Abstract Property

Abstract Title Property is the most common form of title found in the United States. An Abstract of Title is a “book” containing the condensed history of all deeds, mortgages and other documents relating to a particular piece of land which affect the title. It begins with a legal description of land covered by the abstract, and then shows the original patent and all subsequent recorded documents. 

When property is sold or mortgaged, the new owner or lending institution will conduct a title search to determine if the property is clear of all liens or encumbrances.  An attorney or title insurance company is hired to review the abstract.  This is done by following the various lines of ownership from person to person and deed to deed over the years, based on the documents filed in the County Recorder’s Office.

Abstract Property may be registered to become Torrens Property.