Grant Deed: How They Work
Jump to Section
Quick Facts — Grant Deed Lawyers
- Lawyers available: 35 real estate lawyers
- Clients helped: 30 recent grant deed projects
What is a Grant Deed?
A grant deed is a property deed that is used to transfer ownership of real property from a grantor (the owner of a property) to a grantee (the buyer). A grant deed is a legal document and is unique because it comes with its own set of rules.
When a grantor offers a grant deed after the sale of property, they are guaranteeing that there have been no problems with the title during the time that the grantor has held it, and that the property has not already been transferred to someone else.
How Grant Deeds Work
The purpose of a deed is to provide legal protection to buyers (called grantees) of real property. Grant deeds are most commonly used when a grantee is acquiring real property in a tax or foreclosure sale.
Since grant deeds don’t offer as much protection as other types of deeds, they are ideal for this type of scenario. Grantees get the benefit of purchasing property below market value and grantors take on less risk by making less guarantees. Grant deeds are considered better than quitclaim deeds , but less desirable than general warranty deeds .
Here is a quick overview of what a grant deed includes:
- Date of sale
- Names of grantor and grantee
- Property description
- Signature of grantor
- Notary public acknowledgement
- Warranty statements
Check out this article to learn more about how grant deeds work.
Grant Deed vs. Deed
Deeds are valuable to buyers because they provide certain protections regarding the sale of property. A grant deed is a deed that “grants” certain promises to the buyer:
- The property has not already been transferred to someone else
- There have been no issues with the title as long as the seller has held it
Grant deeds differ from deeds because they offer these protections. A deed offers no protection or guarantees that there will be no issues in the transfer of ownership. For a buyer, this means that there may be additional cost involved in the sale to resolve certain outstanding issues, such as:
- No legal right to own the property
- Property claims issues
- Liens on the property
- Zoning problems
- Mortgage note issues
Grant Deed vs. Deed Benefits
Grant deeds are ideal for buyers because they offer warranties on the property. When a buyer obtains a grant deed, they can be sure the property has not been transferred and that there are no current issues with the title.
Deeds are ideal for sellers because they absolve them of taking responsibility for real property. If a deed is exchanged for a sale and property claim issues arise, the seller is not obligated to provide a resolution. Deeds can be transferred despite issues with the title, so sellers could make money on the property without offering any protections to the buyer.
Here is an article about grant deeds and how they differ from deeds.
Image via Pexels by Emre Can
Do Grant Deeds Need to be Notarized?
Grant deeds are legal documents that govern what protections a buyer receives when a seller transfers ownership of real estate. Grant deeds only need to be notarized in accordance with state law. Check your state legislature’s website or connect with a real estate lawyer in your area to find out if a grant deed needs to be notarized in your state.
Getting a grant deed notarized is an important step to making the document legally binding. This is because a notary public must be physically present while both parties sign the grant deed in order to display their seal that certifies that the signatures are legitimate. In other words, you can think of a notary as a witness with special legal permissions to bear witness to legally binding matters.
Find out more about whether a grant deeds and notarizing by reading this article .
How to Get a Grant Deed
Obtaining a grant deed is simpler than you might think. First, you’ll need to find a piece property that you want to purchase. You can check your local newspaper’s classified ads, do a quick web search, or ask around to your friends and family.
One of the most common exchanges that involve grant deeds are foreclosure or tax sales. These sales are desirable because you have the potential to save money on the purchase agreement , since these types of sales usually happen at auctions. To find a property auction near you, check your local classified ads or check with your local government agency. Real estate agents can usually help, too.
A grant deed can be requested in the negotiations phase of a sale. Keep in mind that while a grant deed does offer some protections, it is not always the best option for the transfer of ownership of real property. General warranty deeds offer more protections and are the best option.
You should only pursue a grant deed when a general warranty deed is not on the table. If you want an extra layer of protection when obtaining a grant deed, you can try performing a deed search to get more details on the property you are interested in before closing the deal.
Check out this webpage to learn more about grant deeds.
Other Types of Deeds
Grant deeds are one of three types of deeds used to transfer real property. Each deed type is unique in its offerings and they are not all created equal. Understanding the different types of deeds out there is essential to making a sound deal when purchasing property.
General Warranty Deeds
General warranty deeds are hailed as the best property deeds out there. This is because a general warranty deed offers the highest level of protection of all property deeds. When a buyer is granted a general warranty deed, they are guaranteed:
- The owner owns the property
- The owner has the legal right to sell the property
- The property does not have any liens or encumbrances
- No defective title for the property exists
- The seller will furnish any document needed to make the title good
Quitclaim Deeds
Quitclaim deeds are the least desirable of all the property deeds. They make no guarantees to the buyer that there are no liens on the property, so when a buyer receives a quitclaim deed on a piece of property, they take on a considerable amount of risk, especially when compared to other deed types.
