Closing, title & notaryAll terms starting with R
Recording
Filing the deed and security instrument with the county so the transfer and any liens become public record.
Recording puts the world on notice of ownership and of liens against the property, and it establishes priority among competing claims.
Until documents record, the transfer is not reflected in the public record, which is why recording, not signing, is the moment most often treated as completion.
Related terms
- DeedThe document transferring ownership of real property, recorded in the public record at closing.
- LienA legal claim against a property securing a debt, which generally must be resolved before clear title transfers.
- Settlement (closing)The meeting where documents are signed, funds are disbursed, and ownership transfers.
- Title searchAn examination of public records to confirm ownership and surface liens, easements, or other claims.
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