Final answer:
In North Carolina, an essential element of a valid deed is the acknowledgement by the grantor before a notary public or authorized officer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question revolves around the requirements for a deed to be considered valid in North Carolina. An essential element of a valid deed in this jurisdiction is acknowledgement. This means that the person transferring the property (the grantor) must acknowledge before a notary public or other authorized officer that he or she signed the deed voluntarily. While witnessing can be a part of the process, the acknowledgement by the grantor is a legal requirement for the deed to be recorded and hence for its validity.