Connecticut Warranty Deed

Yes, in general. A Connecticut deed must be acknowledged by the grantor and attested by two witnesses, and a state and municipal real estate conveyance tax applies to transfers for consideration of $2,000 or more.

Two. A Connecticut deed must be acknowledged by the grantor and attested by two witnesses, and a state and municipal real estate conveyance tax applies to transfers for consideration of $2,000 or more.

Yes. Connecticut charges a state transfer tax or similar fee when a deed is recorded. Some transfers may be exempt, so check the current statute.

They come from Conn. Gen. Stat. ch. 821 (incl. 47-5) and Conn. Gen. Stat. ch. 223 (incl. 12-494). We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.

A general warranty deed guarantees the title against every defect, no matter when it arose. A special warranty deed guarantees only against defects that arose while the grantor owned the property, such as a lien the grantor created. Buyers usually prefer a general warranty deed, while sellers such as banks, estates and companies often offer only a special warranty.

For the grantee, yes. A warranty deed comes with promises about the title and a right to sue the grantor if those promises are broken. A quitclaim deed comes with no promises at all. Quitclaim deeds are mostly used between family members or to clear up title issues, not in ordinary sales.

Many buyers and nearly all mortgage lenders still want title insurance. A warranty deed is only as valuable as the grantor's ability to pay if a claim arises, while a title insurance policy is backed by an insurance company and usually includes a title search before closing.

They are the matters the grantee agrees to take the property subject to, such as recorded utility easements, homeowners association restrictions, zoning laws and property taxes that are not yet due. Listing them in the deed means the grantor is not breaking the warranty because those items exist.

The seller is normally responsible for delivering the deed, though in practice it is often drafted by a closing attorney, title company or escrow agent. Individuals can prepare their own deed in many states, but some states restrict who may prepare deeds for others. Check local rules if you are preparing one for someone else.

The grantor's signature is almost always acknowledged before a notary, because recording offices require it. Recording is what puts the public on notice of the new owner, so an unrecorded deed can leave the grantee exposed to later claims. A few states also require witnesses.

Yes, but the deed should say how the mortgage is handled. In most sales the mortgage is paid off at closing. If the grantee is taking the property subject to the existing mortgage or assuming it, list it as a permitted exception. Many mortgages allow the lender to demand full repayment if the property is transferred.

If the problem is covered by the deed's warranties, the grantee can ask the grantor to defend the title or pay for the loss, and may sue if the grantor refuses. If the grantee has title insurance, the claim usually goes to the insurer first. How far back the warranty reaches depends on whether it is a general or special warranty deed.