A lis pendens (also called a Notice of Pendency of Action) is a recorded document that gives public notice that a lawsuit affecting the title or right to possession of real property is pending. It effectively clouds the title, making the property difficult to sell or refinance until the litigation is resolved.

An unlawful detainer (UD) is a California eviction proceeding. The landlord first serves a written notice to the tenant (such as a 3-day notice to pay or quit). If the tenant does not comply, the landlord files a UD lawsuit. If the landlord prevails, the court issues a judgment for possession and, if applicable, unpaid rent.

A deed of trust is California's primary security instrument for real estate loans. Unlike a mortgage, it involves three parties: the borrower (trustor), the lender (beneficiary), and a neutral third-party trustee. The trustee holds legal title until the loan is repaid, and can conduct a nonjudicial foreclosure sale if the borrower defaults.

Title insurance protects buyers and lenders from financial loss due to undiscovered title defects — such as prior liens, forged deeds, recording errors, undisclosed easements, or competing ownership claims — that existed at the time the policy was issued. It is purchased at closing and provides ongoing protection for as long as the insured holds an interest in the property.

A Grant Deed conveys property with an implied warranty that the grantor has not previously transferred the title and that it is free from encumbrances the grantor caused. A Quitclaim Deed transfers only whatever interest the grantor may have at the time — without warranties. Quitclaims are often used between family members or to clear title issues.

A preliminary title report (or "prelim") is issued by a title company in advance of a real estate transaction. It lists the current ownership, recorded liens, easements, restrictions, and encumbrances affecting the property. Buyers and their attorneys use it to identify potential title issues before the close of escrow.

An abstract of judgment is a recorded document that converts a court judgment into a lien on any real property the judgment debtor owns or later acquires in the county where it is recorded. It can prevent the debtor from selling or refinancing their property until the judgment is satisfied or released.

A homestead declaration is a recorded document that can protect a portion of a homeowner's equity from certain creditors. California's automatic homestead exemption protects between $300,000 and $600,000 (as of 2021, adjusted for inflation) of equity in a primary residence, even without a recorded declaration. An attorney can advise on whether recording is advisable in your situation.