What is a real estate deed?

A real estate deed is fundamentally a legal document that serves the primary purpose of transferring ownership of real property from one party to another. It is an essential instrument in real estate transactions, as it establishes who holds title to a property.

When a deed is properly executed and delivered, it conveys the rights and interests in the property from the grantor (the seller or giver) to the grantee (the buyer or receiver). The deed must include essential elements, such as the names of the parties involved, a description of the property, and the signature of the grantor, to be legally effective. Furthermore, to provide notice to third parties, it is typically recorded in the county property records.

In contrast, the other choices describe different types of documents or processes that do not pertain to the act of conveying ownership of real property. A contract for leasing a property relates to rental agreements, while a form for property tax assessment deals with taxation matters. A record of property maintenance focuses on upkeep and repair history, which is separate from ownership transfer. Therefore, the definition of a real estate deed captures its unique and critical role in the realm of property transactions.