Final answer:
The general warranty deed offers the grantee the fullest protection against claims to the title as it guarantees the property is free from any encumbrances, covering any period before and during the grantor's ownership.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of deed that offers the grantee the fullest protection against claims to the title is the general warranty deed. There are several types of deeds used for the transfer of real estate, each providing different levels of protection to the grantee (buyer). A general warranty deed offers the most comprehensive protection, affirming that the grantor (seller) holds a clear title to the property and has the right to sell it. It guarantees the property is free from all encumbrances or claims of ownership, not only arising during the time the grantor owned the property but also from any time before that.
In comparison:
- A special warranty deed only covers the period that the grantor owned the property, thus offering less protection than a general warranty deed.
- A quitclaim deed offers the least protection, transferring only the interest the grantor has in the property without any warranties about the title's clearness or the property being free of other claims.
- Finally, a bargain and sale deed (also known as bargain and defend deed) does not typically provide warranty against encumbrances, but implies that the grantor has the right to convey the property.
Therefore, for anyone seeking the most protection when buying property, obtaining a general warranty deed is the advisable option.