Which action completes the transfer of real property when a deed is executed?

• A. Recording
• B. Acknowledgement
• C. Delivery and acceptance
• D. Certification

Answer: (C)

The transfer of real property happens when the grantor delivers the deed to the grantee and the grantee accepts it. Signing the deed is not enough on its own—the deed must be handed over to the person who will own the property and that person must agree to take it. Delivery and acceptance can occur directly or through an agent, and acceptance may be explicit or implied by the grantee’s actions, such as taking possession or recording the deed.

Recording serves as public notice and helps protect the grantee against later claims, but it does not by itself transfer title. An acknowledgement is just the notarization of signatures and does not transfer ownership, and certification is not the act that completes the transfer.