Book excerpt: The art of abstracting is one that involves a variety of skills. To begin the process of competently completing an abstract of title, you must first gain insight into the skills you must have in order to achieve success. These skills include an understanding of the fundamentals of real estate as it applies to the real property title you will research as well as an analysis of the specific tasks of title abstracting. You must also gain insight into the processes that occur beyond the research work that you will complete at the courthouse. Title abstracting is a core function within the real estate and mortgage lending industries. Many of the transactions that occur are able to do so because of the work that you will complete in reviewing and detailing the public records pertaining to the subject property you are to research. This coursework will provide you with fundamentals of real estate, the essential elements of title abstracting, and a look into the advanced practices involved in the issuance of title insurance. Each element of the course will assist you in gaining the fundamental skills that you need to begin on the path to abstracting success.