Freehold
Study guide
Title questions hinge on two things: which deed gives how much protection, and when title actually passes. A general warranty deed protects against defects from any point in history; a quitclaim promises nothing. And title transfers on delivery and acceptance of the deed — not recording, which only gives constructive notice. Add title insurance and adverse possession elements, and this compact topic becomes some of the fastest points on the exam.
Key vocabulary: Transfer of Title glossary (29 terms)
Every Freehold question shows why the right answer is right — and cites its source.
Which deed provides the buyer with the greatest protection?
General warranty deed — A general warranty deed contains the fullest covenants, warranting title against defects arising at any time, even before the grantor owned the property. Other deed types progressively limit or eliminate these warranties.
Source: PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline §9 Transfer of Title
A quitclaim deed conveys:
Whatever interest the grantor has, with no warranties — A quitclaim deed transfers whatever interest the grantor may hold — possibly none — without any warranties of title. It is commonly used to clear title clouds or transfer between family members.
Source: PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline §9 Transfer of Title
Title to real property legally transfers when the deed is:
Delivered to and accepted by the grantee — Title passes upon delivery and acceptance of the deed during the grantor's lifetime. Recording protects the grantee against later claims by giving public notice, but it is not what transfers ownership.
Source: PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline §9 Transfer of Title
An owner's title insurance policy primarily protects against:
Title defects that occurred before the policy date — Title insurance is retrospective: it protects against losses from title defects existing before the policy's effective date, such as forged deeds, unknown heirs, or recording errors, discovered after closing.
Source: PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline §9 Transfer of Title
To acquire title by adverse possession, a claimant's possession must generally be:
Open, notorious, hostile, and continuous for the statutory period — Adverse possession requires possession that is open and notorious, hostile to the owner's interest, exclusive, and continuous for the statutory period. Permission from the owner defeats the hostility requirement.
Source: PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline §9 Transfer of Title