What is the status of a deed that is made and delivered but not recorded?

A deed that is made and delivered but not recorded remains valid between the grantor (the person who gives the property) and the grantee (the person who receives the property). This validity is based on the mutual agreement and acceptance of the deed by both parties at the time of execution and delivery.

Recording a deed is primarily a matter of public notice and establishing priority against third parties. It serves to protect the grantee's right to the property in the event of disputes or subsequent claims. However, the absence of recording does not invalidate the deed concerning the relationship and rights between the original parties involved. Thus, even if a deed is not recorded, the grantee still has rightful ownership as long as they can prove the transaction took place, typically through the deed itself or witnesses to the execution.

Other choices, while they may reference valid legal concepts, do not accurately describe the situation regarding the status of an unrecorded deed in terms of the rights between grantor and grantee.