When there are real estate transactions, it is helpful to be knowledgeable about the chain of title. Abstracts of the title come into play here. Suppose you are a seller, homebuyer, lender, or title professional. In that case, you can save time, money, and confusion at closing if you are knowledgeable about the difference between new abstracts and continuation abstracts.
At Abstracts of McIntosh County, Inc., we have guided numerous clients to fulfil their title requirements confidently. Below, we explain the primary distinctions between these two kinds of abstracts—and why they matter to your property transaction.
An abstract of title is a concise summary of the public records relating to a particular piece of real property and includes:
Briefly, the abstract is a history of the property legally. It is used by lawyers, title companies, and property buyers to ensure that the title is clear and can be transferred with no issues.
A new abstract is an entirely new document prepared when there is no existing abstract, or the original abstract no longer exists, has been lost or destroyed, or was never prepared. It is prepared from the local land records.
New abstracts require much research and time. A title abstractor expert will have to locate every legal document about the property since it began. This is usually more time-consuming and expensive than a continuation.
A continuation abstract is a follow-up to an already established abstract. Rather than creating a whole new document, it picks up from where the previous abstract left off, recounting all the updates from the last certification date.
Continuations are faster and cheaper than new abstracts. Provided the original abstract still exists and has been brought up to some point in the recent past, a continuation enables purchasers and lenders to check the legal standing of the property without retracing the whole history.
| Feature | New Abstract | Continuation Abstract |
| Basis | Created from scratch | Based on existing abstract |
| Timeframe | Covers full title history | Covers only since last update |
| Use Case | New property, lost abstract, very old | Resale, refinance, recent transactions |
| Cost | Expensive due to extensive research | Less expensive, quicker to produce |
| Documentation Required | Full record search | Records only since last certified date |
This will depend on the status of the current abstract. If the abstract does exist and is current, then ordinarily, a continuation shall be adequate. But if there is no paper or if the past paper is highly outdated, then starting anew with a new abstract may be the requirement.
Your real estate agent, attorney, or lender can guide you toward which one to use—but so can local title abstract professionals (that’s us!).
Both abstract types carry the same primary obligation: to protect all parties to an existing real estate transaction. Errors, omitted information, or incomplete facts in the title history can create serious legal and cash issues. An accurately prepared abstract ensures:
At Abstracts of McIntosh County, Inc., we have been pleased to serve property owners, attorneys, real estate agents, and lenders with excellent abstracting services. Our personnel know how to prepare new and continuation abstracts, and we correspond directly with county offices locally to provide the information accurately and in-depth.
We know the records, we see the process, and most importantly—your investment property is essential to us. Are you purchasing a home, refinancing, or simply needing to review title history? We can assist you.
Ready to Get Started? Let our experts simplify your real estate transaction. If you need a new abstract or a continuation to keep it all moving along, Abstracts of McIntosh County, Inc. is your title research and paperwork best friend. Call us at (701) 288-3997 today or email us (mcintoshabstract@drtel.net) for a quote or consultation.