What is the instrument that records the history of the property?

What is the instrument that records the history of the property?

• A. Abstract of Title
• B. Deed
• C. Mortgage
• D. Title Insurance Policy

Answer: (A)

An abstract of title tracks the property's title history by summarizing all recorded documents that affect the title—ownership transfers, liens, encumbrances, judgments, and other imperfections that show up in public records. This summary helps determine whether the title is marketable and what issues may need to be resolved before a sale or loan. Deeds simply show a transfer of ownership at a particular time, mortgages create liens on the property, and a title insurance policy provides protection against defects but does not itself document the entire historical chain of title.

An abstract of title tracks the property's title history by summarizing all recorded documents that affect the title—ownership transfers, liens, encumbrances, judgments, and other imperfections that show up in public records. This summary helps determine whether the title is marketable and what issues may need to be resolved before a sale or loan. Deeds simply show a transfer of ownership at a particular time, mortgages create liens on the property, and a title insurance policy provides protection against defects but does not itself document the entire historical chain of title.