Article by John Mashack Introduction A title agent screens every party in a commercial real estate transaction and finds no OFAC hits. Days before closing, newly discovered ownership information reveals that the seller is indirectly owned by sanctioned parties. Most title professionals understand the importance of screening parties against the Office of Foreign Assets Control's … Continue reading Understanding OFAC’s 50 Percent Rule: Why Title Professionals Must Look Beyond the SDN List
Article by Michael Holden Consensus: ROAD to Housing Act offers substantial relief, but more work needed Following years of research and months of negotiations, both chambers of Congress passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act in June, paving the way for critically needed reforms that will help lower housing costs, improve housing supply, and … Continue reading Ramblings of a Title Man
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
Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or communications@alta.org. Below you will find five ALTA links listed in chronological order (oldest to newest): New Data Reveals Implementation Challenges Under FinCEN RuleApril 9, 2026Significant operational strain, widespread uncertainty and growing concern defined the title industry’s experience under FinCEN’s Residential Real Estate Rule, according to a new survey from ALTA. … Continue reading What’s New With ALTA – June 2026
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)
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 – March 2026
May 5, 2026 Regional Event - Virginia Beach Access Matters: Using Surveys to Identify and Resolve Access Issues in Real Property REIN - Virginia Beach, VA | May 5, 2026 | 8:30 - 12:30 PM Instructors: Kay Creasman, Esq., VCTE, VCTSA, Toula Dreifuss, Esq., Julie Ann Rutledge, VCTE This class will address access issues affecting … Continue reading VLTA 2026 Education & Networking Events
Article by Stephen C. Gregory We hope this column will become a regular feature of this magazine (regular being somewhat undefined at this writing). Because this is the first foray into the wonderful world of title claims, let’s go over a few basics. (Those of you who feel you have a pretty good understanding of the … Continue reading The Claims Corner: Spring 2026
