Warranty deed

A warranty deed is a type of deed where the grantor (seller) guarantees that they hold clear title to a piece of real estate and has a right to sell it to the grantee (buyer), in contrast to a quitclaim deed, where the seller does not guarantee that they hold title to a piece of real estate.

A general warranty deed protects the grantee against title defects arising at any point in time, extending back to the property's origins.

[1] A special warranty deed protects the grantee only against title defects arising from the actions or omissions of the grantor.

A title search provides constructive notice of any encumbrances, easements, or restrictions on the property being conveyed, and is generally considered part of a buyer's due diligence in the process of purchasing real estate.

A warranty deed is not a substitute for title insurance because, if the grantor later dies or goes bankrupt, the grantee may not be able to exercise the warranty.

Warranty deed signed E. W. Madison and Emma Madison, St. Francois County, Missouri , February 10, 1880