Chain of title
The recorded history of every transfer of a property from one owner to the next. Gaps or errors in the chain can delay a sale until they are fixed.
Also called: title history, ownership history
Related terms
The legal right to own and use a property. Title is not a single document; it is shown by the deed and public records, and must be clear for a sale to close smoothly.
A review of public records to confirm who owns a property and find liens, easements, judgments or other problems. Its results go into the title commitment before closing.
Filing a deed, mortgage or other document with the county so it becomes public record. Recording gives notice of the new owner or lien and protects the buyer's claim against later ones.
Any claim, lien or error in the records that casts doubt on who owns a property. It usually must be cleared before the sale can close.