Which type of deed offers the greatest protection in real estate transfers?

A general warranty deed offers the greatest protection in real estate transfers because it provides comprehensive guarantees from the seller to the buyer. This type of deed includes several essential covenants that assure the buyer of the title's validity and the seller's liability if issues arise.

One of the key features of a general warranty deed is that it guarantees that the seller holds clear title to the property and has the right to convey it. Additionally, it protects the buyer against any claims or defects that may arise not only during the seller's period of ownership but also from previous owners. This means that if any legal disputes over the property arise in the future, the seller is responsible for resolving those claims.

The guarantees in a general warranty deed include:

• The covenant of seisin, which ensures the seller is the true owner of the property.

• The covenant against encumbrances, which assures that the title is free of liens or other encumbrances unless otherwise stated.

• The covenant of quiet enjoyment, which protects the buyer from interference in their ownership rights.

In contrast, other types of deeds, such as special warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and bargain and sale deeds, do not offer the same level of protection. Special warranty deeds only warranty the title against defects arising