What is a deed of trust?

Deeds of trust are not really "deeds" to property, as that term is commonly used, they are documents purporting to create a security interest in the property, usually for a lender. In Texas, when there is a lender seeking to create a security interest in the property, the property is conveyed "in trust" to a trustee of the deed of trust, which maintains a right to non-judicially foreclose the interest if allowed for in the conveyance documents.

What is the difference between a general warranty deed and a special warranty deed?

A general warranty deed provides more protection to the grantee in that the party providing the warranty is not only declaring that the grantor is the title owner of the property, but that such title owner will warrant the title against all potential claimaints of title in the property, even those that claim ownership from previous owners. A special warranty deed, on the other hand, is only providing the grantee with a warranty that the grantor has not encumbered or transferred its interest in the property.

What is a 'quitclaim deed'?

A quitclaim deed is a document usually used to "clear up" title deficiencies. Essentially, a quitclaim deed the party giving the deed is stating to that "I do not know if I have an interest in the property, but what I do have, I surrender it to you." It contains no warranty, and does not use the "sell, grant and convey" language of a true deed. Property transferred by a quitclaim deed is usually uninsurable.