Definition of Deed

The legal document that transfers ownership of a piece of property.

A deed is a legal document that conveys ownership and title of a property from one party (the grantor) to another (the grantee). It serves as proof of the transfer and contains essential information about the property, including a legal description, the names of the grantor and grantee, and the consideration paid for the property. The deed must be signed by the grantor, notarized, and filed with the appropriate county or local government office to be considered valid and enforceable. There are various types of deeds, such as warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds, each providing different levels of protection to the grantee.

Related real estate terminology:

Title
Grantor
Grantee
Warranty deed
Quitclaim deed
Special warranty deed
Notary public
Legal description
Consideration
Title search

References:

1. Investopedia: Deed – Definition and Explanation
2. The Balance: Understanding Property Deeds and Their Role in Real Estate
3. National Association of Realtors: Deeds and Property Transfers in Real Estate Transactions