What is the effect of a recorded deed on subsequent purchasers?

The correct answer illustrates how the recording of a deed impacts subsequent purchasers' rights and interests in property. When a deed is recorded, it establishes a public record that can be relied upon by future buyers. This public record serves to protect the interests of the purchasers by providing them with information regarding existing claims or interests in the property.

In particular, the significant aspect of this answer is that it emphasizes the principle of "first in time, first in right," which means that a purchaser who records their deed before others can assert a superior claim to the property. If two or more parties claim an interest in the same property, the one who records their deed first generally holds a better legal claim, assuming proper notice and other factors are satisfied. Thus, timely recording effectively secures the purchaser's interest and acts as a safeguard against claims that may arise from prior unrecorded interests.

This aspect is crucial for protecting a purchaser's legal position and ensuring their investment in the property is secure. It highlights the importance of recording in property transactions and the role it plays in establishing priority among competing claims.