Deed

A Deed is a written document that transfers ownership of property from one entity to another.  In the case of real estate, a deed is used to transfer the certificate of title.  When a mortgage is paid in full, a deed transfers complete ownership from the lending institution to the borrower.

In addition, a deed can take several specialized forms:

• Sheriff's Deed - given to a property owner as a result of a sheriff's sale.
• Master Deed - used to describe land associated with condominium complexes and other forms of shared, or common, property.
• Tax Deed - given to a purchaser of a tax lien.