The Virginia Real Estate Transaction Recovery Act provides relief to eligible consumers who have incurred losses through the improper or dishonest conduct of a licensed real estate salesperson, broker, or firm. The Recovery Fund is supported entirely by assessments paid by licensees, not by any tax revenues. Filing a claim does not guarantee payment. State law limits a single Recovery Fund claim to $20,000. Multiple claims involving the same real estate licensee are limited to $100,000 per biennial license period. If multiple claims involving one licensee exceed $100,000, the claim amounts must be prorated. If there is reason to believe there will be multiple claims involving one licensee, payment of claims will be delayed for a period not to exceed one year. The Recovery Fund does not pay interest, punitive damages, exemplary damages, or any amounts that do not constitute actual monetary loss to the claimant. However, the award (claim) may include attorneys' fees and court costs. Claimants should be aware that obtaining assistance from the Recovery Fund is not a swift process in most cases, and occurs only after all other civil legal remedies are exhausted.