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Contract for Deed

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California Contract for Deed

Contract for Deed Page 1 of 13

Recording requested by:

And, when recorded, mail this deed and tax statements to:

Name:

City, State & Zip:

Phone:

CONTRACT FOR DEED

TRA:     APN:

This transfer is exempt from the documentary transfer tax based on:

The documentary transfer tax is $

City Tax, if any: $

County Tax, if any: $

and is computed on:

the full value of the property conveyed.

the full value less the liens and encumbrances remaining thereon at the time of sale

The property is located in an unincorporated area the city of

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 California, 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 and a like payment on the first day of each month thereafter until the 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 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 and continuing on the same day of each month thereafter until the 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:

(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.

If 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 be 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 California, 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 , 20____.

SELLER:

Address:

City:

State: Zip:

Phone:

PURCHASER:

Address:

City:

State: Zip:

Phone:

Page 12 of 13

State of California

County of

On , 20____ before me, (here insert name and title of the officer), personally appeared

who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same in his authorized capacity, and that by his signature on the instrument the person, or the entity upon behalf of which the person acted, executed the instrument. I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct.

WITNESS my hand and official seal.

Signature (Seal)

State of California

County of

On , 20____ before me, (here insert name and title of the officer), personally appeared

who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same in his authorized capacity, and that by his signature on the instrument the person, or the entity upon behalf of which the person acted, executed the instrument. I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct.

WITNESS my hand and official seal.

Signature (Seal)

Seller(s) Name and Address

Name:

Address:

City:

State: Zip:

Phone:

Buyer(s) Name and Address

Name:

Address:

City:

State: Zip:

Phone:

Page 13 of 13

EXHIBIT A

Grantor:

Grantee:

Legal Description:

Enter text

What a Contract for Deed Is and how it works

A Contract for Deed (also called an installment land contract) is a seller-financed real estate purchase where the buyer makes payments to the seller over time while the seller retains legal title until full payment. The buyer receives equitable title and possession but usually cannot record fee simple title until the final payment and a deed transfer occur. These agreements allocate payment schedule, interest, taxes, insurance, risk of loss, and default remedies; they vary by state and should be reviewed for recording, tax, and foreclosure implications before signing.

Why a Contract for Deed matters for buyers and sellers

A Contract for Deed enables financing flexibility for buyers who cannot obtain conventional credit and for sellers who want ongoing income; it also creates specific title and foreclosure risks that both parties must address. Legal enforceability of electronic execution is governed by the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state law such as UETA where adopted, so format and consent matter for e-signed agreements.

Why a Contract for Deed matters for buyers and sellers

Who commonly uses a Contract for Deed

Typical parties and professionals involved in these transactions.

  • Independent sellers and buyers in private-property sales who need seller financing and flexible terms, often in smaller markets or for properties that do not qualify for bank loans.
  • Real estate attorneys and title companies who draft, review, and advise on recording, escrow, and foreclosure protections to protect legal title and lien priority.
  • Lenders, mortgage brokers, and investor-buyers who structure contracts for portfolio investments or short-term seller-financing arrangements.

Each profile should confirm state-specific recording, tax, and foreclosure rules with counsel or title professionals before proceeding.

Step-by-step: Completing a Contract for Deed

Follow these core steps to prepare and execute a professional Contract for Deed so parties understand obligations and the path to title transfer.

  • 01
    Draft: Prepare written terms: parties, price, schedule, interest, taxes, insurance, default remedies.
  • 02
    Disclosures: Include statutory disclosures, property condition statements, and consumer electronic-consent where required.
  • 03
    Execution: Signatures, notarization, and witnessing per state rules; consider recording options.
  • 04
    Record: Record memorandum or deed when appropriate to protect interests and establish notice.

How to configure an online Contract for Deed workflow

Set up fields, signer roles, and authentication to match the transaction order and regulatory needs before sending.

Field Configuration
Signature Block Assign to Seller and Buyer; require date and signer name fields.
Notary Acknowledgement Add separate notary block; require printed name and commission details.
Conditional Fields Use conditional fields for balloon payments, escrow holdbacks, or tax proration lines.
Recipient Authentication Choose email + SMS code or stronger KBA depending on state and risk.

Digital signing essentials and platform requirements

Select eSignature settings and integrations that match legal and operational needs.

