Final answer:
A title search is the process of reviewing the historical documentation of property ownership, ensuring legal ownership and the absence of liens prior to a real estate transaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
A historical summary of the publicly-recorded documents that affect the ownership of a property is known as a title search. This is a process carried out during real estate transactions to determine the legal ownership of the property and to uncover any claims or liens that might exist on it. By reviewing these documents, potential buyers can ensure that they are purchasing a property with a clear title, free from any undisclosed troubles. This process is reminiscent of medieval practices, such as those in Catalan municipalities, where libres d'estimes were used to register property for tax assessment. The owner would declare their real estate under oath, and a value would be established to calculate taxes. However, in today's legal practices, a title search involves more complex legal documentations and is an essential part of property transactions.