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 Maryland, 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 grantor and the grantee and must contain a complete and accurate legal description of the property. This description typically includes the property's boundaries and any relevant easements or encumbrances. The deed must be signed by the grantor in the presence of a notary public. The notary's role is to verify the identity of the person signing the deed and to ensure that the grantor is signing the document willingly and without coercion. Once the deed is properly executed, it should be recorded with the land records office in the county where the property is located to provide public notice of the transfer and to protect the grantee's interests.