Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about abstract of title, runsheet, title search, and mineral rights research services in Texas.
Abstract & Title Research
What is an abstract of title?
An abstract of title is a comprehensive, formally structured report documenting every recorded instrument that affects a specific parcel of land. It includes deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, mineral conveyances, and other encumbrances found in the official county deed records. Attorneys rely on abstracts to render legal title opinions for real estate transactions, lending, and litigation. Texas Abstract Online prepares abstracts directly from the county clerk's indexed records.
What is a runsheet?
A runsheet is a chronological compilation of all recorded instruments in the county records for a specific survey or abstract area. Unlike a full abstract of title, a runsheet covers an entire survey — not just one tract — and does not include copies of the referenced instruments. Runsheets are widely used by landmen for mineral rights investigations, lease acquisition programs, and due diligence on oil and gas interests.
What is the difference between an abstract and title insurance?
An abstract of title is a factual report of what the official county records contain — it documents recorded instruments without guaranteeing or insuring anything. Title insurance is a financial product issued by licensed underwriters that protects the policyholder against losses from undisclosed claims, forgeries, or off-record defects. They serve entirely different purposes: an abstract provides evidence, while title insurance provides indemnification against risk.
How much does a title search cost in Texas?
Title search costs in Texas vary based on the type of search, the county, the size of the tract, and the number of instruments involved. Texas Abstract Online provides custom quotes for every order rather than fixed pricing. Submit a search request through one of our county sites with your legal description and county, and we will review the scope and return a quote before any work begins. There is no obligation until you accept the quote.
How long does a title search take?
Most runsheets and name searches are completed within 24 to 48 hours. Abstracts of title and chain of title searches typically take 48 to 72 hours depending on the complexity and depth of the record history. Custom research timelines are discussed at the time of the quote. We will contact you in advance if a search will exceed the estimated turnaround time.
What is a chain of title?
A chain of title is the sequence of recorded conveyances — deeds, assignments, and other instruments — that trace ownership of a specific property from one owner to the next over time. A chain of title search identifies these instruments in the county records and returns them as a curated list or targeted runsheet. It is more focused than a full abstract, which includes all recorded instruments of every type affecting the tract.
What are mineral rights and why do they matter in Texas?
In Texas, mineral rights can be legally separated from surface rights through recorded conveyances — a situation called a "severed mineral interest." The mineral estate owner holds the right to explore for, develop, and profit from subsurface resources including oil, gas, and other minerals. This separation is extremely common in West and Central Texas. An oil, gas, and mineral search identifies all mineral-related instruments in the county records for a given tract, which is essential for lease acquisition, due diligence, and division order work.
Do I need an abstract for a real estate closing?
Whether you need an abstract depends on the requirements of your transaction. Attorneys, lenders, and title companies often require a current abstract of title before rendering a title opinion or issuing title insurance. In rural Texas counties where commercial title plants may be limited, an independent abstract is frequently the primary source of title evidence. Contact us to discuss what type of search fits your transaction.
Ordering & Process
What information do I need to order a search?
At minimum, provide the legal description of the property — typically the survey name and abstract number, or the lot, block, and subdivision for platted land. You should also specify the county and the type of search you need. For name searches, provide the full legal name and date range. For supplemental searches, provide the effective date of the prior search. The more detail you include, the more accurately we can scope and quote your order.
What counties does Texas Abstract Online cover?
Texas Abstract Online currently provides professional abstracting and record research services in Runnels County and Taylor County, Texas. Each county is served by a dedicated local operation with direct access to the official county deed records. We are expanding coverage to additional Texas counties — contact us if you have needs in a county not currently listed.
How is Texas Abstract Online different from a title company?
Texas Abstract Online provides professional abstracting and record research services — we search and document what the official county records contain. Title companies typically issue title insurance policies and handle real estate closings. We provide the research that title companies, attorneys, and landmen rely on to make informed decisions. We do not issue title insurance policies, commitments, or closing services.
Can I order a search online?
Yes. Visit the county site for the county where you need a search — Runnels County or Taylor County — and use the Request a Search form to submit your order details. We will review your request, prepare a custom quote, and deliver the results within the stated turnaround time after you accept the quote. You can also call us at 325-977-9462 or email us directly.
Surface Rights vs. Mineral Rights
What is the difference between surface rights and mineral rights in Texas?
Surface rights and mineral rights are separate legal estates under Texas law. The surface estate gives the owner the right to use the surface of the land — for farming, ranching, building, or other purposes. The mineral estate gives the owner the right to explore for and extract subsurface resources such as oil, gas, and other minerals. These estates can be — and frequently are — owned by different parties after a mineral severance has been recorded.
How do I find out who owns the mineral rights on a property?
Determining mineral ownership requires a search of the official county deed records for the tract in question. An oil, gas, and mineral search or a chain of title search will identify all recorded mineral conveyances, reservations, and assignments affecting the property. Because mineral interests can be divided and conveyed separately from the surface, a thorough record search is the only reliable way to establish the current mineral ownership chain.