Which term describes a record of all instruments that affect the title?

• A. Chain title
• B. Abstract title
• C. Certificate of title
• D. Verification

Answer: (B)

Abstract title is the record that collects all documents that affect a property's title. It’s a consolidated snapshot drawn from public records—deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, judgments, and other instruments—that show every transaction or encumbrance that has touched the title. This summary helps a title searcher see what actually impacts ownership and whether anything clouds the title. The idea is not just who owned it, but every item that could affect marketability. A chain of title focuses on the sequence of owners, which is related but not the same as listing every instrument. A certificate of title is an issued statement confirming the title’s status after review, and verification refers to confirming facts but isn’t the record of instruments itself. So the term that best fits “a record of all instruments that affect the title” is abstract title.