When you transfer ownership of a property, you need a deed to do so. For the deed to be valid, it must be signed by the grantor, or seller. Often, the grantor needs to sign in the presence of a notary public. The buyer – or grantee – does not need to sign the deed for it to be a valid transfer of ownership.
What if the seller can’t be present to sign the deed? They can appoint a power of attorney who can sign the deed in their absence. If more than one person owns the property, all of them need to sign the deed. Deed signers need to be legally competent and of legal age, which is one reason we recommend against adding minor children as owners on your property.
Once the deed is signed, it will be filed in the county where the property is located. Deeds are public record.
