Legal
Deed
A legal document that transfers ownership of real property from one party to another. When you buy a home, the seller signs the deed over to you at closing. The deed is then recorded with the county to become part of the public record. Different types of deeds offer different levels of protection — a warranty deed provides the strongest guarantees about clear ownership.
Why It Matters
Deed has real legal implications for your rights and obligations as a homeowner or borrower. Overlooking the legal details of a real estate transaction can lead to costly problems down the road.
If you have questions about deed, consider consulting a real estate attorney, especially if you are in a state that requires attorney involvement in real estate closings. A small investment in legal advice can prevent major headaches later.