Article by Michelle L. Statz & Jerry C. Booth, Jr. Title research is typically associated with examining public land records to confirm ownership and to uncover any outstanding claims or encumbrances against a property. However, there are instances where additional sources and methods, outside of traditional land records, are very helpful in discovering more information … Continue reading Twenty Helpful Title Research Tools Found Outside of the Land Records
Some Air Rights Considerations in Virginia
Article by Jon W. Brodegard I. Introduction and Background At its broadest, ownership of or title to land means the right to use or develop, to exclude others from, and to otherwise control everything within the cubic space located not only below and upon, but also above a defined area located on the surface of … Continue reading Some Air Rights Considerations in Virginia
2025 VLTA Annual Convention Sneak-Peek
October 23-24, 2025Hilton Richmond Short Pump Hotel & SpaRichmond, VA What to Expect? 7-Hours of Education CE & CLE (pending) Thursday Morning Legislative Breakfast (separate registration is required) Special Guest Keynote Speaker New Member & First Time Attendee Welcome Reception (by special invite) Thursday Night Opening Reception (for all registered Convention attendees) Friday Morning Breakfast … Continue reading 2025 VLTA Annual Convention Sneak-Peek
VLTA 2025 Regionals – REGISTER NOW
VLTA has TWO more regional events left in 2025! Don't miss out - Register by clicking one of the regional events below: April 1, 2025 Regional Event - Charlottesville May 1, 2025 Regional Event - Virginia Beach Regional Speakers & Sessions Lineup: Gina Sultan: "Combating Fraud in the Title & Real Estate Industry" Jewel Quintyne/Tray Brooks: "Cybersecurity: … Continue reading VLTA 2025 Regionals – REGISTER NOW
VLTA March Board of Director Spotlight: Elaine Cook
1. Why are you a member of VLTA? As an independent title examiner, I wanted to build a network for education and support, as well as to learn more about the process. 2. How long have you been in the title industry and how did you get started in this profession? I did not go to college … Continue reading VLTA March Board of Director Spotlight: Elaine Cook
What’s New With ALTA – March 2025
2025 Market Outlook: Insights and ProjectionsThe economic and housing landscapes remain at the forefront of conversations about growth, stability and opportunity. During an ALTA Insights webinar, Odeta Kushi, deputy chief economist at First American Financial Corp., analyzed economic indicators, mortgage rate projects, housing inventory forecasts and market dynamics that will affect title order volume... Seller … Continue reading What’s New With ALTA – March 2025
EQUITABLE SUBROGATION IN VIRGINIA: THE SEQUEL
Reprinted with permission from the Virginia State Bar In 2001, I wrote an article for the Virginia Land Title Association (VLTA) Examiner simply entitled Equitable Subrogation in Virginia. The article appeared in Volume 7, Number 1, of the VLTA Examiner. Twenty-three years later, this is the sequel. Occasionally, lenders who believe they are secured by … Continue reading EQUITABLE SUBROGATION IN VIRGINIA: THE SEQUEL
Clerk’s Association Message
The Virginia Court Clerks’ Association (VCCA) held its annual convention in September 2024 and installed its Officers for 2024-2025. This year’s President is Kelly Flannagan from the Bristol Circuit Court. Kelly was sworn in as the Virginia Court Clerks’ Association President in September 2024 and will serve in that capacity for the next year. Kelly was appointed … Continue reading Clerk’s Association Message
TUTE Spring 2025
From The Unknown Title Examiner If anyone has any soapboxes not in use, please forward them. TUTE is quickly wearing out his supply. Recently, a friend relayed the following situation (which occurred in another state but the situs is irrelevant to the discussion): Buyer acquired a 1.41 acre vacant lot with the intention of building a … Continue reading TUTE Spring 2025
Conversation With Clerks
Welcome to the first Conversation with Clerks. This conversation is with the Fairfax County Circuit Court, Christopher J. Falcon. Christopher J. Falcon took office on January 3rd, 2024 as the Clerk of the Fairfax County Circuit Court. He previously served as Legal Counsel, Deputy Clerk and Civil Division Supervisor for the Arlington Circuit Court Clerk’s office. … Continue reading Conversation With Clerks
The Claims Corner: Understanding The Claims Process
“Claim” is not a welcome word within the lexicon of a title office. Without claims, there would be no need for title insurance, yet a claim is something that every title office seeks to avoid, is often panicked to learn about and is loath to admit has occurred. It generally arrives at an inconvenient time … Continue reading The Claims Corner: Understanding The Claims Process
Check Fraud in the Title Industry: Why Banking With the Right Partner Matters
This article was authored by Jessica Sinnott and Robert Pleasants of Old Dominion National Bank. While White Acre Title is the fabricated name of a title agency this narrative was a very accurate depiction of a real-life instance of check fraud in our industry. The news spread through the office of White Acre Title like … Continue reading Check Fraud in the Title Industry: Why Banking With the Right Partner Matters
VLTA Spring 2025 President’s Message
The first day of Spring in 2025 was last Thursday, March 20th! Virginia has certainly had its share of wintry weather throughout the State this past winter, but Spring means warmer weather and longer daylight hours! This also means that the VLTA has been hard at work preparing for and providing the 2025 Regional Education Events in … Continue reading VLTA Spring 2025 President’s Message
Spring 2025 Puzzle
Instructions. Complete the word search below.
Manufactured Housing in Virginia
Manufactured homes in Virginia are regulated by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and must meet strict building codes and safety standards to ensure they are safe and durable. Residents of manufactured homes cite affordability as a key factor in choosing manufactured housing.[1] Overall, manufactured homes offer an accessible and attractive option for those … Continue reading Manufactured Housing in Virginia
FinCEN Rule Highlights Intrinsic Value of the Title Insurance Industry
Provided by Michael Holden, Author of The Ramblings of a Title Man and Vice President of AmTrust Title Insurance Company. In early 2024, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), an agency of the Treasury Department, issued a final rule requiring professionals involved in real estate closings and settlements to submit reports and keep records on … Continue reading FinCEN Rule Highlights Intrinsic Value of the Title Insurance Industry
VLTA Board Members’ Favorite Holiday Recipes
Happy Holidays from the VLTA! Please enjoy the gift that keeps on giving...Your favorite board members' favorite recipes, perfect (and just in time) for the holidays! Choose your favorite recipe below, give it a try, and let us know how it turns out! Becky Taylor - Rum Balls: Vanilla Wafers, mashed or grind ¼ cup … Continue reading VLTA Board Members’ Favorite Holiday Recipes