Warranty Deeds Made Easy: A Guide for Real Estate

In this article, readers will learn about warranty deeds, which provide assurance to property buyers that the title to the property is clear and free of any encumbrances. Various types of warranty deeds, including general warranty deeds and special warranty deeds are discussed.

Additionally, the article outlines the process of drafting, executing, and recording a warranty deed, as well as the role of title insurance in real estate transactions. Finally, the risks and limitations associated with warranty deeds and how to resolve disputes arising from them are covered.

What Are Warranty Deeds?

A warranty deed is a legal document used in real estate transactions to guarantee that the seller has a clear, marketable title to the property being sold, and that there are no undisclosed liens or encumbrances against it. It provides the buyer with the highest level of protection against claims to the property title and is most commonly used in residential and commercial property transfers.

The primary purpose of a warranty deed is to protect the buyer from any potential challenges to their ownership after the transaction is completed. By signing a warranty deed, the seller is providing a series of legally binding promises, called covenants or warranties, ensuring that the title to the property is valid, free of liens or encumbrances, and that they have the legal right to transfer the property to the buyer.

A warranty deed offers both present and future guarantees to the buyer. These guarantees include:

1. Covenant of Seisin: The seller guarantees that they are the lawful property owner and have the right to convey the title.
2. Covenant of Right to Convey: The seller confirms that they can legally transfer the title to the buyer.
3. Covenant Against Encumbrances: The seller assures the buyer that the property is free of any liens, easements, or other encumbrances that are not disclosed in the deed.
4. Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment: The seller guarantees that the buyer’s possession of the property will not be disturbed by third-party claims.
5. Covenant of Warranty: The seller pledges to defend the title against any legitimate claims by third parties.
6. Covenant of Further Assurance: The seller promises to take any necessary actions to fix title issues that may arise after the transaction.

Types of Deeds in Real Estate Transactions

There are several types of deeds used in real estate transactions, and each offers different levels of protection and guarantees to the buyer:

1. General Warranty Deed: Also known as just “warranty deed,” it provides the most comprehensive protection for the buyer with guarantees that the title is free from any issues, whether they occurred during the seller’s ownership or before it.
2. Special or Limited Warranty Deed: This type of deed provides fewer protections for the buyer. It only warrants that the title is free from any issues or claims that occurred during the seller’s ownership. Any defects or encumbrances that predate the seller’s ownership are not covered.
3. Quitclaim Deed: Used mainly in family transactions or to clear up title issues, a quitclaim deed conveys the interest in a property without making any guarantees about the title’s validity. The buyer essentially assumes the risk of any title issues.

Warranty Deeds vs. Quitclaim Deeds

The main difference between a warranty deed and a quitclaim deed lies in the level of protection and guarantees they offer to the buyer.

A warranty deed provides the buyer with the highest level of protection, ensuring that the seller is transferring a clear and marketable title free of any undisclosed liens or encumbrances. The seller is also legally bound to defend the title against any legitimate claims by third parties. A warranty deed may be preferable in most transactions, as it offers comprehensive protection for the buyer.

On the other hand, a quitclaim deed offers no guarantees to the buyer about the quality of the title. It simply transfers whatever interest the seller may have in the property without providing any protection against potential title defects or third-party claims. Quitclaim deeds are typically used in specific situations, such as transferring ownership within a family or clearing up a cloud on the title.

Key Components of a Warranty Deed

Warranty deeds are usually required to include the following key components:

1. Identification of the parties: The deed should include the names and addresses of the buyer (grantee) and seller (grantor).
2. Legal description of the property: The deed should contain a detailed and accurate description of the property being transferred. This usually includes references to lot numbers, block numbers, or meets and bounds descriptions.
3. Consideration: The deed should state the amount of money paid by the buyer to the seller for the property (the purchase price).
4. Covenants or warranties: The deed should list the specific guarantees being made by the seller, as mentioned earlier.
5. Execution: Both the seller and buyer must sign the warranty deed. Additionally, the deed should also be notarized and, in some cases, witnessed.
6. Recording: After being signed and notarized, the deed should be recorded in the county where the property is located to provide public notice and protect the buyer’s rights to the property.
   

