New York Multistate Bar (MBE) Practice Exam

Seisin is the present covenant in a general warranty deed. It guarantees that, at the time of the grant, the seller actually owns the property and has the right to convey it. This is a current assurance about title or possession, not something the seller promises to fix in the future. If the grantor didn’t own the land or couldn’t convey it at the moment of the deed, the grantee could bring a claim immediately for breach of this covenant. The other options are typically future covenants. Quiet enjoyment promises that the grantee’s possession won’t be disturbed by someone with a superior title—this is focused on future interference. Defend (defense of title) and further assurances require actions to be taken after the grant to defend or perfect the title, not present ownership at the moment of conveyance.