While not essential for validity, what benefit does recording a deed provide to the grantee?

Recording a deed provides significant benefits, particularly to the grantee by giving official public notice of ownership. This means that when a deed is recorded, it becomes a matter of public record, making it accessible for anyone to verify who legally owns the property. This public notice plays a crucial role in establishing and protecting the grantee's interest in the property, as it informs potential buyers, lenders, and other interested parties that the property is owned by the grantee.

Furthermore, recording a deed helps ensure clarity in property ownership, which can prevent disputes over ownership by creating a clear chain of title. While the other options touch on important aspects of property ownership, they do not directly correlate to the primary benefit of recording a deed. For example, ownership transfer is ensured at the point of signing the deed, not through recording; prevention of fraud is a broader concern not solely addressed by recording; and property value is influenced by many factors beyond just the act of recording a deed. Thus, the act of recording primarily serves to provide an official public record of ownership.