GENERAL WARRANTY DEED
(Illinois – Court-Ready Template)
[// GUIDANCE: This template integrates Illinois-specific recording, acknowledgment, and transfer-tax requirements while following the user-requested “expanded architecture.” Sections that are atypical for deeds (e.g., “Default & Remedies”) are intentionally concise yet compliant. Delete bracketed guidance and placeholders during final drafting.]
RECORDING COVER SHEET
Return To: [NAME & ADDRESS]
Document Prepared By: [NAME & ADDRESS]
Send Future Tax Bills To: [NAME & ADDRESS]
Property Index Number (PIN): [---]
Mail Recorded Deed To: [NAME & ADDRESS]
[// GUIDANCE: Illinois recorders require a 3" top margin on the first page and ½" margins elsewhere. Confirm local county formatting rules.]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Document Header
- Definitions
- Operative Provisions
- Representations & Warranties
- Covenants & Restrictions
- Default & Remedies
- Risk Allocation
- Dispute Resolution
- General Provisions
- Execution & Acknowledgment
1. DOCUMENT HEADER
This General Warranty Deed (“Deed”) is made as of [EFFECTIVE DATE] (the “Effective Date”), by and between:
• [GRANTOR LEGAL NAME], a [STATE] [ENTITY TYPE], with an address at [ADDRESS] (“Grantor”); and
• [GRANTEE LEGAL NAME], a [STATE] [ENTITY TYPE], with an address at [ADDRESS] (“Grantee”).
WHEREAS, Grantor is lawfully seized in fee simple of the real property described herein and desires to convey the same to Grantee for valuable consideration;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the sum of [WRITTEN DOLLAR AMOUNT] Dollars (US $[NUMERICAL]) and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged, Grantor hereby conveys the Property to Grantee with full warranty of title, subject only to Permitted Exceptions.
2. DEFINITIONS
The following terms, when capitalized, have the meanings set forth below and apply throughout this Deed:
“Claim” – Any action, suit, proceeding, loss, cost, damage, or expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees).
“Effective Date” – The date stated in the Document Header.
“Permitted Exceptions” – (i) General real estate taxes not yet due and payable; (ii) easements, covenants, and restrictions of record that do not materially impair present use; (iii) matters that would be disclosed by an accurate survey; and (iv) [OTHER AGREED EXCEPTIONS].
“Property” – The real estate located in the County of [COUNTY], State of Illinois, legally described on Exhibit A attached hereto, together with all appurtenant rights, easements, hereditaments, and improvements.
“Transfer Taxes” – Illinois and county real estate transfer taxes imposed on the recording of this Deed.
3. OPERATIVE PROVISIONS
3.1 Grant. Grantor hereby GRANTS, CONVEYS, BARGAINS, SELLS, and WARRANTS unto Grantee, in fee simple absolute, the Property, together with all tenements, hereditaments, and appurtenances, subject to the Permitted Exceptions.
3.2 Consideration. The consideration for this conveyance is the amount stated above, the receipt of which Grantor acknowledges.
3.3 Conditions Precedent. Delivery and acceptance of this Deed are conditioned upon payment of Transfer Taxes and satisfaction of any municipal exemption/transfer stamp requirements.
4. REPRESENTATIONS & WARRANTIES
4.1 Statutory Warranty Covenants. Pursuant to 765 ILCS 5/9, Grantor covenants that:
a. Grantor was seized of an indefeasible estate in fee simple;
b. Grantor had good right and full power to convey;
c. The Property was free from encumbrances other than Permitted Exceptions;
d. Grantee shall quietly enjoy and possess the Property; and
e. Grantor will warrant and defend the title against all lawful Claims.
4.2 Survival. All covenants herein survive the recording of this Deed and run with the land.
5. COVENANTS & RESTRICTIONS
5.1 Compliance. Grantor and Grantee shall execute all documents reasonably required to comply with Illinois real estate transfer-tax statutes and county ordinances.
5.2 Further Assurances. Grantor shall, at Grantee’s request and expense, execute and deliver such further instruments as may be reasonably necessary to perfect title in Grantee.
5.3 Use Restrictions. Grantee takes title subject to zoning ordinances and recorded covenants of record.
6. DEFAULT & REMEDIES
6.1 Title Defect. In the event of a breach of the warranty covenants, Grantee’s exclusive remedies are:
a. Specific performance (quiet-title or reformation); and
b. Monetary damages capped under Section 7.2.
6.2 Notice & Cure. Grantee shall provide written notice of any Claim within 30 days after discovery, and Grantor shall have 60 days to cure before legal action may be commenced.
7. RISK ALLOCATION
7.1 Indemnification. Grantor shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Grantee from any Claim arising from a breach of Grantor’s covenants.
7.2 Liability Cap. Grantor’s aggregate liability under this Deed shall not exceed the consideration actually paid. Consequential and punitive damages are excluded.
7.3 Force Majeure. Neither party shall be liable for delays caused by events beyond its reasonable control, excluding payment obligations.
8. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
8.1 Governing Law. This Deed is governed by the real estate laws of the State of Illinois.
8.2 Forum Selection. The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state courts sitting in [COUNTY] County, Illinois.
8.3 Arbitration. Arbitration is expressly excluded.
8.4 Jury Trial. No jury waiver is included; statutory rights are preserved.
8.5 Injunctive Relief. Nothing herein limits either party’s right to seek quiet-title or other equitable relief.
9. GENERAL PROVISIONS
9.1 Entire Agreement. This Deed constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding the conveyance of the Property.
9.2 Amendments. Any amendment must be in writing and recorded to be effective.
9.3 Assignment. Grantee may assign its rights prior to recording; any later assignment must comply with Illinois conveyancing law.
9.4 Severability. If a provision is invalid, the remaining provisions remain enforceable.
9.5 Counterparts; Electronic Signatures. This Deed may be executed in counterparts and by electronic signatures, each of which is deemed an original.
10. EXECUTION & ACKNOWLEDGMENT
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantor has executed this General Warranty Deed as of the Effective Date.
[GRANTOR LEGAL NAME]
By: _________
Name: [AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY]
Title: [CAPACITY]
STATE OF __ )
) SS.
COUNTY OF __ )
On this ___ day of _, 20_, before me, the undersigned Notary Public, personally appeared ____, [personally known to me / proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence] to be the individual whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument and acknowledged that (he/she/they) executed the same in the authorized capacity, and that by the signature on the instrument the individual executed the instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal.
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: __
[// GUIDANCE: Illinois notarial certificates must include the notary’s printed name, official seal, and commission expiration date. Verify county-specific requirements.]
EXHIBIT A
Legal Description of the Property
[INSERT FULL METES-AND-BOUNDS OR PLATTED DESCRIPTION]
EXHIBIT B
Real Estate Transfer Tax Declaration (Form PTAX-203 or county-specific equivalent)
[// GUIDANCE: Attach completed PTAX-203 and affix state ($0.50 per $500) and county transfer-tax stamps per 35 ILCS 200/31-10 et seq. Some municipalities require additional declarations or stamps.]
END OF DOCUMENT