Please Note the Following Holiday Closures

Virginia Courthouses

Most Closing at Noon on December 22nd

All Closed on December 25th

Most Closed on December 26th

All Closed on January 1st

Most Closed on January 2nd

Virginia Title Center

Closing at Noon on December 22nd

Closed on December 25th

Closed on January 1st

Top 10 Roadblocks for the Real Estate Market in 2024

by Melissa Dittmann Tracey

Global unrest, economic uncertainty and eroding home affordability are among the top issues facing the real estate industry over the next year, according to The Counselors of Real Estate’s annual report. This next year will be crucial to real estate. All eyes are on the future as we navigate these disruptions with a purpose for developing solutions. Click HERE for the top issues affecting real estate over the next year, according to CRE’s list.

Research: The Benefits of a Pet-Friendly Workplace

by Shawn X. Quan and Kira Schabram

As leaders consider what their organization should look like in our hybrid world, one area they may not be considering is the benefit that pets can have in the office. But a new research study indicates that there’s a lot of upside for developing a pet-friendly workplace, including increased employee well-being and collaboration, as well as playing a key role in recruitment and retention. In this article, the authors outline these benefits, explain the risks, and offer suggestions for how to develop your own organizational policy. Click HERE to learn how pet-friendly workplaces like Virginia Title Center can positively impact your workplace culture.

Sagent CEO Dan Sogorka Predicts 3 of 2024's Hottest Mortgage Topics

by Daniel Sogorka



As we plan for a gradual cycle turn in 2024, a few hot topics feel especially hot right now. What’s next for the inflation fight and rates? How do we help homebuyers navigate affordability ? And how should mortgage firms rethink tech strategy? Click HERE to gain insights according Dan Sogorka with Sagent.

Setting the Course for Success in 2024: Turning Visions Into Reality

by Peter Barron Stark

The quote “If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time” is a great reminder by Zig Ziglar that we need to have goals to be successful. One thing that we have learned about planning and goals is that you can guarantee that something will always change that will cause you to have to adjust. The faster we can pivot and adjust, the more successful we are as leaders and as team members. Despite our best planning, occasionally, things just don’t turn out the way we expected.  With 2024 approaching quickly, now is a great time to set or revisit your goals. To help with that task, click HERE for some tips to help you and your team be successful in accomplishing your goals, as well as insights on how to handle things when they don’t go as planned.

Financial Institutions Face Critical Crossroads in 2024

by Jim Marous

The year 2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for U.S. banks. How individual banks navigate this complex landscape in 2024 will determine their competitiveness, profitability and even survival in the coming years. Those who effectively leverage data, build digital capabilities and forge strategic fintech partnerships stand to gain market share. Lagging institutions risk extinction. The economic outlook remains uncertain, which could spur consolidation across the financial sector. New regulations will increase compliance burdens. Fintech disruptors and big techs continue to threaten traditional business models. And perhaps most critically, younger generations have new expectations for digital financial services. Click HERE to learn more.

Building Consensus Around Difficult Strategic Decisions

by Scott D. Anthony, Natalie Painchaud, and Andy Parker

Making future-focused decisions in an uncertain world presents fundamental challenges for leaders. When we’re talking about the future, data is by definition incomplete, so we’re often relying on assumptions and personal beliefs. People often come into discussions with preconceived notions, and data can be skewed to support pre-existing perspectives. So how can leaders get clarity on the best path forward? The authors of this article have developed a tool that they call “strategic sparring sessions.” These sessions help teams align on key assumptions, build conviction on a path forward, and activate individual and collective change. Click HERE to learn more.

2023 Virginia Legislative Changes Affecting Community Associations - Are You In the Know?

Don't let these changes cause a delay in closing date!

As of July 1, 2023, "Resale Certificate” will now be the name of the disclosures required upon sale as applicable across the board. Previously the Virginia Property Owners’ Association Act referred to the “disclosure packet,” while the Virginia Condominium Act referred to the “resale certificate.”

IMPORTANT: All appropriate fees shall be paid when the resale certificate, updated resale certificate, or financial update is requested. The seller shall be responsible for all fees associated with the preparation and delivery of the resale certificate, including any fees for inspection of the unit. The requesting party shall pay any fees for the preparation and delivery of the updated resale certificate or financial update. To reiterate, these fees must now be paid when the request is made, and not at settlement or within 60 days of closing. Failing to follow these new procedures could result in a delay of the closing.

Virginia Title Center Keeps You Safe From Wire Fraud with CertifID

Digital banking makes moving money easier for everyone — including cyber criminals, who are getting more cunning every day. Every wire transfer you send or receive is at risk. Yet many ask if wire fraud is really that serious? Wire transfers continue to be the most frequently reported payment method for fraud with a reported aggregate loss of $2.4 Billion and an average loss of $120k per victim. And, did you know that one out of every three real estate transactions are targeted for wire fraud?

At Virginia Title Center, we take the safety of your money and your client's money seriously and now offer wire fraud protection through a partnership with CertifID. This offers end-to-end protection to keep customer information secured and insured at all times through a suite of services. CertifID makes it easy for us to securely send our wire instructions to clients and lenders; allows us to safely collect bank details from home sellers and other partners; verifies the bank details that have been provided are accurate and not tampered with; and, offers PayoffProtect to validate the authenticity of wiring instructions to ensure loan payoff payments aren't sent to fraudsters. All wire transactions are backed by Lloyd's of London and insured up to $1 million. Click HERE for a flyer you can share with your clients, and talk to your settlement processor to learn how using CertifID can protect you and your clients.