What is the difference between the Preliminary Title Report (Complete Records Package) and the Full Chain of Title Report?

Understanding Preliminary Title Reports: What They Include and How They can Differ

The Essentials of Preliminary Title Reports

Preliminary title reports serve as critical documents in real estate transactions, providing vital information about a property’s ownership history and potential encumbrances. These reports typically contain:

• Current ownership details
• Existing liens and encumbrances
• Recorded exceptions to title
• Information gathered from official records associated with the property address or Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN)

Important note: Preliminary title reports, regardless of their source—whether obtained through U.S. Title Records, a local title company, or a title agency—are not guaranteed or insured. To secure protection, a title insurance policy must be purchased when closing a transaction.

Full Chain of Title vs. Preliminary Title Report: Key Differences

When deciding between these two types of reports, understanding their scope is essential:

Preliminary Title Report (Complete Records Package)

• Includes the current vesting deed
• Provides information on existing liens and encumbrances
• Focuses on current ownership and immediate title issues

Full Chain of Title Report

• Contains copies of all property transfers
• Includes source documents tracing ownership back up to 30 years
• Offers a comprehensive historical perspective of the property’s ownership

For research extending beyond the standard 30-year period, special requests can be submitted for a customized quote.

Understanding Easements and Restrictions in Title Reports

Easements and restrictions information varies in how they appear in title documentation:

• Easements recorded specifically against the property address will be included in the standard report
• Utility easements may appear in legal descriptions, surveys, or plot maps, depending on the county and property specifics
• Statutory easements or restrictions might be found in subdivision governing documents (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions)

Since subdivision governing documents are indexed differently by county recorders, they require separate retrieval through our Abstract Service. Our standard reports don’t automatically include easements that aren’t part of the legal description—a practice that helps maintain cost-effectiveness for clients who don’t require this level of detail.

Choosing the Right Title Report for Your Needs

Selecting between a Preliminary Title Report and a Full Chain of Title depends on your specific requirements:

• For standard transactions focused on current ownership: Preliminary Title Report
• For detailed historical research or complex title situations: Full Chain of Title Report
• For comprehensive easement information: Request additional Abstract Services

By understanding these distinctions, you can make informed decisions about which title documentation best serves your real estate transaction needs.