Washington State Real Estate Practice Exam

What is a quitclaim deed?

1. A deed that transfers ownership with warranties

2. A deed that transfers only the grantor's interest without warranties

3. A deed that is used for tax purposes

4. A deed that can be revoked at any time

The correct answer is: A deed that transfers only the grantor's interest without warranties

A quitclaim deed is a legal instrument used to transfer interest in real property. The defining characteristic of a quitclaim deed is that it conveys any interest the grantor has in the property without making any guarantees or warranties regarding the nature or extent of that interest. This means that if the grantor has a limited or unclear interest in the property, the recipient (grantee) receives only what the grantor possesses, and there is no assurance that the title is clear or free of encumbrances. This type of deed is commonly used in situations where the parties know each other, such as in family transfers, and where the grantor does not want to be responsible for any issues with the property’s title. Unlike general warranty deeds, which provide comprehensive guarantees about title and ownership, a quitclaim deed simply transfers whatever interest the grantor may have, effectively leaving the grantee with no recourse against the grantor should any problems arise after the transfer. The other choices describe different types of deeds or concepts that do not accurately represent what a quitclaim deed entails. A deed that transfers ownership with warranties provides more security for the grantee, while a deed for tax purposes typically refers to specific types of transfers for tax reasons and not general property ownership.