Grantor-Grantee Index
A public records indexing system organizing recorded documents by the names of parties who transferred (grantors) and received (grantees) interests in property. Title searchers use these indexes to trace ownership chains.
Understanding Grantor-Grantee Index
The grantor-grantee index is the traditional organizational system for deed records. Documents are indexed alphabetically by grantor name (in the grantor index) and by grantee name (in the grantee index). To search forward, you use the grantee index—finding where someone received property. To search backward, you use the grantor index—finding where someone transferred property.
Tracing a chain of title requires working backward: start with the current owner in the grantor index to find when they acquired, identify who conveyed to them, then search that person in the grantor index, and so on back through history.
The grantor-grantee system has limitations. You must know a name to search, making it hard to research a property if you only have an address. Misspellings cause documents to be misfiled and missed. Multiple people with similar names create confusion.
Modern title plants often use tract indexes instead—organizing records by property parcel rather than by name. This is more efficient for property-specific searches. However, grantor-grantee indexes remain the official system in many jurisdictions.
Real-World Example
A title searcher needs to trace ownership back 50 years. Starting with the current owner Jones, they find in the grantor index that Jones acquired from Smith in 2010. They then search Smith in the grantor index, finding Smith acquired from Williams in 1995. This process continues until reaching the search period limit.
Texas-Specific Information
Texas county clerks maintain grantor-grantee indexes for recorded documents. Many Texas counties have digitized these indexes, making searches easier. Texas appraisal districts maintain separate property databases indexed by parcel ID, which can help connect names to properties. Title companies in Texas typically maintain their own 'title plants' with more efficient indexing systems.
Related Terms
Title Search
An examination of public records to trace the chain of ownership and identify any liens, encumbrances, or defects affecting a property's title. Title searches are essential for real estate transactions and title insurance.
Chain of Title
The chronological sequence of historical transfers of title to a property, from the original grant to the current owner. A complete chain establishes ownership through an unbroken series of conveyances.
Abstract of Title
A condensed history of the title to a property consisting of a chronological summary of all recorded documents and proceedings affecting the title. Abstracts form the basis for title examination and opinions.
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