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Agreement or Contract for Deed for Sale and Purchase of Real Estate

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CONTRACT FOR DEED

THIS DAY this agreement is entered into by and between , hereinafter referred to as "SELLER", whether one or more, and , hereinafter referred to as "PURCHASER", whether one or more, on the terms and conditions and for the purposes hereinafter set forth:

1.

SALE OF PROPERTY

For and in consideration of TEN DOLLARS ($10.00) and other good and valuable considerations the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Seller does hereby agree to convey, sell, assign, transfer and set over unto Purchaser, the following property situated in County, State of Wyoming, said property being described as follows:

See Legal Description Attached as Exhibit A incorporated by reference as though set forth in full

Legal Description:

Together with all rights of ownership associated with the property, including, but not limited to, all easements and rights benefiting the premises, whether or not such easements and rights are of record, and all tenements, hereditaments, improvements and appurtenances, including all lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, shades, venetian blinds, curtain rods, storm windows, storm doors, screens, awnings, if any, and now on the premises.

SUBJECT TO all recorded easements, rights-of-way, conditions, encumbrances and limitations and to all applicable building and use restrictions, zoning laws and ordinances, if any, affecting the property.

2.

PURCHASE PRICE AND TERMS

The purchase price of the property shall be $ . The purchaser does hereby agree to pay to the order of the Seller the sum of Dollars ($) upon execution of this agreement, with the balance of $ being due and payable as follows:

(a) Balance payable in () monthly installments of Dollars ($) each, with the first installment being due and payable on the day of , and a like payment on the first day of each month thereafter until the day of , , when the final payment shall be due. No interest.

(b) Balance payable, together with interest on the whole sum that shall be from time to time unpaid at the rate of per cent, per annum, payable in the amount of $ dollars per month beginning on the day of , and continuing on the same day of each month thereafter until fully paid.

(c) Balance payable, together with interest on the whole sum that shall be from time to time unpaid at the rate of per cent, per annum, payable in the amount of dollars per month beginning on the day of , , and continuing on the same day of each month thereafter until the day of , , when all remaining principal and interest shall be paid. (Balloon payment)

If interest is charged, interest shall be computed monthly and deducted from payment and the balance of payment shall be applied on principal.

3.

TIME OF THE ESSENCE

Time is of the essence in the performance of each and every term and provision in this agreement by Purchaser.

4.

SECURITY

This contract shall stand as security of the payment of the obligations of Purchaser.

5.

MAINTENANCE OF IMPROVEMENTS

All improvements on the property, including, but not limited to, buildings, trees or other improvements now on the premises, or hereafter made or placed thereon, shall be a part of the security for the performance of this contract and shall not be removed therefrom. Purchaser shall not commit, or suffer any other person to commit, any waste or damage to said premises or the appurtenances and shall keep the premises and all improvements in as good condition as they are now.

6.

CONDITION OF IMPROVEMENTS

Purchaser agrees that the Seller has not made, nor makes any representations or warranties as to the condition of the premises, the condition of the buildings, appurtenances and fixtures locate thereon, and/or the location of the boundaries. Purchaser accepts the property in its "as-is" condition without warranty of any kind.

7.

POSSESSION OF PROPERTY

Purchaser shall take possession of the property and all improvements thereon upon execution of this contract and shall continue in the peaceful enjoyment of the property so long as all payments due under the terms of this contract are timely made. Purchaser agrees to keep the property in a good state of repair and in the event of termination of this contract, Purchaser agrees to return the property to Seller in substantially the same condition as it now exists, ordinary wear and tear excepted. Seller reserves the right to inspect the property at any time with or without notice to Purchaser.

8.

TAXES, INSURANCE AND ASSESSMENTS

Taxes and Assessments: During the term of this contract:

(a) Purchaser shall pay all taxes and assessments levied against the property.

(b) Seller shall pay all taxes and assessments levied against the property. In the event that Seller pays the taxes and insurance, Purchaser shall reimburse Seller for same upon 30 days notice to purchaser.

Content Insurance: Purchaser shall be solely responsible for obtaining insurance of the contents, insuring contents owned by Purchaser. Seller shall be solely responsible for obtaining insurance on all contents owned by Seller.

