What term refers to the official records that show the title to real estate?

The term that refers to the official records showing the title to real estate is "abstract of title." An abstract of title is a summary of the legal history of a specific parcel of real estate. It includes details about all recorded documents that affect the property, such as deeds, mortgages, easements, and any other liens or claims. This historical record provides critical information regarding the ownership and any encumbrances on the property, which is essential for determining clear ownership and ensuring that there are no outstanding legal issues associated with it.

In contrast, a title deed is the document that conveys ownership from one party to another but does not serve as a historical record. A property record might refer to a general record maintained by local government offices, but it lacks the comprehensive detail of an abstract. An ownership certificate typically indicates current ownership but may not provide the same extensive historical context as an abstract of title. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why the abstract of title is the appropriate answer for identifying the official records that demonstrate real estate title.