What information is contained in an abstract of title?

An abstract of title is a concise summary that provides a history of ownership and any claims against a property. It is a crucial document in real estate transactions as it outlines the title's chain of ownership, including previous owners, transfers, and any liens, encumbrances, or claims that might affect the property. This historical overview ensures that prospective buyers or lenders understand the legal standing of the property and can identify any issues that need resolving before a transfer of ownership occurs.

The other options do not accurately represent the function of an abstract of title. A detailed list of potential buyers, for instance, is unrelated to the historical and legal context of property ownership. Similarly, a current market valuation is focused on the property's monetary worth rather than its legal title history. Lastly, while mortgage lenders may have an interest in a property, an abstract of title does not specifically list lenders but rather focuses on the title's ownership history and encumbrances.