Liability and Hazard Insurance: Liability insurance shall be maintained by Purchaser during the term of this contract naming Seller as an additional insured, in the amount of not less than $ .

Fire, Hazard and Windstorm insurance: Fire, hazard and windstorm insurance shall be maintained as follows: (Select one)

(a) Purchaser shall obtain fire, hazard and windstorm insurance in the amount not less than $ , on a policy of insurance naming Seller as additional insured.

(b) Seller shall obtain and pay for hazard, fire and windstorm insurance in an amount not less than $ . In the event Seller elects this option, Purchaser shall repay the amount so paid by Seller within thirty (30) days of demand for same by Seller.

Should the Purchaser fail to pay any tax or assessment, or installment thereof, when due, or keep said buildings insured, Seller may pay the same and have the buildings insured, and the amounts thus expended shall be a lien on said premises and may be added to the balance then unpaid, or collected by Seller, in the discretion if Seller with interest until paid at the rate of the per cent per annum.

In case of any damage as a result of which said insurance proceeds are available, the Purchaser may, within sixty (60) days of said loss or damage, give to the Seller written notice of Purchaser’s election to repair or rebuild the damaged parts of the premises, in which event said insurance proceeds shall be used for such purpose. The balance of said proceeds, if any, which remain after completion of said repairing or rebuilding, or all of said insurance proceeds if the Purchaser elects not to repair or rebuild, shall be applied first toward the satisfaction of any existing defaults under the terms of this contract, and then as a prepayment upon the principal balance owing. No such prepayment shall defer the time for payment of any remaining payments required by said contract. Any surplus of said proceeds in excess of the balance owing hereon shall be paid to the Purchaser.

9.

DEFAULT

If the Purchaser shall fail to perform any of the covenants or conditions contained in this contract on or before the date on which the performance is required, the Seller shall give Purchaser notice of default or performance, stating the Purchaser is allowed fourteen (14) days from the date of the Notice to cure the default or performance. In the event the default or failure of performance is not cured within the 14 day time period, then Seller shall have any of the following remedies, in the discretion of Seller:

(a) give the Purchaser a written notice specifying the failure to cure the default and informing the Purchaser that if the default continues for a period of an additional fifteen (15) days after service of the notice of failure to cure, that without further notice, this contract shall stand cancelled and Seller may regain possession of the property as provided herein; or

(b) give the Purchaser a written notice specifying the failure to cure the default and informing the Purchaser that if the default continues for a period of an additional fifteen (15) days after service of the notice of failure to cure, that without further notice, the entire principal balance and unpaid interest shall be immediately due and payable and Seller may take appropriate action against Purchaser for collection of same according to the laws of the State of .

In the event of default in any of the terms and conditions or installments due and payable under the terms of this contract and Seller elects 9(a), Seller shall be entitled to immediate possession of the property.

In the event of default and termination of the contract by Seller, Purchaser shall forfeit any and all payments made under the terms of this contract including taxes and assessments as liquidated damages, Seller shall be entitled to recover such other damages as they may be due which are caused by the acts or negligence of Purchaser.

The parties expressly agree that in the event of default not cured by the Purchaser and termination of this agreement, and Purchaser fails to vacate the premises, Seller shall have the right to obtain possession by appropriate court action.

10.

DEED AND EVIDENCE OF TITLE

Upon total payment of the purchase price and any and all late charges, and other amounts due Seller, Seller agrees to deliver to Purchaser a Warranty Deed to the subject property, at Seller’s expense, free and clear of any liens or encumbrances other than taxes and assessments for the current year.

11.

NOTICES

All notices required hereunder shall be deemed to have been made when deposited in the U. S. Mail, postage prepaid, certified, return receipt requested, to the Purchaser or Seller at the addresses listed below. All notices required hereunder may he sent to:

Seller:



Purchaser:



and when mailed, postage prepaid, to said address, shall be binding and conclusively presumed to be served upon said parties respectively.

12.

ASSIGNMENT OR SALE

Purchaser shall not sell, assign, transfer or convey any interest in the subject property or this agreement, without first securing the written consent of the Seller.

13.

