A deed or property deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of real property (real estate) from a seller to a buyer. A deed must state the names of the seller and the buyer and must include a complete legal description of the property being transferred.
A deed must also include the signature of the seller, which must be acknowledged (signed) by a notary public to verify the identity of the person signing the deed and for the seller to declare to the notary that the seller signed the deed willingly and voluntarily, and was not coerced into signing it.
In Texas, a deed is an essential legal document for transferring ownership of real property from a seller (grantor) to a buyer (grantee). To be legally effective, the deed must clearly state the names of both the seller and the buyer. It must also include a complete and accurate legal description of the property, which typically involves a detailed description that identifies the property boundaries and any relevant geographical features or survey lines. The deed must be signed by the seller, and this signature must be acknowledged before a notary public. The notary's role is to verify the identity of the person signing the deed and to ensure that the seller is signing the document willingly and voluntarily, without coercion. This notarization process is crucial as it helps to prevent fraud and protects the interests of both parties involved in the transaction. Once properly executed, the deed should be filed with the county recorder's office in the county where the property is located to put the public on notice of the transfer and to maintain the chain of title.