Purpose of Warranty Deeds

Warranty deeds serve an important purpose in property transactions as they come with a set of legally binding warranties or guarantees that the person selling the property indeed has a clear title and has the right to sell it. These deeds help establish a sense of security and trust between the buyer and the seller, as well as provide assurance that the transaction will not be challenged in the future. This section discusses the purpose of warranty deeds in terms of protecting buyer’s rights, providing title protection, and offering reassurance in property transactions.

Protecting Buyer’s Rights

The primary purpose of warranty deeds is to protect the buyer’s rights to the purchased property. They do this by providing a set of legally binding covenants known as warranties, which assure the buyer that the seller has the legal right to sell the property and that there are no hidden defects in the title.

These warranties include the covenant of seisin (ownership), the covenant against encumbrances (no undisclosed liens, etc.), and the covenant of quiet enjoyment (no other claims on the property). By including these warranties in the deed, the seller is effectively guaranteeing that they have clear and unencumbered title to the property, and that the buyer will not face any future legal challenges to their ownership.

If it is later discovered that the seller did not have clear title or that there are issues with the property that were not disclosed, the buyer can seek legal remedies, such as monetary compensation, from the seller. This protection provides an important sense of security to the buyer and helps to ensure that their investment is sound.

Title Protection

Another purpose of warranty deeds is to provide title protection for the buyer. In addition to the aforementioned warranties, a warranty deed may also include specific language regarding the seller’s role in addressing any potential issues that may arise in relation to the title of the property.

For example, the warranty deed may include a “covenant of warrant and defend,” which obligates the seller to assist the buyer in the event that a third party challenges the buyer’s title to the property. This can include providing testimony, documentation, or other support to help the buyer defend their rights to the property.

Some warranty deeds also include a “covenant of further assurances,” which requires the seller to take whatever actions are necessary to rectify any defects in the title that are discovered after the transaction. This can help provide the buyer with peace of mind that, should any issues arise, they will have the seller’s support in resolving them.

Reassurance in Property Transactions

In addition to protecting the buyer’s rights and providing title protection, warranty deeds also serve the important purpose of fostering confidence and trust in property transactions. Real estate transactions are often complex and involve significant financial investment on the part of the buyer. As a result, it’s crucial for buyers to feel secure in their decision to purchase a property.

Warranty deeds help provide this sense of security by offering a legally binding guarantee that the seller has the legal right to sell the property and that there are no undisclosed issues with the title. This can help alleviate a buyer’s concerns about potential legal disputes or financial losses resulting from problems with the property’s title.

Additionally, as warranty deeds are a matter of public record, they help provide transparency in property transactions, allowing potential buyers to research and verify a property’s history before deciding to purchase it.

In conclusion, warranty deeds play a critical role in property transactions by protecting buyer’s rights, offering title protection, and providing reassurance that a property’s title is clear and unencumbered. By incorporating these guarantees into the deed, sellers help ensure a smooth and secure transaction process for both themselves and the buyer.

Types of Warranty Deeds

A warranty deed is a legal document used in real estate transactions to transfer the ownership of a property from the seller (the grantor) to the buyer (the grantee). It offers protection to the buyer by asserting that the seller holds a clear title to the property and has the right to sell it. There are two main types of warranty deeds: general warranty deeds and special warranty deeds. In this section, we’ll discuss the differences between the two types and provide some guidance on when they might be used.

General Warranty Deed

A general warranty deed offers the most comprehensive protection to the buyer. It guarantees that the grantor has a clear title to the property and has the legal right to sell it. This type of warranty deed also provides assurance that the property is free from any liens, encumbrances, or other claims against it.

The grantor is held liable for any discrepancies in the property’s title, not just those occurring during their ownership, but any title defects that may have arisen prior to their ownership. This means that if a problem arises with the title after the transaction, the grantor may be held responsible for resolving the issue, even if it happened before they owned the property.

Special Warranty Deed

A special warranty deed, also known as a limited warranty deed, offers less protection to the buyer in comparison to a general warranty deed. This type of warranty deed only guarantees that the grantor has not personally caused any defects in the title during their period of ownership.

The grantor does not make any assurances regarding the state of the title prior to their ownership. Consequently, the grantor will only be responsible for resolving title issues that arise due to their actions during the period of their ownership.

