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Contract for Deed

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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 Oregon, said property being described as follows: (Type description or attach description as exhibit "A")

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 , 20 and a like payment on the first day of each month thereafter until the day of , 20, 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 , 20 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 , 20, and continuing on the same day of each month thereafter until the day of , 20, 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 there from. 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. 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 Oregon, 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:

PURCHASER:

STATE OF OREGON

COUNTY OF This instrument was acknowledged before me on by .

My Commission expires:

Notary Public

Printed Name:

STATE OF OREGON

COUNTY OF This instrument was acknowledged before me on by .

My Commission expires:

Notary Public

Printed Name:

Seller(s) Name and Address
Buyer(s) Name and Address
Name:
Name:
Address:
Address:
City:
City:
State: Zip:
State: Zip:
Phone:
Phone:
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What a Contract for Deed Is and how it works

A Contract for Deed is a seller-financed real estate purchase agreement in which the buyer takes possession and makes installment payments while legal title remains with the seller until the contract is fully paid. The document sets the purchase price, down payment, payment schedule, interest, property maintenance, tax and insurance responsibilities, default remedies, and the procedure for transferring the deed when conditions are met. In the United States these contracts must meet ordinary contract formalities and typically require notarization and recording to protect third-party rights.

Why professionals use a Contract for Deed

A Contract for Deed provides an alternative to bank financing, enabling sellers to expand the buyer pool and buyers to obtain property without immediate mortgage approval. It allocates payment risk, establishes default remedies, and preserves seller title until full performance, creating a clear roadmap for transfer of ownership.

Why professionals use a Contract for Deed

Who commonly prepares and signs these agreements

Typical parties and professionals involved in preparing and executing a Contract for Deed.

  • Private sellers and purchasers in owner-financed residential transactions, often where conventional mortgage credit is unavailable or undesired.
  • Real estate brokers, closing agents, and attorneys who draft payment schedules, default remedies, and recording language for state compliance.
  • Lenders or servicers acting as collection or escrow agents to handle payments, taxes, and insurance escrows when included in the agreement.

Engage counsel for state-specific language and consider recorded notices or a memorandum of contract to protect both parties.

Core sections to include in a professional Contract for Deed

A complete Contract for Deed organizes the transaction into discrete clauses that define payment, title transfer, risks, and remedies so the agreement is enforceable and administrable.

Parties & Property

Identify buyer and seller by full legal names and include the property's full legal description and street address for recording accuracy.

Price & Payment

State purchase price, down payment, interest rate, monthly payment amount, total number of payments, and the schedule for principal and interest.

Title Transfer

Specify that legal title remains with the seller until payment in full and describe the deed form and timing for conveying title.

Taxes & Insurance

Allocate responsibility for property taxes, hazard insurance, and whether escrow or direct payments are required by the buyer.

Maintenance & Possession

Declare who holds possession, maintenance duties, and standards for property condition during the contract term.

Default & Remedies

Provide default definitions, cure periods, late fees, repossession or forfeiture procedures, and methods for resolving disputes.

Essential data fields to collect

Seller Name: Full legal name(s) as on title
Buyer Name: Full legal name(s) for legal identity
Property Description: Full legal description, lot and parcel
Purchase Price: Total contract price in dollars
Payment Schedule: Dates, amounts, and frequency
Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY date contract begins

Step-by-step: Completing a Contract for Deed

Follow these practical steps to prepare, review, and finalize a Contract for Deed to reduce errors and improve enforceability.

  • 01
    Draft core terms: Enter parties, legal property description, price, and payment terms clearly
  • 02
    Specify protections: Add insurance, tax, maintenance, and escrow instructions
  • 03
    Authentication: Obtain signatures, notarization, and any required witness attestations
  • 04
    Record or notice: Record the deed or file a memorandum per state practice

How to set up an online Contract for Deed workflow

A digital workflow reduces turnaround time and centralizes executed documents; configure fields and authentication before sending.

Field Configuration
Signature fields Place signature, initial, and date fields for each party
Conditional fields Show escrow clauses only when escrow is selected
Authentication Use email plus SMS code or stronger ID verification for high-risk deals
Delivery Enable PDF export and store audit trail with the signed file

Where to send and record the completed Contract for Deed

After signatures and notarization, deliver executed copies to the parties and record or register as required to protect property interests.

