Grant Deed
A grant deed transfers property ownership with two basic promises — the seller hasn’t already sold the property to someone else, and there are no undisclosed liens or encumbrances they created.
Grant deeds sit between quit claim deeds (no guarantees) and warranty deeds (full guarantees). They’re the standard deed type in California and several other western states. If you’re buying in California, this is almost certainly the deed you’ll receive.
The protections are limited but meaningful for a standard home sale.
What a Grant Deed Promises
A grant deed includes two implied warranties:
- The seller hasn’t already transferred the property to anyone else
- The seller hasn’t created any liens or encumbrances that aren’t disclosed
Notice what’s missing: no guarantee about what previous owners did. If a lien from 20 years ago surfaces, the seller who gave you a grant deed isn’t liable. That’s why title insurance is critical in grant deed states.
On a $350K home in California, the grant deed protects you from the current seller’s actions but not from the property’s deeper history.
Watch out for: Assuming a grant deed and a warranty deed are the same thing. They’re not. A general warranty deed covers the entire chain of title. A grant deed only covers the current seller’s period. If you’re buying in a state that uses grant deeds, make absolutely sure you have owner’s title insurance. It fills the protection gap the deed leaves open. Budget for it in your closing costs.
Which states use grant deeds?
California is the most prominent grant deed state. Other states that commonly use them include Nevada, Idaho, and Arizona. Most eastern and midwestern states use warranty deeds instead. Your buyer’s agent knows which deed type is standard in your state. The deed type doesn’t change the buying process — it just affects the level of seller guarantee you receive. Pair any grant deed with title insurance and you’re well protected.