New York State Notary Practice Exam

What term generally refers to every instrument (except a will) that creates, transfers, assigns, or surrenders an estate or interest in real property?

1. Conveyance

2. Contract

3. Authentication

4. Certified copy

The correct answer is: Conveyance

The term that generally refers to every instrument (except a will) that creates, transfers, assigns, or surrenders an estate or interest in real property is "Conveyance." In real estate law, a conveyance encompasses a wide range of documents including deeds, mortgages, leases, and easements, which serve to transfer ownership or rights in property from one party to another. The other terms listed do not specifically pertain to the transfer of real property interests. A contract is a broader legal agreement between parties that might outline various obligations but does not specifically denote the transfer of property rights. Authentication refers to the process of certifying a document's authenticity, which does not involve the act of transferring property. A certified copy is a true copy of an original document, often used for legal purposes, but it does not itself create or transfer property rights.