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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 Arkansas, said property being described as follows:

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. 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 Arkansas, 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:

Signature

Address

PURCHASER:

Signature

Address

ACKNOWLEDGMENT FOR INDIVIDUAL

STATE OF ARKANSAS

COUNTY OF

On this the day of , , before me, , the undersigned officer, personally appeared , known to me (or satisfactorily proven) to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged that he executed the same for the purposes therein contained.

In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and official seal.

My commission expires:

Notary Public

ACKNOWLEDGMENT FOR INDIVIDUAL

STATE OF ARKANSAS

COUNTY OF

On this the day of , , before me, , the undersigned officer, personally appeared , known to me (or satisfactorily proven) to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged that he executed the same for the purposes therein contained.

In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and official seal.

My commission expires:

Notary Public

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

Name:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Phone:

Name:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Phone:

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What a Contract for Deed Is and how it works

A Contract for Deed is a seller-financing real estate agreement in which the seller retains legal title until the buyer completes agreed payments. The buyer receives equitable title and the right to possess and use the property during the payment period. Contracts for deed often include payment schedule, interest, default remedies, insurance and maintenance obligations, and provisions for recording or assignment. They differ from typical mortgages because title transfer is deferred; parties should document all terms clearly and consider state recording and consumer-protection rules before entering such agreements.

Why parties choose a Contract for Deed

A Contract for Deed enables seller-financed purchases when traditional mortgages are unavailable, preserves buyer possession during repayment, and can simplify closing. Properly drafted agreements protect both parties by clarifying payment schedules, default remedies, recording intent, and responsibilities for taxes and insurance.

Why parties choose a Contract for Deed

Who commonly uses Contracts for Deed

Typical users are sellers offering owner financing, buyers unable to obtain conventional loans, and brokers or attorneys handling the transaction.

  • Sellers with property finance programs seeking steady repayments and title retention until full payment.
  • Buyers with limited credit or nontraditional income sources who can make scheduled payments.
  • Attorneys, real estate brokers, and title companies who prepare, review, and record documents.

Primary signers and their roles

Seller

Owner-financers who retain legal title until payments are complete; typically manage escrow for taxes and insurance, set interest and default terms, and may need to comply with state consumer-protection statutes and recording requirements.

Buyer

Purchasers using seller financing who obtain equitable title and possession during repayment; must understand payment schedule, prepayment rights, default consequences, and whether the contract should be recorded to protect lien and priority.

Required information and essential fields

Property Description: Legal description and street address.
Parties' Names: Full legal names as on IDs.
Purchase Price: Total price and down payment listed.
Payment Schedule: Installment amounts, dates, and interest.
Recording Instructions: Whether to record and where recorded.
Default Remedies: Late fees, acceleration, and forfeiture terms.

Common legal risks and potential penalties

Unrecorded Agreement: Buyer lacks public lien notice.
Title Risk: Clouded or disputed legal title.
Tax Liability: Unpaid property taxes may accrue.
Foreclosure Risk: Seller can accelerate on default.
State Statute Violations: Consumer-protection penalties possible.
Invalid Signatures: Unsigned or mismatched names unenforceable.

Frequent preparation mistakes to avoid

  • Failing to record the contract promptly, which can leave the buyer unsecured and reduce priority against later encumbrances or purchasers.
  • Using vague payment terms (e.g., 'reasonable payments') rather than fixed amounts and dates, creating disputes over defaults and calculation of interest.
  • Omitting provisions for insurance, property maintenance, tax payment responsibility, or escrow accounts, which can lead to costly disagreements.
  • Neglecting to confirm whether state law treats contracts for deed as mortgages, installment land contracts, or separate categories with differing foreclosure procedures.

Real-world examples of Contracts for Deed in practice

Two real-world examples illustrate common Contract for Deed uses and how documentation affects enforceability and closing outcomes.

Optica Ventures

Optica Ventures used an online signing workflow for seller-financed sales to reduce turnaround time and centralize contract records.

  • Signatures captured and audit trails preserved.
  • Their team avoided in-person closings, streamlined recording preparation, and reduced disputes by ensuring consistent field completion and including clear default and payment schedules in the Contract for Deed to protect buyer and seller interests.