PREPAYMENT

Purchaser to have the right to prepay, without penalty, the whole or any part of the balance remaining unpaid on this contract at any time before the due date.

14.

ATTORNEY FEES

In the event of default, Purchaser shall pay to Seller, Seller's reasonable and actual attorneys' fees and expenses incurred by Seller in enforcement of any rights of Seller. All attorney fees shall be payable prior to Purchaser's being deemed to have corrected any such default.

15.

LATE PAYMENT CHARGES

If Purchaser shall fail to pay, within fifteen (15) days after due date, any installment due hereunder, Purchaser shall be required to pay an additional charge of five (5%) percent of the late installment. Such charge shall be paid to Seller at the time of payment of the past due installment.

16.

CONVEYANCE OR MORTGAGE BY SELLER

If the Seller's interest is now or hereafter encumbered by mortgage, the Seller covenants that Seller will meet the payments of principal and interest thereon as they mature and produce evidence thereof to the Purchaser upon demand. In the event the Seller shall default upon any such mortgage or land contract, the Purchaser shall have the right to do the acts or make the payments necessary to cure such default and shall be reimbursed for so doing by receiving, automatically, credit to this contract to apply on the payments due or to become due hereon.

The Seller reserves the right to convey, his or her interest in the above described land and such conveyance hereof shall not be a cause for rescission but such conveyance shall be subject to the terms of this agreement.

The Seller may, during the lifetime of this contract, place a mortgage on the premises above described, which shall be a lien on the premises, superior to the rights of the Purchaser herein, or may continue and renew any existing mortgage thereon, provided that the aggregate amount due on all outstanding mortgages shall not at any time be greater than the unpaid balance of the contract.

17.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement embodies and constitutes the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the transactions contemplated herein. All prior or contemporaneous agreements, understandings, representations, oral or written, are merged into this Agreement.

18.

AMENDMENT – WAIVERS

This Agreement shall not be modified, or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by all parties.

No delay or failure on the part of any party hereto in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement or under any other documents furnished in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement shall impair any such right, power or privilege or be construed as a waiver of any default or any acquiescence therein. No single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege shall preclude the further exercise of such right, power or privilege, or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. No waiver shall be valid against any party hereto unless made in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement of such waiver is sought and then only to the extent expressly specified therein.

19.

SEVERABILITY

If any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall be held illegal or unenforceable by a court, no other provisions shall be affected by this holding. The parties intend that in the event one or more provisions of this agreement are declared invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain enforceable and this agreement shall be interpreted by a Court in favor of survival of all remaining provisions.

20.

HEADINGS

Section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only, shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement for any purpose, and shall not in any way define or affect the meaning, construction or scope of any of the provisions hereof.

21.

PRONOUNS

All pronouns and any variations thereof shall be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine, neuter, singular, or plural, as the identity of the person or entity may require. As used in this agreement: (1) words of the masculine gender shall mean and include corresponding neuter words or words of the feminine gender, (2) words in the singular shall mean and include the plural and vice versa, and (3) the word "may" gives sole discretion without any obligation to take any action.

22.

JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY

All Purchasers, if more than one, covenants and agrees that their obligations and liability shall be joint and several.

23.

PURCHASER’S RIGHT TO REINSTATE AFTER ACCELERATION

If Purchaser defaults and the loan is accelerated, then Purchaser shall have the right of reinstatement as allowed under the laws of the State of Wyoming, provided that Purchaser: (a) pays Lender all sums which then would be due under this agreement as if no acceleration had occurred; (b) cures any default of any other covenants or agreements; and (c) pays all expenses incurred in enforcing this agreement, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys' fees, and other fees incurred for the purpose of protecting Seller's interest in the Property and rights under this agreement. Seller may require that Purchaser pay such reinstatement sums and expenses in one or more of the following forms, as selected by Seller: (a) cash, (b) money order, (c) certified check, bank check, treasurer’s check or cashier’s check, provided any such check is drawn upon an institution whose deposits are insured by a federal agency, instrumentality or entity or (d) Electronic Funds Transfer. Upon reinstatement by Purchaser, this Security Instrument and obligations secured hereby shall remain fully effective as if no acceleration had occurred.

