What type of deed might be used when a property is sold during an auction?

A referee's deed is typically utilized in transactions involving auction sales, particularly when a court appoints a referee to oversee the sale of a property. This type of deed is employed in situations like foreclosure or other legal proceedings where a property is sold to satisfy a debt or obligation. The referee’s deed conveys the property from the seller (often the lender or a court-appointed official) to the purchaser, providing a clear chain of title while limiting the liabilities of the seller since they are often not the original owner and may not have complete knowledge of the property’s history.

In contrast, other types of deeds, such as quitclaim deeds and warranty deeds, serve different purposes. A quitclaim deed transfers whatever interest the seller has in a property without guaranteeing or warranting that the title is clear of any encumbrances. A warranty deed provides a guarantee from the seller that the title is clear and defends the purchaser against any title defects. A special warranty deed, while it does provide some degree of protection regarding the title, is generally used in more conventional sales rather than auctions.

Thus, a referee's deed is specifically suited to the unique circumstances of an auction, especially when it involves legal oversight or intervention, which differentiates it from the other deed types that