To search for property records, deed images, liens, and title information in West Virginia, you’ll need to access county-level records. Here’s a comprehensive guide: BEGIN PROPERTY RECORDS SEARCH HERE

Where to Search WV Property Records

1. County Clerk’s Offices – Property records in West Virginia are maintained at the county level. Each of the 55 counties has its own County Clerk who maintains these records.
2. WV County Records Online Portal – Many WV counties now offer online access to property records through their websites.
3. West Virginia State Auditor’s Office – Their website provides links to county tax records and property information.

Step-by-Step Process

Online Search Options:

1. Visit the specific county clerk’s website where the property is located. For example, if you’re searching in Kanawha County, visit their clerk’s website.
2. Use the WV State Auditor’s website (wvsao.gov) to access their property tax records search feature.
3. Third-party providers – Services like:
   • Property Shark
   • NETR Online
   • Title companies that offer record search services

In-Person Search:

1. Visit the County Clerk’s office in the county where the property is located
2. Request assistance with deed records, liens, and title information
3. Some counties charge fees for copies of documents

What You’ll Need:

• Property owner’s name
• Property address
• Tax map and parcel number (if available)
• Approximate date of purchase (for historical searches)

Types of Records Available

• Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, etc.)
• Mortgages and releases
• Liens (tax, mechanic’s, judgment)
• Easements
• Plat maps
• Surveys
• Tax information

 

Real Estate Records in West Virginia

West Virginia maintains several types of real estate records that are essential for property transactions and ownership verification. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the main types:

Deed Records

Deed records are the most fundamental real estate documents in West Virginia. These legal instruments transfer property ownership from one party to another and contain vital information such as:

• Property legal description
• Names of buyers and sellers
• Purchase price (in some cases)
• Date of transaction
• Signatures and notarization

Deeds are filed with the County Clerk’s office in the county where the property is located.

Property Tax Records

Property tax records document the tax assessment and payment history for real estate. These records include:

• Property valuation
• Tax rates
• Payment history
• Exemptions (if applicable)
• Parcel identification numbers

The County Assessor’s office maintains these records, which are crucial for potential buyers to review before purchasing property.

Mortgage Records

Mortgage records document loans secured by real property. These records include:

• Loan amount and terms
• Interest rate
• Lender information
• Borrower information
• Repayment schedule
• Property description

These documents are publicly recorded with the County Clerk to establish the lender’s lien on the property.

Liens and Judgments

Liens and judgments are claims against property that must be satisfied before a property can be sold with clear title. These include:

• Tax liens (for unpaid property taxes)
• Mechanic’s liens (for unpaid construction work)
• Judgment liens (resulting from court decisions)
• HOA liens (for unpaid homeowners association fees)

These are recorded in the county records and appear on title searches.

Plat Maps and Surveys

Plat maps and surveys provide detailed information about property boundaries, dimensions, and location. These records include:

• Property boundaries
• Easements
• Rights-of-way
• Encroachments
• Topographical features

These documents are essential for determining exact property boundaries and are filed with the County Clerk or County Surveyor.

Easement Records

Easement records document the rights granted to entities to use portions of a property for specific purposes. Common easements in West Virginia include:

• Utility easements (for power lines, water pipes, etc.)
• Access easements (right-of-way for accessing landlocked property)
• Conservation easements (to protect natural resources)
• Railroad easements

These are recorded with property deeds and are discoverable through title searches.

Title Records

Title records provide a history of property ownership and potential claims or encumbrances. These include:

• Chain of title (history of ownership)
• Title insurance policies
• Title abstracts
• Title commitments

These documents are critical for establishing clear ownership during property transactions.

Zoning Records

Zoning records define how property can be used according to local ordinances. These records include:

• Permitted land uses
• Building height restrictions
• Setback requirements
• Lot coverage limitations
• Special use permits

These records are maintained by city or county planning departments.

Land Use and Building Permits

Land use and building permits document approved construction and development activities. These include:

• Building permits
• Demolition permits
• Remodeling permits
• Electrical/plumbing permits
• Certificate of occupancy

These records are maintained by local building departments and are important for verifying that structures were built legally.

Conclusion

West Virginia’s real estate records system provides a comprehensive framework for tracking property ownership, encumbrances, and development history. Property buyers, sellers, and owners should familiarize themselves with these records to ensure transparent and legally sound real estate transactions.

Many WV counties use digital indexing systems that allow searches by name, property address, or parcel number, but older records may still be in physical books and require in-person research.

 

 

 

https://www.UsTitleRecords.com