The VLTA EXAMINER is the official online publication of the Virginia Land Title Association, offering articles of interest to land title professionals.
EXAMINER MAGAZINE“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
In plain English, the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA) requires foreign persons (transferors) to pay U.S. income tax on gains they make from selling U.S. real estate. FIRPTA puts the burden on the purchaser (transferee) to withhold 15% of the contract sales price if the seller is a foreign person—unless one of … Continue reading FIRPTA: In a Nutshell – Part One
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
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
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I. Geographic scope of minerals development in Virginia It is easy to think of mineral rights issues as geographically centered in, if not limited to, southwestern Virginia. But, both historically and in the present day, minerals have been found, claimed, and produced throughout the Commonwealth. Title examiners, agents, and insurers must account not only for … Continue reading Considering Mineral Rights 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
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
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
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. Ellen Donohoe, formerly Ellen … Continue reading VLTA Members in Motion – December 2024
Stay tuned: Registration is opening soon for VLTA's 2025 regional events! VLTA Advocacy Day 2025 Below are four reasons why you should attend VLTA Advocacy Day 2025: It connects the Virginia title insurance community with legislators It provides officials the information they need to make the best decisions The information and education you can provide … Continue reading VLTA Upcoming Events 2025
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We do love our Realtors, and they are a vibrant and important part of the transfer of property from one party to another. However, a pattern arises in the outlines below, that many of these fraudulent situations are the result of the realtors being involved in the financial part of the transactions. The additional risk … Continue reading The Claims Corner: Wire Fraud and Property Theft Claims, and the Insurance Responses
Chevron is Overruled: How Does This Affect the CFPB and the Title Insurance Industry? The U.S. Supreme Court on June 28, issued a landmark 6-3 decision rejecting the judicial doctrine known as Chevron deference in two cases, Loper Bright and Relentless... ALTA Installs New President, Board of GovernorsRichard Welshons NTP was inducted as ALTA's 2024-25 … Continue reading What’s New With ALTA – December 2024
So, you have a conservation easement on your property. Now what? We turned to the Virginia Outdoor Foundation for a more in-depth explanation of what happens behind the scenes. How does VOF determine the suitability of a property for a conservation easement? VOF has a thorough review process for all proposed easements. It begins with … Continue reading Virginia Outdoor Foundation Stewardships: The Protectors of Our Conservation Easements
Faster payments, greater automation and even advances in AI have all made the world of real-time treasury management a practical reality. What does this mean for your company? Today, the clear expectation is for anytime payments, but how to access those payments makes a difference. Increasingly, title companies are receiving Good Funds payments via wire, … Continue reading Title at the Speed of Banking
I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t expecting to see Kevin Pogoda in a mullet at my first VLTA conference. I first want to thank those involved with VLTA that granted me the Ronald Donn Scholarship Award, and I want to give a special shout-out to Stephanie Campbell who made sure that I knew that … Continue reading My VLTA Convention Experience