Comparison and Usage Scenarios

While both general and special warranty deeds aim to transfer property ownership, they differ in the extent of protection they provide to the buyer. General warranty deeds are typically used in residential real estate transactions, as they offer the most protection to the buyer by ensuring that the property is free from any title defects. On the other hand, special warranty deeds are more commonly used in commercial real estate transactions, foreclosures, or sales involving properties with a potentially unclear history.

Choosing between a general and special warranty deed will depend on the specific circumstances of the transaction and the level of protection that the buyer desires. Buyers looking for the greatest level of security should opt for a general warranty deed and may want to consider additional measures, such as obtaining title insurance.

In scenarios where the risk of title defects is considered low or the buyer is willing to accept some responsibility for investigating and resolving potential issues, a special warranty deed may be more appropriate.

How to Draft a Warranty Deed

Drafting a warranty deed may seem like a complex process, but understanding the legal requirements, essential elements, and common mistakes involved can simplify the task.

Legal Requirements

A warranty deed must follow the legal guidelines and requirements of the state where the property is located. This may include specific language or phrasing, details about the grantor and grantee, and proper execution and acknowledgement by both parties. Make sure to consult your state’s property laws and guidelines or seek assistance from an attorney well-versed in real estate law to ensure your warranty deed is legally valid.

Essential Elements in a Warranty Deed

A warranty deed should include the following key components:

1. Identification of the parties: Clearly state the names of the grantor and grantee, along with their mailing addresses.
2. Legal description of the property: Provide an accurate description of the property, including its address, lot and parcel numbers, and any other pertinent identifying information. This information may be found on previous title documents or survey maps.
3. Consideration for the transfer: Specify the amount of money, goods, or services being exchanged for the property. This is typically written in both numerical and word form.
4. Granting clause: Include a clause that states the grantor’s intention to transfer the property to the grantee, along with the type of warranty (general or special) being provided.
5. Signatures and acknowledgements: The grantor and grantee must sign the warranty deed, and the signatures must be acknowledged by a notary public.
6. Recording and delivery: After execution, the warranty deed should be recorded in the county where the property is located to provide public notice of the transfer. The original recorded deed should then be given to the grantee.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To prevent potential problems with the warranty deed, it’s essential to avoid these common mistakes:

1. Incorrect or incomplete legal description: Ensure the property’s legal description is accurately written to avoid confusion or disputes regarding property boundaries.
2. Omitted or incorrect information about the parties: Verify that the names and addresses of the grantor and grantee are accurately written to prevent any disputes or challenges to the deed’s validity.
3. Missed legal requirements: Familiarize yourself with the legal requirements of your state and follow them closely to avoid invalidating the warranty deed.
4. Skipping professional assistance: Consider seeking help from an attorney or title company to confirm that the warranty deed is properly drafted, executed, and recorded.

By taking care to avoid these mistakes and adhering to the guidelines discussed in this article, you can confidently draft a warranty deed that follows the necessary legal requirements and protects the interests of all parties involved in the real estate transaction.

Executing and Recording a Warranty Deed

A warranty deed is a legal document that transfers the ownership of real property from one party to another. The person transferring the property (the grantor) guarantees that they hold a clear title to the property and have the legal right to transfer it. The person receiving the property (the grantee) can be assured that no undisclosed third party has any adverse claims or encumbrances against the property.

To successfully transfer property through a warranty deed, it must be executed and recorded properly with the appropriate county authorities. This article discusses the steps involved in executing and recording a warranty deed, including notarizing the deed, recording it with the county clerk’s office, and obtaining and storing copies.

Notarizing the Deed

The first step in executing a warranty deed is to have it notarized. A notary public is a legally authorized individual who verifies the identity of the signer(s) and ensures that the document is executed voluntarily and without coercion. In most cases, both the grantor and grantee must sign the warranty deed in the presence of a notary public.

Before notarizing the deed, the notary will require identification from the signing parties, such as a driver’s license or passport, to confirm their identity. Once the notary is satisfied with the proof of identity, they will witness the signing of the warranty deed. After the document has been signed by all parties, the notary will affix their official seal or stamp, sign, and date the deed, indicating that it has been properly notarized.

It is essential to note that notarization does not guarantee the legality or accuracy of the warranty deed. The notary’s role is merely to verify the identities of the signer(s) and to ensure that the document is executed voluntarily.

