When a Seller assures a Buyer that he will stand behind the title to the property he is conveying, the Seller executes a Warranty Deed. With a Warranty Deed, the Seller discloses to the Buyer all of the encumbrances on the property and certifies to the Buyer that no other outstanding claims against title to the property exist. The Seller stands behind this certification by guaranteeing that if there is a problem with the title, the Seller will compensate the Buyer for any loss.
When a Seller does not assure the Buyer that he will stand behind the title he is conveying, the Seller executes a Quitclaim Deed. With a Quitclaim Deed, the Seller conveys to the buyer only the right, title and interest that he has, whatever that may be. The Seller does not guarantee that other parties do not have an interest in the property, and the Seller does not agree to compensate the Buyer for any loss because of these outstanding interests.
Both Warranty Deeds and Quitclaim Deeds have there useful place when parties are interested in transferring title to property.
Contact a real estate law firm for further information.