What document confirms the completion of a real estate transaction?

The deed is the document that officially confirms the completion of a real estate transaction. It serves as legal proof of the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. The deed must be signed by the seller and usually needs to be notarized before it can be recorded with the appropriate government authority, typically the county or local land records office. Once recorded, the deed provides public notice of the new ownership and is an essential part of establishing the buyer's legal right to the property.

In contrast, the title report provides information about the property’s ownership history and any encumbrances but does not confirm the completion of the sale itself. The contract for sale outlines the terms and conditions under which the property is sold, but it is not a finalizing document; rather, it is the agreement that initiates the transaction. Similarly, a mortgage agreement relates to financing the purchase of the property and does not serve as confirmation of the ownership transfer. Therefore, among the given options, the deed is the definitive document establishing that a real estate transaction has been successfully completed.