  • Buyer and Seller: Each receives an executed original or certified copy for their records
  • County Recorder: Record deed or memorandum at the county recorder's office where property is located
  • Title Company: Provide documents if title insurance or escrow services are used
  • Loan Servicer: Send payment instructions and escrow details to the servicer if applicable

Digital signing and technical requirements

Use an eSignature platform that produces a tamper-evident signed PDF with an audit trail and supports document export for recording.

  • File formats: PDF, DOCX accepted for upload
  • Integrations: CRM and cloud storage integrations available
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, and advanced signer verification

Choose a provider that supports notarization workflows, secure storage, and produces legally admissible audit records under ESIGN and UETA.

Key dates and timing to track

Track contract milestones and deadlines to avoid defaults, preserve rights, and ensure timely recording and tax compliance.

Effective Date:

Date obligations and payment schedule start

First Payment Due:

Date of buyer's initial scheduled payment

Deed Recording:

Record upon payoff or file memorandum per state practice

Escrow Payments:

Tax and insurance deposit dates if escrowed

Default Cure Period:

Days allowed to cure before remedies begin

Notarization and witness sequence for execution

Observe notarization and any witness requirements to make the signature block legally effective for recording.

01

Prepare Originals

Ensure the full executed contract is available for signing

02

Signer ID Check

Notary verifies identity with government ID and any RON proofing

03

Witnesses Attend

When required by state law, witnesses sign in the notary's presence

04

Notary Acknowledgment

Notary completes acknowledgement or jurat with seal

05

Record Audio/Video

For RON, retain required audio-video session per state rules

06

Notary Journal

Notary records transaction in the official journal

07

Attach Exhibits

Attach legal description and any exhibits for recording

08

Deliver Originals

Return originals to designated custodian for recording

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing the contract

  • Using an informal or insufficient property description that prevents accurate recording and creates title defects.
  • Failing to specify tax and insurance responsibilities, leading to disputes and potential tax liens against the property.
  • Skipping notarization or required witness attestation, which can render the document unrecordable or unenforceable.
  • Not including a clear default and cure process, making remedies uncertain and increasing litigation risk.

Principal legal and financial risks

Foreclosure Risk: Buyer may lose equity if default occurs
Tax Liens: Unpaid taxes can create superior liens
Recording Delay: Delay reduces notice to third parties
Unenforceable Terms: Missing notarization or signatures
Identity Mismatch: Name errors can invalidate transfer
ESIGN Exception: Certain documents may be excluded from e-signature

Real-world perspectives on moving documents online

Practitioners who moved real estate paperwork online report faster turnaround and more reliable recordkeeping when proper workflows are used.

Martin Properties — Founder

Many of our closings were delayed by physical signatures; moving online reduced turnaround time.

  • Practical change: mobile signing on-site speeds acceptance.
  • I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security. Whether on mobile or working offline, I can get forms back to their necessary parties efficiently.

Optica Ventures — COO

Adopting online signing improved customer completion rates and simplified document retrieval.

  • Operational point: consistent templates reduce drafting errors.
  • The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers.

Practical tips for accurate and efficient completion

Follow these best practices to reduce risk and minimize corrections during closing and recording.

Use the full legal description
Copy the property legal description exactly from the current recorded deed to prevent recording rejection or title ambiguity.
Confirm signer identities
Require government ID verification and notarization; for remote signings use RON processes that meet state proofing standards.
Record or file a memorandum
File a short memorandum of contract if immediate full deed recording is delayed to provide public notice.
Preserve the audit trail
Keep signed PDFs with timestamps, IP logs, and verification evidence to support enforceability under ESIGN and UETA.

Representative eSignature provider comparison for Contract for Deed workflows

Compare starting price and common feature criteria across vendors; signNow is listed first in the table to align with the platform-specific data provided here.

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 Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes (Premium) Yes Yes Yes Varies by plan
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes (BAA available) Yes Yes No No

Frequently asked questions about Contract for Deed execution

Answers to common questions when preparing, signing, and recording a Contract for Deed in the United States.


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