What must be included in a valid deed aside from the description of the property?

A valid deed is a crucial document in real estate transactions, and it requires specific elements to be legally enforceable. Among those essential elements, the presence of competent parties is fundamental. Competent parties refer to individuals or entities that possess the legal capacity to enter into a contract. This typically means that they are of legal age, sound mind, and not under duress or undue influence.

Including competent parties ensures that all signatories have the authority to transfer the property rights being conveyed in the deed. For instance, a deed signed by a minor or someone declared mentally incompetent would be deemed invalid, potentially leading to disputes over the property transfer.

In contrast, notarization, while important for verifying identities and adding an extra layer of security, isn't a mandatory requirement for all types of deeds in many jurisdictions, including Texas. Similarly, a legal summary is not a standard requirement for a deed's validity. Handwritten signatures, while personal, can be less formal than electronic signatures which are also valid in many areas, thus not limiting the method of signing to just one format.

Thus, the inclusion of competent parties in a deed ensures that all parties involved are legally bound to the transaction, safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders.