A snapshot of the bills YOUR Government Relations Team is focusing on in the 2025 General Assembly Session

Bill Name

Deed Fraud Advisory Group

Virginia REALTORS^®’ Stance

Virginia REALTORS^® supports this bill.

What Does This Bill Mean for REALTORS^®?

For several years, we have heard about the challenges our members our facing with the increased prevalence of deed fraud in Virginia. Specifically, we have heard from members about experiences wherein the “seller” of a property was not actually the legal owner and all of the complications that followed once that was discovered.  We have also heard from members who are working with clients that have had fraudulent liens filed on their properties and the challenges involved with getting the liens released so the transaction can close successfully.

This legislation puts together a technical advisory group made of up representatives from the REALTORS^®, local government, mortgage bankers, homebuilders, Land Title Association, notaries, Circuit Court clerks, Virginia State Bar, and more to study any deficiencies throughout the real estate transaction and how those deficiencies leave parties vulnerable to possible deed fraud.  The group will work to develop policy and potential legislation to address those vulnerabilities, including identity verification measures, property alert notification systems, safe access to land records, and increased education. It is our intention that this group will put together concrete policy guidelines and develop potential legislation to increase protection from deed fraud for both REALTORS^® and your clients.

Getting it Across the Finish Line

Your Government Relations team at Virginia REALTORS^® drafted this bill and gathered the group of stakeholders who will work on the advisory group.  We have testified on behalf of the REALTORS^®,  ensuring members of both the House and the Senate understand the consequences REALTORS^® face when their clients experience deed fraud.  These bills have passed both the House and the Senate and are now on their way to the Governor.

Want to learn more about Virginia REALTORS®’ advocacy efforts on behalf of YOUR business? Visit our website for more information.