Recording with the County Clerk’s Office

After the warranty deed has been notarized, it must be recorded with the appropriate county authority, usually the county clerk or recorder’s office, in the county where the property is located. The purpose of recording the deed is to provide public notice of the transfer of ownership and protect the grantee’s interests from any future conflicting claims. Recording the deed also establishes the priority of the transaction in relation to other recorded documents.

To record the warranty deed, the original notarized document must be submitted to the appropriate county office, along with any required fees and supplemental documents, such as a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR) or transfer tax forms, as required by local regulations. The county will review the documents, assign a book and page number, and record the deed in the public records book. Once the deed is recorded, it effectively completes the transfer of property ownership.

Obtaining and Storing Copies

After the warranty deed has been recorded, the county clerk or recorder’s office will return the original document to the grantee or their designated representative. It is essential to obtain and store a certified copy of the recorded deed for your records. This can typically be requested from the county office where the deed was recorded, for a nominal fee.

The certified copy serves as proof of the property transfer and can be used to establish ownership in future transactions, such as obtaining a mortgage, refinancing, or selling the property. Keeping a digital copy of the recorded deed, along with other essential property documents, is advisable for easy access in the future.

In summary, executing and recording a warranty deed is a critical process in ensuring the proper transfer of property ownership. It involves notarizing the deed, recording it with the county clerk’s office, and obtaining and storing copies. By following these steps, both grantors and grantees can ensure that the transfer of property is legal, valid, and recognized by the appropriate authorities.

Warranty Deeds and Title Insurance

A warranty deed and title insurance are two key elements in a real estate transaction that help protect the buyer and the lender’s investments. While both serve to ensure a clear title of the property being transferred and protect against potential claims, they function differently and complement each other to provide comprehensive protection. This article will discuss the role of title insurance in real estate transactions, the differences between warranty deeds and title insurance, and how they work together for optimal protection.

Role of Title Insurance in Real Estate Transactions

Title insurance is a policy that protects a property owner or a lender from any financial loss caused by defects in the title or unknown liens, encumbrances, or errors in public records. It is a crucial aspect of any real estate transaction, ensuring that the buyer obtains a clear title and helping to minimize any potential risks involved.

During the title search process, a title company thoroughly examines the property’s history, reviewing public records and legal documents to identify any potential title defects or claims against the property. While the title search is meant to be comprehensive, there may still be some issues that go undetected, which is where title insurance comes into play.

There are two types of title insurance: owner’s title insurance and lender’s title insurance. Owner’s title insurance protects the property owner’s financial interests, while lender’s title insurance covers the lender’s interests up to the loan amount. It is generally required by the lender as part of the mortgage process.

Overall, title insurance serves to minimize the potential risks associated with a real estate transaction and ensure that the buyer, as well as the lender, have a solid foundation for the investment being made.

Differences between Warranty Deeds and Title Insurance

Although both warranty deeds and title insurance serve to protect the buyer’s interests, they differ in various ways. A warranty deed is a legal document that assures the buyer is receiving a clear title from the property seller. It contains three essential guarantees:

1. Covenant of seisin: The seller assures the buyer they have the legal right to sell the property.
2. Covenant against encumbrances: The seller guarantees the property has no undisclosed liens, restriction, easements, or other encumbrances.
3. Covenant of quiet enjoyment: The seller ensures the buyer will not face any disturbance or legal disputes related to the ownership of the property.

On the other hand, title insurance is a policy that financially safeguards the buyer and the lender against any uncovered defects, errors, or claims in the title search process. The buyer can still possess the defective title, but they will have financial protection through the insurance policy.

In summary, a warranty deed is a seller’s assurance that there are no title defects, while title insurance offers financial protection against any unforeseen issues or claims against the property in the future.

Working Together for Comprehensive Protection

Warranty deeds and title insurance complement each other in providing complete protection to the buyer and lender. When combined, they enable a smooth transfer of property ownership with a clear title, backed by legal guarantees and financial insurance.

A warranty deed offers the legal assurances that the seller has the right to sell the property, and there are no undisclosed encumbrances. If any title defects or encumbrances are discovered later, the buyer can hold the seller accountable through the courts.

Title insurance, on the other hand, provides financial protection against potential title defects or claims that may be missed during the title search process. This includes scenarios such as hidden heirs or previously overlooked liens.

