TitleHomebuying Glossary

Deed

The legal document that actually transfers ownership of a property from seller to buyer.

In plain English

The deed is the signed, recorded document that legally conveys title from the seller to you. It's different from your mortgage — the deed proves you own the home, the mortgage is simply the loan used to buy it.

Why it matters

Your deed gets recorded with the county at closing — keep the recorded copy in a safe place as permanent proof of ownership.

Where you'll run into it

Guides and tools on TheBuyingPath that cover deed in context.

Related terms

Not sure where this fits in your process?

Answer a few questions and get a personalized homebuying roadmap — where you are now, what comes next, and which terms like this one matter at each step.

Start your roadmap