Which of the following is a requirement for a valid deed?

For a deed to be considered valid, it must be executed with certain essential elements, one of which is the requirement that it is signed by the grantor. Additionally, having two witnesses is often necessary to provide further validation of the deed, though the exact requirements can vary by jurisdiction. This signing and witnessing process helps establish the deed's legitimacy and the intent of the grantor to transfer the property.

While the other options may relate to aspects of deeds or property transactions, they do not embody the core legal requirements necessary for the validity of a deed. For instance, a deed does not have to involve a gift of title; it can also be a sale. Recording a deed in public records is a practice that provides notice to the public and protects the interests of the parties involved, but failing to do so does not invalidate the deed itself. Similarly, not all deeds must include a mortgage clause, as that depends on specific circumstances surrounding the transaction. Thus, the signing by the grantor and the witnesses fundamentally underpins the legality of the deed.