What are the elements of a valid deed?

A valid deed is an important document in the transfer of real estate from one party to another. It is a formal legal document that must be executed in order to be legally binding. In Massachusetts, the elements of a valid deed are set forth in Chapter 183, Section 11 of the Massachusetts General Laws. First, a deed must be in writing. The deed must contain the names of the parties involved, the legal description of the property being transferred, and the consideration (or payment) for the transfer. In addition, the deed must be signed and witnessed by two or more people, and the signatures must be notarized. Second, the deed must meet the formal requirements of a conveyance instrument. A deed must be executed with the intent to convey (or transfer) real estate. The deed must also contain language of conveyance, including words like “grant,” “convey,” or “release” in order to be valid. Finally, a deed must be properly delivered and accepted in order to take effect. Delivery of a deed involves the transfer of legal possession of the deed from the grantor (the person transferring the property) to the grantee (the person receiving the property). The grantee must also accept the deed in order for it to take effect. A valid deed is an important part of any real estate transaction, so it is essential that the elements outlined here are followed in order for a deed to be binding in Massachusetts.

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What are the elements of a valid deed?

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