Some examples of risks taken when obtaining a quitclaim deed are:
- No legal recourse in the event of a title defect
- No warranties on the property title
- No promises regarding the property title
Quitclaim deeds are usually only recommended for scenarios where the buyer and seller know each other personally. They are often used when a transfer of ownership happens between family members, such as a grandparent transferring ownership of property to a younger generation before they die.
Check out this webpage to learn more about different types of deeds.
Get Help with a Property Deed
If you’re planning on purchasing real property and need the help of an expert, real estate lawyers can help. Post a project on ContractsCounsel today to get connected with real estate lawyers who specialize in grant deeds, general warranty deeds, and quitclaim deeds.
ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.
Need help with a Grant Deed?
Meet some of our Grant Deed Lawyers
Allen L.
Clear, strategic legal guidance when you need it most—whether you're planning ahead or defending a position. Legal challenges shouldn't feel confusing or overwhelming. Whether you're building an estate plan, structuring a business, or navigating a dispute, my practice is built on clarity, care, and practical strategy. I work with clients who want real solutions—not just paperwork—through planning and advice that truly fits their goals, families, and businesses. Planning & Structure I focus on estate planning, asset protection, and business succession, helping individuals and entrepreneurs organize their assets, reduce risk, and prepare for every stage of life. Whether you're setting up your first living trust, shielding your business from liability, or updating an existing estate plan, you'll receive clear guidance, fixed-fee pricing, and responsive support from start to finish. Each plan I design is tailored to your real-world priorities: preserving wealth, avoiding unnecessary taxes and probate, and ensuring the people you love are protected when it matters most. Disputes & Defense When legal conflicts arise—disputed contracts, demand letters, settlement negotiations, or litigation decisions—I provide realistic risk assessment and strategic guidance. I help clients understand their actual exposure (not just best-case scenarios), identify leverage points, and navigate toward efficient resolution. If you're facing a legal claim or need to evaluate your position before responding, I can walk you through the realistic options and their costs. Services: Estate Planning & Asset Protection --Simple wills and powers of attorney --Living trusts for small estates --Buy-sell agreements for family businesses Business Formation & Agreements --LLC or S-Corp formation filings --Operating Agreements / Shareholder Agreements --Founder or Investor Agreements --Bylaws and Minutes templates --Registered agent setup guidance Contracts & Commercial Matters --Service Agreements (consulting, marketing, software, design, etc.) --Independent Contractor Agreements --Employment contracts and offer letters --Non-compete, non-solicitation, or confidentiality agreements --Employee handbooks or HR policy updates --Termination or severance agreements --NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements) --Partnership or Joint Venture Agreements --Sales or Vendor Contracts --Licensing or IP Agreements Terms and conditions SaaS Platforms --Terms of Service --Privacy Policy --Independent Contractor Agreements --Customer/User Agreements --Liability Waivers --Cancellation & Refund Policy --Non-Solicitation Clauses --Marketplace compliance documents Real Estate --Commercial lease drafting or review --Residential lease review --Purchase & sale agreements --Short-term rental (Airbnb) contracts --Property management agreements Professional Approach: I leverage modern legal research and writing technologies—including AI-assisted tools—to enhance the quality, speed, and clarity of my analysis. Like many legal professionals today, I use these tools to organize research, improve communication, and catch errors. Every analysis I provide is thoroughly reviewed and reflects my independent professional judgment as a licensed attorney. AI is a tool that supports my work; it does not replace it.
"Allen was amazing to work with and went out of his way to help me! He was super considerate and helpful and was able to clearly explain and help me with my problems. I would definitely work with him again with no regrets!"
Sarah S.
With 20 years of transactional law experience, I have represented corporate giants like AT&T and T-Mobile, as well as mid-size and small businesses across a wide spectrum of legal needs, including business purchase agreements, entity formation, employment matters, commercial and residential real estate transactions, partnership agreements, online business terms and policy drafting, and business and corporate compliance. Recognizing the complexities of the legal landscape, I am dedicated to providing accessible and transparent legal services by offering a flat fee structure, making high-quality legal representation available to all. My extensive knowledge and commitment to client success establishes me as a trusted advisor for businesses of all sizes.
"Sarah was extremely helpful in making me contracts that I needed for wholesaling real estate. Also gave me all the licenses I needed for my business and answered all my questions on information I was unsure of in the business. Will definitely only be going to Sarah for any of my legal needs."
Michael M.
www.linkedin/in/michaelbmiller I am an experienced contracts professional having practiced nearly 3 decades in the areas of corporate, mergers and acquisitions, technology, start-up, intellectual property, real estate, employment law as well as informal dispute resolution. I enjoy providing a cost effective, high quality, timely solution with patience and empathy regarding client needs. I graduated from NYU Law School and attended Rutgers College and the London School of Economics as an undergraduate. I have worked at top Wall Street firms, top regional firms and have long term experience in my own practice. I would welcome the opportunity to be of service to you as a trusted fiduciary. In 2022 and 2023, I was the top ranked attorney on the Contract Counsel site based upon number of clients, quality of work and number of 5 Star reviews.
