Chain of Title

A Chain of Title report reconstructs the ownership history of the subject parcel back to approximately 1940 by default, identifying the recorded transfers that establish how ownership changed over time. The report summarizes the recorded instruments associated with the parcel, including date of transfer, document type, grantor, grantee, parcel or legal description, and recorded document number.

Depending on the property, the ownership history may also include easements, surface leases, multiple owners, parcel combinations, and other instruments affecting the recorded chain. The finished report organizes these records into a clear chronological ownership history for environmental review. Where supporting documents are available, the recorded source instruments may also be included with the report.

Every Chain of Title report also includes an Environmental Lien Search.

Environmental Lien Search

Environmental Lien Research focuses specifically on environmental obligations, restrictions, and limitations recorded against the property. The search looks for environmental liens, environmental notices or restrictions, activity and Use Limitations (AULs) and other recorded environmental conditions that may affect transfer or use of the property.

If a relevant instrument is found, the report identifies it and can include the underlying recorded document for review. In the sample report, the research identified a recorded leaking underground storage tank environmental notice and separately reported the absence of AULs. The research is based on county land and real-property records rather than only on address-based environmental databases. That distinction matters because some environmental obligations are attached directly to the property record.