  • File types: Support for PDF and DOCX is essential for recording-ready documents.
  • Authentication: Enable email, SMS code, or identity verification when state or title companies require higher assurance.
  • Integrations: Connect to storage and CLM systems (Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Drive, Procore, Box, Egnyte) for workflow continuity.

Ensure the platform supports tamper-evident final PDFs, audit trails, and export options required by recording or title review.

Typical routing: from draft to recorded notice

This simplified workflow shows common handoffs and the sequence for signing, notarization, and recording.

  • Prepare Document: Draft the agreement and attach exhibits such as legal description and payment schedules.
  • Sign & Notarize: Parties sign; notarization performed in-person or via RON if permitted by state law.
  • Title Review: Title company reviews for liens and advises on recording a memorandum or deed upon payoff.
  • Record or Memorandum: Record a notice or deed as appropriate to preserve priority and provide public notice.

Key timing and deadline considerations

Track execution dates, payment due dates, recording windows, and statute-of-limitations impacts to protect party rights.

Effective Date:

Date entered as MM/DD/YYYY — governs when obligations and interest begin.

Payment Deadlines:

Specify recurring due dates and late fee trigger thresholds clearly.

Recording Window:

Record a memorandum promptly where state notice rules require it to establish priority.

Default Cure Period:

State the exact days allowed to cure a breach before acceleration or foreclosure.

Title Transfer Event:

Define the event (final payment or escrow closing) that triggers deed conveyance.

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing a Contract for Deed

  • Using only a street address instead of a full legal description, which can render recording ambiguous and create title defects.
  • Failing to specify how property taxes and insurance are handled, leaving parties exposed to liens or insurance lapses.
  • Neglecting state-specific notice, recording, or foreclosure procedural requirements that can invalidate remedies or priority.
  • Allowing name mismatches between the contract and later-recorded deed, complicating the buyer's ability to obtain title insurance.

Penalties, legal risks, and enforcement concerns

Title Risk: Clouded title risk
Foreclosure Exposure: Seller foreclosure remedies
Recording Delay: Priority loss risk
Tax Liens: Buyer may inherit tax liabilities
Consumer Claims: Statutory disclosure penalties
Ineffective E-sign: Invalid signature risk

Core fields every Contract for Deed must include

Buyer Name: Full legal name
Seller Name: Full legal name
Property: Legal description
Purchase Price: Dollar amount
Payment Terms: Schedule and interest
Closing Date: Effective date

Six essential clauses in a professional Contract for Deed

A well-drafted agreement balances clarity on payment mechanics, title transfer, default remedies, and obligations for taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

Parties

Identify buyer(s) and seller(s) with legal names, entity type, mailing addresses, and contact details to ensure enforceability and correct recording.

Property

Provide the precise legal description from the existing deed or survey, plus parcel number and street address for title and recording clarity.

Purchase Terms

State the total price, earnest money, down payment, amortization, interest rate, payment frequency, and any balloon payments or prepayment penalties.

Taxes & Insurance

Allocate responsibility for property taxes, hazard insurance, and casualty proceeds, and describe escrow arrangements or escrow-waiver terms.

Title & Conveyance

Explain that legal title remains with seller until payoff, conditions for deed conveyance, and how title transfer occurs at maturity.

Default & Remedies

Describe default events, notice and cure periods, acceleration clauses, repossession or foreclosure steps, and any buyer reinstatement rights.

E-signature vendor pricing comparison for Contract for Deed workflows

Compare basic pricing and capability indicators relevant to high-volume document routing, bulk send, audit trails, and HIPAA compliance.

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 trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Real-world examples of Contract for Deed use

These short examples show how parties structure seller-financed deals in practice.

Small Market Sale

A seller in a rural county finances a home sale to a buyer with limited credit

  • seller retains legal title until full amortization
  • the parties record a memorandum and use a clear payment schedule to preserve notice and reduce title risk.

Rehab Investor Deal

An investor sells a property under a Contract for Deed to a buyer who rehabs and refinances

  • payments include escrow for taxes and insurance
  • the deed is conveyed after refinance payoff and title company issues insurance.

Frequently asked questions about Contracts for Deed

Answers to common questions about enforceability, e-signing, recording, and remedies for Contract for Deed transactions.


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