36. A potential buyer is interested in buying a house but wants to examine the deed recorded when the house was purchased by the current owner. Which of the following recorded instruments contains this information?
Answer: B
A deed contains the information about the house's purchase by the current owner.
A deed is a legal document that officially transfers ownership of property from one party to another. It includes critical details such as the buyer, seller, and property description, making it the appropriate instrument for the buyer to examine.
A) A mortgage.
A mortgage is a loan agreement between a borrower and a lender where the property is used as collateral. While it relates to the financing of the property, it does not contain information regarding the ownership transfer, which is what the buyer is seeking.
B) A deed.
A deed is the correct recorded instrument that reflects the transfer of ownership when the house was purchased. It serves as proof of ownership and includes essential details about the transaction, making it vital for the potential buyer’s examination.
C) A tax lien.
A tax lien is a legal claim against a property for unpaid taxes. It may affect the ownership of the property but does not document the transfer of ownership itself. Therefore, it does not provide the buyer with the information they need about the purchase.
D) A title insurance policy.
A title insurance policy protects against potential disputes regarding property ownership but does not serve as a record of ownership transfer. It provides assurance regarding the title but does not contain the specific details related to the deed of the house.
Conclusion
The deed is definitively the correct answer as it directly documents the transfer of ownership for the property in question. All other options fail to provide the necessary information concerning ownership, thus making the deed essential for the potential buyer's examination.