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Real estate glossaryNational exam concept

Deed

A deed is a written instrument by which a grantor conveys an interest in real property to a grantee.

Exam area: Transfer of Title

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What does “deed” mean in real estate?

A deed is a written instrument by which a grantor conveys an interest in real property to a grantee. A valid conveyance requires the legal elements and execution formalities applicable to the instrument and jurisdiction.

How is “deed” different from the closest wrong answer?

A deed transfers an interest in real property. A purchase contract creates obligations to make a future transfer, and a promissory note evidences debt.

What is the Georgia-specific rule?

Georgia deeds must satisfy state execution and attestation requirements for recordation. Delivery and acceptance are essential to an effective conveyance.

Worked exam example

Scenario

At closing, the seller signs the conveyance with the required witnesses, delivers it through the closing process, and the buyer accepts it.

What is the most common exam trap?

Trap correction

Recording provides notice and priority protection, but recording alone cannot cure a deed that was never validly delivered.

Original exam check

Apply the definition

A seller signs a deed with the required witnesses, then locks it in a desk drawer while deciding whether to sell. The seller's nephew, the named grantee, finds it and records it. What is the likely result?

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Related terms to learn next

General warranty deed

A general warranty deed conveys the grantor's interest with broad title covenants protecting the grantee against covered title defects arising both during and before the grantor's ownership.

Limited warranty deed

A limited warranty deed conveys the grantor's interest with covenants limited to title claims arising by, through, or under that grantor, not defects created before the grantor acquired title.

Quitclaim deed

A quitclaim deed transfers whatever interest, if any, the grantor presently has in the property without covenants that the grantor owns the property or that title is free of defects.

Recordation

Recordation is filing an eligible real estate instrument in the appropriate public land records so it becomes part of the chain of title and provides the notice and priority effects given by law.

Recommended next complete lesson

Continue with Transfer of Title complete lesson. It places this term inside the full rule, worked examples, exam traps, and mixed practice required for mastery.
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