A deed or property deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of real property (real estate) from a seller to a buyer. A deed must state the names of the seller and the buyer and must include a complete legal description of the property being transferred.

A deed must also include the signature of the seller, which must be acknowledged (signed) by a notary public to verify the identity of the person signing the deed and for the seller to declare to the notary that the seller signed the deed willingly and voluntarily, and was not coerced into signing it.

In Virginia, a deed is an essential legal document for transferring ownership of real property from a seller to a buyer. The deed must clearly state the names of both the seller (grantor) and the buyer (grantee), and it must include a complete and accurate legal description of the property. This description typically includes the property's boundaries and any relevant easements or encumbrances. Additionally, the deed must be signed by the seller. This signature must be acknowledged before a notary public, who verifies the identity of the seller and ensures that the seller is signing the document willingly and without coercion. This notarization process is crucial as it helps prevent fraud and confirms the authenticity of the deed. Once the deed is properly executed and notarized, it should be recorded with the appropriate local government office, such as the county clerk or recorder's office, to establish the change of ownership in the public record.