The term that describes the public record of ownership and interests in real estate that can affect title is

The term that describes the public record of ownership and interests in real estate that can affect title is

• A. Title records
• B. Deed of trust
• C. Mortgage
• D. Lien

Answer: (A)

The public record of ownership and any interests or claims that could affect title is called title records. These records, kept by the county recorder or clerk, document who owns a property and any encumbrances or rights that burden it—such as liens, easements, notes, or restrictions. When a title search is done, a professional reviews these records to establish a clear chain of ownership and to identify any claims that could affect marketable title. Why this is the best fit: title records describe the broad, official file that holds all the recorded evidence of ownership and competing interests. The other terms refer to specific aspects within those records—deeds of trust and mortgages are loan instruments that create security interests, and a lien is a particular type of claim found in the records.

The public record of ownership and any interests or claims that could affect title is called title records. These records, kept by the county recorder or clerk, document who owns a property and any encumbrances or rights that burden it—such as liens, easements, notes, or restrictions. When a title search is done, a professional reviews these records to establish a clear chain of ownership and to identify any claims that could affect marketable title.

Why this is the best fit: title records describe the broad, official file that holds all the recorded evidence of ownership and competing interests. The other terms refer to specific aspects within those records—deeds of trust and mortgages are loan instruments that create security interests, and a lien is a particular type of claim found in the records.