What is the primary purpose of a warranty deed?

A warranty deed serves primarily to guarantee the seller's clear title to the property being transferred. In a warranty deed, the grantor (seller) assures the grantee (buyer) that they have the legal right to convey the property and that the title is free of any encumbrances or defects, except those expressly stated in the deed. This protection extends to the buyer, as it provides legal grounds for recourse should any issues with the title arise after the transfer.

The existence of warranties in the deed provides the buyer with confidence that they will not face claims from third parties over the title. Furthermore, if a title defect emerges, the grantor is generally responsible for resolving the issue or compensating the grantee for any losses incurred.

In contrast, options that suggest transferring property without warranties or limiting rights do not capture the essence of a warranty deed's purpose. Similarly, adding a co-owner to the title does not align with the primary function of a warranty deed, which focuses on the assurance of a clear title rather than a change in ownership structure.