Deeds — Transferring Title

A deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of real property from grantor (seller) to grantee (buyer).

General Warranty Deed:

Strongest deed — grantor warrants title against ALL defects, even before grantor owned it

Best protection for the buyer

Most commonly used in residential sales

Special Warranty Deed:

Grantor only warrants against defects that occurred DURING their ownership

Common in commercial transactions and foreclosure sales

Quitclaim Deed:

No warranties whatsoever

Transfers only whatever interest the grantor has (which may be nothing)

Used between family members, divorces, clearing title issues

Bargain and Sale Deed:

Implies grantor has title but makes no warranties

Common in tax sales and foreclosures

Requirements for a valid deed: Written, grantor's signature, identify grantor and grantee, legal description of property, words of conveyance ("grant," "convey"), delivery and acceptance.

Reference:

Wikipedia: Deed

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deed