What describes the series of transactions affecting the title to a specific parcel of land?

The concept of "Chain of Title" refers to the sequential series of transactions and documents that affect the ownership of a specific parcel of land. It essentially traces the history of ownership back through time, showing a clear path from the original source of the title to the current owner. Each transfer of ownership, whether through sale, inheritance, or other means, is recorded, thus establishing a legal history that supports the current ownership and confirms the rights related to the property.

This is a crucial element in real estate transactions because it helps to verify that the title is clear, meaning there are no unresolved claims or liens that could impact the current owner's rights. A clear chain of title is essential for title insurance, as it protects against potential disputes and claims that may arise from past ownership issues.

In contrast, a title search refers to the process of investigating the chain of title and reviewing public records to ascertain the ownership history and outstanding obligations. Property records are the official documents that are filed with government entities regarding real estate, while an abstract of title provides a summary of the chain of title and the history of ownership, but does not detail each transaction in the way the chain of title does.