Frequently Asked Questions
West Virginia title abstracts are reports created by a professional title abstractor. A title abstract is not available from public county records, and it is not available electronically. Depending on the report type, it can list open and closed deeds, mortgages, and encumbrances such as judgments, liens, and UCCs.
An official title abstract must be prepared by a professional title researcher. Creating the title report requires in-depth knowledge of title documents and the instrument recording processes. A title report is a recital of the records found for a property located in West Virginia counties' title records, with obvious presumptions made such as mortgage refinances and lien releases. A title abstract is not legal advice, or opinion of title and ownership, which can only be provided by a qualified attorney.
The property title search abstractor begins researching county records index of subject property to retrieve the related documents. Depending upon the West Virginia county, multiple records rooms and databases may be visited. The land title documents are collected from various books, volumes, and databases where instruments are recorded through the years on the parcel.
Documents are then reviewed by the certified abstractor to determine which items pertain to the real property. Legal and vesting are compared on each document. Mortgages, judgement, liens are cross-referenced for releases and assignments.
Pertinent documents are compiled, and the property title abstract report is created for the West Virginia land parcel. The abstract contains a summary listing of all the recorded liens, mortgages, and deeds which were located. Lien and mortgage amounts are typically provided. Copies of all open (and sometimes closed) referenced documents within the search period are attached.
You can complete a West Virginia title search yourself for free on any property in West Virginia, but will pay for any copies obtained from the counties records office. Document copies typically run $1.00 to $2.00 per page. Even if you are familiar with how title searches are accomplished, it is recommended that you hire a certified title abstractor for a variety of reasons. If you chose to purchase a title search, the results are typically abstracted into a title report. West Virginia title search costs vary on the type of search you need. Generally speaking, title searches will cost as little as $150.00, but may also exceed $1,000.00 or more. It will mostly depend on the extent of your search requirements and objectives.
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express credit and debit cards. For large clients of repeat business in West Virginia, we may offer up to net 30.
If you need to alter your order, please contact us immediately at 1-304-301-1498. We usually begin processing orders within 1-2 hours, and once we have processed your order alterations to your West Virginia land records request may result in additional charges.
Yes, you can! After placing an order you will receive an order confirmation from West Virginia Title Co via email, which includes a link to your order and it's progress. You may also call our automated inquiry system at 1-805-876-9898. You will need to have your property ID available, which will be provided to you upon your West Virginia land records request order confirmation email.
Turnaround time will vary depending on West Virginia property location, title search product type, and West Virginia county records access. Typical West Virginia title search orders take an average of 3-5 days, although this period may be longer or shorter depending on research required. Above all, we guarantee to deliver you an accurate West Virginia land records search and title report... and that may take time.
Standard delivery is an email with a link to download the final PDF title report / title abstract or deed copy. Also provided, are links to download a Word version (.docx) and an Excel version (.xlsx). However, some of our larger clients prefer we upload the completed reports via FTP directly to their servers, or have them physically delivered in the mail. In kind, for enterprise level clients we offer API connection integrations for both order automation and report delivery. We can accommodate!
Yes. All West Virginia Title Co clients are assigned a Client Relationship Manager (CRM). Your title search support agent is available to answer any questions on completed West Virginia parcel search reports. They are also able to provide quotes on bulk/portfolio projects or ensure expedite/rush services when necessary.
All completed West Virginia land title reports are saved on our servers for 12 months for download. If needed, we can set specific account requirements to retain the title search reports for a longer duration.
With exception to our guarantee, we do not issue refunds. Title report and property parcel search services are not product which we can resell. They are specific to your West Virginia property and land records research needs.
Be confident that your West Virginia title search will be done right. If your title report is found to have any substantial errors due to our parcel research process, we will refund the price charged for the title search. Simply inform us of the suspected error, and we will confirm that the discrepancy exists, and promptly refund your payment.
Terms of the limited guarantee are as follows:
- WestVirginiaTitleSearch.com must receive the notice of suspected error within 21 days of the original order.
- Refund not to exceed $225, or cost of search, whichever is lower.
- Error must be verified to exist in counties records. (Provide copies if possible)
- Error must be a substantial records discrepancy (missing lien, deed, or mortgage)
- The claimed record must be correctly recorded and indexed directly against the current owner of the parcel.
- Land records indexed incorrectly by the counties/city are not included, (misspelled name, date prior to deed, etc.)
- The record must have a property legal description on the document matching the deed.
- Records attached by statute or indirect records not included. Record must exist in the counties property records, other records offices not searched.
- Does not pertain to typographical errors, tax status, or minor issues such as plat maps, comparable sales, document numbers, zoning, etc.
- Refund reviews may include contacting property owner or occupants.
- For residential properties only.
Clients of West Virginia Title Co often need title search updates on previously ordered reports. In those cases, West Virginia Title Co may offer discounted pricing on the "bring to date" reports.