees and expenses that any of them may sustain arising out of or based upon the engagement of any Subcontractor in violation of Section 5(d) or any failure by the Custodian to deliver any information, report, certification, accountants’ letter or other material when and as required under this Agreement, including any report under Sections 5(b) or 5(c).
          26. Reliance of Custodian.
          In the absence of gross negligence or bad faith on the part of the Custodian, the Custodian may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any data communications, magnetic tape, request, instructions, certificate, opinion or other document furnished to the Custodian, reasonably believed by the Custodian to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties and conforming to the requirements of this Custodial Agreement; but in the case of any loan document or other request, instruction, document or certificate which by any provision hereof is specifically required to be furnished to the Custodian, the Custodian shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not it conforms prima facie to the requirements of this Custodial Agreement.
          27. Transmission of Custodial Files.
          Written instructions as to the method of shipment and shipper(s) the Custodian is directed to utilize in connection with transmission of mortgage files and loan documents in the performance of the Custodian’s duties hereunder shall be delivered by each Master Servicer, Servicer or the Trustee, as applicable, to the Custodian prior to any shipment of any mortgage files and loan documents hereunder. The Trustee, the Master Servicer or the Servicer, as applicable, will arrange for the provision of such services at the reasonable cost and expense of such Trustee, Master Servicer or Servicer, as applicable (or, at the Custodian’s option, such Trustee, the Master Servicer or Servicer shall reimburse the Custodian for all costs and expenses incurred by the Custodian consistent with such instructions) and will maintain such insurance against loss or damage to mortgage files and loan documents as the Trustee deems appropriate. Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 25 above, it is expressly agreed that in no event shall the Custodian have any liability for any losses or damages to any person,

-11-


 

including without limitation, the Trustee, arising out of actions of the Custodian consistent with instructions of such Trustee, Master Servicer or Servicer.
          28. Authorized Representatives.
          Each individual designated as an authorized representative of the Trustee (an “Authorized Representative”) or as an authorized representative of a Master Servicer or Servicer (a “Master Servicing Officer” and “Servicing Officer,” respectively), is authorized to give and receive notices, requests and instructions and to deliver certificates and documents in connection with this Custodial Agreement on behalf of the Trustee or the related Master Servicer or Servicer, and the specimen signature for each Authorized Representative. Master Servicing Officer or Servicing Officer of each such Authorized Representative, Master Servicing Officer or Servicing Officer of the Trustee, the Master Servicer or any Servicer, as applicable, initially authorized hereunder, is set forth in Exhibit 6, Exhibit 7, and Exhibit 8 hereto. From time to time, the Trustee, the Master Servicer and any Servicer may, by delivering to the Custodian a revised exhibit, change the information previously given pursuant to this Section 28, but each of the parties hereto shall be entitled to rely conclusively on the then current exhibit until receipt of a superseding exhibit.
          29. Reproduction of Documents.
          This Custodial Agreement and all documents relating thereto except with respect to the Custodial File, including, without limitation, (a) consents, waivers and modifications which may hereafter be executed, and (b) certificates and other information previously or hereafter furnished, may be reproduced by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm, microcard, miniature photographic or other similar process. The parties agree that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding, whether or not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by a party in the regular course of business, and that any enlargement, facsimile or further reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in evidence.
          30. Force Majeure.
          The Custodian shall not be responsible for delays or failures in performance resulting from acts beyond its control. Such acts shall include, without limitation, acts of God, strikes, lockouts, riots, acts of war or terrorism, epidemics, nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, governmental regulations adopted after the date of this Agreement, fire, communication line failures, computer viruses, power failures, earthquakes or other disasters of a similar nature to the foregoing.
          31. Limitations on the Responsibilities of the Custodian.
          Except as provided herein, the Custodian shall be under no duty or obligation to inspect, review or examine the Custodial Files to determine that the contents thereof are appropriate for the represented purpose or that they have been actually recorded or that they are other than what they purport to be on their face.

