73. In most states, for a deed to be recorded, it must be in writing and
Answer: C
For a deed to be recorded, it must be in writing and acknowledged.
In most states, a deed must not only be in writing but also acknowledged to be valid for recording purposes. Acknowledgment typically involves a formal declaration before a notary public or other authorized official, verifying the identity of the signer.
A) signed by the buyer.
While a deed must be signed by the grantor (the seller), it is not necessary for the buyer to sign the deed for it to be recorded. Therefore, this option is incorrect because it does not address the requirements for recording a deed as stipulated by most state laws.
B) include the sales price.
Including the sales price is not a requirement for a deed to be recorded. Although some states may require that the sales price is disclosed for taxation purposes, it is not a condition for the validity of the deed's recording. This makes option B incorrect.
C) acknowledged.
This option is correct as most states require that a deed be acknowledged before it can be recorded. Acknowledgment serves to confirm that the person signing the deed is doing so voluntarily and that their identity has been verified, which is essential for the deed's legal validity.
D) free of all liens.
While it is important for a property to be free of liens for certain transactions, having a lien does not prevent a deed from being recorded. A deed can still be recorded even if there are existing liens on the property, making this option incorrect.
Conclusion
Acknowledgment is a critical step in the recording process of a deed, ensuring proper verification and legal compliance. Options A, B, and D either misinterpret the requirements for recording or confuse the necessary conditions. Thus, option C stands out as the definitive correct answer, meeting the legal standards set by most states.