Minnesota State Real Estate Practice Test

What is necessary for a deed to be considered valid?

1. It must include a property description

2. It must be witnessed by two parties

3. It must have a notarized signature

4. It must be executed by the grantor

The correct answer is: It must be executed by the grantor

For a deed to be considered valid, it is essential that it is executed by the grantor. This means that the person granting the property must sign the deed, indicating their willingness to transfer ownership. The act of executing the deed confirms the grantor's intent and commitment to the transaction, making the deed legally enforceable. While having a property description is also crucial to clearly identify what is being transferred, the act of signing it is what truly validates the deed. Witness requirements and notarization can enhance the authenticity and may be necessary for certain types of deeds or in specific jurisdictions, but they are not universally required for the deed itself to be valid. The key requirement across most jurisdictions is the grantor's execution of the deed, which signifies their agreement and intention to convey the property.