EstatePass
Property OwnershipDeed_typesEASY

Maria purchased a home in Denver using a general warranty deed. Three years later, a title company discovers that a previous owner — before Maria's seller ever owned the property — had an unpaid lien that was never properly released. Under Colorado law, which party is responsible for defending Maria's title against this claim?

Correct Answer

C) Maria's seller, because the general warranty deed includes a covenant warranting title against all claims regardless of when they arose

Under a general warranty deed in Colorado, the grantor (Maria's seller) warrants title against all claims — including those that arose before the grantor's period of ownership. This is the defining characteristic that distinguishes a general warranty deed from a special warranty deed. The grantor's covenant of warranty extends back through the entire chain of title, so the seller is obligated to defend and compensate Maria against this pre-existing lien.

Answer Options
A
Maria, because she accepted the deed and assumed all title risks at closing
B
The title insurance company only, because title insurance is the sole remedy for pre-existing claims
C
Maria's seller, because the general warranty deed includes a covenant warranting title against all claims regardless of when they arose
D
The previous owner who created the lien, because Colorado law holds only the original debtor liable

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Deep Analysis of This Property Ownership Question

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Background Knowledge for Property Ownership

Sign up free to unlock full analysis
Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Real World Application in Property Ownership

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Property Ownership Questions

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

general_warranty_deedcovenant_of_warrantypre_existing_claimstitle_defect

Related Concepts

Community property is a system where property acquired during a marriage is owned equally by both spouses.

A freehold estate represents ownership of real property with an indefinite duration.

Joint tenancy is a form of co-ownership in which two or more persons hold equal, undivided interests in property with the right of survivorship. When one joint tenant dies, their interest automatically passes to the surviving joint tenants.

Was this explanation helpful?

More Property Ownership Questions

People Also Study

Related Articles

Practice More Questions

Access 2,000+ practice questions and pass your real estate exam.

Start Practicing