Which deed covers only title defects that occurred while the seller held the title?

The chosen answer, which is the Special Warranty Deed, is correct because this type of deed specifically provides limited protection to the buyer regarding the title. It guarantees that the seller holds the title and has the right to convey it, but only covers defects that arose during the time the seller owned the property.

In contrast, a General Warranty Deed provides broader protection, covering all title defects, regardless of when they occurred, which includes any issues that predate the seller’s ownership. A Quitclaim Deed offers no warranties at all; it simply transfers whatever interest the grantor has in the property, if any, with no assurances about the title. A Sheriff's Deed is typically used in the context of a foreclosure or a tax sale, and it also does not provide the same level of warranty as a Special Warranty Deed.

Thus, the Special Warranty Deed is distinct in that it limits its assurance of title defects to only those that occurred during the seller’s period of ownership, making it essential for a buyer to be aware of this limitation when considering the deed type in their real estate transactions.