-12-


 

          The Custodian shall not be responsible for preparing or filing any reports or returns relating to federal, state or local income taxes with respect to this Agreement, other than for the Custodian’s compensation or for reimbursement of expenses.
          The Custodian shall not be responsible or liable for, and makes no representation or warranty with respect to, the validity, adequacy or perfection or any lien upon or security interest in any Custodial File.
          Any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Custodian shall have no notice, and shall not be bound by any of the terms and conditions of any other document or agreement executed or delivered in connection with, or intended to control any part of, the transactions anticipated by or referred to in this Agreement unless the Custodian is a signatory party to that document or agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Custodian shall be deemed to have notice of the terms and conditions (including without limitation definitions not otherwise set forth in full in this Agreement) of other documents and agreements executed or delivered in connection with, or intended to control any part of, the transactions anticipated by or referred to in this Agreement, to the extent such terms and provisions are referenced, or are incorporated by reference, into this Agreement only as long as the Custodian shall have been provided a copy of any such document or agreement.
          The duties and obligations of the Custodian shall only be such as are expressly set forth in this Agreement or as set forth in a written amendment to this Agreement executed by the parties hereto or their successors and assigns. In the event that any provision of this Agreement implies or requires that action or forbearance be taken by a party, but is silent as to which party has the duty to act or refrain from acting, the parties agree that the Custodian shall not be the party required to take the action or refrain from acting. In no event shall the Custodian have any responsibility to ascertain or take action except as expressly provided herein.
          Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to impose on the Custodian any duty to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction, other than (i) any jurisdiction where any Custodial File is or may be held by the Custodian from time to time hereunder, and (ii) any jurisdiction where its ownership of property or conduct of business requires such qualification and where failure to qualify could have a material adverse effect on the Custodian or its property or business or on the ability of the Custodian to perform its duties hereunder.
          The Custodian may consult with counsel selected by the Custodian with regard to legal questions arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, and the written opinion of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action reasonably taken, omitted or suffered by the Custodian in good faith and in accordance therewith.
          No provision of this Agreement shall require the Custodian to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights and powers, if, in its sole judgment, it shall believe that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not assured to it.

-13-


 

          The Custodian shall have no duty to ascertain whether or not each amount or payment has been received by the Trustee or any third person.
          32. Binding Arbitration.
          Upon demand of any party hereto, whether made before or after institution of any judicial proceeding, any dispute, claim or controversy arising out of, connected with or relating to this Agreement (“Disputes”), between or among parties hereto shall be resolved by binding arbitration as provided herein. Institution of a judicial proceeding by a party does not waive the right of that party to demand arbitration hereunder. Disputes may include, without limitation tort claims, counterclaims, claims brought as class actions or claims concerning any aspect of the past, present or future relationships arising out of or connected with this Agreement. Arbitration shall be conducted under and governed by the Commercial Financial Disputes Arbitration Rules (the “Arbitration Rules”) of the American Arbitration Association and Title 9 of the U.S. Code. All arbitration hearings shall be conducted in New York, New York. The expedited procedures set forth in Rule 51, et seq. of the Arbitration Rules shall be applicable to claims of less than $1,000,000. All applicable statutes of limitation shall apply to any Dispute. A judgment upon the award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. The panel from which all arbitrators are selected shall be comprised of licensed attorneys. The single arbitrator selected for expedited procedure shall be a retired judge from the highest court of general jurisdiction, state or federal, of the state where the hearing will be conducted.
* * * * *

-14-


 

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties below have caused their names to be duly signed to this Custodial Agreement by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, all as of the date first above written.
         
    U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
 
      not in its individual capacity but solely as
 
      Trustee for the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust,
 
      Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series
 
      2006-1
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ U.S. Bank National Association
 
      Name:
 
      Title:
 
       
    LASALLE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
 
      as Custodian
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ LaSalle Bank, National Association
 
      Name:
 
      Title:
 
       
    WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,
 
      not in its individual capacity but solely as
 
      Trust Administrator for the Sequoia Alternative
 
      Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through
 
      Certificates, Series 2006-1
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
 
      Name:
 
      Title:

 


 

EXHIBIT 1
TRUST RECEIPT AND INITIAL CERTIFICATION
February 1, 2006
U.S. Bank National Association
           as Trustee for the
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1
Attn: Corporate Trust Services [___]
60 Livingston Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55107-2292
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.,
as Trust Administrator and Master Servicer for the
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1
9062 Old Annapolis Road,
Columbia, MD 21045
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust
Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1
[___
___]
         
