What is the difference between a deed and a title?

A deed and a title are two important aspects of property law in Virginia. A deed is a written document that transfers ownership of a property or other asset from one person or entity to another. It is the only legal document that provides proof of ownership of a property. A title, on the other hand, is a legal document that states a person or entity’s right to ownership of a property. While a deed is required to actually transfer a property from owner to owner, a title is used to prove that the current owner has the legal right of ownership. A title must be recorded in order for it to be recognized as legal proof of ownership in Virginia. This means that a title must have the signatures of the buyer and the seller and be recorded with the county or city in which the property is located. A deed, however, does not have to be recorded in order to be valid, and the deed itself is used as proof of ownership. In short, a deed is legally required to transfer ownership of a property in Virginia while a title is necessary to prove that a person has the legal right to ownership. A title must be recorded in order to be valid, while a deed does not need to be recorded in order to be valid.

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