Article by Michael Holden A new federal pilot program that experiments with an automated title review process to assess title risk remains under scrutiny as the program gains steam with two title insurance underwriters now approved as vendors for the duration of the pilot. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Title Acceptance Pilot, launched in … Continue reading Walking the Tightrope: Protecting Property Ownership in the Age of Technology
TUTE Fall 2025
From the Solution in Search of a Problem Dept. From The Unknown Title Examiner (TUTE) A little-noticed change in Virginia mortgage foreclosure law went into effect July 1, 2024. Because it affects only foreclosures of junior deeds of trust, it’s likely that few agents have encountered it or had to deal with its provisions. [We … Continue reading TUTE Fall 2025
The History and Purpose of Land Records in the United States
Article originally published and provided by Property Records Industry Association (PRIA) with permission to reprint. Adopted by the PRIA Board on January 15, 2025. Introduction-and-History-of-Public-Records_Style_CLEAN_02_2025 (1)Download
What’s New With ALTA – September 2025
Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or communications@alta.org. IRS to Eliminate Paper Checks for Payments, RefundsThe Internal Revenue Service will discontinue the use of paper checks for most federal payments and disbursements effective Sept. 30, 2025... ALTA Urges FinCEN to Delay AML Real Estate Reporting RuleALTA sent a letter to Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Director Andrea … Continue reading What’s New With ALTA – September 2025
Fall 2025 Puzzle
Instructions. Complete the word search below.
VLTA 2025 Annual Convention Lineup
EACH VOICE COUNTS The Virginia Land Title Association (VLTA) is looking forward to our Annual Convention, taking place in just ONE month on October 23-24, 2025, at the Hilton Short Pump in Richmond, Virginia. This year’s convention promises dynamic education sessions, powerful networking opportunities, and plenty of fun as we come together to celebrate the people and progress of … Continue reading VLTA 2025 Annual Convention Lineup
Virginia Land Title Association 2025 Annual Convention
EACH VOICE COUNTS The Virginia Land Title Association (VLTA) is thrilled to announce our Annual Convention, taking place October 23-24, 2025, at the Hilton Short Pump in Richmond, Virginia. This year’s convention promises dynamic education sessions, powerful networking opportunities, and plenty of fun as we come together to celebrate the people and progress of our industry. Whether you’re a … Continue reading Virginia Land Title Association 2025 Annual Convention
VLTA Members in Motion – June 2025
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. New Stewart Underwriting Counsel … Continue reading VLTA Members in Motion – June 2025
Virginia is for Homeowners: Trends to Watch
Article by Ryan Price & Dominique Fair, Virginia REALTORS® June is Homeownership month, a time to not only celebrate homeownership but also encourage and educate prospective homebuyers on its benefits. Some of those benefits include financial ones such as predictable housing payments, building home equity, and tax advantages. This financial security can lead to people … Continue reading Virginia is for Homeowners: Trends to Watch
The Claims Corner: Back in My Day…
Article by John Rinaldi I don’t know whether to be proud of or to be depressed by the fact that I am now at the point in my career when I can use phrases like: “When I started practicing law…” or “When I learned how to do it, we always….” Causing every younger attorney within earshot … Continue reading The Claims Corner: Back in My Day…
VLTA President’s Ponderings – Summer 2025
Article by Becky Taylor Welcome to Summer! Did you know that Friday, June 20, 2025, marks the first astronomical day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere? It is also known as the summer solstice or June solstice and the longest day of the year. My 33rd wedding anniversary is June 20, 2025, and as I … Continue reading VLTA President’s Ponderings – Summer 2025
VLTA Attends ALTA Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. May 5–7, 2025
Article by Sharron Kennovin Earlier this May, VLTA proudly participated in ALTA Advocacy Day—a pivotal three-day event dedicated to educating and empowering members of the title industry to effectively engage with lawmakers. The experience was packed with impactful speakers, strategic training, and invaluable conversations about the future of our industry at the national level. Attending … Continue reading VLTA Attends ALTA Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. May 5–7, 2025
Summer 2025 Puzzle
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Conversation With the Clerks: Giles County Circuit Court Clerk
The Honorable Sherry Gautier Article by Elaine Cook As a title examiner, I have had the opportunity to visit many different Clerk record rooms, and I have been very impressed with the progress that Giles County has made in making the items needed most available to patrons online. In recognition of Clerk Appreciation Week (May 5-9, … Continue reading Conversation With the Clerks: Giles County Circuit Court Clerk
VLTA Political Action Committee Trophy
Article by Becky Taylor As a multiple winner of the VLTA’s PAC Trophy, I was asked to share my why – why do I contribute to the VLTA PAC? My journey with the PAC Trophy started at the 2019 VLTA Convention. The PAC Trophy was offered as a Live Auction with Kevin Pogoda and Skip Sacks … Continue reading VLTA Political Action Committee Trophy
What’s New With ALTA – June 2025
How to Spot Phishing: A Guide to Keeping Your Operation SafePhishing is one of the oldest tricks in the hacker playbook—but also one of the most effective. And it’s not just big businesses being targeted—individuals and small title agencies are vulnerable. The good news? You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself. … Continue reading What’s New With ALTA – June 2025
Why Escheatment Matters
Article by Carol Frye Escheatment is often overlooked by title companies, yet it serves several critical purposes: Legal Compliance and Avoiding Penalties Failure to comply with Virginia’s escheatment laws can result in significant penalties. Under Virginia Code 55.1-2528, entities that fail to file an unclaimed property report or to submit abandoned assets on time may … Continue reading Why Escheatment Matters