What action must Melisa take to clear up the title of her house that still shows in her mother’s name?

To clear up the title of her house that is still in her mother's name, Melisa must record the signed deed. When property is transferred from one owner to another, a deed needs to be executed and signed by the current owner—in this case, Melisa's mother. After the deed is properly signed, it is not enough to simply have the deed; it must also be recorded at the appropriate governmental office, usually the county clerk or recorder of deeds. This recording serves as public notice of the transfer and updates the official records to reflect that Melisa is now the owner of the property.

Recording the deed ensures that Melisa's ownership is recognized legally, making it clear to all parties, including future buyers and lenders, that the property belongs to her. Without this step, even if Melisa has a signed deed, the title may still appear to be in her mother’s name, possibly leading to confusion or legal issues down the line.

In contrast, obtaining a new deed from her mother, while a necessary part of the process, doesn't resolve the title issue unless the deed is recorded. A court order might be required in certain situations where ownership is disputed, but in a straightforward transfer scenario, recording the deed is the primary action needed.