Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

What kind of property information do you need to conduct research?
As much information as the client has. Banks prefers to have a map submitted with most orders. Additional information such as address, parcel number, ownership, latitude/longitude or regulatory ID may be required depending on the type of service requested.

Can you email me my order?
Yes. We can create digital files of our reports. Hard copies are available upon request.

Can I have an order rushed?
If Banks' regular turnaround time does not meet your needs, arrangements can be made to rush the order. In most cases a $50 rush fee will be applied to each rushed service.

Environmental FAQs

How do I get updates to data in FirstSearch? Will I have to load the data myself from CDs you send to me?
No. FirstSearch is a software program that automatically downloads the latest data that is collected quarterly by the FirstSearch Network from state and federal agencies.

How often is FirstSearch software updated?
New versions of the FirstSearch software are released every six to 12 months. New agency data is available via the central FirstSearch server on a daily basis.

I have a new computer and no longer have access to your FirstSearch software. What do I do?
Please notify us and we will either send you a copy of the latest version of FirstSearch or come install it in person on your new computer. We can also run reports for you in-house with no downtime.

Do your Chain of Title Reports include copies of all deeds, liens, easements etc.?
No, typically Banks provides the client with the most current vesting deed on the property that shows a legal description. We will also provide any environmental liens or environmental related documents that are available. Additional copies are available upon request.

Does Banks have in-house aerial coverage for a specific site?
Banks has access to aerial photographs for any area of the United States. We have current photos of areas in Texas in-house. For sites outside of Texas and for historical photos in Texas, Banks has numerous sources to acquire these photos.

Oil & Gas FAQs

Do you provide Oil and Gas research services outside of Texas?
Our concentration and focus has been in the Southwest, but through our nationwide network of research consultants Banks can retrieve requested information from any oil- and gas-producing state.

Our company is considering the acquisition of some producing oil and gas properties. How can Banks help?
For the past 25 years, Banks has provided in-depth compliance review reports that go above and beyond the customary review process. Before you buy, Banks can help determine if the wells are in compliance with state regulatory rules and regulations. See Compliance Reviews for more information.

We're a small exploration company. Seems like we're always getting in trouble with regulatory agencies. We need help!
Banks is on retainer with a number of small and medium-size companies, many located outside of Texas. We have the knowledge and experience to anticipate the issues you may encounter. Banks can be your registered agent, file your production reports, prepare permits to drill, Surface Casing Recommendations, etc. Depending on your needs, we can provide these services on a hourly or retainer fee basis.

My husband and I just found some old mineral deeds from the 1920s and 1930s. Can you help us determine if these properties have any value?
This type of request is fairly common. Send us a copy of the deeds and we'll do our best to locate the properties. A word of advice: Don't go out and buy a Corvette! Most of the time the properties are located in non-producing areas.

Can Banks provide a bid on oil and gas research, professional service projects, etc?
We would be happy to provide an estimate based on your needs. At Banks, no job is too large or too small.

On average, how long does it take to complete my research request?
In Texas and nearby states the turnaround time may be one day or less. We will call or e-mail you if we anticipate your project taking longer than two days.

How much do you charge for research projects?
Our hourly fee is $75, with a minimum of one hour and charges billed in half-hour increments.

Can you forward copies in a digital format?
No problem. Most reports are available in pdf or hard copies.

How far back in time are production records available?
In Texas, production records go back to the 1930s. Dates vary in other states.