Leaving the Publication Better Than We Found It Article by John Mashack When I accepted the role of Examiner Committee Chair and Editor in Chief of The VLTA Examiner Magazine in 2023, I inherited responsibility for a publication with a long history and an important role within the Association. For decades, The Examiner has served … Continue reading From the Editor’s Desk
1. How long have you been in the title industry, and how did you get started in this profession? I have been in the title industry since the summer of 1991, when I did an internship with the Norfolk Branch of Lawyers Title in between my second and third years of law school. I knew very … Continue reading VLTA Board of Director Spotlight: Jerry Booth, Esq.
Article by Sharron Kennovin As I approach the conclusion of my term as President of the Virginia Land Title Association, I find myself reflecting on all that we have accomplished together as a Board. Serving in this role has been both an honor and a privilege, and I am proud of the progress we have … Continue reading President’s Message
Article by James L. Windsor In Virginia, a party claiming adverse possession "must prove actual, hostile, exclusive, visible, and continuous possession, under a claim of right [or color of title], for the statu-tory period of 15 years." Grappo v. Blanks, 241 Va. 58, 61 (1991); Heath v. Est. of Heath, No.1276-22-2, 2024 Va. App. LEXIS … Continue reading Adverse Possession Under Virginia Law: A Primer
As a VLTA Member, we invite you to share what you are doing in your community, new jobs, promotions, retirements, milestones, professional accomplishments, good deeds, events, awards, or even a member advocacy story, or while you’re at it! News can include a relevant link to an article, blog post, press release, video, landing page, or … Continue reading VLTA Members in Motion – September 2026
History Holds Its Secrets… The Investigation Continues at the 2026 VLTA Annual Convention Not every mystery begins with a smoking gun. Sometimes, it begins with a deed. This October, step back to 1882 Roanoke, where railroad expansion, hidden records, and long-buried secrets set the stage for The Christmas Current Mystery. Throughout Convention, clues will be … Continue reading 2026 VLTA Annual Convention: Sneak Peek
Article by Sharron Kennovin As we move further into the summer months, I hope each of you is experiencing renewed momentum in your business. With school out and families eager to relocate or invest in home improvements, many areas across our state are reporting increased activity. It’s encouraging to see this positive shift, and I’m … Continue reading VLTA Summer 2026 President’s Message
Supporting the PAC, one member-made contribution at a time. This year, we're inviting VLTA members to help bring our 2026 Annual Convention theme, "Use the Technology; Be the Human," to life through the PAC Silent Auction. Rather than focusing on traditional auction items, we're celebrating the creativity, craftsmanship, and generosity of our membership by featuring … Continue reading 2026 VLTA PAC Silent Auction: Made by Members, Powered by Purpose
As a VLTA Member, we invite you to share what you are doing in your community, new jobs, promotions, retirements, milestones, professional accomplishments, good deeds, events, awards, or even a member advocacy story, or while you’re at it! News can include a relevant link to an article, blog post, press release, video, landing page, or … Continue reading VLTA Members in Motion – June 2026
Article by Jerry C. Booth, Jr., Virginia & West Virginia Underwriting Counsel, The Fidelity National Financial Family of Companies 1. Background Virginia Code §58.1-3975 provides Virginia localities with an optional, nonjudicial foreclosure process to sell certain properties without the necessity of the time and expense associated with filing a lawsuit. In most cases, these are … Continue reading NON-JUDICIAL TAX SALES PURSUANT TO VIRGINIA CODE § 58.1-3975
ALTA Advocacy 2026 Testimonials from VLTA Members & Leadership. The ALTA Advocacy Summit should always remain a vital part of VLTA because it ensures our voices are heard throughout our Capital. For me personally, one of the most meaningful aspects of attending is the opportunity to talk with professionals from across the country and learn about the issues they’re facing in … Continue reading VLTA 2026 ALTA Advocacy Testimonials
Article by Edda Berglund “Bang, bang, bang-OUCH (expletive deleted)!" Turns out, I’m more skilled at making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches than I am at swinging a hammer. But, as my volunteer thumb screamed at me to put aside the unyielding carpentry tool and pick up the butter knife, I realized something important: a Habitat … Continue reading Hammers Plus Hearts Equals Homes
Article by Juanita M. Little-Lyons, Technical Advisory Committee Chair, Virginia Association of Notaries (VAN) Over the last decade, deed fraud (fraudulently stolen real estate) has increased nationwide, resulting in millions of dollars of loss for property owners. Prior to the 2025_26 Virginia General Assembly, the Virginia Housing Development Authority was granted authority to research the … Continue reading New Virginia Notary & Settlement Agent Requirements (2026-2027)
Article by James Pickral The 2026 session of the Virginia General Assembly convened on January 14th and adjourned on March 14th. The Commonwealth’s first female Governor was elected in November of 2025 giving Democrats control of both the Executive and Legislative branches of government. The Session and its aftermath were, and continue to be, rocky. … Continue reading VLTA 2026 Virginia General Assembly Legislative Wrap-up
Article by Jeremy Yohe More than 250 title professionals came to Washington, D.C., for ALTA Advocacy Summit in May, setting an attendance record and signaling the industry’s growing commitment to advocacy. The turnout reflected how directly policy decisions in Washington affect title and settlement companies, consumers and the real estate market. Over several days, attendees … Continue reading Advocacy in Action
Article by Sejal Naik, Deputy Chief Economist, Virginia REALTORS® June is National Homeownership Month — a timely reminder of the vital role that owning a home plays in building wealth, stabilizing communities, and strengthening the broader economy. For real estate professionals, this annual observance is more than a celebration: it is an opportunity to examine … Continue reading Celebrating National Homeownership Month: What Virginia’s Housing Data Tells Us
