What's the Difference Between a Property Deed and a Title?

 

On your real estate journey, you will hear a lot about the property deed and title. They are both important in owning real estate so it is essential to know the differences between them.

A title is a concept and the deed is a document that coincides both the right to and the physical representation of the ownership of a property. 

What is a deed?

A deed is filed as a part public record with the city, county or state and often accessible online via the local tax assessor's office. It is a document that shows a change in ownership has occurred in a sale. t is the physical representation of the ownership transfer. It states the name of both the buyer and the seller of the property with their signatures to confirm the transfer of ownership. 

There are different types of deeds but the most common are general warranty deed, special warranty or grant deed, quitclaim deed, bargain and sale deed.

What is a title?

A title states the actual right of ownership. It determines the owner who has the power to transfer and/or use the property or how that property is owned. A title insurance can be purchased to protect it from any unresolved claims of ownership of any other party. Title discrepancies can lead to necessary adjustments in the deed or even postponement of the closing of the deal.

On our next blog, we will discuss the different types of deeds and title discrepancies thoroughly.

If you or someone you know is looking for a new place to call home, we’d love to talk to you! Call us at 907-720-4663 or 907-570-6757.