10 Types Of Deeds In Georgia

Types Of Deeds In Georgia - Limited Warranty Deed in Georgia - General Warranty Deed in Georgia - Quitclaim Deed in Georgia - Deed of Trust in Georgia

What are the different types of deeds in Georgia? 

In this article, you’ll learn about: 

  • every type of deed in Georgia
  • what each type of deed does
  • how each type of deed works

Let’s dig in.

Table of Contents

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Types Of Deeds In Georgia

The most common types of deeds in Georgia are:

  • General Warranty Deed: This deed offers the most protection to the buyer. The seller guarantees that they have a clear title to the property and have a right to sell it. They also guarantee against any title defects or claims.
  • Limited Warranty Deed (Special Warranty Deed): With this deed, the seller only guarantees the title against defects or claims that arose during their ownership of the property. They do not guarantee against defects that existed before they took ownership.
  • Quitclaim Deed: This type of deed offers the least protection to the buyer. The seller does not make any guarantees about the title. Essentially, they are only transferring whatever interest they might have in the property. It’s often used to clear up title defects or in transactions between family members.
  • Bargain and Sale Deed: This is somewhat similar to a quitclaim deed, but the seller does claim to have ownership of the property. However, there are no warranties against title defects.
  • Deed of Trust: This is not exactly a deed of sale, but rather a type of security instrument used in financing agreements. It involves three parties: the borrower (trustor), the lender (beneficiary), and a neutral third party (trustee). The property is held as collateral for a loan.
  • Executor’s Deed: Used by an executor of an estate to transfer property from a deceased person’s estate.
  • Administrator’s Deed: Used by an administrator of an estate to sell property from an estate that did not have a will.
  • Guardian’s Deed: Used by a guardian to sell property on behalf of a minor or an incapacitated person.
  • Tax Deed: This is used when a property is sold due to unpaid taxes.
  • Foreclosure Deed: Issued following a foreclosure sale, transferring ownership from the defaulted borrower to the winning bidder (often the lender).

General Warranty Deed

A General Warranty Deed in Georgia is a legal document used to transfer property ownership. 

It provides the most protection to the buyer. 

The seller guarantees they have a clear title to the property. 

This means there are no hidden liens, encumbrances, or ownership disputes. 

If there are title issues, the seller is responsible for fixing them. 

The deed ensures the buyer’s rights to the property from the time of its origin, not just from the seller’s ownership period. 

In essence, with a General Warranty Deed, the seller stands behind the claim that the property title is free and clear of any problems.

Read More: What Are My Rights If My Name Is On A Deed?

Limited Warranty Deed (Special Warranty Deed)

A Limited Warranty Deed in Georgia is a legal document used to transfer property ownership. 

In Georgia, the seller guarantees the title only for the period they owned the property. 

This means they are not responsible for title issues from previous owners. 

The buyer receives protection against title defects that arose during the seller’s ownership. 

However, potential issues before the seller’s ownership are not covered. 

It offers less protection than a General Warranty Deed but more than a Quitclaim Deed. 

In a transaction, both parties should understand the deed’s terms to ensure a smooth ownership transfer.

Read More: Can Someone Sell A House If Your Name Is On The Deed?

Quitclaim Deed

A quitclaim deed in Georgia is a legal document. 

It transfers property ownership. 

The person giving the property is the “grantor”. 

The receiver is the “grantee”. 

The deed does not guarantee a clear title. 

It only transfers the grantor’s interest, if any. 

This means if the grantor owns the property, it’s now the grantee’s. 

But, if the grantor has no ownership, the grantee gets nothing. 

In Georgia, to be valid, the deed must be signed, witnessed, and recorded in the county’s land records. 

People use it often for family transfers, like adding a spouse to a title. 

It’s a quick way to change ownership but comes with risks due to no title guarantees.

Read More: How To Transfer A Deed After Death In Georgia

Bargain and Sale Deed

A Bargain and Sale Deed in Georgia is a type of property deed. 

