Free Warranty Deed Form

A Warranty Deed is a legal document that is used to transfer ownership of a property from a seller (grantor) to a buyer (grantee) [1]. 

When using a Warranty Deed, the seller makes certain promises to the buyer. These promises typically include guaranteeing that the seller has the legal right to transfer the property, that the property has no undisclosed claims, and that the seller will defend the buyer against any future claims to the property.

Two main types of Warranty Deeds are commonly used in real estate transactions - General Warranty Deeds and Special Warranty Deeds.

Note that the specific terminology and requirements for Warranty Deeds may vary depending on the jurisdiction.

General Warranty Deed

A general Warranty Deed offers the highest level of protection to the buyer, guaranteeing that the seller holds a free and clear title to the property. 

This type of Warranty Deed also protects against any defects in title that may have occurred in previous ownership transfers, providing the most comprehensive warranties and assurances to the buyer.

Special Warranty Deed

A Special Warranty Deed, also called a statutory Warranty Deed or limited Warranty Deed, is similar to a general Warranty Deed, but it provides limited warranties. 

It guarantees that the seller holds a free and clear title to the property during the time they owned it, but it does not provide warranties for previous ownership transfers. 

While it is always recommended to obtain title insurance and have a title company or attorney review the title to the property, it is often even more important when a special warranty deed is involved due to the more limited promises the buyer receives [2].

For your convenience, we have provided a sample Warranty Deed that you can use as a reference when drafting your own document. 

Ensure that your final Warranty Deed is comprehensive, legally sound, and accurately represents the transfer of property rights by utilizing this sample.

Using a Warranty Deed is essential when transferring ownership of real estate property. This type of document provides a guarantee that the seller holds a clear and valid title to the property, free from any liens or encumbrances. 

This form helps protect both the buyer and seller by establishing a clear chain of title, providing peace of mind and legal protection for all parties involved.

A Warranty Deed is typically required when looking for financing or insurance.Most mortgage companies require as much certainty regarding the title to the property as possible, and a warranty deed can provide a great deal of reassurance as to that legal protection.

Warranty Deed vs Quitclaim Deed

When it comes to transferring real estate property, there are two commonly used types of deeds: Warranty Deeds and quitclaim deeds. 

Each serves a different purpose and offers different levels of protection to the parties involved. 

Explore the differences between these two types of deeds in the comparison table below:

Follow the steps below to ensure you cover all the necessary details while tailoring a Warranty Deed to your specific needs:

• Describe the property: Specify if it's residential, commercial, or undeveloped land. Include the property's location and, provide the price at which the property is being transferred.
• Select a warranty type: Decide whether you're granting a full or limited warranty. This choice determines the extent of the guarantee you provide regarding the property's title.
• Describe the parties involved: Provide detailed information about both the grantor(s) and grantee(s), including their full names and addresses.
• Consider adding reservations: In certain situations, the grantor may wish to retain a slight interest in the property. To address this, you can include a reservation within the Warranty Deed. The reservation describes an exception to the title transfer.
• Add final details: Clearly state who will receive tax notices once the transfer is complete. Ensure you add the date and location where the parties will sign the document.

It is also important to confirm that the details of your deed align with the requirements of your jurisdiction.

Ensure you have all the accurate and necessary details by using our free online, customizable Warranty Deed template. 

Aside from utilizing a Warranty Deed form, several additional legal documents can assist both buyers and sellers in safeguarding their interests:

• Quitclaim Deed
• Real Estate Purchase Agreement
• Contract for Deed

Sources: [1] Warranty Deed. Cornell Law.

[2] Deed Warranties and Why They Should Matter To You. The National Law Review.