If a buyer fails to record a deed after purchasing property, what is true about that deed?

The answer indicating that the deed is still valid between the seller and buyer is correct because the validity of a deed does not depend on its recording in public records. Once a deed is executed and delivered, it serves as a legal document that transfers ownership of the property from the seller to the buyer. This transfer is effective between the parties involved, meaning that the buyer has rightful ownership of the property even if the deed is not recorded.

Recording a deed primarily serves to provide public notice of the ownership and to protect the buyer’s rights against claims by third parties. However, in the absence of recording, the buyer still has legal title to the property and retains all rights associated with ownership. Therefore, the transaction is binding between the seller and buyer, regardless of whether the deed is recorded.

The unrecorded deed does not invalidate the ownership rights of the buyer; it simply leaves the buyer vulnerable in case of disputes with other parties claiming ownership or interest in the property.