Ownership of real property changes hands at what moment?

Ownership of real property changes hands at what moment?

• A. When a mortgage is recorded
• B. When property taxes are paid
• C. When a deed is delivered and accepted
• D. When a deed is notarized

Answer: (C)

The moment ownership changes hands is when the deed is delivered to the grantee and the grantee accepts it. The deed is the document that conveys title, and without delivery from the grantor and acceptance by the grantee, title does not pass. Delivery means handing the deed over with the intent to transfer ownership, and acceptance means the grantee agrees to take title (acceptance can be explicit or inferred from the grantee’s actions). Once both occur, title vests in the grantee. Recording the deed later serves as public notice and helps protect the grantee’s rights, but it does not by itself transfer ownership. Likewise, notarization, paying taxes, or recording a mortgage does not transfer title—mortgages are liens, not conveyances.

The moment ownership changes hands is when the deed is delivered to the grantee and the grantee accepts it. The deed is the document that conveys title, and without delivery from the grantor and acceptance by the grantee, title does not pass. Delivery means handing the deed over with the intent to transfer ownership, and acceptance means the grantee agrees to take title (acceptance can be explicit or inferred from the grantee’s actions). Once both occur, title vests in the grantee. Recording the deed later serves as public notice and helps protect the grantee’s rights, but it does not by itself transfer ownership. Likewise, notarization, paying taxes, or recording a mortgage does not transfer title—mortgages are liens, not conveyances.