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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 Iowa, 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 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 Iowa, 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, (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:

STATE OF IOWA

COUNTY OF

On this day of , , before me, a Notary Public, personally appeared , to me known to be the person named in and who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that he executed the same as his voluntary act and deed.

(Seal, if any)

My commission expires:

Notary Public

Print Name:

STATE OF IOWA

COUNTY OF

On this day of , , before me, a Notary Public, personally appeared , to me known to be the person named in and who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that he executed the same as his voluntary act and deed.

(Seal, if any)

My commission expires:

Notary Public

Print Name:

Seller(s) Name and Address

Name:

Address:

City:

State: Zip:

Phone:

Buyer(s) Name and Address

Name:

Address:

City:

State: Zip:

Phone:

Enter text

What a Contract for Deed Is and how it works

A Contract for Deed (also called an installment land contract or land contract) is a seller-financed purchase agreement in which the buyer makes payments to the seller over time while the seller retains legal title until the contract conditions are satisfied. The buyer receives equitable title and possessory rights, while the seller keeps the deed as security. These agreements are commonly used when buyers cannot obtain conventional mortgage financing or when parties prefer private financing. Recording, clear payment terms, and default remedies are essential to protect both parties.

Why parties choose a Contract for Deed

A Contract for Deed offers flexible seller financing, faster closings without lender underwriting, and income for sellers while enabling buyers to occupy property before full title transfer. It requires careful drafting and recording to preserve priority and avoid title disputes.

Why parties choose a Contract for Deed

Who commonly uses Contract for Deed agreements

Typical users include private sellers, buyers who cannot qualify for conventional loans, and investors in owner-financed transactions.

  • Individual sellers offering owner financing to close a sale without bank involvement.
  • Buyers with limited credit or down payment who need alternative financing terms.
  • Real estate investors or wholesalers structuring short- to medium-term hold strategies.

Key elements every professional Contract for Deed should include

A complete Contract for Deed combines transactional detail with protective clauses for both parties; the core elements reduce ambiguity and support enforceability.

Parties

Full legal names for buyer(s) and seller(s) with entity type and contact details to avoid identity disputes and ensure enforceability.

Property Description

Precise legal description (metes and bounds or recorded parcel number) and street address; avoid informal descriptions to prevent recording rejection.

Purchase Price

Total contract price, down payment amount, unpaid balance, and whether taxes/insurance are escrowed or paid separately.

Payment Terms

Payment schedule, due dates, interest rate, late fees, prepayment rules, and method of payment to reduce collection disputes.

Default & Remedies

Clear default definition, cure period, acceleration rights, and repossession/foreclosure procedures consistent with state law.

Title Transfer Conditions

Conditions for deed conveyance, satisfaction or reconveyance process, recording instructions, and requirement for satisfaction certificate.

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

Follow these steps in order to reduce legal and recording problems and to establish enforceable rights.

  • 01
    Draft terms: Prepare a detailed written agreement with clear payment and default provisions.
  • 02
    Title search: Obtain a title search and resolve liens before execution.
  • 03
    Execute with formalities: Sign before a notary and required witnesses per state rules.
  • 04
    Record promptly: File the contract or memorandum in the county recorder's office to protect priorities.

Configuring a digital workflow for Contract for Deed execution

Set up template fields, signer authentication, and recording exports to streamline online completion and archival.

Workflow Field | Configuration Field name | Recommended value or action
Signature Order Seller signs after buyer or simultaneous signing per negotiated order
Authentication Level Use email + SMS code or ID verification for higher-risk transactions
Template Fields Lock legal description, set required flags for price and dates
Recording Export Export signed PDF/A and include notary acknowledgement for county recorder

Flow overview: from draft to recorded Contract for Deed

A clear signing and submission sequence reduces delays and preserves title priority.

  • Send to Signer: Upload contract, place fields, and send secure signing link.
  • Signer Signs: Signer authenticates, reviews, and signs; audit trail is created.
  • Notarize and Record: Obtain notarization (in-person or RON where allowed) and record the instrument.
  • Distribute Copies: Provide final signed PDF and recording confirmation to all parties.

