To be valid, what must a deed include as part of its essential elements?

A valid deed must include a granting clause, which is a critical component that specifies the intent of the grantor to transfer ownership of the property to the grantee. The granting clause typically includes the words of conveyance, such as "grant," "give," or "convey," indicating a clear commitment to transfer the property rights. This clause is essential because, without it, there is no clear expression of the intent to transfer the property, which can lead to ambiguity and challenges regarding the validity of the deed.

While a description of the property, the grantor's signature, and possibly a notarized statement are important in ensuring the deed is enforceable and properly executed, the presence of the granting clause is what fundamentally establishes the deed's purpose—facilitating the transfer of property ownership. Thus, it stands out as a requirement for validity.