Which of the following items protects the buyer from a previous owner's failure to pay taxes or from contractors who say they were not paid for work done on the home before it was purchased?

Forbearance refers to an agreement between a lender and borrower to temporarily suspend or reduce mortgage payments, typically during financial hardship. While it can assist homeowners facing payment difficulties, it does not provide protection against claims related to unpaid taxes or contractor fees from previous owners.

A security interest is a legal claim on collateral that a lender holds to ensure loan repayment, but it does not protect against title defects or unpaid liens from prior owners. It primarily serves the interests of lenders rather than providing assurance to buyers regarding the title's integrity.

The Closing Disclosure is a document that outlines the final details of a mortgage loan, including costs and terms, which must be provided to the buyer in a timely manner before closing. While it is essential for understanding the financial obligations of the purchase, it does not address protections against previous owners' unpaid debts.