For a deed to be valid, what must it have?

For a deed to be valid, it is essential that it is executed by the grantor, meaning that the individual who is transferring ownership of the property must sign the deed. This signature serves as proof of their intention to convey the property and is a fundamental requirement in real estate transactions. The execution by the grantor establishes the authority and legitimacy of the deed, allowing it to serve its purpose of transferring title.

While other elements, such as recording the deed or including a legal description of the property, may be important in various aspects of real estate transactions—such as establishing priority or providing clarity on what is being conveyed—they do not directly impact the basic validity of the deed itself. Similarly, having a witness sign is not a universal requirement for every type of deed in all jurisdictions, including Pennsylvania. Therefore, the execution by the grantor is the critical component that ensures the deed can be recognized as valid and enforceable.