Function

• A warranty deed is used to convey real estate after a sale. A quitclaim deed commonly is used to transfer real estate ownership between family members. A beneficiary deed is designed to convey title to real estate when the owner dies.
  
  

Time Frame

• A warranty deed transfers ownership following a title search to make sure there are no liens on the property. A quitclaim deed conveys ownership immediately. A beneficiary deed transfers ownership only upon the death of the owner.
  
  

Considerations

• All deeds in Missouri must be signed in front of a Notary Public. Once executed, they are then filed with the register of deeds in the county courthouse where the property is located.
  
  

Benefits

• The benefits of a warranty deed include a guarantee that the real estate is free of any liens. A quitclaim deed permits an immediate transfer of real estate. A beneficiary deed allows the transfer of real estate after the death of the owner without having to go to probate court.
  
  

Misconceptions

• The most common misconception associated with the transfer of a deed from one person to another in Missouri is that there is only one mechanism available to accomplish this task: the more common warranty deed.