24.

HEIRS AND ASSIGNS

This contract shall be binding upon and to the benefit of the heirs, administrators, executors, and assigns of the parties hereto. However, nothing herein shall authorize a transfer in violation of paragraph (12).

25.

OTHER PROVISIONS

WITNESS THE SIGNATURES of the Parties this the day of , .

SELLER:




PURCHASER:




COUNTY OF , STATE OF WYOMING

The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this day of , 20 , by .

(Seal, if any)


My Commission Expires:

Seller(s) Name and Address       Buyer(s) Name and Address

Name:

Address:

City:

State: Zip:

Phone:

Name:

Address:

City:

State: Zip:

Phone:

EXHIBIT A

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What an Agreement or Contract for Deed for Sale and Purchase of Real Estate Covers

An Agreement or Contract for Deed for Sale and Purchase of Real Estate is a seller-financed conveyance where legal title remains with the seller until the buyer completes scheduled payments or other obligations. The contract describes the property, purchase price, down payment, installment schedule, interest (if any), tax and insurance responsibilities, remedies for default, and the conditions under which the deed will transfer. Parties often use this method when traditional mortgage financing is unavailable or when sellers wish to provide financing directly while retaining title security.

Why this Agreement Matters for Buyers and Sellers

A Contract for Deed clarifies payment terms, allocation of property taxes and insurance, default remedies, and the timing of title transfer. Properly drafted, it protects both seller and buyer by establishing obligations, dispute resolution, and recordation rules under state property law and federal e-signature frameworks like the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96).

Why this Agreement Matters for Buyers and Sellers

Who Commonly Uses a Contract for Deed

Typical parties and stakeholders who complete or rely on this document.

  • Individual sellers offering owner financing for residential properties, where mortgage access is limited or seller prefers installment collection.
  • Buyers purchasing without bank financing, using installment payments until title vests, often in rural or non-prime markets.
  • Real estate attorneys, title companies, and closing agents who prepare, review, and record the agreement to protect legal and recording interests.

These roles illustrate who must review the agreement and who should confirm compliance with state recording and consumer-protection rules.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete a Contract for Deed

Follow these core steps to prepare, execute, and record a Contract for Deed in a compliant sequence.

  • 01
    Gather documents: Obtain current deed, title report, and tax records before drafting.
  • 02
    Draft terms: Specify price, payment schedule, default remedies, and transfer conditions.
  • 03
    Review with counsel: Have attorney or title agent review for state-specific recording and consumer rules.
  • 04
    Execute and record: Sign with required notarization/witnesses and record in county land records.

Configuring an Online Workflow for This Agreement

Set up an eSigning workflow that preserves the document chain of custody and meets state notarization rules.

Field Configuration
Signature Order Define signer sequence: seller, buyer, witnesses, notary
Authentication Use email + SMS code or stronger ID verification for key signers
Notary Integration Enable RON or in-person notarization per state requirements
Recording Export Produce notarized PDF/A and required county cover sheet

Digital Signing and eSubmission Considerations

Confirm platform features for legal validity, privacy, and county acceptance before e-signing or e-filing.

  • File formats: PDF/A or PDF with embedded signatures
  • Integrations: Connectors to cloud storage and title systems (e.g., Box, NetSuite)
  • Authentication: Support for multi-factor and RON identity proofing

Use a platform that provides audit trails, tamper-evident storage, and optional BAAs for HIPAA-covered situations when health data appears in documents.

Where to File, Send, or Store a Contract for Deed

Routing and final delivery steps ensure public record and enforceability.

  • County Recorder: Record the executed agreement or memorandum in the county where the property is located
  • Title Company: Send the recorded document to title insurer to update the title file
  • Escrow Agent: Deposit payments or security documents with escrow as specified
  • Secure Storage: Keep notarized originals and certified copies for retention period

Core Contract Terms to Include in Every Agreement for Deed

Include these essential clauses to reduce later disputes and to make the instrument recordable and enforceable under state law.

Legal Description

Complete parcel description, including lot, block, subdivision, and county; necessary for county recording and title searches.

Payment Terms

Detailed schedule of principal, interest, payment dates, accepted payment methods, and late fee calculation.

