The VLTA EXAMINER is the official online publication of the Virginia Land Title Association, offering articles of interest to land title professionals.
EXAMINER MAGAZINEVLTA 2026 Advocacy Day & Legislative Reception January 20–21, 2026 | Richmond, Virginia Make your voice heard at the Capitol! Join the Virginia Land Title Association for our annual Advocacy Day, a cornerstone event where VLTA members come together to champion the issues that shape our industry and protect property rights across the Commonwealth. VLTA … Continue reading VLTA 2026 Upcoming Events
Share with VLTA what you’re doing in your community, your new jobs, promotions, retirements, milestones, professional accomplishments, good deeds, events, awards, or even a member advocacy story, or testimonial while you’re at it! News can include a relevant link to an article, blog post, press release, video, landing page, or website. In Memory of Bea … Continue reading VLTA Members in Motion – December 2025
Article by Jerry C. Booth, Jr. The Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act (Virginia Code § 64.2-621 et seq.) became effective on July 1, 2013. It was enacted to permit Transfer on Death Deeds (“TODD’s”) which can be used to transfer title to real estate after the death of the owner to a named … Continue reading Transfer on Death Deeds in Virginia
Article by Stephanie Armstrong, Esq.Senior Underwriting Counsel, First American Title Insurance Company Introduction Trusts play a vital role in modern real estate transactions and estate planning. They offer privacy, flexibility, and significant procedural advantages—particularly in avoiding probate and managing complex ownership structures. This article examines the legal foundations of Trusts under Virginia law, their practical … Continue reading The Use of Trusts in Real Estate Transactions
Article by Sharron Kennovin Dear Members, As I begin my year as President of this wonderful organization, I want to extend heartfelt thanks to Becky Taylor, our Past President, for her outstanding leadership. Becky has guided us with clarity and strength, and her support has been instrumental in preparing me for the road ahead. Her … Continue reading VLTA 2025-2026 President’s Welcome Message
The Hidden Recorded Treasure: What's wrong with this Plat? Hint: Read the surveyor’s note to the right. The Hidden Recorded TreasureDiscovered by Julie-Ann Rutledge
Article by Richard L. (Rick) Francis Meet the Virginia Court Clerks Association (VCCA) President, Rick Francis. Raised 5mi outside of a town of 660 with no traffic lights even today, Rick is a graduate of Southampton High School in 1974, Wake Forest University in 1978, and the T.C. Williams Law School in 1982. Rick practiced … Continue reading Conversation With Clerks – Meet the VCCA President: Rick Francis
By Hayden-Anne Breedlove, CounselOld Republic National Title Insurance Company Fraud has rapidly evolved into one of the most significant sources of title insurance claims, particularly as real estate transactions increasingly rely on electronic communication, remote closings, and digital documentation. Schemes that once occurred sporadically are now routine, sophisticated, and alarmingly effective. I. False Owners and … Continue reading The Claims Corner: Fraud in the Modern Real Estate Transaction and Lessons From Recent Claims
The Anal Retentive Title Underwriter (ARTU) was the brainchild of Claire Kennett, the first Editor-in-Chief to succeed Bill Johnston, and the idea was born during the GALA Celebration at the 2011 VLTA Convention at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond when Tim Akers became President. Historically, ARTU was presented from the perspective of an Underwriter, and the format … Continue reading A History of the Anal Retentive Title Underwriter (ARTU)
Article by Tina Townsend with First Citizens Bank Over the past few years, always-available instant payment systems have emerged to help businesses send and receive payments faster and more securely. These platforms were promptly embraced by a wide range of businesses and are increasingly being adopted by title companies across the US. In this article, … Continue reading The Future of Closings: Real-Time Payments for Virginia Title Companies
Article by James Pickral On October 23rd VLTA held its first Legislative Breakfast and Roundtable during the 2025 VLTA Convention. The breakfast was well attended by association members and we were fortunate to have a wide array of related industry representation on our legislative panel. Panel members included Delegate Marcus Simon, Delegate Carrie Coyner, and representatives from the … Continue reading VLTA 2026 General Assembly Preview
Article by Michael Holden After rumors circulated in 1897 that Mark Twain had died on a trip to Europe, he responded by famously noting in a letter to a newspaper, “The report of my death was an exaggeration.” Similarly, this may be the case with White House Budget Director Russell Vought’s rumored plans to … Continue reading CFPB: ‘The Report of My Death Was an Exaggeration’
Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or communications@alta.org. FinCEN Delays AML Real Estate Reporting RuleSeptember 30, 2025The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced Sept. 30 it will postpone reporting requirements of the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations for Residential Real Estate Transfers Rule until March 1, 2026. ALTA Elects David Townsend as PresidentOctober 9, … Continue reading What’s New With ALTA – December 2025
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The United States Semiquincentennial, also called the Bisesquicentennial, the Sestercentennial, the Quarter Millennium or America250, will be commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. Learn more about America's 250th: https://america250.org.
Happy Holidays & Warm Wishes from the VLTA! We hope you enjoy some of your favorite VLTA Board Members' responses and "hot takes" to this short but sweet holiday questionnaire. Feel free to ask your friends, family, or co-workers these questions as a holiday ice-breaker during your festivities! Take a recipe or an idea, and … Continue reading VLTA Board Member Holiday Questionnaire
Article by John Mashack After coming up short in last year’s auction, I achieved victory this year and left Virginia Land Title Association’s 2025 Annual Convention at the Hilton Richmond Short Pump with the coveted VLTA Political Action Committee (PAC) trophy. During the auction, a rival bidder surpassed my initial proxy bid. And in my … Continue reading VLTA PAC Trophy: Continuing the Tradition
Article by Maura Vance I had an incredible time attending the Virginia Land Title Association (VLTA) Annual Convention in Richmond in October! Everything about the event, from the moment I arrived until I left, was top-notch. It was a perfect blend of professional development and enjoyable networking. The accommodations were fantastic. Staying right where the … Continue reading Ronald Donn & My 2025 Convention Experience
By K.I.T.T (Dale’s AI sidekick) When the American Land Title Association brought its annual ALTA ONE conference to New York City in 2025, the energy was unmistakable. Industry leaders, innovators, and professionals from across the country gathered to discuss the forces shaping the future of title and settlement. Among them was Dale Shoop, President-Elect of … Continue reading A First-Timer’s Perspective: Dale Shoop Reflects on ALTA ONE 2025
THE VLTA 2025 – 2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS As we step into a new chapter, we’re thrilled to welcome our new leaders, who bring dedication, vision, and expertise to the association. Together, we’ll work toward strengthening our mission, advancing the industry, and supporting our incredible members. Thank you for your commitment to the future of … Continue reading VLTA Convention 2025 Wrap-Up
Why are you a member of VLTA?I originally joined VLTA for the continuing education opportunities – “back in the day” before the title companies started providing such opportunities. I eventually joined the Examiner Committee when that was first started by a former boss, Bill Johnston. I’ve served on the Education Committee, Legislative Committee and back … Continue reading VLTA Board of Director Spotlight: Kathi Weaver
