We’re excited to kick off this Spring 2026 issue of the VLTA Examiner Magazine with our Top 10 most popular articles from 2025 — showcasing the topics and trends that resonated most with the industry, at a glance: “Twenty Helpful Title Research Tools Found Outside of the Land Records” by Michelle L. Statz & Jerry … Continue reading VLTA Top 10 Articles of 2025
Article by Sharron Kennovin Dear VLTA Members, I hope this message finds you well and that you have successfully weathered the biting cold of this past winter. It certainly felt like one of the harshest seasons we have experienced in quite some time, and I am personally thrilled to see warmer temperatures and the first … Continue reading VLTA Spring 2026 President’s Message
1. Why are you a member of VLTA? I joined VLTA because it brings together professionals who share a common goal: protecting the land title industry in a landscape that is constantly evolving with new developments in technology, new regulations, and market fluctuations. The title industry plays a sometimes quiet but essential role in every real … Continue reading VLTA Board of Director Spotlight: Jessica Snead
Article by Anna Marie Sossong *ALERT from Financial Crimes Enforcement Network: In light of a federal court decision, reporting persons are not currently required to file real estate reports with FinCEN and are not subject to liability if they fail to do so while the order remains in force.* For many years, the Financial Crimes … Continue reading The FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Obligation
The VLTA Explores the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and Contemporary Issues Concerning the Citizen’s Bundle of Property Rights “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty…” and Property.[1] The Declaration … Continue reading Life, Liberty and Property (A Series)
VLTA 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
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)
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 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
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
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
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
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
