To be valid, grant deeds must be in writing, include the property description, contain conveying language, identify a grantee, and

• A. be signed by a competent grantor
• B. be signed by a competent grantee
• C. both a and b
• D. no other condition

Answer: (A)

The essential idea is that the grantor is the one who conveys title, so their consent must be shown by a signature. A grant deed must be in writing, describe the property, include language that transfers ownership, and identify the grantee, and it must be signed by a competent grantor to bind the grantor to the transfer. The grantee’s signature isn’t required for validity because the grantee is the recipient, not the authorizing party. Without the grantor’s signature, the deed cannot operate to convey title, even if all other elements are present. The grantor must have capacity to convey (not a minor or incapacitated, not acting under duress, etc.). Therefore, the correct condition is that the deed be signed by a competent grantor.