 
  Re:   Custodial Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2006, among U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trust Administrator, and LaSalle Bank, National Association, as Custodian
Ladies and Gentlemen:
          In accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of the above-referenced Custodial Agreement, the undersigned, as the Custodian, hereby certifies as to each Mortgage Loan in the Mortgage Loan Schedule that (i) it has received the original Mortgage Note and Assignment of Mortgage with respect to each Mortgage Loan identified on the Mortgage Loan Schedule attached to the Custodial Agreement as Exhibit 4 and (ii) such Mortgage Note has been reviewed by it and appears regular on its face and relates to such Mortgage Loan. The Custodian makes no representations as to (i) the validity, legality, enforceability, sufficiency, due authorization or genuineness of any of the documents contained in each Custodial File or of any of the Mortgage Loans or (ii) the collectability, insurability, effectiveness or suitability of any such Mortgage Loan.
          The Custodian hereby confirms that it is holding each such Mortgage Note, Assignment of Mortgage and Assignment of Note as agent and bailee of, and custodian for the
1-1
 

 


 

exclusive use and benefit, and subject to the sole direction, of the Trustee pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Custodial Agreement.
          This Trust Receipt and Initial Certification is not divisible or negotiable.
          The Custodian will accept and act on instructions with respect to the Mortgage Loans subject hereto upon surrender of this Trust Receipt and Initial Certification at its office at 2571 Busse Road, Suite 200, Dock #49, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, Attention: Document Custodian.
          Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Custodial Agreement.
             
    LASALLE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,    
 
      as Custodian    
 
           
 
  By:        
 
     
 
Name:
   
 
      Title:    
1-2
 

 


 

EXHIBIT 2
TRUST RECEIPT AND FINAL CERTIFICATION
[Trust Receipt #__________]
[Cut-off Date Principal Balance $__________]
U.S. Bank National Association
           as Trustee for the
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1
Attn: Corporate Trust Services [___]
60 Livingston Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55107-2292
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.,
as Trust Administrator and Master Servicer for the
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1
9062 Old Annapolis Road,
Columbia, MD 21045
Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust
Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1
[___
___]
         
 
  Re:   Custodial Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2006, among U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trust Administrator, and LaSalle Bank, National Association, as Custodian
Ladies and Gentlemen:
          In accordance with the provisions of Section 6 of the above-referenced Custodial Agreement, the undersigned, as the Custodian, hereby certifies that as to each Mortgage Loan listed on the Mortgage Loan Schedule (other than any Mortgage Loan paid in full or any Mortgage Loan listed on the attachment hereto) it has reviewed the Custodial Files and has determined that (i) all documents required to be delivered to it pursuant to Sections 2(i)-(ix) of the Custodial Agreement are in its possession; (ii) such documents have been reviewed by it and appear regular on their face and related to such Mortgage Loan; (iii) all Assignments of Mortgage or intervening assignments of mortgage, as applicable, have been submitted for recording in the jurisdictions in which recording is necessary; and (iv) each Mortgage Note has been endorsed as provided in Section 2(i) of the Custodial Agreement and each Mortgage has been assigned in accordance with Section 2(v) of the Custodial Agreement. The Custodian makes no representations as to (i) the validity, legality, enforceability, sufficiency, due authorization or genuineness of any of the documents contained in each Custodial File or of any

2-1


 

of the Mortgage Loans or (ii) the collectibility, insurability, effectiveness or suitability of any such Mortgage Loan.
          The Custodian hereby confirms that it is holding each such Custodial File as agent and bailee of, and custodian for the exclusive use and benefit, and subject to the sole direction, of Trustee pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Custodial Agreement.
          This Trust Receipt and Final Certification is not divisible or negotiable.
          The Custodian will accept and act on instructions with respect to the Mortgage Loans subject hereto upon surrender of this Trust Receipt and Initial Certification at its office at 2571 Busse Road, Suite 200, Dock #49, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, Attention: Document Custodian.
          Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Custodial Agreement.
             
    LASALLE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
 
      as Custodian    
 
           
 
  By:        
 
     
 
Name:
   
 
      Title:    
2-2
 

 


 

EXHIBIT 3
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF DOCUMENTS AND RECEIPT
To: [Address]
         
 
  Re:   Custodial Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2006, among U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trust Administrator, and LaSalle Bank, National Association, as Custodian
          In connection with the administration of the Mortgage Loans held by you as the Custodian on behalf of the Trustee, we request the release, and acknowledge receipt, of the (Custodial File/[specify documents]) for the Mortgage Loan described below, for the reason indicated.
Mortgagor’s Name Address & Zip Code:
Mortgage Loan Number:
Reason for Requesting Documents (check one)
             
___
    1.     Mortgage Loan Paid in Full. (The Trustee or the related Master Servicer or Servicer hereby certifies that all amounts received in connection therewith have been credited to the account of the Trustee or the related Master Servicer or Servicer.)
 
