The words deed and title are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same thing.
A deed is an actual document. It’s used to transfer ownership of real estate from one person or company to another. When you purchase land, the deed identifies the property, the seller, the new owner, and other information about the transfer. The deed is typically recorded with the county recorder.
Title is different. Title isn’t a document you hold. It refers to the legal ownership of the property and the rights that come with that ownership.
An easy way to think about it: The deed transfers ownership. Title is the ownership.
This distinction becomes important when you hear someone talk about a “title problem.” There could be an old lien, ownership dispute, recording error, or another issue affecting someone’s rights to the property.
That’s also why simply having a deed doesn’t necessarily answer every question about title.
When you’re buying vacant land, understanding both the deed and the property’s title history is an important part of doing your homework.