Which document officially transfers ownership of real property from one party to another?

The document that officially transfers ownership of real property from one party to another is the deed. A deed serves as the legal instrument that conveys title, meaning it signifies the transfer of rights and ownership from the seller (grantor) to the buyer (grantee). For the transfer to be valid, the deed typically must be in written form, signed by the grantor, and delivered to the grantee.

In contrast, a promissory note represents a borrower's promise to repay a loan, but it does not transfer ownership of property. A title report provides information regarding the legal ownership of the property and any encumbrances or liens, but again, it does not execute a transfer of ownership. A lease agreement, while essential for establishing rental terms and conditions, does not transfer ownership; instead, it grants temporary use of the property to a tenant while the ownership remains with the landlord. Thus, the deed is the key document for the actual transfer of property ownership.