What is an “abstract” or “abstract of title”?

A document is recorded in the County Clerk’s Office whenever property in that county is sold or mortgaged or whenever some legal action occurs which affects title to property located anywhere in that county. These documents are recorded by category and in chronological order for all properties in the county. An “abstract” or “abstract of title” gathers, into a single and chronological listing, relevant information regarding whichever of these various documents apply to a single parcel of property. In effect, it is a history of the chain of title to that property.