How is a quitclaim deed different from a warranty deed?

A quitclaim deed is fundamentally different from a warranty deed in that it conveys no warranties regarding the title to the property. When a quitclaim deed is executed, the grantor transfers whatever interest they may have in the property to the grantee without making any assurances about the ownership status or the condition of the title. This means that if defects in the title exist, the grantee has no recourse against the grantor for any claims, liens, or encumbrances that may arise.

In contrast, a warranty deed provides a robust guarantee to the grantee that the title is clear and free of any claims. The grantor offers warranties that they hold good title to the property and that they have the right to convey it. If any issues with the title arise after the transfer, the grantee can seek legal remedies from the grantor based on those warranties.

This fundamental distinction establishes why a quitclaim deed, providing no warranties, is often used in situations where the parties trust each other, such as in family transfers or when resolving ownership issues, while warranty deeds are preferred in traditional real estate sales for their protective assurances.