What legal document is used to convey title to a property?

The legal document used to convey title to a property is a deed. A deed is a formal instrument that serves to transfer ownership of real estate from one party to another. It includes essential information such as the names of the grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer), a description of the property, and is typically signed by the grantor. Once executed and recorded with the appropriate government office, the deed legally documents the transfer of ownership and provides evidence of the grantee’s title to the property.

In contrast, while a trustee's deed is a specific type of deed used in certain situations, such as foreclosures, it does not generally enact the same broad function as a standard deed in the context of normal property sales. Title insurance, although crucial for protecting against defects in title, does not itself convey ownership; it serves as a safeguard against losses related to title issues. Lastly, a mortgage document is a loan agreement that secures a property interest to ensure repayment of borrowed funds, but it does not convey title. Instead, it establishes the lender’s right to take ownership of the property in case of default by the borrower.