What does “recording” a deed do?

Recording a deed is a vital step in the property ownership process, as it officially registers the deed with the local government. This action establishes a public record of property ownership, making it accessible to anyone who wishes to verify ownership rights. By recording the deed, the new owner's title is protected against claims by third parties who may not have been aware of the ownership change.

This public record serves multiple purposes, including providing notice to the world that the property has a new owner and helping to establish priority in case of conflicting claims to the property. In many jurisdictions, recording a deed is a necessary step for the legal recognition of the ownership transfer, and it often plays a crucial role in related processes, such as securing financing or selling the property in the future.