Which warranty allows the buyer protection from defects during both the grantor's ownership and that of all previous owners?

The general warranty deed provides the highest level of protection for the buyer because it guarantees that the grantor holds clear title to the property and has the right to transfer it. This type of deed includes several warranties, one of which is that the seller is responsible for any defects in title that occurred during their ownership as well as any defects that arose during the ownership of all previous owners. This means that if legal issues arise regarding the property's title—such as liens or other claims—after the purchase, the buyer can seek recourse not only from the individual who sold them the property but also hold previous owners accountable.

In contrast, other types of deeds, such as a quit claim deed or a special warranty deed, do not offer the same level of protection. A quit claim deed transfers whatever interest the grantor has without making any guarantees, while a special warranty deed only covers defects during the time the grantor owned the property, thus excluding any issues from prior owners. Therefore, the general warranty deed is the best choice for buyers seeking comprehensive protection against title defects.