West Virginia Practice TestEscrow & Title

West Virginia Escrow & Title
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)

Escrow, title, and closing questions on the West Virginia exam test how real estate transactions are closed, how title is transferred, and what happens at settlement. West Virginia requires a licensed attorney to conduct real estate closings — unlike escrow states — which shapes how these questions are framed on the WV exam. Title insurance, title searches, and the difference between standard and extended coverage policies are tested, as are the specific closing costs that are customarily paid by buyers vs. sellers under West Virginia practice.

Practice Questions

West Virginia Escrow & Title — Practice Questions & Answers

112 questions on Escrow & Title from the West Virginia real estate question bank. First 10 are free — sign up to unlock all 112.

Q1. In West Virginia, a general warranty deed provides the grantee with:

A.No warranties about title
B.Warranties covering only defects created during the grantor's ownership
C.The strongest protection, warranting title against all defects in the chain of title
D.A warranty valid only for 10 years after the sale

Explanation

A general warranty deed provides the strongest title guarantee. The grantor warrants the title against all defects and encumbrances throughout the entire chain of title, not just during the grantor's ownership.

Q2. A special warranty deed in West Virginia warrants title only against defects:

A.That occurred at any time in the history of the property
B.Arising during the grantor's period of ownership
C.Caused by the grantee's actions
D.Covered by title insurance

Explanation

A special warranty deed only warrants against title defects that arose during the grantor's period of ownership. It does not protect against defects that existed before the grantor acquired the property.

Q3. A quitclaim deed in West Virginia transfers:

A.Fee simple title with all warranties
B.Whatever interest the grantor has, if any, with no warranties
C.A leasehold interest only
D.Title subject to all mortgages and liens

Explanation

A quitclaim deed conveys only whatever interest the grantor has (if any) with no warranties. It is often used to clear title defects or transfer interests between family members.

Q4. For a deed to be valid and convey real property in West Virginia, it must include all of the following EXCEPT:

A.Names of the grantor and grantee
B.Words of conveyance (granting clause)
C.A legal description of the property
D.The purchase price in exact dollar amount

Explanation

A valid deed requires names of grantor and grantee, words of conveyance, a legal description, grantor's signature, and delivery/acceptance. The exact purchase price is not required in the deed (nominal consideration such as 'one dollar and other consideration' is acceptable).

Q5. West Virginia is an attorney closing state, which means:

A.Buyers must hire an attorney or face criminal penalties
B.Real estate closings must be conducted or supervised by a licensed attorney
C.Attorneys set commission rates in West Virginia
D.Only attorneys may act as brokers

Explanation

West Virginia is an attorney closing state, meaning real estate closings must be conducted or supervised by a licensed attorney. This differs from escrow states where title companies or escrow officers may handle closings.

Q6. Title insurance in West Virginia protects against:

A.Future physical damage to the property
B.Losses arising from title defects that existed prior to the policy's effective date
C.Depreciation in property value
D.Environmental contamination discovered after closing

Explanation

Title insurance protects the insured against losses arising from title defects, liens, encumbrances, or other issues that existed before the policy's issuance date but were unknown at the time of purchase.

Q7. A title search in West Virginia examines the:

A.Current condition of the property
B.Public records to trace ownership history and identify any liens or encumbrances
C.Physical boundaries of the property
D.Environmental hazards on the property

Explanation

A title search examines public records (deeds, court records, tax records) to establish the chain of title and identify any outstanding liens, easements, restrictions, or other encumbrances.

Q8. RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) prohibits:

A.Buyers from obtaining title insurance
B.Kickbacks and referral fees between settlement service providers
C.Sellers from paying closing costs
D.The use of escrow accounts

Explanation

RESPA prohibits kickbacks and unearned referral fees between settlement service providers (e.g., between a lender and a title company or attorney). It is designed to protect consumers from unnecessarily high settlement costs.

Q9. At a West Virginia closing, the buyer receives a Closing Disclosure at least how many business days before closing?

A.1 business day
B.3 business days
C.5 business days
D.7 business days

Explanation

Under the TRID rules (TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure), lenders must provide the Closing Disclosure to the buyer at least 3 business days before the closing date.

Q10. A lis pendens recorded against a West Virginia property provides notice that:

A.The property is listed for sale
B.A lawsuit has been filed that may affect title to the property
C.The property has been condemned
D.The owner is in default on their mortgage

Explanation

A lis pendens ('pending litigation') is a recorded notice that a lawsuit affecting title to a property is pending. It warns potential buyers and encumbrancers that title may be affected by the outcome of the litigation.

Q11. In West Virginia, the primary instrument used to finance real estate and give the lender a security interest in the property is:

A.A mortgage with judicial foreclosure only
B.A deed of trust allowing non-judicial foreclosure
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