Which of the following describes the history of ownership affecting a parcel of land?

The term that best describes the history of ownership affecting a parcel of land is "Chain of Title." This concept refers to the sequential record of all past owners of a property, tracing the ownership back to its original source. Each transfer of ownership — whether through purchase, inheritance, or other means — is documented, creating a clear lineage that can be examined for legal purposes.

Understanding the chain of title is crucial for real estate transactions because it establishes the legal right of the current owner to sell or encumber the property. When a new buyer wishes to purchase land, they typically conduct a title search to ensure that the title is clear and free from disputes or claims from previous owners. This examination helps to reveal any potential issues, such as liens or easements, that could affect ownership rights.

The other terms do not encompass the complete history of ownership in the same way. Homestead rights pertain to specific legal protections for a primary residence and do not track ownership history. A will refers to the document whereby a person dictates how their property should be distributed upon their death, which may influence ownership but does not track the historical ownership chain. An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath, which may relate to ownership but is typically not a comprehensive account of all