What is a deed in real estate terms?

In real estate, a deed is a legal document that conveys a grantor's interest in a property to a grantee. This means that a deed is the official instrument used to transfer ownership of real estate from one party to another. The deed contains essential information such as the names of the parties involved, a description of the property, and is usually signed by the grantor (the seller) to signify their intent to transfer their interest.

Understanding the role of a deed is fundamental in real estate transactions because it is what legally establishes who owns the property. Once properly executed and delivered, the deed serves as evidence of ownership and protects the grantee's rights in the property. This transfer of interest is a critical part of the buying and selling process and is pivotal during and after the closing of a real estate transaction.