By having both a warranty deed and title insurance, a buyer and lender can be confident in the security of their investments and peaceful ownership of the property. Ultimately, these two protections work together to reduce risk and promote a successful real estate transaction.

Risks and Limitations of Warranty Deeds

Warranty deeds are commonly used in real estate transactions to transfer property from one party to another, conferring ownership with a guarantee that the title is free and clear of any encumbrances. While these deeds offer some level of protection for buyers, there are risks and limitations associated with using warranty deeds.

Understanding these risks can empower both buyers and sellers to make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls in the property transfer process. This article will explore potential risks and limitations associated with warranty deeds, including potential liens and encumbrances, voidable warranty deeds, and the possibility of future breaches of covenants.

Potential Liens and Encumbrances

One of the key benefits of a warranty deed is the seller’s guarantee that the transferred property is free from any liens or encumbrances; however, there is no guarantee that the seller is aware of all existing liens or encumbrances. A lien is a creditor’s claim against a property that must be satisfied before the property can be sold, and an encumbrance is a claim or restriction on the property that may limit its use or transferability. Examples of liens and encumbrances include mortgage liens, tax liens, and easements.

Despite the warranty deed’s promise that the property is free and clear, it is still possible for undisclosed liens and encumbrances to surface after the property transfer. Buyers can protect themselves by conducting a title search and obtaining title insurance during the purchase process. If concerns are identified, negotiating resolutions and obtaining releases are vital steps to ensure a clean transfer of ownership.

Voidable Warranty Deeds

While a warranty deed guarantees that a property’s title is free and clear of defects, it is not immune to potential challenges that may render it voidable. Warranty deeds can be deemed voidable if the transferor engaged in fraud or misrepresentation during the transaction or if the transferor lacked the legal capacity to convey a valid title.

For example, if the seller intentionally hides a defect in the property’s title or misrepresents their authority to transfer the property, the warranty deed may be challenged and deemed voidable. Additionally, if the seller was not legally competent at the time of the transaction or the transfer was made under duress or undue influence, the validity of the warranty deed can be questioned. Buyers should take necessary precautions by conducting thorough research and consulting with legal counsel to ensure the warranty deed’s legitimacy.

Future Breach of Covenants

By executing a warranty deed, the seller provides a series of legally binding covenants that guarantee the property’s title and the buyer’s ownership rights. These covenants include assurances of a good title, the right to convey the property, and freedom from encumbrances. However, it is possible that a future event could result in a breach of these covenants, creating potential legal issues for the buyer.

For instance, if a previously undisclosed lien is discovered after the transfer of ownership, the buyer may incur costs in addressing and resolving the lien. While the warranty deed’s covenants provide the buyer with recourse to seek compensation from the seller, pursuing legal action can be time-consuming and costly. Additionally, it may not always be possible to recover the full amount of damages, particularly if the seller lacks sufficient assets or is difficult to locate.

In conclusion, while warranty deeds offer valuable assurances and protections for buyers in real estate transactions, they are not without risks and limitations. Engaging in thorough due diligence, obtaining title insurance, and consulting with legal counsel can help ensure a smoother and more secure property transfer for all parties involved.

Resolving Warranty Deed Disputes

Warranty deeds are legal documents used to transfer ownership of real property from one party to another. They are commonly used in real estate transactions and include a guarantee from the grantor (seller) to the grantee (buyer) that the grantor has clear title to the property, free from any encumbrances, and is lawfully able to transfer the title.

However, disputes can arise from warranty deeds, leading to legal complications and financial losses for both parties. This article will discuss common issues that can result in warranty deed disputes, the consequences of breaching the warranty, and legal remedies and negotiation options to resolve such disputes.

Common Issues Arising from Warranty Deeds

There are several common issues that may arise from warranty deeds, which can lead to disputes between the grantor and grantee:

1. Ambiguity in the deed: A warranty deed must be clear and unambiguous, including details such as the property’s legal description, names of both parties, and the date of the transaction. If the information in the deed is unclear or contradictory, this could lead to disputes over the property’s ownership, boundaries, or the parties’ rights and obligations.

2. Undisclosed encumbrances: An encumbrance is a claim, lien, or other restriction on a property that may affect the grantee’s ownership rights. When transferring property through a warranty deed, the grantor is guaranteeing that the property is free from any undisclosed encumbrances. However, if an encumbrance is later discovered, the grantee may accuse the grantor of breaching the warranty and seek compensation for the breach.

