What is the primary legal document that transfers ownership of real estate?

The primary legal document that transfers ownership of real estate is the deed. A deed is a formal written document that conveys title from one party (the grantor) to another (the grantee). It includes a description of the property, identifies the parties involved, and is typically signed by the grantor. When executed and delivered, the deed serves as proof of ownership and provides the grantee with legal rights over the property.

In contrast, title insurance protects against possible legal issues related to property title after the transfer has occurred, but it does not itself transfer ownership. A real estate contract outlines the terms of the sale and conditions for transferring ownership but is not the document that formally changes the title. A property disclosure informs buyers about the condition of the property and any defects but does not affect the ownership transfer process. Thus, the deed is the critical document for legally transferring real estate ownership.