What does the term “public records” signify in the context of real estate?

The term "public records" in the context of real estate refers to official documents that provide essential information about property ownership and transactions. These records are typically maintained by government entities at the county or local level and are accessible to the public. They include documents such as deeds, mortgages, liens, and property tax records, which serve to create transparency in real estate dealings. By having access to these records, buyers, sellers, and other stakeholders can verify property ownership, understand the history of a property, and identify any legal claims against it.

The other potential answers do not accurately capture the essence of what "public records" means. For example, documents that only property sellers can access would imply restricted access, which contradicts the principle of public records being available to anyone interested. Confidential information about property purchases would not be classified as public records since they should be open to public scrutiny. Similarly, while records filed by contractors are important, they pertain to construction and not directly to property ownership and transactions, thus falling outside the definition of what is typically considered public records in real estate.