Caselaw Affecting Ownership of Real Estate in Virginia – Part One

We are all generally knowledgeable about various concepts and rules relating to both title insurance and real estate in Virginia, but do you know the origin of the real estate related law that we are required to follow? The laws stem from either the Virginia Code or court decisions (caselaw) which is used as precedent … Continue reading Caselaw Affecting Ownership of Real Estate in Virginia – Part One

ALTA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Council

In 2022, the American Land Title Association (ALTA) formed a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Council, bringing together leaders of various committees and association groups who are working on initiatives related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in the land title industry. The DEI Advisory Council will advise the Board of Governors in its strategic … Continue reading ALTA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Council

ALTA Urges FinCEN to Give Title Entities Access to Beneficial Ownership Information System

February 16, 2023Reprinted with permission from the American Land Title Association. View the original article here. ALTA submitted a letter in support of the development of the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) system being created by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). BOI is a critical tool for combatting money laundering through real estate transactions. The Geographic Targeting Orders (GTOs) … Continue reading ALTA Urges FinCEN to Give Title Entities Access to Beneficial Ownership Information System

Heirs’ Property from a Title Insurance Perspective

During winter, many of you might have visited Massanutten Ski Resort in the mountains of Virginia. If you haven’t been to Massanutten’s slippery slopes, you’ve likely heard of it, if you live in Virginia. While skiing or snow tubing with your family and friends, despite your passion for title insurance and real estate, you likely … Continue reading Heirs’ Property from a Title Insurance Perspective

Virginia Law on Establishing Bottomland Ownership with a King’s Grant

Nejron Photo/Shutterstock.com Subject to certain exceptions, Virginia law is that the Commonwealth of Virginia owns the bed of the rivers, creeks, bays and the sea all throughout the state.[1] The September 15, 2022, issue of this Magazine catalogued these exceptions in an article titled “Does the Property Line Move When the Shoreline Changes at My Waterfront … Continue reading Virginia Law on Establishing Bottomland Ownership with a King’s Grant

ARTU December 2022

Question:  In 2005 acreage was conveyed to Development Company, Inc. (DDI). In 2008 DDI properly recorded a subdivision plat of Happy Acres (the original subdivision plat). In June 2009 DDI conveyed Lot 12 of Happy Acres, containing 4.5 acres, to Richardson Thompson. In August 2009 DDI recorded a resubdivision plat of Happy Acres, which increased … Continue reading ARTU December 2022

Does the Property Line Move When the Shoreline Changes at My Waterfront Property?

The place where the waterfront property touches the water (i.e. the shoreline) differs from the other boundaries at the parcel. Upland boundaries have a fixed location. Not so at the shoreline, where wave action, water currents, wind and other natural forces constantly change the shape and location of shoreline. Courts in Virginia recognize that the shoreline … Continue reading Does the Property Line Move When the Shoreline Changes at My Waterfront Property?