People want to avoid probate, to make it as easy and inexpensive as possible to transfer assets to designated beneficiaries after they pass away. For years people have been able to do this with their intangible personal property assets, i.e., bank accounts, retirement accounts, annuities, etc. They designate in writing who inherits the money upon … Continue reading Title Insurance and Transfer on Death Deeds
Virtual Town Hall – The State of the Industry & Economic Forecast
Change is Here! The Virginia Land Title Association (VLTA) hosted a Virtual Town Hall on Tuesday June 23, moderated by Kevin T. Pogoda, Esq. VLTA Past President, with panelists from diverse segments of the real estate industry, including the VLTA, the Virginia Court Clerks Association, the Virginia Bankers Association, the Virginia Mortgage Bankers Association, the … Continue reading Virtual Town Hall – The State of the Industry & Economic Forecast
Priority of Residential Refinance Mortgage Over Subordinate Mortgage
Virginia Code § 55.1-319, entitled “Priority of residential refinance mortgage over subordinate mortgage,” makes refinancing for borrowers who need to subordinate a second or lower priority deed of trust much easier in many cases by eliminating the need for the subordinate deed of trust lender’s review and approval, as well as the execution, delivery and … Continue reading Priority of Residential Refinance Mortgage Over Subordinate Mortgage
Everyone is a Critic: How to Cancel Complaint Culture
Note: With so much uncertainty in the world right now amidst the Coronavirus, this article should be viewed as a supplement to what you are currently doing to “keep your head above the water,” and stay in business. This might not be the right time to try something new, but if you view this season … Continue reading Everyone is a Critic: How to Cancel Complaint Culture
COVID-19: Three Ways to Maintain (or Grow) Your Title Company During the Pandemic
These are tough times, that’s for sure. COVID-19 is wreaking havoc on small businesses including Title & Escrow companies, with many having shuttered and some holding on but struggling to maintain their clients and revenue. However, don’t let that stop you from having a laser focus on your business – you have to think long … Continue reading COVID-19: Three Ways to Maintain (or Grow) Your Title Company During the Pandemic
ARTU 2020 Spring Edition
Question: You are closing a transaction in which Pine Acres is being sold by Jennifer Doubtfire. The title notes reveal that Pine Acres was purchased by Jay Williams in 2002. In August of 2013, Jay executed a properly drafted transfer on death deed (TOD) naming Jennifer as the grantee, and delivered the deed to Jennifer. … Continue reading ARTU 2020 Spring Edition
Looking Ahead and Looking Back
Isaac Newton once said, “If I have seen farther than others, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants.” Heeding these words from Mr. Newton, I interviewed several “giants” in our industry—past presidents of the VLTA. Perhaps by standing on their shoulders, we can get a good perspective on 2020. Everyone wants … Continue reading Looking Ahead and Looking Back
Why Online Reviews Matter – The Obvious (and not so Obvious)
For real estate agents and title insurance professionals, your online reputation can make or break you. This is especially true for local businesses. About 88% of Google searches on mobile devices are for services or agents in the area, which means that a large number of potential clients who are looking for information on local … Continue reading Why Online Reviews Matter – The Obvious (and not so Obvious)