What is a special warranty deed?

A special warranty deed is a type of deed that offers limited guarantees to the buyer. It specifically warrants that the seller (grantor) has done nothing to impair the title during their ownership of the property, but does not extend to any claims or issues that may have arisen prior to the seller's ownership. This means that the grantor is only responsible for defending the title against claims made by individuals or entities that may have been present during their period of ownership.

This is different from a general warranty deed, which provides broader protection since it covers not only the time the grantor owned the property but also any preceding issues with the title. Understanding this distinction is crucial in real estate transactions, as buyers must know the extent of the protection they are receiving regarding title claims.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the nature of a special warranty deed. The absence of warranties altogether would indicate a quitclaim deed. A deed that warrants against all future claims overextends what a special warranty deed provides, and a deed that only includes personal property does not apply to real property transactions concerning the title, thereby further highlighting the unique characteristics of a special warranty deed.