is the deed still valid if not recorded?
Each state has recording laws for real estate documents such as deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, mechanics' liens, judgment liens, income tax liens, leases and other recordable papers that can affect a property title. In a few states, an unrecorded deed is invalid unless it is recorded. But in most states, an unrecorded deed is valid only between the grantor and the grantee. When a deed is unrecorded, it does not give constructive notice to the world of its contents.