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)
Article by Jerry C. Booth, Jr. The Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act (Virginia Code § 64.2-621 et seq.) became effective on July 1, 2013. It was enacted to permit Transfer on Death Deeds (“TODD’s”) which can be used to transfer title to real estate after the death of the owner to a named … Continue reading Transfer on Death Deeds in Virginia
Article by Stephanie Armstrong, Esq.Senior Underwriting Counsel, First American Title Insurance Company Introduction Trusts play a vital role in modern real estate transactions and estate planning. They offer privacy, flexibility, and significant procedural advantages—particularly in avoiding probate and managing complex ownership structures. This article examines the legal foundations of Trusts under Virginia law, their practical … Continue reading The Use of Trusts in Real Estate Transactions
Article provided by Tina Townsend with First Citizens Bank Over the past few years, always-available instant payment systems have emerged to help businesses send and receive payments faster and more securely. These platforms were promptly embraced by a wide range of businesses and are increasingly being adopted by title companies across the US. In this … Continue reading The Future of Closings: Real-Time Payments for Virginia Title Companies
Article by Michael Holden After rumors circulated in 1897 that Mark Twain had died on a trip to Europe, he responded by famously noting in a letter to a newspaper, “The report of my death was an exaggeration.” Similarly, this may be the case with White House Budget Director Russell Vought’s rumored plans to … Continue reading CFPB: ‘The Report of My Death Was an Exaggeration’
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
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The United States Semiquincentennial, also called the Bisesquicentennial, the Sestercentennial, the Quarter Millennium or America250, will be commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. Learn more about America's 250th: https://america250.org.
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
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
Why are you a member of VLTA?I originally joined VLTA for the continuing education opportunities – “back in the day” before the title companies started providing such opportunities. I eventually joined the Examiner Committee when that was first started by a former boss, Bill Johnston. I’ve served on the Education Committee, Legislative Committee and back … Continue reading VLTA Board of Director Spotlight: Kathi Weaver
Article by Jerry C. Booth, Jr. I. Introduction A judicial tax sale is a legal process used to collect delinquent real estate taxes by selling the property through a proceeding in the local circuit court. The procedure is governed by Article 4 of Chapter 39, Title 58.1, et. seq, of the Code of Virginia. The … Continue reading Guide to Judicial Tax Sales For Examiners & Underwriters in Virginia
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. S & T Law … Continue reading VLTA Members in Motion – September 2025
Article by Becky Taylor, VLTA President Last year, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Virginia Land Title Association. As we entered the 51st year of VLTA, we used the Power of the Past to Focus on the Future. To that end, in September 2024 the Board of Directors met for a two-day Strategic Planning Retreat … Continue reading VLTA 2025 Outgoing President’s Message From Becky Taylor
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?
Article by Genady Vishnevetsky The Digital Pickpocket in Your Computer Imagine a thief who can quietly walk through your office, photographing every password you jot down, every client file you open, and every financial document on your desk—all without you ever realizing they were there. That's basically what an infostealer does to your computer. Infostealers … Continue reading The Silent Threat Targeting Real Estate Professionals: Understanding Infostealers
Article by Taylor Hubbard, VLTA Staff Every member of the Virginia Land Title Association plays a vital role in the legislative success of our organization. Grassroots advocacy is one of the most effective tools we have, and at the state level it can make a significant impact. The VLTA Legislative Committee meets monthly throughout the … Continue reading The Power of Grassroots
Article by Tina Merritt with permission to reprint, originally published in the THE ROANOKE TIMES. In today’s business world, AI is already a practical tool for small businesses like mine, not just a futuristic idea. It’s changing how we communicate with clients, create marketing strategies, and streamline operations. It is important for Virginia elected officials … Continue reading Ensuring AI Policy Works for Us All
Article by Becky Taylor, VLTA President Did you know that Virginia has 120 Clerks, and their Association is the Virginia Court Clerks Association (VCCA)? The Virginia Land Title Association initiated quarterly meetings with the President and President-Elect of the Virginia Court Clerks Association in 2017-2018. The VLTA Vision Statement is “To be the driving force in Virginia … Continue reading Conversation With the Clerks: Continuing the Conversation
