Which document acts as evidence of ownership in real estate?

The deed is the document that serves as evidence of ownership in real estate. It is a legal instrument that transfers title from one party to another and includes description of the property, the parties involved in the transaction, and the signature of the grantor (the seller). When a deed is executed and delivered, it signifies that ownership has been legally transferred to the grantee (the buyer). This document is recorded in public records, providing a permanent and public record of who owns the property.

On the other hand, the sales agreement is a contract between buyer and seller outlining the terms of the sale but does not itself convey ownership. Similarly, a property listing is primarily used to market a property for sale and also does not establish ownership. A lease contract defines the rights of a tenant to use the property but does not transfer ownership; it merely grants the tenant the use of the property for a specified duration.