The legal document that transfers ownership of a property from one party to another. Recorded with the county after closing as proof of who owns the home.
The deed is the legal document that transfers property ownership. At closing, the seller signs the deed conveying the property to you, and the closing agent records it with the county recorder's office. That recording is what officially makes you the legal owner.
There are several types of deeds, each offering different levels of buyer protection:
Warranty Deed: the strongest. The seller warranties that the title is clear of any claims from any time in the past. Best for buyers.
Special Warranty Deed: the seller warranties only against title issues that arose during their ownership.
Quitclaim Deed: the seller transfers whatever interest they have — with no warranties at all. Common in divorce or family transfers.
Don't confuse the deed (ownership) with the mortgage or deed of trust (the document creating the lender's lien). You can be on the deed without being on the mortgage, and vice versa.
Example
At closing, the seller signs a Warranty Deed transferring the home to you. The title company immediately couriers it to the county clerk's office. Within a few hours to a few days, the deed is officially recorded, and the public record shows you as the new owner.
Also known as
property deed, warranty deed, deed of trust (different concept)