Deed Type Reference Guide
An interactive reference for all 12 deed types — risk levels, use cases, liability summaries, and investor recommendations for every deed you will encounter.
Liability Risk Spectrum
Where each deed type falls on the liability scale — from no warranties (lowest risk for the grantor) to full warranties (highest risk).
12 Deed Types Explained
Click any deed type to expand its details — use cases, real-world scenarios, and investor recommendations.
General Warranty Deed
You guarantee the title against ALL defects, even from before you owned it. Indefinite liability for the seller/grantor.
General Warranty Deed
You guarantee the title against ALL defects, even from before you owned it. Indefinite liability for the seller/grantor.
Common Use Cases
Standard in most residential purchases. Buyers and their lenders typically require this deed type.
Real-World Scenario
You sell a property with a general warranty deed. Five years later, a title defect from 20 years ago surfaces. You are personally liable for the claim — even though you no longer own the property and never caused the defect.
Investor Recommendation
As a buyer, this is typically the best protection you can get. As a seller, discuss with your attorney whether a special warranty is appropriate for your situation. If you do issue a general warranty, selling through an LLC means the entity is the grantor, not you personally.
Special Warranty Deed
You guarantee only against defects during YOUR ownership period.
Special Warranty Deed
You guarantee only against defects during YOUR ownership period.
Common Use Cases
Commercial transactions, bank-owned property sales, negotiated residential sales.
Real-World Scenario
A defect from before your ownership surfaces. You are not liable — only defects that occurred while you held title are covered.
Investor Recommendation
The ideal deed to issue when selling. You are only warranting your own actions, not the entire chain of title.
Grant Deed
Implies you hold title and have not conveyed it to anyone else before.
Grant Deed
Implies you hold title and have not conveyed it to anyone else before.
Common Use Cases
Standard deed in California and other western states. Provides two implied covenants.
Real-World Scenario
You convey the property with a grant deed. The implied covenants mean you are asserting you own it and have not already sold it. No further warranties are given.
Investor Recommendation
Common and acceptable. Lower risk than general warranty but more than a quitclaim.
Bargain & Sale Deed
No warranty against encumbrances. Common in tax sales and foreclosures.
Bargain & Sale Deed
No warranty against encumbrances. Common in tax sales and foreclosures.
Common Use Cases
Tax sales, estate sales, bank foreclosures where seller cannot or will not warrant the title.
Real-World Scenario
You buy at a tax sale and receive a bargain and sale deed. There may be liens or other encumbrances — you take the property as-is.
Investor Recommendation
Always purchase title insurance when receiving this deed type. The lack of warranties means no recourse against the seller.
Sheriff’s Deed / Tax Deed
Issued by government after foreclosure or tax sale. No warranties from the government.
Sheriff’s Deed / Tax Deed
Issued by government after foreclosure or tax sale. No warranties from the government.
Common Use Cases
Purchased at sheriff sale, tax lien foreclosure, or government auction.
Real-World Scenario
You win a tax sale auction. The county issues a tax deed. Any pre-existing liens may or may not have been extinguished depending on your state.
Investor Recommendation
High due diligence required. Title insurance may be difficult to obtain immediately. Research your state’s redemption period and lien priority rules.
Quitclaim Deed
No warranties whatsoever. Transfers whatever interest you have — if any.
Quitclaim Deed
No warranties whatsoever. Transfers whatever interest you have — if any.
Common Use Cases
Entity transfers (personal name to LLC), divorce settlements, clearing title clouds, gifting property.
Real-World Scenario
You transfer a rental from your personal name to your LLC using a quitclaim. Zero additional liability is created — the deed makes no promises about the title.
Investor Recommendation
The ideal deed for entity transfers. Use this when moving property into or between your own entities.
Interspousal Deed
Transfer between spouses. Used in divorce, estate restructuring, or community property changes.
Interspousal Deed
Transfer between spouses. Used in divorce, estate restructuring, or community property changes.
Common Use Cases
Divorce settlements, adding/removing spouse from title, community property to separate property.
Real-World Scenario
During estate restructuring, one spouse transfers their interest to the other via an interspousal deed. No warranties, no tax implications in most cases.
Investor Recommendation
Straightforward for spousal transfers. Consult a family law attorney for divorce-related transfers.
Transfer-on-Death Deed
Property passes to a named beneficiary at death. Avoids probate.
Transfer-on-Death Deed
Property passes to a named beneficiary at death. Avoids probate.
Common Use Cases
Estate planning, probate avoidance, passing property to heirs without a trust.
Real-World Scenario
You record a TOD deed naming your children as beneficiaries. Upon your death, the property transfers automatically — no probate, no court involvement.
Investor Recommendation
Available in about 30 states. A simpler alternative to a trust for probate avoidance, but does not provide asset protection during your lifetime.
Life Estate Deed
You retain the right to use the property during your life. It transfers automatically at death.
Life Estate Deed
You retain the right to use the property during your life. It transfers automatically at death.
Common Use Cases
Estate planning, Medicaid planning, keeping a home while ensuring it passes to heirs.
Real-World Scenario
You deed the property to your children but retain a life estate. You continue living there and paying expenses. At death, full ownership passes to them without probate.
Investor Recommendation
Useful for estate planning but be aware: you cannot sell or refinance without the remainderman’s consent. Irrevocable once recorded.
Trustee Deed / Fiduciary Deed
Executed by a trustee or fiduciary on behalf of a trust or estate.
Trustee Deed / Fiduciary Deed
Executed by a trustee or fiduciary on behalf of a trust or estate.
Common Use Cases
Trust administration, estate settlement, court-appointed fiduciary sales.
Real-World Scenario
As trustee of a family trust, you sell a property. The deed is executed in your capacity as trustee — your personal assets are not at risk.
Investor Recommendation
Standard for trust-held property. Ensure the trust document authorizes the sale and the deed references the trust correctly.
Quick Decision Guide
General guidance for common scenarios. Your attorney should advise you based on your specific situation and state law.
Buying?
A general warranty deed is typical and provides maximum buyer protection — the seller warrants title against all defects.
Buyer Risk: LowTransferring to LLC?
A quitclaim is typically used for transfers to your own entity since no warranties are needed between you and your LLC.
Seller Risk: NoneSelling?
Discuss with your attorney whether a special warranty is appropriate — it limits your liability to your ownership period only.
Seller Risk: LimitedThis is general educational guidance, not legal advice. Deed type selection depends on your state's laws, lender requirements, and the specifics of your transaction. Always consult a qualified real estate attorney before making deed decisions.
Record Your Deeds in the App
The Deed Types tab lets you record every deed event — acquisition, transfer, refinance, sale — and tracks the ongoing liability each deed creates.
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Learn more →Know Every Deed Type
12 deed types, risk levels, use cases, and investor recommendations — all in one interactive reference.