Deed

A deed is the legal document that transfers ownership of real estate from one party to another. It gets signed at closing and then recorded at the registry of deeds for the county or district where the property sits. The type of deed matters. A warranty deed promises that the seller holds clear title and will defend you against any claims, offering the strongest protection. A quitclaim deed transfers only whatever interest the seller happens to have, with no guarantees, and is common between family members or in Massachusetts, where a statutory quitclaim deed is the everyday standard for arms-length sales. Do not confuse the deed with the title, which is the concept of ownership itself. Pairing a deed with title insurance protects you if a hidden defect surfaces later.