Technical needs for eSigning and eSubmission

Use a platform that supports required file formats, authentication, and audit trails for legal proof.

  • File formats: PDF and DOCX support with PDF/A export for recorder compatibility
  • Integrations: Connectors for Title/ERP systems like Salesforce, NetSuite, or Procore simplify workflows
  • Authentication: SMS codes, ID verification, and optional KBA for identity assurance

Ensure the chosen platform can produce an audit trail, preserve signed originals, and export notarized PDFs for county recording.

Timelines and time-sensitive steps to watch for

Timely performance, recording, and compliance with state-specific cure periods are essential to protect interests in the property.

Recording timing:

Record promptly after execution to protect priority and avoid third-party liens.

Payment due dates:

Follow the contract schedule; late payments can trigger contractual remedies.

Default cure period:

Adhere to the contract's cure period before acceleration or repossession actions.

Tax and insurance deadlines:

Confirm who pays property taxes and insurance and when escrowed funds are due.

Statute limitations:

State limitation periods affect enforcement—check local law for exact timelines.

Notarization and witness steps for validity and recording

Follow the notarization and witnessing process required by your county and state to ensure the recorder accepts the instrument.

01

Prepare signature blocks

Include notary acknowledgement and witness lines where the state requires witnesses.

02

In-person notarization

Parties present ID and sign in the notary's presence for IPEN or traditional notarization.

03

Remote notarization option

Use RON where permitted, with identity proofing and recorded A/V session retention.

04

Witness requirements vary

Some states require one or two witnesses for real estate instruments; confirm local rules.

05

Notary journal entry

Notaries should make a journal entry per state law to document the act.

06

Record county filing

Submit the signed instrument and pay recording fees to the county recorder.

07

Confirm acceptance

Obtain a recorded document number or stamped copy showing successful recording.

08

Retain copies

Store signed and recorded originals and provide copies to buyer and seller.

Essential data elements to include on the form

Full Legal Names: Seller and buyer legal names
Property Description: Recorded legal description
Purchase Price: Total price and down payment
Payment Schedule: Installments, due dates, interest
Recording Details: County of record and instructions
Notary Acknowledgement: Notary block and witness lines

Primary penalties and legal risks from an incorrect Contract for Deed

Title Disputes: Risk of competing claims
Loss of Priority: Unrecorded interests may be subordinate
Tax Liability: Misreporting can trigger assessments
Enforcement Difficulty: Vague terms hinder remedies
Statutory Penalties: State fines for improper foreclosure
Fraud Exposure: Improper signatures risk rescission

Common preparation mistakes to avoid

  • Failing to record the agreement promptly, which can permit subsequent creditors or purchasers to take priority over the buyer's equitable interest.
  • Using an imprecise property description or omitting the recorded parcel number, causing the recorder to reject or mis-index the instrument.
  • Leaving payment schedules or interest calculations vague, which increases the chance of default disputes and costly litigation.
  • Neglecting required notarization or witness formalities for the jurisdiction, potentially rendering the document ineffective against third parties.

Representative use cases illustrating Contract for Deed scenarios

Real-world examples show common uses and practical outcomes when the agreement is drafted and executed correctly.

Tim Martin — Martin Properties

We processed owner-financed sales online to speed closings and maintain compliance.

  • The platform allowed remote signing and recording.
  • The resulting deals closed faster with documented audit trails and recorded instruments, reducing title questions and improving cash flow management for the seller.

Brian Fitzgibbons — Optica Ventures LLC

Small investors used Contracts for Deed to acquire properties without bank financing.

  • The agreement spelled out payment schedules and recording steps.
  • Accurate drafting and prompt recording protected buyer possession and seller security while avoiding lender involvement.

eSignature vendor comparison for executing and storing Contracts for Deed

Basic vendor pricing and common feature availability for eSignature platforms used to sign and manage Contracts for Deed.

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

Frequently asked questions about Contracts for Deed

Answers to common legal and practical questions when drafting, signing, or recording a Contract for Deed.


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