For a deed to be valid, what is a necessary requirement?

For a deed to be valid, a fundamental requirement is that it must be executed by the grantor. Execution signifies that the grantor has affixed their signature to the deed, thereby expressing their intention to transfer ownership of the property to the grantee. This act of signing is critical because it indicates consent and the legal capacity to make the transfer. Without the grantor's signature, the deed lacks authenticity and legal standing, rendering it ineffective for the purpose of conveying property rights.

While other options present actions that may enhance the validity or enforceability of a deed in certain contexts, they are not strictly necessary for the deed to be considered valid. For example, witnessing or notarization can provide additional layers of authentication but are not universally required in all jurisdictions. Similarly, the recording of a deed is an important step for public notice and protection against claims, but it does not affect the deed's initial validity. Therefore, the execution by the grantor stands as the essential requirement for a deed to be legally valid.