How is a deed made valid or enforceable?

A deed becomes valid and enforceable primarily when it is signed by the grantor and recorded with the appropriate county office. The signing by the grantor signifies their intention to transfer ownership of the property, and the act of recording the deed provides public notice of that transfer. Recording is crucial as it establishes the existence of the deed within public records, which protects the rights of the new owner against claims from third parties. This ensures transparency in property transactions and helps prevent disputes regarding ownership.

The requirement for a deed to be signed reflects the legal principle that for any contractual agreement to be binding, all parties involved must provide their consent, which is formally expressed through their signatures. The recording acts as a safeguard to establish the priority of interests in the property, especially in cases where multiple claims may arise.

Other methods like emailing the deed, publishing it in a newspaper, or only notarizing it without recording do not confer the same legal effectiveness or public acknowledgment that the combination of signing and recording does. Therefore, the process of signing and then recording the deed is critical to its validity and enforceability in property law.