The legal document that transfers ownership of real property from one party to another, recorded in county public records.
Full Definition
A deed is the written instrument that conveys title (ownership) of real property. Common deed types include: Warranty Deed (seller guarantees clear title with no liens or encumbrances — most protection for buyers), Grant Deed (seller guarantees they haven't transferred the property to anyone else or encumbered it), and Quitclaim Deed (no guarantees — only transfers whatever interest the grantor has, used in family transfers and to clear title defects). The deed is signed by the seller (grantor) and recorded with the county recorder or register of deeds after closing. Recording provides public notice of the ownership transfer and protects the buyer's ownership interest.
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