Posted by Jason-DTX on November 07, 1998 at 10:48:30:
A quit claim deed is a deed that says “if I have any interest in this property then I convey it to you.” Anyone can file a quit claim deed even if they don’t own the property. They are used mostly in divorce and from heirs.
A special warranty deed is a deed you receive from someone in special circumstances. Such as a deed from a tax sale or foreclosure. The deed may not be absolute - i.e. the previous owner from a tax sale will have the right to redeem the property so the sherrif will only give you a special warranty deed. There may be other technical differences but this should give you the main idea of each deed.
Jason