Who certifies that the title history within an Abstract of Title is complete and accurate?

Who certifies that the title history within an Abstract of Title is complete and accurate?

• A. Notary
• B. Abstractor
• C. Title Officer
• D. County Clerk

Answer: (B)

The person who certifies the title history in an Abstract of Title is the Abstractor. The Abstractor researches public records—deeds, liens, judgments, mortgages, releases—and traces the chain of title from the earliest owner to the present. After gathering and summarizing this information, the Abstractor signs a certification that the abstract accurately and completely reflects all recorded matters up to the search date. This certification provides assurance to buyers and lenders that the title history presented is complete and accurate. Notaries witness signatures, but don’t certify title histories. The County Clerk maintains official records, yet doesn’t certify the abstract itself. A Title Officer may rely on the abstract to issue a title commitment or opinion, but the certification of the title history corresponds to the Abstractor who conducted the research.

The person who certifies the title history in an Abstract of Title is the Abstractor. The Abstractor researches public records—deeds, liens, judgments, mortgages, releases—and traces the chain of title from the earliest owner to the present. After gathering and summarizing this information, the Abstractor signs a certification that the abstract accurately and completely reflects all recorded matters up to the search date. This certification provides assurance to buyers and lenders that the title history presented is complete and accurate.

Notaries witness signatures, but don’t certify title histories. The County Clerk maintains official records, yet doesn’t certify the abstract itself. A Title Officer may rely on the abstract to issue a title commitment or opinion, but the certification of the title history corresponds to the Abstractor who conducted the research.