Which deed guarantees more than a quitclaim but not as much as a warranty deed?

• A. Quitclaim Deed
• B. Special Warranty Deed
• C. Deed of Trust
• D. Bargain & Sale Deed

Answer: (D)

In real estate transfers, the level of protection against title defects is defined by the deed’s warranties. The more warranties a deed carries, the greater the protection for the grantee; the fewer warranties, the less protection.

A quitclaim deed provides no warranties at all. It simply transfers whatever interest the seller has, if any, and the grantee bears any title problems that exist. A warranty deed offers full protection with covenants against title defects and the right to defend the title.

A special warranty deed sits in between. It guarantees that the grantor did not cause any title defects during their ownership, but it does not guarantee against problems that may have existed before the grantor owned the property. This is more protection than a quitclaim, but not as much as a full warranty deed. A bargain & sale deed typically conveys title with no warranties and is not understood to provide more protection than a quitclaim, while a deed of trust is a security instrument rather than a title warranty.

So, the deed that guarantees more than a quitclaim but not as much as a warranty deed is the special warranty deed.