Abstract of Title

What is an Abstract of Title?

Any parties involved in a real estate transaction — whether it’s a purchase, sale or using the real property as collateral for a debt — will typically require proof that the persons claiming to be owners of the property really do own it. That’s what an abstract of title provides.

To facilitate real estate transactions, title companies and attorneys will develop a summary history of the documents and known filings affecting the title to real property. The abstract of title will itemize the following recorded and known transactions for a parcel of land or any real property:

  • Deeds of conveyance
  • Grants and wills
  • Liens
  • Encumbrances
  • Judgments and legal filings

Many title abstracts trace the conveyances of the land all the way to earliest know subdivision. Again, the purpose of the abstract is to present evidence that clarifies the parties that own the subject property, as well as what claims, liens or other encumbrances remain possibly outstanding against that subject property.

For more information, see also the following entries:

  • :Conveyance:
  • :D eed:
  • :Encumbrance:
  • :Land:
  • :Lien:
  • :Real Estate:
  • :Real Estate Attorney:
  • :Real Property:
  • :Title:
  • :Title Insurance:


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