A deed is the legal document that transfers ownership (title) of real property from one party (the grantor) to another (the grantee). It serves as evidence of title and must meet specific legal requirements to be valid. These requirements include identification of the grantor and grantee, a legal description of the property, the granting clause, and the grantor’s signature.
In Maryland, a valid deed must be in writing, signed by the grantor, and delivered and accepted by the grantee. While recording a deed with the county land records is not required to make it valid between the parties, it is necessary to give public notice of ownership and protect against later claims.
By contrast:
An abstract of title is a summary of recorded documents relating to the property’s history.
A promissory note is a borrower’s written promise to repay a debt.
A recording fee is a charge for entering the deed into public records.
The deed itself is the ownership document, providing the legal means by which real property title is conveyed.
Reference (Maryland Source):
Maryland 60-Hour Principles and Practices of Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course – “Transfer of Title” Module
Annotated Code of Maryland, Real Property Article § 3-101 – Formal Requisites of Deeds.
