I was asked to submit a story about how the Claims Corner series began. For much of my career in the title insurance industry, first employed as a title examiner trainee at my father’s law firm in Alexandria, VA in 1971, to becoming a title insurance agent in 1976, and then an underwriter and employee … Continue reading The Origin of the “Claims Corner”
Ever wonder why we are here? I have long been fascinated with those who find “their calling or passion” early in life. Many of us do things, try things, and get through our day. We are students, workers, volunteers, family members and more. We do stuff. We do stuff we have to and sometimes we … Continue reading Living Your Legacy
To the Members of VLTA,As we mark the 50th Anniversary of the Virginia Land Title Association, I am filled with gratitude for each of you who has been a part of this remarkable journey. This milestone is not just a testament to our association’s enduring strength but also to the dedication and hard work of … Continue reading VLTA Outgoing President’s Message From Stephanie Armstrong
The real estate industry has become an increasingly attractive target for cybercriminals in recent years. With vast amounts of sensitive personal and financial data, high-value transactions, and often inadequate security measures, real estate companies face significant cyber risks. Key Cybersecurity Threats Business Email Compromise (BEC) and Wire Fraud BEC scams involve criminals impersonating executives or … Continue reading Cybersecurity Threats in the Real Estate Industry: Risks and Protective Measures
October 17-18, 2024 Historic Cavalier Hotel & Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront register now VLTA Convention is seeking approval for 7-hours of CE, VCTE, & VCTSA and is currently seeking approval for 6-hours of CLE. Common Problems in RESA Investigations (1-HOUR) PRESENTER: ANGELA CROOKER A dive into the responsibilities of RESA IS staff within the Bureau … Continue reading VLTA 2024 Annual Convention Lineup
Businesses around the country have seen an increase in the number of fraud and attempted fraud incidents in recent years. In 2022 alone, the FBI reported that business email compromise fraud led to losses exceeding $2.7 billion. 1 Title companies certainly aren't immune to this increase. In fact, they may be more vulnerable to fraud … Continue reading Protecting Your Title Company From Fraud
Title Professionals Spend Significant Time, Resources to Protect Property RightsTitle insurance companies invest heavily in upfront title research and curative work that significantly protects property rights and limits ownership challenges down the road... ALTA Title Insurance Curative Work StudyThe objective of this study is an attempt to quantify the amount of work that goes into … Continue reading What’s New With ALTA – Summer 2024
OCTOBER 17-18, 2024 Historic Cavalier Hotel & Marriott Virginia Beach OceanfrontBOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOMS NOW What to Expect? 7-Hours of Education (CE & CLE pending) Motivational Keynote Speaker New Member & First Time Attendee Welcome Reception (by special invite) VLTA Convention Launch Party & 50th Anniversary Celebration Special Events (additional registration required): Bourbon Tour and … Continue reading You’re Invited: VLTA Annual Convention & 50th Anniversary Celebration
We have suffered a great loss in many areas with the loss of Linwood “Junny” Sykes. Junny as known by all was a great man, person, father, husband and friend. I will miss my many visits with him and Bea in Williamsburg at our favorite restaurant Maurizio’s. Junny’s dry humor and quick wit never missed … Continue reading In Memory of Linwood “Junny” Sykes
Take the VLTA online course, "When Marriage Matters", on-demand here: https://www.pathlms.com/vlta/courses/69081 (1-hour of CE, CLE and CCE credits). Introduction Marriage matters for many reasons. Just ask anyone, and you are likely to get sundry reasons for why marriage matters: love, security, companionship, children, etc. But pose that same question to someone in the title industry, and you may … Continue reading WHEN MARRIAGE MATTERS – Part 1: Various Ways Marital Status Can Affect Title
I was watching an old 1993 episode of The X-Files recently called “Ghost in the Machine.” It’s about an artificial intelligence capable of adaptive learning that starts killing the people trying to shut it down with a virus on a floppy disc. The developer has a prototype “Smart House” that he shows off to Mulder … Continue reading The Truth Is Out There
In June we celebrate National Homeownership Month. It’s a good time to reflect the milestone of homeownership, and how it continues to be a key step for building strong communities and building generational wealth. It’s a time to celebrate the wins, but it is also an important time to assess where improvements are needed, where … Continue reading Virginia’s Homeownership Rate Is on the Rise, but With Tight Inventory and Climbing Prices, Who Is Missing Out?
When I joined a major title insurance underwriter in 1989, the role of title insurance companies and their agents in Virginia was clearly defined. Our industry provided the title insurance products required by modern lending practices and real estate commerce. Attorneys settled the transactions involving the properties we insured, just as I had done for … Continue reading Celebrating 50 Years: Mark Ailsworth’s Experience as 1996-1997 Past President
On January 12th, Allison Mills shared the sad news of the passing of Judy Gregory. Less than a month later, the news that Ally had passed as well stunned everyone who knew them. In the years before webinars, I met Judy at one of the underwriter events where we weren't competitors, but industry colleagues. I … Continue reading Memorials – Judy Gregory and Allison Mills
The weather is getting warmer, the grass is growing, and we adjusted our clocks so that means Spring is on the way! That also means that this year’s session of the General Assembly (GA) is wrapping up. If you did not participate in the VLTA’s Lobby Day in February, you missed a great opportunity to check out … Continue reading VLTA Spring 2024 President’s Message
Virginia Land Title Association End of Session Report 12 March, 2024 The General Assembly adjourned “sine die” on March 9th. Adjournment on time and with a budget had been a goal of the new democratic leadership since the beginning of session. Even though there were some 11th hour difficulties we did manage to accomplish both. This session began … Continue reading 2024 Virginia General Assembly Legislative Wrap-Up
As VLTA proudly reaches its 50th anniversary, we reflect on the remarkable journey that has shaped this distinguished association into a beacon of excellence in the industry. Over the past half-century, VLTA has played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth within the land title profession. This golden milestone is not just a … Continue reading Celebrating 50 Years: VLTA Marks a Milestone
