Yes, deeds are effective when they are executed, even if they are not recorded. This means if there is a delay with recording it, which there likely will be under the COVID-19 shelter-at-home guidelines, it will still be the effect. The buyer becomes the property’s owner after the completion of closing no matter if a deed is recorded or not. The recording delay is more an issue with subsequent purchasers, so it is important to record the deed when it is possible and safe to do so.