Warranty deed
The standard deed in an Illinois home sale. The seller (grantor) promises they own the property, have the right to sell it, and will defend the buyer against any claims to the title — including from before they owned it.
Special warranty deed
The seller only guarantees against problems that arose while they owned the property. Common in sales by banks, builders and corporations, including bank-owned (REO) homes.
Quitclaim deed
What is a quit claim deed in Illinois? An Illinois quit claim deed transfers whatever interest the grantor has — possibly none — with no promise that the title is clear. It's typically used:
- to add or remove a spouse or family member
- in a divorce settlement
- to move property into a living trust or LLC
- to fix an error in an earlier deed
A quitclaim doesn't release anyone from a mortgage, and it gives the buyer no protection if the title turns out to be defective.
Trustee's deed & deed in trust
A deed in trust puts property into a trust; a trustee's deed is signed by the trustee to take it out. In Cook County this usually involves an Illinois land trust, where a bank serves as trustee and the beneficiary stays private. In the free history, these show as "Trustee".
Executor's & administrator's deed
Used when property is sold or distributed from a probate estate. An executor (named in a will) or administrator (appointed by the court when there's no will) signs on the estate's behalf. See getting a deed after a death.
Sheriff's / judicial sale deed
Issued after a court-ordered sale, most commonly a foreclosure. In Cook County, judicial sales are often conducted by a private selling officer, and the deed is issued after the court confirms the sale.
Tax deed
Issued to a tax buyer after property taxes went unpaid, the property was sold at a tax sale, and the owner didn't redeem within the redemption period. Tax deeds are obtained through a court process.
Transfer on death instrument (TODI)
Illinois lets owners record a TODI naming who gets the property when they die, avoiding probate for that property. It must be recorded before death to be effective, and the beneficiary later records a notice of death affidavit.
Want to see which types appear for a property? Search the deed history for free.