Martin Properties

Martin Properties executed multiple Contracts for Deed for residential lots where buyers lacked conventional financing, managing escrow and tax obligations through the agreement.

  • Online signatures and templates reduced processing time.
  • They standardized clauses for late fees and acceleration, required recording in the county clerk's office, and used consistent signature blocks to reduce title issues when transferring full legal title after final payment.

Step-by-step: preparing and executing the Contract for Deed

Follow these steps to prepare, complete, and execute a Contract for Deed accurately online and in compliance with state rules.

  • 01
    Prepare: Collect property documents and identify parties.
  • 02
    Draft: Specify price, schedule, and default remedies.
  • 03
    Sign: All parties sign, date, and initial where required.
  • 04
    Record: Record per state rules to protect buyer's interest.

Where to send and how to submit executed documents

Routing and submission: determine where to deliver and record the Contract for Deed document and timing.

  • Deliver: Send to buyer, seller, title, and escrow.
  • Record: File with county recorder or clerk's office.
  • Provide Copies: Give executed copies to all parties and lenders.
  • Retain: Store original and maintain audit trail.

Key sections a professional Contract for Deed should include

Essential Contract for Deed sections ensure clarity on payments, title transfer, and remedies — include exhibits and notices to reduce later disputes.

Parties

Identify buyer(s) and seller(s) using full legal names, entity types, and mailing addresses; include contact information and any authorized agents to ensure signature attribution and proper legal notice delivery during the contract term.

Property

Provide full legal description, street address, parcel or tax identification numbers, and any easements or encumbrances that affect use or conveyance; attach a plat or exhibit if needed to avoid ambiguity.

Terms

State total purchase price, down payment amount, interest rate, payment frequency, amortization schedule, and accepted payment methods; include provisions for late fees, prepayment, and payment application order.

Default

Define events of default, cure periods, acceleration rights, repossession or forfeiture procedures, and any right to reinstatement; specify notice procedures and remedies available to seller and buyer.

Recording

State whether the contract or memorandum will be recorded, the recorder's office, and who bears recording costs; recorded instruments affect priority and public notice.

Ancillary

Include tax and insurance obligations, maintenance responsibilities, escrow arrangements, transfer and assignment rules, indemnities, and dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation or arbitration.

How to configure an online signing workflow

Configure online workflow to collect signatures, verify identity, and attach recording exhibits before finalizing the Contract for Deed.

Field Configuration
Authentication Method Email link with optional SMS code.
Signature Type Typed or drawn e-signature with audit trail.
Conditional Fields Show payment terms only after initial deposit.
Attachment Requirement Require legal description and title report attached.

Digital signing and platform considerations

Digital signing options should meet state e-sign rules and support identity verification for enforceability and audit trails.

  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, and cloud storage.
  • Formats: PDF, DOCX, and printable PDFs.
  • Security: TLS 1.2/1.3 and AES-256.

Key dates and recurring deadlines to set in the contract

Key timing considerations for payment, recording, and remedy notices in a Contract for Deed transaction.

Initial Payment Due:

Date when down payment is payable per contract terms.

Monthly Installments:

Due on stated day each month; late fees apply.

Recording Timeline:

Record promptly after execution to protect buyer's priority.

Notice Periods:

Specify cure periods and notice delivery methods.

Acceleration Deadline:

When seller may demand full payment upon default.

Milestone timeline from agreement to final title transfer

Sequential processing stages from negotiation through final title transfer and recording for Contracts for Deed.

01

Negotiation & Offer

Agree on price, down payment, and basic terms.

02

Drafting & Review

Prepare detailed contract, review with counsel, and attach exhibits.

03

Execution & Signing

Obtain required signatures, dates, and initials from parties and witnesses.

04

Recording & Transfer

Record instrument if required then transfer title upon final payment.

Typical eSignature vendor comparison for Contracts for Deed

Basic vendor comparison for common eSignature features and starting prices; signNow appears first per platform feature rows.

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 Yes, 7-day trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Frequently asked questions about Contracts for Deed

Answers to common Contract for Deed questions covering enforceability, e-signature use, recording, default, and cancellation.


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