Possession Rights

State whether buyer holds equitable title/possession and who is responsible for taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

Default Remedies

Specify cure periods, acceleration, repossession or foreclosure rights, and how remedies interact with state-forfeiture statutes.

Transfer Conditions

Define when legal title transfers (e.g., final payment, escrow conveyance) and any required closing steps.

Recording and Notices

Who pays recording costs, notice addresses, and method for delivery of default or payment notices.

Supporting Documents and Export Options to Prepare

Attach these exhibits and export signed files in accepted formats before submitting to county records.

Exhibit A

Current deed or deed history showing grantor/grantee chain to verify seller’s authority

Promissory Note

If payments are secured by the contract, include a separate promissory note with interest terms

Escrow Instructions

If funds or documents are held in escrow, include detailed escrow agent instructions

Export Formats

Save notarized signed copies as PDF/A and retain audit trail (PDF with embedded signature metadata)

Key Deadlines and Timing Expectations

Understand recording windows, tax obligations, and typical processing timeframes to avoid lost priority or penalties.

Recording Time:

County recording can take 1–4 business days; rural counties may take longer

Tax Proration:

Property tax proration is computed to the date of possession or as contract specifies

Notice Periods:

Default cure periods typically 30 days unless state law or contract provides otherwise

Closing Window:

Escrow and title clearance often require 7—15 business days for routine matters

Document Retention:

Keep originals until recorded, then follow retention rules in the retention timeline section

Milestone Sequence from Offer to Title Transfer

Typical processing milestones illustrate the end-to-end lifecycle of a Contract for Deed transaction.

01

Offer Execution

Seller and buyer agree on contract terms and initial consideration

02

Title Search

Title company clears liens and issues commitment

03

Document Signing

Parties sign with required notarization and witnesses

04

Recording and Delivery

Recorded document returned to parties; title transfer occurs per contract conditions

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Drafting or Executing

  • Using informal property descriptions that cause county recording rejections and cloud title.
  • Failing to state whether taxes and insurance are seller or buyer responsibility during installment period.
  • Omitting clear default and cure language, which can trigger expensive litigation or informal forfeiture.
  • Not verifying state-specific witness or notarization requirements before execution and recording.

Penalties and Legal Risks from an Incorrect Contract for Deed

Recording Rejection: Missing or incorrect legal description or absent notary can cause county refusal to record.
Tax Liability: Improper tax allocation can lead to tax liens or unexpected liability for buyer or seller.
Loss of Priority: Delay in recording may allow subsequent liens to take priority over seller’s retained interest.
Consumer-Protection Claims: Noncompliant disclosures or predatory financing terms may trigger statutory penalties in some states.
Forfeiture Risk: Incomplete cure periods or improper notice can lead to invalidated forfeiture or repossession attempts.
Litigation Costs: Ambiguous default remedies or unclear title-transfer triggers increase litigation exposure and attorney fees.

Required Data Elements and Document Security Basics

Seller Identity: Full legal name and contact details
Buyer Identity: Full legal name and contact details
Property Details: Legal description, parcel number, county
Payment Terms: Price, schedule, interest, late fees
Notary Acknowledgement: Notary block with seal and date
Recording Receipt: County recording stamp and document number

Real-world Examples of Digital Contract Workflows

These customer stories illustrate how seller-financed or escrowed property transactions are completed efficiently with online tools.

Tim Martin, Martin Properties

Tim Martin used online signing to manage remote closings and retain compliance

  • He processed multiple owner-financed sales online
  • I can execute all documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security, whether on mobile or offline, enabling efficient returns to necessary parties.

Brian Fitzgibbons, Optica Ventures LLC

Optica needed a simple interface for clients to sign closing documents quickly

  • They prioritized ease of use across devices
  • The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers.

eSignature Vendor Comparison for Real Estate Closing Workflows

Compare starting price and key capabilities relevant to Contract for Deed workflows; signNow is listed first per vendor comparison conventions.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial, no credit card required Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes (Business Premium) Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes (BAA available) Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions About Contracts for Deed

Answers to common execution, recording, and enforceability questions for Contracts for Deed in the U.S.


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