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
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
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
Article by Jerry C. Booth, Jr. I. Introduction A judicial tax sale is a legal process used to collect delinquent real estate taxes by selling the property through a proceeding in the local circuit court. The procedure is governed by Article 4 of Chapter 39, Title 58.1, et. seq, of the Code of Virginia. The … Continue reading Guide to Judicial Tax Sales For Examiners & Underwriters in Virginia
Article by Hayden-Anne Breedlove When a buyer, lender, or settlement agent asks, “Do we really need a survey?”, they’re rarely thinking about the downstream risks. Yet for Virginia title professionals, surveys are one of the most powerful tools for uncovering problems before they turn into litigation, coverage claims, or unmarketable title.The American Land Title Association … Continue reading Why ALTA®/NSPS Surveys Matter in Virginia Residential Real Estate Transactions
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. S & T Law … Continue reading VLTA Members in Motion – September 2025
Article by Becky Taylor, VLTA President Last year, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Virginia Land Title Association. As we entered the 51st year of VLTA, we used the Power of the Past to Focus on the Future. To that end, in September 2024 the Board of Directors met for a two-day Strategic Planning Retreat … Continue reading VLTA 2025 Outgoing President’s Message From Becky Taylor
Article by Kay M. Creasman & John Mashack Overview: Over the years, other VLTA Examiner articles and VLTA seminars have covered the basics of underwriting a commercial transaction, but agents experienced in residential matters now need additional information about the role of the escrow agent, instruction letters, title search issues, ALTA/NSPS surveys and endorsements specific to … Continue reading Commercial Transactions: Settlement Basics
Article by by Kevin T. Pogoda, Esq. The rule of idem sonans (Latin for “sounding the same”) can be traced back to the 1851 English common law case of R v. Davis,[1] which provided: If two names spelt differently necessarily sound alike, the court may, as matter of law, pronounce them to be idem sonantia; … Continue reading Idem Sonans
Article by Michael Chang The title of this article is not something any of us find ourselves saying very often. Most people do not ignore people who are trying to pay them or refuse payment when it is offered. Indeed, it is perplexing and confounding when someone who is owed money is offered full payment … Continue reading The Claims Corner: Will You Please Let Me Pay You?
Article by Genady Vishnevetsky The Digital Pickpocket in Your Computer Imagine a thief who can quietly walk through your office, photographing every password you jot down, every client file you open, and every financial document on your desk—all without you ever realizing they were there. That's basically what an infostealer does to your computer. Infostealers … Continue reading The Silent Threat Targeting Real Estate Professionals: Understanding Infostealers
Article by Taylor Hubbard, VLTA Staff Every member of the Virginia Land Title Association plays a vital role in the legislative success of our organization. Grassroots advocacy is one of the most effective tools we have, and at the state level it can make a significant impact. The VLTA Legislative Committee meets monthly throughout the … Continue reading The Power of Grassroots
ALTA Files Amicus Brief Supporting Fidelity’s Challenge to Rule Article by Jeremy Yohe with ALTA FinCEN’s final rule requiring certain industry professionals to report information to the agency about non-financed transfers of residential real estate to a legal entity or trust will have a significant financial and process impact on title and settlement companies. The rule, which … Continue reading Title and Settlement Companies Face Substantial Cost to Comply With FinCEN’s AML Real Estate Rule
Article by Tina Merritt with permission to reprint, originally published in the THE ROANOKE TIMES. In today’s business world, AI is already a practical tool for small businesses like mine, not just a futuristic idea. It’s changing how we communicate with clients, create marketing strategies, and streamline operations. It is important for Virginia elected officials … Continue reading Ensuring AI Policy Works for Us All
Article by Becky Taylor, VLTA President Did you know that Virginia has 120 Clerks, and their Association is the Virginia Court Clerks Association (VCCA)? The Virginia Land Title Association initiated quarterly meetings with the President and President-Elect of the Virginia Court Clerks Association in 2017-2018. The VLTA Vision Statement is “To be the driving force in Virginia … Continue reading Conversation With the Clerks: Continuing the Conversation
Article by By Laura A. Wakefield Introduction Across Virginia, localities are grappling with vacant, abandoned, and blighted properties that threaten neighborhood stability and public safety. Two legal tools have emerged as particularly important in addressing these challenges: land banks and the receivership statute. Each has a distinct role, but together they form a powerful framework … Continue reading Virginia Land Banks & The Receivership Statute: How They Work Together to Address Blight
