Deborah sells her property to Juan, but Juan fails to record the deed. Which statement is true about unrecorded deeds?

• A. The deed is void between Deborah and Juan
• B. The deed remains valid between Deborah and Juan
• C. The deed transfers title to the county clerk
• D. The deed cannot convey title until recorded

Answer: (B)

Recording affects notice, not validity. A deed transfers title when it is properly delivered and accepted; it is effective between the parties even if it isn’t recorded. Recording serves to provide public notice and help establish priority against later claimants, but it does not void or alter the deed between the grantor and grantee. Therefore, the transfer from Deborah to Juan remains valid between them, even though Juan did not record the deed. The county clerk only holds records for public notice, not for creating or destroying title between the original parties.