           
___
    2.     Mortgage Loan Liquidated By ___ (The Trustee or the related Master Servicer or Servicer hereby certifies that all proceeds of foreclosure, insurance, condemnation or other liquidation have been finally received and credited to the account of the Trustee or the related Master Servicer or Servicer.)
 
           
___
    3.     Mortgage Loan in Foreclosure
 
           
___
    4.     Other (explain)
          If box 1 or 2 above is checked, and if all or part of the Custodial File was previously released to us, please release to us our previous request and receipt on file with you, as well as any additional documents in your possession relating to the specified Mortgage Loan.
3-1
 

 


 

          If box 3 or 4 above is checked, upon our return of all of the above documents to you as the Custodian, please acknowledge your receipt by signing in the space indicated below, and returning this form.
             
    U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,    
 
      as Trustee    
 
           
 
  By:        
 
           
 
      Name:    
 
      Title:    
 
           
 
  Date:        
 
           
 
  Or     ,  
 
     
 
as [Servicer] [Master Servicer ]
   
 
           
 
  By:        
 
           
 
      Name:    
 
      Title:    
 
           
 
  Date:        
 
           
Acknowledgment of Documents returned to the Custodian:    
 
           
    LASALLE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,    
 
      as Custodian    
 
           
 
  By:        
 
           
 
      Name:    
 
      Title:    
 
           
 
  Date:        
 
           
3-2
 

 


 

EXHIBIT 4
SCHEDULE OF MORTGAGE LOANS
[Attached as Schedule I to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement]
4-1
 

 


 

EXHIBIT 5
FORM OF CUSTODIAL FEE LETTER
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUST ADMINISTRATOR
(In relation to the Sequoia Alternative Loan Trust,
Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1, Custodial Agreement dated January 1, 2006)
LASALLE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
COLLATERAL SERVICES GROUP

Schedule of Fees
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION
RWT HOLDINGS, Inc.
______ __, 2006
     
Deposit Fee
  $3.00 per file
Deposit Fee includes balancing collateral to client electronic data, review to Custodial Agreement.
 
   
Manual Data Entry
  $2.00 per file
This fee includes the manual data entry of loan information to LaSalle’s Document Tracking System. This fee will be in addition to the $3.00 deposit fee.
 
   
Release/Reinstatement Fee
  $2.50 per file
This fee applies to servicing releases and sales.
   
 
   
Release Rejection
  $1.00 per rejection
 
   
Internal Transfer
  $1.00 per file
 
   
Document Deposits
  $1.00 per document/packet
 
   
Document Rejection
  $1.50 per document/packet
This fee will apply when LaSalle is no longer in possession of the collateral file because the loan has been forwarded to the investor or servicer.
 
   
Safekeeping & Storage
  $0.12 per file, per month
 
   
Photocopies
  $1.00 per file pull fee
 
  $0.25 per page copied
 
   
Faxes
  $1.00 per page + file pull fee
5-1
 

 


 

         
Endorsements
  $0.50 per endorsement
 
       
Administrative Charge
  $0    
This fee applies to the preparing and issuing of trust receipts, electronic exception reports and electronic monthly release register.
 
       
Auditors/Due Diligence
  $1.00 per file pulled & re-filed
$500 per day conference room reservation.
       
Fee applies only for bulk sale reviews and customer reviews. Fee does not apply to LaSalle’s internal audit and annual IPA audit.
 
       
Miscellaneous Expenses
  At Cost
Miscellaneous expenses include but are not limited to legal fees, postage, overnight carrier services, supplies etc.
 
Data Conversion/Formatting
  $50.00 per hour rounded up to the next full hour.
 
