What does a warranty deed assure about the title?

A warranty deed provides formal assurance about the quality of the title being transferred. This type of deed not only conveys ownership of the property but also guarantees that the title is free from any defects or encumbrances, except those specifically disclosed in the deed. This means that the grantor (seller) promises to defend the title against any future claims. The assurance offered by a warranty deed is stronger than that provided by a quitclaim deed, which offers no such guarantees and only transfers whatever interest the grantor has in the property without affirming the quality of the title.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the primary function of a warranty deed. While a warranty deed does imply that the title is clear of significant issues, it does not specifically guarantee that there are no mortgages attached to the property; it is possible for a property to have a mortgage while still possessing a clear title. Additionally, a warranty deed does not relate to the transfer of ownership without guarantees, as that would typically describe a quitclaim deed. Finally, the requirement for a background check on the buyer is not a function of the deed itself but rather part of the broader real estate transaction process and financing.