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?
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
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
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. Join us in celebrating … Continue reading VLTA Members in Motion – March 2025
October 23-24, 2025Hilton Richmond Short Pump Hotel & SpaRichmond, VA What to Expect? 7-Hours of Education CE & CLE (pending) Thursday Morning Legislative Breakfast (separate registration is required) Special Guest Keynote Speaker New Member & First Time Attendee Welcome Reception (by special invite) Thursday Night Opening Reception (for all registered Convention attendees) Friday Morning Breakfast … Continue reading 2025 VLTA Annual Convention Sneak-Peek
VLTA has TWO more regional events left in 2025! Don't miss out - Register by clicking one of the regional events below: April 1, 2025 Regional Event - Charlottesville May 1, 2025 Regional Event - Virginia Beach Regional Speakers & Sessions Lineup: Gina Sultan: "Combating Fraud in the Title & Real Estate Industry" Jewel Quintyne/Tray Brooks: "Cybersecurity: … Continue reading VLTA 2025 Regionals – REGISTER NOW
1. Why are you a member of VLTA? As an independent title examiner, I wanted to build a network for education and support, as well as to learn more about the process. 2. How long have you been in the title industry and how did you get started in this profession? I did not go to college … Continue reading VLTA March Board of Director Spotlight: Elaine Cook
Reprinted with permission from the Virginia State Bar In 2001, I wrote an article for the Virginia Land Title Association (VLTA) Examiner simply entitled Equitable Subrogation in Virginia. The article appeared in Volume 7, Number 1, of the VLTA Examiner. Twenty-three years later, this is the sequel. Occasionally, lenders who believe they are secured by … Continue reading EQUITABLE SUBROGATION IN VIRGINIA: THE SEQUEL
On a beautiful sunny morning in March, the District of Columbia Land Title Association (“DCLTA”) and the Virginia Land Title Association (“VLTA”) jointly hosted the Cybersecurity Summit. This dynamic meeting provided an opportunity for title professionals to learn more about the latest fraud schemes, how to protect against fraud, what to do when a transaction … Continue reading DCLTA & VLTA Cybersecurity Summit Recap
The Virginia Court Clerks’ Association (VCCA) held its annual convention in September 2024 and installed its Officers for 2024-2025. This year’s President is Kelly Flannagan from the Bristol Circuit Court. Kelly was sworn in as the Virginia Court Clerks’ Association President in September 2024 and will serve in that capacity for the next year. Kelly was appointed … Continue reading Clerk’s Association Message
From The Unknown Title Examiner If anyone has any soapboxes not in use, please forward them. TUTE is quickly wearing out his supply. Recently, a friend relayed the following situation (which occurred in another state but the situs is irrelevant to the discussion): Buyer acquired a 1.41 acre vacant lot with the intention of building a … Continue reading TUTE Spring 2025
Welcome to the first Conversation with Clerks. This conversation is with the Fairfax County Circuit Court, Christopher J. Falcon. Christopher J. Falcon took office on January 3rd, 2024 as the Clerk of the Fairfax County Circuit Court. He previously served as Legal Counsel, Deputy Clerk and Civil Division Supervisor for the Arlington Circuit Court Clerk’s office. … Continue reading Conversation With Clerks
The first day of Spring in 2025 was last Thursday, March 20th! Virginia has certainly had its share of wintry weather throughout the State this past winter, but Spring means warmer weather and longer daylight hours! This also means that the VLTA has been hard at work preparing for and providing the 2025 Regional Education Events in … Continue reading VLTA Spring 2025 President’s Message
I. Geographic scope of minerals development in Virginia It is easy to think of mineral rights issues as geographically centered in, if not limited to, southwestern Virginia. But, both historically and in the present day, minerals have been found, claimed, and produced throughout the Commonwealth. Title examiners, agents, and insurers must account not only for … Continue reading Considering Mineral Rights in Virginia
Manufactured homes in Virginia are regulated by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and must meet strict building codes and safety standards to ensure they are safe and durable. Residents of manufactured homes cite affordability as a key factor in choosing manufactured housing.[1] Overall, manufactured homes offer an accessible and attractive option for those … Continue reading Manufactured Housing in Virginia
Provided by Michael Holden, Author of The Ramblings of a Title Man and Vice President of AmTrust Title Insurance Company. In early 2024, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), an agency of the Treasury Department, issued a final rule requiring professionals involved in real estate closings and settlements to submit reports and keep records on … Continue reading FinCEN Rule Highlights Intrinsic Value of the Title Insurance Industry
