What is the primary difference between a general warranty deed and a quitclaim deed?

The primary difference between a general warranty deed and a quitclaim deed lies in the level of protection and guarantees they provide regarding the title of the property. A general warranty deed comes with extensive guarantees from the grantor (the person transferring the property) that they hold a clear title to the property and that there are no undisclosed encumbrances or claims against it. This means that the grantor is legally bound to defend the title against any future claims that may arise.

In contrast, a quitclaim deed transfers whatever interest the grantor has in the property, without any assurance or guarantees. This means that if the grantor has a defective title or no title at all, the grantee (the person receiving the property) accepts the property "as is," with no recourse to the grantor for future claims or issues regarding the title.

This distinction is crucial for buyers and sellers in real estate transactions, as the type of deed used can significantly impact the risk associated with potential title issues. Understanding the differences helps parties make informed decisions about how to convey property and protect their interests. The other options may include implications that do not accurately represent the characteristics of these deeds or specifics about their use, such as the commonality in commercial transactions or notarial