I would personally never seek the services of a title abstractor who charged only $40.00.  That speaks volumes to me as to the level of work being done.  For $40.00 I can go on-line (actually for free) and do a one owner search myself.  It is our job as title professionals to protect the consumer against title defects.  

I applaud your answer and would have responded in exactly the same way.

Charlene