“What’s an Abstract? Why It Matters in Oklahoma Real Estate”
If you’re buying or selling a home in Oklahoma, you’ll likely hear the term “abstract” during the process. But what is it—and why does it matter so much here?
What Is an Abstract?
An abstract of title is a compiled legal history of a property. It includes records like deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, and any other document that might affect ownership. It’s essentially a detailed report that tells the story of your property’s title from the beginning.
Why Is This Unique to Oklahoma?
Oklahoma is one of the few states that still uses physical abstracts in real estate transactions. In many other states, title insurance companies perform digital searches without producing an actual abstract. But in Oklahoma, an abstract must be brought up to date and reviewed by a title attorney before a property can close.
Why It Takes Time—and Why It Can Cost More Over Time
Updating an abstract isn’t instant—it can take up to 30 days, depending on the title company’s workload, the property's history, and how long it has been since the abstract was last updated. The longer you’ve owned the home, the more records there are to review and add, which can make the update more expensive.
This extra step is one of the key reasons closings in Oklahoma often take around 45 days or longer.
Where Should You Keep It?
If you have a physical abstract, it’s critical to keep it safe. These documents can be expensive to replace or rebuild if lost. I recommend storing your abstract in a:
- Fireproof safe at home
- Safety deposit box
- Secure, designated place where it won’t get misplaced
It’s also a good idea to let a trusted family member or your real estate agent know where it is—especially if you’re considering selling.
What If Your County Uses Digital Abstracting?
Some counties in Oklahoma have started shifting toward digital abstracting, where the abstract is no longer a physical document. Instead, title companies securely store digital copies. However, it’s still your responsibility as the owner to verify where your abstract is kept before listing your home for sale.
Don't assume it’s handled—always confirm with your title company, especially if it’s been years since you purchased the property.
Bottom Line:
Understanding how abstracts work—and where yours is—can help avoid delays and surprises during the sale process. If you're unsure about yours or need help getting started, reach out! I’m always here to help guide you through it.
Understanding how abstracts work—and where yours is—can help avoid delays and surprises during the sale process. If you're unsure about yours or need help getting started, reach out! I’m always here to help guide you through it.