Good deeds, bad deeds, and then there are real deeds.
”Real” deed you ask? Yes! As in Real Estate deeds!
In this post, we will go over: Quit Claim deeds, Special Warranty deeds, and General Warranty deeds.
According to Investopedia.com, “A property deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of real estate from a seller to a buyer. For a deed to be legal it must state the name of the buyer and the seller, describe the property that is being transferred, and include the signature of the party that is transferring the property.”
When you buy a home, this is the piece of paper that proves you own the house, legally! It’s recorded in the public records to ensure everyone knows.
General Warranty Deed
So let’s say that you’re in the process of the real estate transaction and you see the word “General Warranty Deed” appear. This means that the “seller” is guaranteeing that they can convey the property “free and clear” so the buyer should have no issues in the future with someone coming back to claim ownership.
Special Warranty Deed
In the case of a special warranty deed the seller is saying they will only guarantee the property for the duration of the time that they actually owned it. Basically, once the property is out of their name and officially in the buyers, they are no longer claiming responsibility.
Quitclaim Deed
These are probably the least likely used when it comes to property transference. The reason being the owner is saying they do not take any responsibility for the property/deed whatsoever. In some cases, they can’t even guarantee that they legally own the property! Quitclaim deeds are mostly used in divorces or transferring property to an LLC or trust.
When it comes to buying or selling your home, the title company prepares the deed and can answer any questions you may have about the different types and what will be used in your transaction.
