Maine Real Estate License Practice Exam

When does legal title for real property transfer from the grantor to the grantee?

1. When signed by the grantor

2. All signatures must be notarized

3. When the deed is registered

4. When the deed is delivered and accepted by the grantee

The correct answer is: When the deed is delivered and accepted by the grantee

Legal title for real property transfers from the grantor to the grantee when the deed is delivered and accepted by the grantee. This moment is critical because it completes the conveyance process, confirming that the grantee is willing to take ownership of the property. The act of delivery signifies that the grantor intends to relinquish ownership, while acceptance indicates that the grantee agrees to receive the property. While signatures are essential in creating a valid deed, merely signing the document or having it notarized does not finalize the transfer of title. Registration of the deed can play a crucial role in providing public notice of ownership and protecting rights against third parties, but it is the delivery and acceptance that fundamentally transfers legal title on a private level. Understanding this process is vital for anyone working within real estate, as it emphasizes the importance of the actual exchange between the parties involved.