In Virginia, how is property typically transferred during a sale?

In Virginia, property is typically transferred during a sale through a deed. A deed is a legal document that conveys ownership of real property from the seller (grantor) to the buyer (grantee). It includes essential information about the property, such as a legal description, and is executed when both parties agree to the terms of the sale. Once properly executed and recorded with the local government, the deed serves as evidence of the buyer's ownership, making it a critical component of real estate transactions.

The other options do not serve to transfer ownership of real property. A lease agreement pertains to the rental of property, an affidavit is a written statement confirmed by an oath, and a power of attorney grants someone the authority to act on behalf of another but does not by itself transfer ownership of property. Therefore, a deed is the correct and primary method to effectuate property transfer in a sale context.