What document transfers ownership of real estate in Maryland?

The deed is the legal document that transfers ownership of real estate in Maryland. It serves as a formal declaration of the transfer, specifying the parties involved (the grantor and the grantee), the property being transferred, and any relevant conditions or covenants associated with the transfer. For ownership to be legally recognized, a deed must be executed, delivered, and accepted by the grantee.

In the context of real estate transactions, other documents play important roles, but they do not transfer ownership. A title policy, for example, provides insurance against defects in the title but doesn't itself effectuate the transfer of property. The mortgage agreement pertains to the financing of the property purchase and involves the lender's rights in the property, while the purchase contract outlines the terms and conditions of the sale but does not finalize the transfer of ownership. Therefore, the deed is the definitive document that officially completes the transaction of ownership in real estate.