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

Explanation

A general warranty deed (most common in Illinois residential sales) provides the buyer with the broadest protection—the grantor warrants title against all defects in the chain of title, including those arising before the grantor owned the property. A special warranty deed (often used in foreclosures, estate sales, and commercial transactions) only warrants against defects that arose during the grantor's period of ownership. Buyers should always obtain title insurance regardless.