Why would a deed with an unsigned grantee not hold up when recorded?

A deed requires the grantee's signature because the grantee must demonstrate intent to accept the property being conveyed. Without an unsigned grantee, the deed lacks the essential element of transfer, which is the acceptance of the property. In real estate transactions, both the grantor and the grantee must show their intent to engage in the conveyance. The absence of a signature from the grantee signifies a lack of consideration and intent to accept the property, which is fundamental in establishing a valid transfer of ownership.

While other factors like notarization and completeness of the property description are important for a deed’s validity and recording, they don't directly address the crucial requirement of the grantee’s acceptance in this scenario. If the grantee does not sign, the transaction does not effectively convey property rights, making the deed unenforceable.