Introduction
Buying and selling real estate property is a complex process, and can involve many different legal documents. The two most common types of documents used in real estate sales are Bargain and Sale Deeds and Quitclaim Deeds. Both of these documents are used to transfer property ownership, but their purpose and function are very different. In this article, we will discuss the differences between Bargain and Sale Deeds and Quitclaim Deeds, as well as when and how to use each one.
What is a Bargain and Sale Deed?
A Bargain and Sale Deed is a legal document used to transfer property from one owner to another. It is typically used in real estate sales, when the buyer is purchasing the property from a seller. A Bargain and Sale Deed transfers the seller’s title to the buyer, and includes a warranty that the seller has good title to the property. This means that the seller is guaranteeing that the property is free and clear of any liens or other claims, and that the buyer will not have any problems with the title after the sale is complete.
What is a Quitclaim Deed?
A Quitclaim Deed is a legal document used to transfer property from one person to another. Unlike a Bargain and Sale Deed, a Quitclaim Deed does not include a warranty or guarantee that the title is free of any liens or other claims. In other words, the seller is not guaranteeing that the property is free and clear of any claims when they transfer it to the buyer. A Quitclaim Deed is typically used when the seller is not sure of the status of the title, or when the parties involved in the transaction do not want to take on the responsibility of ensuring the title is clear.
When to Use a Bargain and Sale Deed
A Bargain and Sale Deed is most commonly used when a buyer is purchasing a property from a seller. The seller is guaranteeing that the property is free and clear of any liens or other claims, and that the buyer will not have any problems with the title after the sale is complete. The seller is also guaranteeing that the title is valid, and that the buyer will not have any issues with the title in the future.
When to Use a Quitclaim Deed
A Quitclaim Deed is typically used when the seller is not sure of the status of the title, or when the parties involved in the transaction do not want to take on the responsibility of ensuring the title is clear. A Quitclaim Deed can also be used to transfer property from one family member to another, or to transfer property between two parties without requiring the seller to guarantee the title. Quitclaim Deeds are also often used to transfer property to or from a business entity.
Pros and Cons of Bargain and Sale Deeds
Bargain and Sale Deeds offer the buyer more protection than Quitclaim Deeds, as the seller is guaranteeing that the title is free and clear of any liens or other claims. This means that the buyer is less likely to have any issues with the title after the sale is complete. However, Bargain and Sale Deeds can be more time-consuming and expensive than Quitclaim Deeds, as the seller must provide proof that the title is free and clear of any claims.
Pros and Cons of Quitclaim Deeds
Quitclaim Deeds are generally less time-consuming and expensive than Bargain and Sale Deeds, as the seller does not have to provide any proof that the title is free and clear of any liens or other claims. Furthermore, Quitclaim Deeds can be used to transfer property from one family member to another, or to transfer property between two parties without requiring the seller to guarantee the title. On the other hand, Quitclaim Deeds offer the buyer less protection than Bargain and Sale Deeds, as the seller is not guaranteeing that the title is free and clear of any liens or other claims.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bargain and Sale Deeds and Quitclaim Deeds are two different types of legal documents used to transfer property from one owner to another. Bargain and Sale Deeds offer the buyer more protection than Quitclaim Deeds, as the seller is guaranteeing that the title is free and clear of any liens or other claims. However, Bargain and Sale Deeds can be more time-consuming and expensive than Quitclaim Deeds. On the other hand, Quitclaim Deeds are generally less time-consuming and expensive than Bargain and Sale Deeds, and can be used to transfer property from one family member to another, or to transfer property between two parties without requiring the seller to guarantee the title. Ultimately, it is important to understand the differences between Bargain and Sale Deeds and Quitclaim Deeds, and to use the appropriate document for each situation.
Table of Comparison
Bargain and Sale Deed | Quitclaim Deed |
---|---|
Includes a warranty that the seller has good title to the property | Does not include a warranty |
More time-consuming and expensive | Less time-consuming and expensive |
Offers the buyer more protection | Offers the buyer less protection |
Most commonly used when a buyer is purchasing a property from a seller | Most commonly used when the seller is not sure of the status of the title |