What defines a warranty deed?

A warranty deed is characterized primarily by its assurance that the grantor holds clear title to the property and has the right to transfer ownership to the grantee. This type of deed provides the grantee with a guarantee that the property is free from any claims, liens, or encumbrances, except those specifically noted in the deed. By signing a warranty deed, the seller commits to defend the title against any future claims, which adds a level of security for the buyer.

This assurance is a key differentiator from other types of deeds. For example, deeds used for tax purposes generally do not offer the same guarantees regarding the title and may serve specific administrative needs rather than actual property transfer. Temporary agreements for sale may not constitute a completed transfer of ownership and therefore would lack the definitive assurance found in a warranty deed. Similarly, while personal property can sometimes be included in real estate transactions, it is not a defining feature of a warranty deed, which primarily relates to real property and the implications of title and ownership.