Quitclaim Deed vs. Warranty Deed

There are several ways to transfer ownership of real estate. Two common instruments are the quitclaim deed and the warranty deed. Understanding the difference between them will help you choose the right one for your situation.

Quitclaim Deed

A quitclaim deed transfers whatever interest the grantor has in the property without making any guarantees. The grantor simply “quits” their claim. There are no covenants of title, so the grantee takes the property subject to any defects or liens. Quitclaim deeds are often used between family members or to clear up title issues.

Warranty Deed

A warranty deed conveys the property with guarantees. The grantor warrants that they have clear title and will defend it against all claims. A general warranty deed covers the entire history of the property; a special warranty only covers the period the grantor owned it.

Which Should You Use?

If you are buying property from a third party, a warranty deed provides crucial protections. Quitclaim deeds are appropriate when the parties know each other and wish to transfer whatever interest exists without representations—for example, during a divorce, adding a spouse to title or conveying property to an LLC.