An abstract of title is the condensed history of the
title to a particular parcel of
real estate, consisting of a summary of the original grant and all subsequent
conveyances and
encumbrances affecting the property and a certification by the
abstractor that the history is complete and accurate. In the United States, the abstract of title furnishes the raw data for the preparation of a policy of
title insurance for the parcel of land in question. In Iowa, commercial title insurance is outlawed, so title insurance policies are issued by Iowa Title Guaranty, an Iowa state government agency. An abstract of title should be distinguished from an
opinion of title. While an abstract states that all of the public record documents concerning the property in question are contained therein, an opinion states the professional judgment of the person giving the opinion as to the vesting of the title and other matters concerning the
chain of title. Many jurisdictions define the giving of an opinion of title as the practice of law, thus making it unlawful for a non-attorney to provide such an opinion. == See also ==