Can a property that has an encumberance on it be quit claim?

A friend of mine re- recorded his DEED not deed of trust, acknowledging his acceptance of the this fee simple transaction from the grantor to him the grantee. He signed the DEED, had it notarized and file it back into the county recorders office. He said this acknowledges that he is the lawful owner of his property in which the grantor gave to him fee simple and he said it shows the last recorded DEED on record, showing him as the owner. Is there any truth to this transaction, if yes, is there anything else he have to do?