Titles & Deeds

Chain of Title

The recorded history of ownership of a property, tracing each transfer from owner to owner over time.

Quick flashcard

What does Chain of Title mean on the Texas real estate exam?

Answer: The recorded history of ownership of a property, tracing each transfer from owner to owner over time.

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Chain of Title definition

Chain of title is the sequence of recorded transfers that shows how ownership passed from one owner to the next over the property's history. A clear, unbroken chain supports marketable title.

A break or defect in the chain, such as a missing deed or a forged signature, creates a cloud on title that may need to be resolved before a sale can close.

Source basis

Definition checked against the official sources below on .

On the exam

A clean chain of title supports marketable title. Gaps or defects create clouds that must be cleared.

Exam trap

A title search examines the chain of title but cannot reveal every defect, which is why title insurance exists.

Tested in

Ownership & Title (9 of 80 National)

From definition to recall

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This definition is Texas real estate exam-prep education, not legal, tax, or professional advice. Verify current rules against the official source before relying on them for a real transaction. Back to the full glossary.