3. Fraud or forgery: If a warranty deed is found to be fraudulent or forged, this can lead to the invalidation of the property transfer and legal disputes between the parties. The grantee may also seek damages from the grantor for any losses suffered due to the fraud or forgery.

4. Boundary disputes: If the legal description of the property in the warranty deed is unclear or inaccurate, boundary disputes may arise between the grantee and neighboring property owners. These disputes often require legal intervention, such as hiring a surveyor to verify the property boundaries or litigating the matter in court.

Consequences of Breaching the Warranty

A breach of the warranty in a warranty deed can result in significant consequences for both the grantor and grantee. Some potential consequences include:

1. Legal liability: If the grantor breaches the warranty in the deed, they may be held legally responsible for any losses suffered by the grantee as a result of the breach. This could include compensating the grantee for their financial losses, such as the cost of resolving encumbrances or legal fees.

2. Loss of property rights: If a warranty deed is found to be fraudulent, forged, or invalid due to a breach of the warranty, the grantee may lose their rights to the property. In some cases, the grantee may be required to vacate the property or relinquish their ownership rights to a third party.

3. Damage to reputation: Warranty deed disputes can be highly public and may involve allegations of fraud or dishonesty on the part of the grantor. If the grantor is found to have breached the warranty, this can cause significant damage to their reputation, both personally and professionally.

Legal Remedies and Negotiations

To resolve warranty deed disputes, parties may consider various legal remedies and negotiation strategies. These may include:

1. Mediation: Parties can engage in mediation to negotiate a settlement with the assistance of a neutral third-party mediator. This process can help the parties to clarify their positions, identify their interests, and work collaboratively to reach an agreement.

2. Litigation: If the parties cannot reach a settlement through negotiation or mediation, they may choose to litigate the dispute in court. A judge or jury will then decide the outcome of the case and may award damages, order specific performance, or otherwise enforce the terms of the warranty deed.

3. Quiet title action: If a warranty deed dispute involves a question of the property’s ownership, a quiet title action may be filed in court. This legal action can help to establish a clear title to the property, free from any conflicting claims or encumbrances.

4. Settlement negotiations: Parties may engage in direct settlement negotiations outside of mediation or litigation to reach a mutually agreeable resolution. This often involves compromise and finding creative solutions to address the underlying issues in the warranty deed dispute.

In conclusion, warranty deed disputes can be complex and may result in significant legal and financial consequences for both the grantor and grantee. However, by understanding the common issues that can arise, the potential consequences of breaching the warranty, and available legal remedies and negotiation strategies, parties can work effectively towards resolving their disputes and preserving their property rights.

Warranty Deeds FAQs

1. What is the purpose of a Warranty Deed?

A Warranty Deed serves to transfer a property’s title from the grantor to the grantee with clearly defined covenants of title that protect the grantee’s interest. The grantor guarantees clear ownership without any encumbrances.

2. How does a Warranty Deed differ from a Quitclaim Deed?

A Warranty Deed provides a higher level of protection for the grantee as the grantor guarantees the title’s accuracy and free from defects. A Quitclaim Deed provides no such guarantees, transferring only the grantor’s interest in the property without warranties.

3. Are there different types of Warranty Deeds?

Yes, there are two types: General Warranty Deeds and Special Warranty Deeds. General Warranty Deeds cover the property’s entire history while Special Warranty Deeds only cover the period the grantor owned the property, giving limited protection to the grantee.

4. What is required for a Warranty Deed to be legally binding?

A valid Warranty Deed must include a legal description of the property, names of grantor and grantee, conveyance clauses, and signatures of both parties. Additionally, the deed must be notarized and recorded in the local county office where the property is located.

5. Can a Warranty Deed be revoked or changed after it is issued?

No, a Warranty Deed is considered irrevocable once executed, notarized, and delivered to the grantee. To change the terms of the deed or the property’s title, a new deed must be created and recorded with the appropriate county office.

6. What if a title defect is discovered after receiving a Warranty Deed?

On discovering a title defect with a Warranty Deed, the grantee should notify the grantor, who is legally responsible for addressing and rectifying the issue. The grantor’s liability can extend to compensating the grantee for any financial losses resulting from the defect.