What action provides public knowledge about property ownership?

The act of recording is the process that provides public knowledge about property ownership. When a property deed is recorded with the appropriate government office, often the county recorder or registrar of deeds, it becomes part of the public record. This documentation serves as official proof of ownership and ensures that information about property transfers, encumbrances, and liens is accessible to the public.

Recording important documents related to property ownership is crucial because it helps protect the rights of the owner and informs potential buyers or lenders about the property’s status. This transparency helps prevent fraudulent claims and ensures that individuals interested in purchasing or lending against a property can verify its ownership and associated legal obligations.

In contrast, executing a purchase agreement is a private transaction between parties and does not inform the public about the change in ownership. Conducting a title search is an important step in determining existing claims to the property and confirming legal ownership but is also a private process that does not create public knowledge on its own. Giving verbal notice to neighbors does not create any formal record and lacks the authority or permanence to inform the broader public about property ownership. Thus, the act of recording stands out as the definitive action that establishes public knowledge of property ownership.