Which document would a broker examine for a summary of ownership history, liens, and encumbrances?

The correct answer is an abstract of title. This document provides a comprehensive summary of the ownership history of a property, including details about past owners, any recorded liens, and various encumbrances that may affect the property's title. It consolidates vital information from the public record, presenting an overview that is essential during real estate transactions.

The other options do not serve this exact purpose. A chain of title tracks the ownership history but does not necessarily summarize liens and encumbrances in a way as thorough as an abstract. A certificate of title offers a statement of the current status of ownership but does not detail past ownership or issues tied to the property. An HOA disclosure packet pertains specifically to homeowners' associations and contains information relevant to properties subject to such associations but lacks the broader context of ownership history and legal claims found in an abstract of title.