Quitclaim Deed vs. Warranty Deed: Key Differences Explained
When property ownership is transferred from one person to another, a legal document called a deed is used. However, not all deeds are the same. Two of the most common types are the warranty deed and the quitclaim deed, and they offer vastly different levels of protection for the buyer.
Understanding this difference is critical whether you are buying, selling, or simply transferring property between family members.
What is a Warranty Deed?
A warranty deed provides the highest level of protection for the property buyer (the grantee). In a warranty deed, the seller (the grantor) makes several legal promises, or “warranties,” to the buyer, guaranteeing they have a clear title and will defend it against all claims.
This is the standard type of deed used in most real estate sales because it gives the buyer confidence and legal recourse.
What is a Quitclaim Deed?
A quitclaim deed offers the least amount of protection to the buyer. This type of deed simply transfers whatever ownership interest the grantor may have in the property, with no guarantees or warranties whatsoever. Quitclaim deeds are risky and are typically only used in situations where there is a high level of trust, such as transfers between family members or into a trust.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Warranty Deed | Quitclaim Deed |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer Protection | Maximum Protection | No Protection |
| Seller’s Guarantee | Guarantees clear title | Makes no promises |
Why DomiDocs is the Best Choice for Protecting Your Deed
Regardless of whether you have a warranty deed or a quitclaim deed, this document is the legal proof of your homeownership. Protecting it is non-negotiable.
The DomiDocs secure digital vault is the ultimate secure location to protect this critical document from loss, theft, or damage. At the same time, our integrated title monitoring service protects the title it represents from any fraudulent activity. DomiDocs protects both the document and the ownership right it represents.
HomeLock™ is the one Property Fraud Protection service that CAN notify you before, during, and immediately after fraud occurs. If more homeowners had HomeLock™, we wouldn’t see so many scammers like this husband and wife who have defrauded dozens of homeowners!
See how DomiDocs and HomeLock™ can protect your home in this Press Release! This layered approach protects both your legal ownership and your financial identity. For more information, read our article on how HomeLock™ can protect you from Title and Deed Fraud.