What is the primary purpose of a real estate deed?

The primary purpose of a real estate deed is to transfer ownership of property from one party to another. A deed is a legal document that provides proof of ownership and specifies the details of the transfer, including who is conveying the property, who is receiving it, and any relevant details such as the legal description of the property and any conditions or restrictions that might apply.

When a real estate transaction occurs, the deed serves as the formal instrument that documents the change in ownership, making it essential for establishing property rights. The transfer of ownership is completed once the deed is executed (signed and delivered) and then recorded in the appropriate governmental office, typically the county recorder or clerk’s office, to provide public notice of the new ownership.

Other options, while relevant to real estate, do not represent the primary purpose of a deed. Securing a mortgage involves a separate agreement that deals with financing rather than transferring ownership. Leasing property refers to creating a rental agreement, which is distinct from ownership transfer. Establishing a lien is about securing an interest in the property as collateral for a debt, which is also separate from the act of transferring ownership. Thus, the correct answer focuses on the deed’s fundamental role in conveying property rights.