What distinguishes a limited warranty deed from a general warranty deed?

A limited warranty deed offers protection that is confined to the period during which the current owner held the property. This means that the granter of the deed guarantees that they have not caused any defects in the title during their ownership, but they do not make any promises about the title's condition before their ownership began. Essentially, the protection is restricted to the events and issues that may have arisen while the current owner was in possession of the property.

In contrast, a general warranty deed provides a blanket warranty of title that extends back to the property's origins, ensuring that all past claims or encumbrances are addressed, regardless of when they arose. This difference is significant for buyers because it affects the level of protection they receive when acquiring the property.

The other answer choices do not accurately portray the key distinctions between the two types of deeds. For instance, a limited warranty deed does provide a warranty of title, just not as comprehensive as that of a general warranty deed, which is where the other options may lead to confusion. Understanding these nuances is crucial for professionals in the real estate and title insurance industries.