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A grant deed provides limited warranties about the property title. The seller (grantor) guarantees they own the property and haven't transferred it to anyone else, but doesn't warrant against title defects from previous owners.
Grant deeds are commonly used in California and several other states for real estate transactions where some level of protection is desired, but full warranty coverage isn't required or customary.
This middle-ground approach offers more protection than a quitclaim deed, while being simpler and less comprehensive than a full warranty deed.
Understanding your options helps you choose the right level of protection.
Balanced protection. Seller warrants no prior transfer and no hidden liens during their ownership. Standard in California and western states. Middle ground between maximum and minimal protection.
You're viewing thisMaximum protection. Seller warrants against all title defects throughout entire property history. Required by most lenders. Standard for traditional home sales in eastern states.
See Warranty DeedMinimal protection. Transfers whatever interest seller may have with no warranties at all. Best for family transfers, divorces, or clearing title – not for arm's-length sales.
See Quitclaim DeedA grant deed is a legal document that transfers property ownership with limited warranties. The grantor guarantees they own the property, haven't transferred it to anyone else, and there are no undisclosed liens or encumbrances created during their ownership. It provides more protection than a quitclaim deed but less than a warranty deed.
Use a grant deed for real estate transactions in states where it's the standard deed type (especially California), arm's length sales between unrelated parties where moderate protections are desired, or when title insurance will be purchased to provide additional coverage. Grant deeds are ideal when you want more protection than a quitclaim but don't need or can't provide full warranty coverage.
A grant deed provides two implied warranties: (1) the grantor hasn't previously transferred the property to anyone else, and (2) the property is free from undisclosed encumbrances or liens created by the grantor. It does NOT warrant against title defects from previous owners, which is why title insurance is typically purchased alongside a grant deed.
Complete the form with all required information, have both parties sign in the presence of a notary public, then file the notarized deed with your county recorder's office. Recording fees typically range from $15-$75 depending on your county. Some states require additional transfer tax forms or declarations.
A grant deed provides limited warranties about the title, while a quitclaim deed provides no warranties at all. With a grant deed, the grantor guarantees they own the property and haven't transferred it before. With a quitclaim, the grantor simply transfers whatever interest they might have, if any, with no promises about the title.
While not legally required, title insurance is highly recommended with grant deeds. Since grant deeds don't warrant against title defects from previous owners, title insurance protects you against undiscovered liens, claims, or defects in the chain of title. Most lenders require title insurance for financed purchases.
Yes, grant deeds are legally valid in all 50 states, though they're most commonly used in California and a few other western states. In many eastern states, warranty deeds are more customary for real estate sales. Check local practices or consult a real estate attorney if unsure which deed type is standard in your area.
Not required for straightforward transfers. Our grant deed templates are attorney-reviewed and state-compliant with detailed instructions. However, consult a real estate attorney for complex situations involving multiple parties, liens, disputes, unusual property descriptions, or significant tax implications.