It transfers property ownership from a seller to a buyer. 

The seller claims to own the property. 

However, this deed does not guarantee a clear title. 

It does not protect the buyer from title defects. 

It’s often used in tax sales or foreclosures. 

Before using it, buyers should research the property’s title history. 

This ensures they’re aware of potential claims or issues.

Read More: Do You Need A Lawyer To Remove A Name From A Deed?

Deed of Trust

A Deed of Trust in Georgia is a document used in real estate financing. 

It involves three parties: the borrower, the lender, and a trustee. 

The borrower gives the trustee the legal title to the property as security for the loan from the lender. 

If the borrower pays the loan as agreed, they retain the property’s use and ownership. 

If the borrower defaults, the trustee can sell the property. 

Proceeds from the sale go to the lender to cover the unpaid loan. 

After repaying the loan, any remaining funds go to the borrower. 

In essence, the Deed of Trust allows the lender to have a claim on the property until the borrower fulfills the loan obligations.

Read More: Am I Entitled To My Husband’s Property If He Dies And My Name Isn’t On The Deed?

Executor's Deed

An Executor’s Deed in Georgia is a legal document. 

It’s used by the executor of a deceased person’s estate. 

This deed transfers property ownership from the estate to a buyer or beneficiary. 

The executor gets the authority from the will and the court. 

They ensure the sale aligns with the deceased’s wishes and Georgia laws. 

The proceeds typically go to the estate, then distributed to heirs or to pay debts. 

Before selling, the executor may need court approval. 

After selling, the buyer gets the Executor’s Deed as proof of ownership.

Read More: If My Name Is On The Deed Do I Own The Property?

Administrator's Deed

An Administrator’s Deed in Georgia is a legal document. 

It’s used to transfer property from an estate without a will. 

An appointed administrator handles this. 

They have the court’s approval to sell the property. 

The deed confirms the property’s transfer to a new owner. 

The sale proceeds go to the estate. 

These funds are then distributed to heirs according to Georgia’s laws of intestacy. 

It’s essential to record the Administrator’s Deed in the county where the property is located. 

This makes the transaction a public record.

Read More: What Are My Rights If My Name Is Not On A Deed But Married

Guardian's Deed

A Guardian’s Deed in Georgia is a legal document. 

A court-appointed guardian uses it to transfer property on behalf of someone who cannot act for themselves, like a minor or an incapacitated person. 

The guardian needs court approval before selling the property. 

Once approved, the guardian can use the deed to transfer ownership to the buyer. 

This ensures the property transfer is in the best interest of the person under guardianship.

Read More: If My Name Is On The Deed But Not The Mortgage Can I Refinance?

Tax Deed

A tax deed in Georgia is a legal document. 

It transfers property ownership after the original owner fails to pay property taxes. 

The county sells the property at a tax sale to recover the unpaid taxes. 

The highest bidder at the tax sale gets the tax deed. 

This means they now own the property. 

However, the original owner has a redemption period. 

During this time, they can repay the tax debt and reclaim the property. 

If they don’t, the tax deed holder secures full ownership rights.

Read More: Does A Spouse Have The Right To Property After Signing A Quit Claim Deed?

Foreclosure Deed

A foreclosure deed in Georgia is a legal document. 

It transfers ownership of a property after a foreclosure sale. 

In Georgia, when a homeowner defaults on their mortgage, the lender can initiate a foreclosure. 

The foreclosure process involves publicly auctioning the property. 

The highest bidder at the auction, often the lender, receives the foreclosure deed. 

This deed confirms the transfer of property ownership from the defaulting homeowner to the winning bidder. 

It’s recorded in the county where the property is located to finalize the ownership change.

Get A Deed In Georgia

Navigating property transactions in Georgia?

Every property move, from purchase to transfer, hinges on the right deed.

Mistakes can lead to disputes and financial headaches.

Let an experienced attorney draft or review your deed with precision.

Contact us today to ensure your real estate decisions stand on solid legal ground.

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