Which document serves as evidence of a property's title and ownership?

The deed is the document that serves as the primary evidence of a property's title and ownership. It is a legal instrument that conveys ownership of real property from one party to another. Upon completion and recording, the deed provides public notice of the transfer, establishing the new owner’s legal right to the property. Key information typically included in a deed is the names of the grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer), a detailed description of the property, and the signature of the grantor.

While other documents are important in real estate transactions, they serve different purposes. A bill of sale is typically used for personal property rather than real estate, establishing ownership of things like vehicles or furniture. A listing agreement outlines the terms under which a property will be marketed and sold, establishing a relationship between the seller and the real estate agent. Title insurance policies protect the buyer and lender from potential issues with the title but do not serve as proof of ownership themselves. Thus, the deed is the correct answer and plays a crucial role in confirming and documenting ownership of a property.