In plain English
Common types include warranty, quitclaim and bargain and sale deeds, which differ in the promises the seller makes.
Deeds are typically notarized with an acknowledgment and recorded with the county.
Why it matters
A deed that is signed but not properly acknowledged or recorded can leave ownership unclear, which may cause trouble when the owner later sells, refinances or passes the property to heirs. Recording offices check formatting and notarization closely.
Errors in names or legal descriptions are hard to fix after recording, so catching them before signing saves cost and time.
Worked example
A seller signs a deed at closing; the notary acknowledges it, and the title company records it.
What to do
- Have the deed prepared by an attorney or title company.
- Check that names match the signers' IDs.
- Bring all grantors to the notarization, each with ID.
- Confirm the acknowledgment certificate is complete for every signer.
- Ask who will record the deed and when.
Common mistakes
- Using a downloaded deed form without professional review can lead to recording problems or a title defect.
- Missing one co-owner's signature can leave part of the interest untransferred.
- Holding a signed deed in a drawer without recording it can leave the public record out of date.
Not the same as: Quitclaim deed
Deed is the general term for a document transferring property, while a quitclaim deed is one specific type that makes no promises about title. See Quitclaim deed.
Go deeper
- Types of Deeds: Warranty, Bargain and Sale, Quitclaim: A plain comparison of common deed types, what promises each makes about title, when each is used, and why the notary acknowledgment is the same on all of them.
- Recording a Deed in NJ: Fees by County, Forms & Timeline: How to record a deed in New Jersey: the forms and affidavit you need, what county clerks charge, e-recording, how many days it takes, and the mistakes that get a deed rejected.
- Quitclaim Deed Signing With a Notary: A Walkthrough: A quitclaim deed passes whatever interest the signer has in a property. See the signing steps, ID checks and common errors before recording.
Related terms
- Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance: Insurance that may cover a notary's mistakes, separate from a bond.
- Form I-9: The federal form used to verify an employee's identity and work authorization.
- Credible witness: A person who knows the signer and vouches for their identity to the notary when the signer lacks acceptable ID, where state law allows it.
Common questions
What is a deed?
A document that transfers ownership of real property.
Can you give an example of deed?
A seller signs a deed at closing; the notary acknowledges it, and the title company records it.
Does a notary check that the deed is correct?
No. The notary verifies identity and completes the acknowledgment. Questions about content go to the attorney or title company.
Can a deed be signed electronically?
Some counties accept electronic deeds and remote notarization. Ask the recording office or title company.
General information, not legal advice. Rules vary by state and change; check with your state's commissioning office.