What document transfers the property from the seller to the buyer?

The deed is the legal document that facilitates the transfer of property ownership from the seller to the buyer. When a property is sold, the seller executes the deed, which includes important details such as the names of the parties involved, a description of the property, and any relevant terms or conditions. The deed must be signed and delivered to the buyer for the transfer to be complete. Once the deed is recorded in the appropriate governmental office, it serves as public evidence of the buyer's ownership of the property.

Other documents mentioned, such as title insurance, the purchase agreement, and the settlement statement, play important roles in the real estate transaction but do not directly transfer ownership. Title insurance protects against claims to ownership, the purchase agreement outlines the terms of the sale, and the settlement statement details the financial aspects of the transaction. However, it is the deed that formally completes the transfer of ownership.