1PropertyHub
BuyingFirst-Time Home BuyersHow Much House Can I AffordDown PaymentsCredit Scores & MortgagesFHA LoansVA LoansUSDA LoansJumbo LoansEscrow ExplainedClosing CostsHome InspectionsAppraisals
SellingPricing Your HomeHome StagingPre-Listing RepairsMarketing Your ListingNegotiating OffersSeller DisclosuresThe Closing ProcessCapital Gains on a Home SaleSelling Cost Calculator
InvestingRental Property InvestingThe BRRRR MethodHouse FlippingShort-Term RentalsMultifamilySelf StorageMobile Home ParksREITsReal Estate Syndications1031 ExchangesDSCR CalculatorCap Rate Calculator
CalculatorsMortgage CalculatorRefinance CalculatorAmortization ScheduleAffordability CalculatorLoan ComparisonCash Flow CalculatorCap Rate CalculatorNOI CalculatorDSCR CalculatorROI CalculatorClosing Cost CalculatorProperty Tax CalculatorHouse Flip CalculatorRent vs BuyAll 16 calculators
ResourcesLearning CenterReal Estate GlossaryBlogDownloads & ChecklistsState GuidesCity GuidesHousing Market DataEconomic ReportsProperty ManagementCommercial Real EstateInsuranceLegal ResourcesHome ImprovementMoving
Property ManagementCommercialMarket TrendsLearning CenterState GuidesCity GuidesGlossaryAbout
Legal

Abstract of Title

Definition

A condensed history of the ownership of a parcel of land, listing every recorded conveyance, lien, and encumbrance from the earliest record forward.

Example

In several states an attorney examines the abstract and issues a title opinion instead of a title company issuing a commitment.

Frequently asked questions

What does Abstract of Title mean in real estate?

A condensed history of the ownership of a parcel of land, listing every recorded conveyance, lien, and encumbrance from the earliest record forward.

How is Abstract of Title used in practice?

In several states an attorney examines the abstract and issues a title opinion instead of a title company issuing a commitment.

This definition is provided for educational purposes. Legal and tax terminology can carry jurisdiction-specific meaning — confirm with a licensed professional before relying on it in a transaction.