What type of deed guarantees only the period during which the grantor owned the property?

The correct answer is a Special Warranty Deed. This type of deed is designed to protect the grantee only against defects in title that may have occurred during the time that the grantor owned the property. It does not provide any guarantees regarding the title before the grantor acquired ownership.

The Special Warranty Deed limits the grantor’s liability, assuring the buyer that the property is free from encumbrances or issues that arose during their ownership, but it does not cover any potential claims or defects that might predate the grantor's ownership. This offers a moderate level of security to the buyer compared to other deed types.

Other types of deeds, such as General Warranty Deeds, provide broader protections by guaranteeing the title against all claims, including those arising before the grantor's ownership. A Quitclaim Deed transfers whatever interest the grantor has without any warranties, making it the least secure option. Lastly, a Fee Simple Deed is not a deed type but rather a form of property ownership that denotes the maximum possible estate in land. Understanding these differences clarifies why a Special Warranty Deed is the correct answer for this scenario.