A deed is a written legal instrument used in real estate to transfer ownership, or title, of real property from one party, known as the grantor, to another party, known as the grantee. It serves as the formal evidence of the conveyance and identifies the parties involved, provides an adequate legal description of the property, and states the grantor’s intent to transfer ownership. Deeds are most commonly used in property sales but may also be used for gifts, transfers between family members, or changes in ownership structure.
For a deed to be legally valid, it must be properly executed and delivered. Proper execution generally requires the grantor’s signature and may also require notarization and witnesses, depending on state law. Delivery refers to the grantor’s intent to make the deed effective, usually accomplished by physically or electronically transferring the deed to the grantee. Once delivered and accepted, the deed conveys title, and recording the deed in the public land records helps protect the grantee’s ownership interest and provide notice to others.