"Michael's expertise and judgment impressed me. I brought him in for contract advisory work, and he quickly asked the questions I hadn't considered, identified the risks that mattered, and set aside the ones I had wrongly prioritized. He changed how I understood the contract. He is an excellent advisor - highly recommended."
Max K.
Transactional attorney with experience in drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts, licenses, leases, general business practices and dispute resolution. Licensed in Nevada, California and New York. I never charge for phone calls - happy to chat. www.linkedin.com/in/maxkelner
"This was my 1st time having to consult with a legal expert about anything and Max made the process easy and stress-free."
Alexander N.
Having overseen over $1.2 billion in transaction value, we are able to provide top-tier service at affordable rates, with much more personalized attention and fast turnarounds. After working for a AM Law Top 100 firm, I started my own firm and have been lucky enough to represent numerous conglomerates (FOX, Endeavor, etc.), promising startups, small businesses and private individuals. Our areas of expertise - Business Formations and Operating Agreements; Capital Raises and Debt Financing; Commercial Transactions; M&A; Real Estate; Intellectual Property; Employment and Hiring; Outside General Counsel; Corporate Agreements and Governance; Litigation and Dispute Resolution. We have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Marketwatch, Yahoo Finance, Variety, Business Insider, Los Angeles Magazine, the LA Times, and others. We are driven by an unwavering commitment to our clients, going above and beyond to deliver results.
"This group was incredibly responsive and informative every step of the way."
Gregory B.
I love contracts - and especially technology-related contracts written in PLAIN ENGLISH! I've worked extensively with intellectual property contracts, and specifically with IT contracts (SaaS, Master Subscriptions Agreements, Terms of Service, Privacy Policies, License Agreements, etc.), and I have built my own technology solutions that help to quickly and thoroughly draft, review and customize complex contracts.
"Greg was very helpful and responsive. He not only provided insightful comments on the contract but also explained the reasoning behind them. Highly recommended, especially for software contracts."
Clara D.
October 8, 2021
Clara D.
Clara Duffield is a seasoned financial services, technology, privacy, business, intellectual property, and real estate lawyer, with in-house and large firm experience. She currently represents a range of clients, from start-ups to large, heavily-regulated companies, in a wide variety of transactional matters. After graduating from The University of Chicago Law School, Clara spent eight years in private practice representing clients in complex commercial real estate, merger and acquisition, branding, and other transactional matters. Clara then worked as in-house counsel to a large financial services company, handling intellectual property, vendor contracts, technology, privacy, cybersecurity, licensing, marketing, and otherwise supporting general operations. She opened her own practice in September of 2017. Duffield Law provides strategic and flexible representation to businesses of all sizes. Its clients include entrepreneurs and early-stage startups to Fortune 100 companies. From outside general counsel or volume work to discreet assignments, our small firm model allows us the flexibility to provide only the legal services a client needs, without sacrificing the quality all clients deserve. With a depth of in-house and large law firm experience, we work with clients to thoughtfully assess risk, identify and engage subject matter experts, and manage legal spend.
Find the best lawyer for your project
Browse Lawyers NowLawyer Reviews for Grant Deed Projects
Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.
View Trustpilot ReviewNeed help with a Grant Deed?
Real Estate lawyers by top cities
- Austin Real Estate Lawyers
- Boston Real Estate Lawyers
- Chicago Real Estate Lawyers
- Dallas Real Estate Lawyers
- Denver Real Estate Lawyers
- Houston Real Estate Lawyers
- Los Angeles Real Estate Lawyers
- New York Real Estate Lawyers
- Phoenix Real Estate Lawyers
- San Diego Real Estate Lawyers
- Tampa Real Estate Lawyers
Grant Deed lawyers by city
- Austin Grant Deed Lawyers
- Boston Grant Deed Lawyers
- Chicago Grant Deed Lawyers
- Dallas Grant Deed Lawyers
- Denver Grant Deed Lawyers
- Houston Grant Deed Lawyers
- Los Angeles Grant Deed Lawyers
- New York Grant Deed Lawyers
- Phoenix Grant Deed Lawyers
- San Diego Grant Deed Lawyers
- Tampa Grant Deed Lawyers
Contracts Counsel was incredibly helpful and easy to use. I submitted a project for a lawyer's help within a day I had received over 6 proposals from qualified lawyers. I submitted a bid that works best for my business and we went forward with the project.
View Trustpilot Review
I never knew how difficult it was to obtain representation or a lawyer, and ContractsCounsel was EXACTLY the type of service I was hoping for when I was in a pinch. Working with their service was efficient, effective and made me feel in control. Thank you so much and should I ever need attorney services down the road, I'll certainly be a repeat customer.
View Trustpilot Review
I got 5 bids within 24h of posting my project. I choose the person who provided the most detailed and relevant intro letter, highlighting their experience relevant to my project. I am very satisfied with the outcome and quality of the two agreements that were produced, they actually far exceed my expectations.
View Trustpilot Review