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Special warranty deed

A deed where the seller only guarantees title against claims that arose during their ownership, not before. Common with banks selling foreclosures.

Closing & title · Updated September 2026

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Where this comes up: closing

This word belongs to the closing part of a sale. Here is what that part holds, in order.

  1. Clear titleConfirm every lien will be released · Issue title insurance
  2. Clear to closeConfirm the closing date and time · Keep the deal on track
  3. Closing dayFinal walkthrough · Verify wire instructions by phone
  4. Closed and fundedHand over keys and access · Cancel utilities and services

Your Room keeps this list for your own sale, with your dates on it.

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Part 1 of 4

Why a seller cares

It promises clear title only for the years you owned the home, not before. Banks and builders use it, and a buyer's title company may look harder at a sale that arrives on one.

Part 2 of 4

A simple example

You bought from a bank on a special warranty deed in 2019. Selling now, the title company checks the years before 2019 more closely, because nobody vouched for them.

Special warranty deed: a simple example
The deedWhat the seller stands behind
General warranty deedTitle all the way back
Special warranty deedOnly the seller's own years of ownership
Quitclaim deedNothing at all

Special means limited. The title policy covers what the deed does not.

Part 3 of 4

What people get wrong

That special is better than general. It is narrower; the word describes the limit, not the quality.

Part 4 of 4 · where to read next

Where it appears in the sale

Closing dayClosing · the step this word belongs to

What a definition is, and what it isn't

Keighbor is a software company, not a law firm, brokerage, or tax adviser. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice about your sale. Your situation may differ. Before acting on a contract, disclosure, title, tax, or pricing question, ask an appropriately licensed professional in your state.

Written and researched by Keighbor Research · drawn from the reference glossary · how we research and check what we publish

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