Westmoreland County, VA Property Records: Search Deeds, Owners, Tax Records, and Maps

Westmoreland County has a moderately paced property market, with homes spending an average of around 50 days on the market before receiving an offer. The county’s property records are managed by the Commissioner of the Revenue, Treasurer, and Clerk of the Circuit Court.

Single-family detached homes make up the majority of Westmoreland County's housing inventory. Attached homes and multifamily units also make up a small share. The county is home to two incorporated cities and does not surround any independent city.

Recent records reveal the underlying factors influencing the local real estate market, with a median home value of $241,100 and median rent of $942, alongside a median household income of $64,464 and a median real estate tax rate of 0.62 as a percentage of the property's assessed value.

How to Look Up Westmoreland County Property Records

Westmoreland County provides multiple online databases for searching its property records. The type of information needed determines the correct tool to use. Most of these tools allow users to find property information by entering an address, owner name, or parcel ID number.

Who Keeps Westmoreland County Property Records?

Upon request, anyone can examine or copy tax assessment and GIS records under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. In Westmoreland, property records are in the custody of the following constitutional offices:

• The Clerk of the Circuit Court records deeds and other documents that affect real property in the county. It maintains the official record of all land transactions.

• The Commissioner of the Revenue assesses all real estate parcels within the county boundaries. It manages property tax assessment records, including acreage, parcel identification numbers, and improvement specifications.

• The Treasurer is the chief financial officer responsible for billing, collecting, and disbursing real estate taxes.

How to Search Westmoreland County Property Records Online

A complete online property records search in Westmoreland County requires you to cross-reference at least four different online resources:

1. To quickly identify the parcel, visit the Westmoreland Web Map and search by the property’s address or parcel ID number. The pop-up window will show the parcel owner, zone, address, deed and plat pages, mailing address, and account number.
2. Copy the details you will need to search other online resources, including the deed page, plat page, and parcel ID. Navigate to the e-Commissioner Applications and select “View Property Cards.” Enter your search criterion to view detailed information about the property.
3. To review title history, liens, mortgages, and recorded plats, log into the eSearch portal. Search for the record with the grantor name, deed page number, or instrument number.
4. Use the e-Treasurer Applications to find tax information about the property. To do so, select “Real Estate Public Inquiry” and enter any search parameter. This will display the ticket details, payment history, and outstanding balance.

Clerk of the Circuit Court: Deeds, Deeds of Trust, and Plats

In Westmoreland County, the Clerk of the Circuit Court records and indexes property documents in the official land records. The office also maintains property plats, boundary surveys, and subdivision maps. Under Va. Code § 17.1-208, the public may inspect records maintained by the Clerk during normal office hours. Examples of land documents recorded in the Clerk’s Office include:

• Deeds

• Deeds of trust

• Certificates of satisfaction

• Easements and rights-of-way

• Subdivision plats and surveys

• Mechanic’s liens

• Lis pendens

• Leases

• Powers of attorney

Commissioner of the Revenue: Ownership, Values, and Parcel Data

On January 1 each year, the Commissioner of the Revenue establishes the fair market value of all real estate in the county. Virginia law requires assessing properties at 100% of their market value to ensure uniform tax distribution. Westmoreland County operates on a six-year real estate reassessment cycle.

Treasurer: Tax Bills and Payments

The Westmoreland County Treasurer collects tax payments, including real estate taxes. This office receives assessed valuations from the Commissioner of the Revenue and applies the county tax rate before issuing the final tax bill. Westmoreland County collects real estate taxes once a year, with payments due on December 5.

Property Tax in Westmoreland County: Rates, Exemptions, and Appeals

To calculate a real estate tax bill in Westmoreland County, the Commissioner of the Revenue first determines the assessed value of a property. All real estate tax exemptions are then subtracted from this value. The Treasurer applies the county tax rate to the remaining balance to arrive at the final tax bill.

Exemptions and relief

Appealing your assessment

A property owner challenging their property assessment in Westmoreland County must follow a three-tiered process. If the assessment contains a factual error, the Commissioner of the Revenue can correct it through an administrative review.

If the review does not resolve the issue, the property owner can submit a formal appeal to the Board of Equalization before the deadline. Provide clear details showing the error, such as a recent independent appraisal, sales data, or proof of structural defects.

The Circuit Court is the final resort in the appeal process. A property owner can file a petition with the Circuit Court if they are dissatisfied with the board’s ruling. At this stage, the owner may hire an attorney to help prove the claim.

GIS Maps and Parcel Viewer

The Westmoreland Web Map is the primary tool for searching real estate property lines and land characteristics. It allows searches by parcel ID or street address. Using this tool, researchers can also view tax assessment records like structure details, acreage, and ownership details. To focus on specific data, users can toggle parcels, flood hazards, or addresses on or off. The Virginia GIS Clearinghouse is a reliable resource for finding data that cross county boundaries.

Foreclosure and Tax Sales

You can do your due diligence when buying or investing in a property by checking for a judicial tax sale or a trustee foreclosure. This research reveals hidden liens or title defects that could invalidate your purchase.

Trustee foreclosure

When a property owner defaults, Section 55.1 of the Code of Virginia allows a trustee to sell their property without court supervision. The trustee must send the owner written notice at least 60 days before the sale.

The property owner has the right to redeem the property before the sale occurs by paying the debt and interest. Otherwise, the trustee sells the property at a public auction to the highest bidder.

Judicial tax sale

Westmoreland County collects delinquent real estate taxes through a judicial tax sale authorized by Va. Code 58.1-3965. The county files a bill in equity in the Circuit Court if taxes remain unpaid on December 31 following the second anniversary of their due dates.

The court then appoints a Special Commissioner to conduct the tax sale and collect the winning bid. Once the court confirms the bid and issues a special warranty deed to the buyer, the property loses the right to redemption.

Costs to Access Property Records

Va. Code 58.1-801 imposes the state recordation tax when recording a deed or deed of trust. Under Va. Code 58.1-802, the grantor pays the tax upon transferring title.

How to Record a Document

Below is a step-by-step guide for recording a property document in Westmoreland County, VA:

1. Ensure that your document meets recording requirements and any applicable local requirements set by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Prepare it on standard 8.5 x 11-inch white paper using legible black ink.
2. The document must also state the consideration amount, tax map ID, grantor and grantee names, and the title insurance status on the first page. Ensure all signatures are original, notarized, and accompanied by printed names underneath.
3. Generate a Virginia Land Records Cover Sheet if your document conveys interest in real property. You can print the sheet if you are submitting the document in person or by mail.
4. When calculating the applicable state recordation and grantor taxes, include the baseline clerk recording fees. For an accurate figure, you can use the Virginia Circuit Court Deed Calculator.
5. The Clerk of the Circuit Court accepts documents for recording in person and by mail. If you prefer the mail-in option, you can include a self-addressed stamped envelope to return the document.

FAQs

Quick Reference: Your Westmoreland County Property Records Checklist

Key Contacts and Official Portals