What is a summary of all recorded instruments affecting title to a property called?

An abstract of title is a comprehensive summary that provides a chronological record of all the legal instruments and proceedings that affect the title to a property. This includes information such as past ownership, liens, encumbrances, and other relevant documents and events that have an impact on the current ownership and rights associated with the property.

The abstract consolidates this information, allowing interested parties—such as potential buyers, lenders, and real estate professionals—to easily review the history of the title. This can be particularly useful in understanding any issues or claims that may arise before a property transaction is completed.

In contrast, a certificate of title serves more as a statement or assurance from a title company or attorney, indicating who holds title to the property but does not provide the complete historical context. Escrow refers to the neutral third-party process of managing funds and documents during a real estate transaction, while a title insurance policy protects against any legal claims that may arise from discrepancies in the property title, rather than summarizing the historical documents involved. Thus, the abstract of title is key to providing an organized and thorough overview of all recorded instruments affecting the property title.