Virginia Land Title Association Advisory Bulletin

Regarding Attorney Opinion Letters in Lieu of Title Insurance In 2022, as part of new Equitable Housing Finance Plans, the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA or “Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC or “Freddie Mac”) announced that they would accept Attorney Opinion Letters (AOLs) in lieu of a loan policy of … Continue reading Virginia Land Title Association Advisory Bulletin

The Business Of Marriage: The Non-Divorce Attorney’s Impact on A Divorce

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful woman who did very well for herself. She started her own software company and reaped the financial benefits when the company was bought out. She retired young and put over a million dollars down on a new home and carried a relatively small mortgage. Soon after these … Continue reading The Business Of Marriage: The Non-Divorce Attorney’s Impact on A Divorce

Sovereign Citizens and Realtors/Title Agents: Close Encounters of A Different Kind

Over the last few months, several realtors and title agents have reported feelings of suspicion about an encounter with a potential client based on how the individuals identified themselves. In each encounter, there was indeed a sovereign citizen nexus causing the question, “What were they trying to do?” “Sovereign citizens” are not of a singular … Continue reading Sovereign Citizens and Realtors/Title Agents: Close Encounters of A Different Kind

The Claims Corner: Trespass and Nuisance

While the Homeowner’s Policy provides expansive coverage, it still does not cover every problem that may arise with a property. In particular, it does not provide coverage for use of the property that is found to constitute either a trespass on or a nuisance to a neighboring property. The following provides an example of this: … Continue reading The Claims Corner: Trespass and Nuisance

Tax Sales in Virginia – Part One of Two

Virginia local governments maintain revenues primarily through various types of tax assessments. Typically, the largest source of funds for a local government is generated through real estate tax assessments and levies. Funds are also raised through personal property, business license, transient occupancy taxes and other forms of revenue. This article will concentrate on real estate … Continue reading Tax Sales in Virginia – Part One of Two