For Immediate Release
ALTA, New England Land Title Association and AARP Applaud Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell for Settlement Protecting Homeowners from Unfair MV Realty Contracts
Washington, D.C., May 7, 2026 — The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the New England Land Title Association (NELTA) and AARP today commended Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell for securing a settlement with MV Realty that provides relief to homeowners and prevents the company from enforcing unfair agreements that burdened residential properties across the state.
Under the settlement, MV Realty must release mortgages connected to these agreements and is barred from enforcing the underlying contracts, helping protect Massachusetts homeowners from ongoing harm and preserving their ability to sell, refinance and access their home equity.
“Attorney General Campbell’s leadership underscores an essential principle: homeowners deserve transparency, fairness and the freedom to make decisions about their property without hidden traps,” said Caroline Cone, director of state government affairs, ALTA. “By taking action against these unfair agreements, Massachusetts is helping safeguard property rights and the integrity of land records.”
MV Realty’s agreements offered small upfront payments to homeowners in exchange for long-term exclusive listing rights and were recorded against properties in ways that could create serious complications for families trying to sell, refinance or otherwise transfer their homes.
“This settlement is an important step toward protecting homeowners from arrangements that can put hard-earned equity and long-term financial security at risk,” said Jenn Jones, vice president of financial security and livable communities, government affairs, AARP. “AARP remains committed to working with state leaders and advocates nationwide to stop deceptive housing-related practices and ensure older adults can remain secure in their homes and communities.”
ALTA, NELTA and AARP have worked alongside policymakers and consumer advocates nationwide to raise awareness about these kinds of agreements, often referred to as non-title recorded agreements for personal services, or NTRAPS, and to support stronger protections for consumers and the real estate marketplace.
“These agreements can create uncertainty in the land records and lead to unnecessary obstacles for homeowners and real estate transactions,” said Mark Bennett, executive director, NELTA. “The New England Land Title Association appreciates the work conducted by the legislature and the governor to curb this type of predatory practice and protect the consumers of Massachusetts.”
“For many older homeowners, home equity is a critical source of financial stability and independence,” said Jen Benson, AARP Massachusetts state director. “AARP Massachusetts is grateful for Attorney General Campbell’s action and proud to support efforts that help ensure residents can age in place and make decisions about their homes without unfair restrictions or hidden risks.”
ALTA, NELTA, and AARP will continue working with state leaders, industry partners and consumer advocates to advance protections against predatory real estate agreements and safeguard homeowners’ property rights.
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About ALTA
The American Land Title Association, founded in 1907, represents an industry comprised of more than 17,000 title insurance companies operating across the nation, with over 90% being small businesses.
About New England Land Title Association
New England Land Title Association is the title industry’s premier resource for Education, Information and Networking. Organized in 1970, NELTA is a non-profit trade association for professionals engaged in all aspects of the title industry in each of the New England states.
Contact: Alisa Mairone
Office: 202-261-0305
Email: [email protected]