What is the difference between Torrens and Abstract property?

Torrens Property is property that is indexed and managed by the Office of the Registrar of Titles. Whenever Torrens Property is affected (by mortgage, lien, etc), a report is filed with the Registrar of Titles. Upon recieving the report, the Registrar of Titles updates the owner's certificate of title to reflect the change. A crucial distinction between Abstract and Torrens Property is that with Torrens property the certificate of title lists all the encumbrances upon the property and is constantly updated. Abstract Property is property that is indexed and managed by the Office of the County Recorder. Whenever abstract property is affected (by mortgage, lien, etc.), a report is filed with the county recorder. Unlike Torrens Property, these reports are not added to the Certificate of Title or consolidated into a single document by the County Recorder. Instead, an independent title company consolidates these reports into an "owners and encumbrances report" which lists all encumbrances ...  more