       
Minimum Monthly Charge
  $0    
This fee applies only if the monthly billable transactions do not exceed this amount. However, this fee will not be applied until 6 months from the acceptance date.
LaSalle will provide customer with a detailed statement reflecting activity in the customer’s account as of the 20th of each month. Payment for services is due within thirty days of receipt of invoice. Acceptable forms of payment is a check made payable to LaSalle Bank, National Association or wired funds sent according to the instructions attached.
This Fee Schedule will remain unchanged for one year from the date of execution and is subject to annual adjustments thereafter.
Agreed and Accepted this ___day of ___, 2006.
By:                                                             
Title:                                                            
By:                                                             
5-2
 

 


 

Title:                                                            
LaSalle Bank, National Association
Memo
To: Our valued customers
From: Judy Ofenloch
Date: ___/___/2006
Re: OmniTrust Wire Account
We are pleased to announce our capability to receive wired funds for payment of your invoice(s). If you are interested in using this service, please make note of the following:
         
 
  Bank Name:
ABA Number:
Account Number:
Attention To:
Wire Title:
  LaSalle Bank, National Association
071000505
678413600
Judy Ofenloch, Collateral Services
Your Institution Name
Please contact me prior to sending the wire at (847) 766-6435, so I can process payment the same day.
Thank you
5-3
 

 


 

EXHIBIT 6
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES OF TRUSTEE
     
NAME   SPECIMEN SIGNATURE
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
6-1
 

 


 

EXHIBIT 7
SERVICING OFFICERS OF WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.
         
NAME   SPECIMEN SIGNATURE  
 
       
 
     
 
       
 
     
 
       
 
     
 
       
 
     
 
       
 
     
7-1
 

 


 

EXHIBIT 8
SERVICING OFFICERS OF COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS SERVICING LP
     
NAME   SPECIMEN SIGNATURE
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
7-1
 

 


 

EXHIBIT 9
FORM OF CERTIFICATION REGARDING SERVICING CRITERIA TO BE
ADDRESSED IN REPORT ON ASSESSMENT OF COMPLIANCE
     The assessment of compliance to be delivered by the Custodian shall address, at a minimum, the criteria identified as below as “Applicable Servicing Criteria”:
         
        Applicable
Servicing Criteria   Servicing Criteria
Reference
  Criteria    
 
       
 
  General Servicing Considerations    
 
1122(d)(1)(i)
  Policies and procedures are instituted to monitor any performance or other triggers and events of default in accordance with the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(1)(ii)
  If any material servicing activities are outsourced to third parties, policies and procedures are instituted to monitor the third party’s performance and compliance with such servicing activities.    
 
       
1122(d)(1)(iii)
  Any requirements in the transaction agreements to maintain a back-up servicer for the mortgage loans are maintained.    
 
       
1122(d)(1)(iv)
  A fidelity bond and errors and omissions policy is in effect on the party participating in the servicing function throughout the reporting period in the amount of coverage required by and otherwise in accordance with the terms of the transaction agreements.   X
 
       
 
  Cash Collection and Administration    
 
1122(d)(2)(i)
  Payments on mortgage loans are deposited into the appropriate custodial bank accounts and related bank clearing accounts no more than two business days following receipt, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(2)(ii)
  Disbursements made via wire transfer on behalf of an obligor or to an investor are made only by authorized personnel.    
 
       
1122(d)(2)(iii)
  Advances of funds or guarantees regarding collections, cash flows or distributions, and any interest or other fees charged for such advances, are made, reviewed and approved as specified in the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(2)(iv)
  The related accounts for the transaction, such as cash reserve accounts or accounts established as a form of overcollateralization, are separately maintained (e.g., with respect to commingling of cash) as set forth in the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(2)(v)
  Each custodial account is maintained at a federally insured depository institution as set forth in the transaction agreements. For purposes of this criterion, “federally insured depository institution” with respect to a foreign financial institution means a foreign financial institution that meets the requirements of Rule 13k-1(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act.    
 
       
1122(d)(2)(vi)
  Unissued checks are safeguarded so as to prevent unauthorized access.    
 
       
1122(d)(2)(vii)
  Reconciliations are prepared on a monthly basis for all asset-backed securities related bank accounts, including custodial accounts and related bank clearing accounts. These reconciliations are (A) mathematically accurate; (B) prepared within 30 calendar days after the bank statement cutoff date, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements; (C) reviewed and approved by someone other than the person who prepared the reconciliation; and (D) contain explanations for reconciling items. These reconciling items are resolved within 90 calendar days of their original identification, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.    
 
