Deed
The written instrument that transfers title to real property from the grantor to the grantee.
A deed is the legal document that conveys ownership of real property from the grantor to the grantee. To be valid it needs a competent grantor, an identifiable grantee, a legal description, a granting clause, consideration, the grantor's signature, and delivery and acceptance.
The grantee does not have to sign the deed. A deed is valid between the parties once delivered and accepted, even if it is never recorded.
On the exam
Exam trap
Tested in
Ownership & Title (8% of the exam)
From definition to recall
See this term inside a real exam question.
Pass Texas gives you Texas-specific practice, diagnostics across the 14 exam areas, Trap Library, Math Coach, offline access, and one $59.99 purchase. No subscription. No copied exam questions.
Try 5 free questionsRelated terms
- General Warranty Deed
The deed that gives a buyer the greatest protection, warranting the full chain of title against all defects.
- Quitclaim Deed
A deed that transfers whatever interest the grantor holds, if any, with no warranties of title.
- Constructive Notice
The legal presumption that the public is aware of a fact, such as ownership, because a document is recorded in the public record.
This definition is Texas real estate exam-prep education, not legal, tax, or professional advice. Verify current rules against the official source before relying on them for a real transaction. Back to the full glossary.