<--Back to Wiki Home

Define Chain of Title in Real Estate

Chain of Title: 

"Chain of Title" is like a family tree for a piece of property. It shows all the people who have owned the property over time and how they got it. It's important because it helps make sure that the current owner really has the right to sell or use the property.

Example: 

Imagine you want to buy a house. You look at the chain of title and see that the current owner bought the house from someone else, who bought it from someone else, and so on. You can see that all the previous owners had the right to sell the house, so you know that the current owner is allowed to sell it to you.

"Wit & Whimsy with the Dumb Ox: Unlocking Knowledge with Rhyme:"

A chain of title, oh what a sight!
A family tree of property right.
It shows who owned it, one by one,
And how they got it, till it's done.

If you want to buy a house, oh my!
You'll want to see the chain of title, oh why?
To make sure the seller has the right,
To sell the house with all its might.

So don't forget to check this list,
To make sure there's nothing you've missed.
The chain of title, it's your guide,
To make sure your property rights abide.