       
9-1
 

 


 

         
        Applicable
Servicing Criteria   Servicing Criteria
Reference
  Criteria    
 
 
  Investor Remittances and Reporting    
 
1122(d)(3)(i)
  Reports to investors, including those to be filed with the Commission, are maintained in accordance with the transaction agreements and applicable Commission requirements. Specifically, such reports (A) are prepared in accordance with timeframes and other terms set forth in the transaction agreements; (B) provide information calculated in accordance with the terms specified in the transaction agreements; (C) are filed with the Commission as required by its rules and regulations; and (D) agree with investors’ or the trustee’s records as to the total unpaid principal balance and number of mortgage loans serviced by the Servicer.    
 
       
1122(d)(3)(ii)
  Amounts due to investors are allocated and remitted in accordance with timeframes, distribution priority and other terms set forth in the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(3)(iii)
  Disbursements made to an investor are posted within two business days to the Servicer’s investor records, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(3)(iv)
  Amounts remitted to investors per the investor reports agree with cancelled checks, or other form of payment, or custodial bank statements.    
 
       
 
  Pool Asset Administration    
 
1122(d)(4)(i)
  Collateral or security on mortgage loans is maintained as required by the transaction agreements or related mortgage loan documents.    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(ii)
  Mortgage loan and related documents are safeguarded as required by the transaction agreements   X
 
       
1122(d)(4)(iii)
  Any additions, removals or substitutions to the asset pool are made, reviewed and approved in accordance with any conditions or requirements in the transaction agreements.   X
 
       
1122(d)(4)(iv)
  Payments on mortgage loans, including any payoffs, made in accordance with the related mortgage loan documents are posted to the Servicer’s obligor records maintained no more than two business days after receipt, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements, and allocated to principal, interest or other items (e.g., escrow) in accordance with the related mortgage loan documents.    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(v)
  The Servicer’s records regarding the mortgage loans agree with the Servicer’s records with respect to an obligor’s unpaid principal balance.    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(vi)
  Changes with respect to the terms or status of an obligor’s mortgage loans (e.g., loan modifications or re-agings) are made, reviewed and approved by authorized personnel in accordance with the transaction agreements and related pool asset documents.    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(vii)
  Loss mitigation or recovery actions (e.g., forbearance plans, modifications and deeds in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosures and repossessions, as applicable) are initiated, conducted and concluded in accordance with the timeframes or other requirements established by the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(viii)
  Records documenting collection efforts are maintained during the period a mortgage loan is delinquent in accordance with the transaction agreements. Such records are maintained on at least a monthly basis, or such other period specified in the transaction agreements, and describe the entity’s activities in monitoring delinquent mortgage loans including, for example, phone calls, letters and payment rescheduling plans in cases where delinquency is deemed temporary (e.g., illness or unemployment).    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(ix)
  Adjustments to interest rates or rates of return for mortgage loans with variable rates are computed based on the related mortgage loan documents.    

5-2


 

         
        Applicable
Servicing Criteria   Servicing Criteria
Reference
  Criteria    
 
1122(d)(4)(x)
  Regarding any funds held in trust for an obligor (such as escrow accounts): (A) such funds are analyzed, in accordance with the obligor’s mortgage loan documents, on at least an annual basis, or such other period specified in the transaction agreements; (B) interest on such funds is paid, or credited, to obligors in accordance with applicable mortgage loan documents and state laws; and (C) such funds are returned to the obligor within 30 calendar days of full repayment of the related mortgage loans, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(xi)
  Payments made on behalf of an obligor (such as tax or insurance payments) are made on or before the related penalty or expiration dates, as indicated on the appropriate bills or notices for such payments, provided that such support has been received by the servicer at least 30 calendar days prior to these dates, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(xii)
  Any late payment penalties in connection with any payment to be made on behalf of an obligor are paid from the servicer’s funds and not charged to the obligor, unless the late payment was due to the obligor’s error or omission.    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(xiii)
  Disbursements made on behalf of an obligor are posted within two business days to the obligor’s records maintained by the servicer, or such other number of days specified in the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(xiv)
  Delinquencies, charge-offs and uncollectible accounts are recognized and recorded in accordance with the transaction agreements.    
 
       
1122(d)(4)(xv)
  Any external enhancement or other support, identified in Item 1114(a)(1) through (3) or Item 1115 of Regulation AB, is maintained as set forth in the transaction agreements.    
             
    [NAME OF CUSTODIAN],    
 
           
 
  Date:        
 
     
 
   
 
           
 
  By:        
 
           
 
  Name:        
 
  Title:        
5-3
 

 

-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----