Marketable Title, Title Search & Chain of Title

Sellers implicitly promise MARKETABLE title — reasonably free of doubt: no undisclosed encumbrances, no gaps in the chain of title, no serious defects a prudent buyer would reject. The title company searches public records to build an ABSTRACT (condensed history) and issues a commitment listing requirements and exceptions. A CLOUD on title (old unreleased mortgage, misspelled grantee, missing heir's signature) is cured by obtaining releases, corrective deeds, or a quiet-title action. Recording gives CONSTRUCTIVE notice to the world; possession gives INQUIRY notice. Unmarketable title lets the buyer exit — but minor easements listed as standard exceptions usually don't qualify.