đź“ś What Is a Grant Deed in Real Estate?

A grant deed is a legal instrument used to transfer property ownership. It guarantees that the seller currently owns the property and that it has not been sold to anyone else—but it does not provide full historical title protection like a general warranty deed.

How a Grant Deed Works

A grant deed transfers ownership from the seller (grantor) to the buyer (grantee). When signing a grant deed, the seller makes two legal promises:

  • They have not previously sold the property to someone else.
  • The property is free from undisclosed liens or encumbrances made during their ownership.

Grant deeds provide more protection than a quitclaim deed but less protection than a general warranty deed. They are most commonly used in states like California, Washington, Oregon, and other Western states.

Key Features of a Grant Deed

  • Guarantees the owner has not transferred the property to someone else.
  • Guarantees the property is free of undisclosed liens created by the seller.
  • Does not cover title issues that occurred before the seller owned the property.
  • Commonly used in standard residential real estate transactions in certain states.
  • Often accompanied by title insurance for additional protection.

Grant Deed vs. Warranty Deed and Quitclaim Deed

General Warranty Deed: Offers the highest level of protection—covers the entire chain of title, not just the seller’s ownership period.

Grant Deed: Provides moderate protection—guarantees the seller hasn’t sold the property before and hasn’t created undisclosed title issues.

Quitclaim Deed: Offers no guarantees—the seller only transfers whatever interest they may have, if any.