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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 West Virginia, 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 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 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 West Virginia, 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 WEST VIRGINIA

COUNTY OF

This instrument was acknowledged before me on (date), by name or names of person or persons acknowledging.



STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA

COUNTY OF

This instrument was acknowledged before me on (date), by name or names of person or persons acknowledging.



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

Enter text

What a Contract for Deed Is and how it works

A Contract for Deed, also called an installment land contract or land sale contract, is a real estate financing arrangement in which the seller retains legal title while the buyer takes possession and makes periodic payments. The parties agree on purchase price, payment schedule, and conditions; title transfers to the buyer only after full payment and any contractual conditions are satisfied. These contracts are used when conventional mortgage financing is unavailable or undesirable. Contract for Deed terms should be written clearly to allocate risk, specify default remedies, and comply with state real estate and recording laws.

Why parties use a Contract for Deed

A Contract for Deed enables seller-financed purchases, broadening buyer access and creating a predictable payment stream for sellers while avoiding immediate deed transfer. Properly drafted contracts define remedies for default, protect both parties, and reduce ambiguity about title transfer timing.

Why parties use a Contract for Deed

Typical parties and professionals who complete this document

Typical users who prepare or sign a Contract for Deed include sellers providing financing, buyers purchasing without a mortgage, and attorneys or title agents who document and record the transaction.

  • Private sellers offering owner financing for residential or vacant land
  • Buyers who cannot or choose not to obtain conventional mortgage financing
  • Real estate attorneys and title companies preparing closing and recording paperwork

Representative signer profiles

Seller

A seller often remains legal title holder until the buyer completes payments. Sellers must disclose property condition, agree payment schedule, and comply with state recording and foreclosure laws; they should verify buyer identity and consider escrow or trustee arrangements to mitigate default risk.

Buyer

A buyer takes possession but may lack legal title until full payment. Buyers should confirm payment terms, understand default consequences, obtain title searches, and consider recording a memorandum or seeking a mortgage assumption clause to protect equitable interests during the installment period.

Security and compliance considerations

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit; AES-256 at rest
Certifications: SOC 2 Type II; ISO 27001; PCI DSS
HIPAA: Compliant with BAA available
Audit Trail: Time‑stamps, IP, signer attribution
Authentication: Multi-factor, SSO, KBA options
Retention: Reproducible records; exportable audit logs

Key legal risks and potential penalties

Loss of Title: Unrecorded contract risks buyer's interest
Foreclosure Complexity: Different state remedies; costly litigation
Tax Consequences: Property tax and reporting ambiguity
Rescission Risks: Mandatory disclosures may allow rescission
Statutory Penalties: Recording failures can trigger fines
Buyer Eviction: Seller retains title; eviction possible on default

Common preparation pitfalls to avoid

  • Failing to record a memorandum of contract leaves buyer's equitable interest unprotected and complicates third-party sales or lender inquiries.
  • Using vague payment or default language can produce disputes; specify cure periods, late fees, acceleration triggers, and grace periods in clear terms.
  • Neglecting title search or unresolved liens exposes buyer and seller to competing claims; resolve encumbrances before closing possession.
  • Omitting notice and disclosure requirements mandated by state law can render the contract voidable and subject parties to statutory penalties.

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

Complete these sequential steps to prepare, execute, and record a Contract for Deed to ensure enforceability and clear title transition.

  • 01
    Prepare: Conduct title search, clear liens, and draft terms
  • 02
    Agree: Negotiate price, payment schedule, and remedies
  • 03
    Execute: Sign, notarize, and have witnesses if required
  • 04
    Record: File memorandum or contract per county recording rules

How the Contract for Deed process typically flows

The process moves from negotiation and drafting to signature, recording, payment performance, and eventual conveyance of legal title upon satisfaction of terms.

  • Negotiate: Agree on price, down payment, and schedule
  • Draft: Draft contract with clear default and remedy clauses
  • Sign: Parties sign; notarize and witness per state rules
  • Convey: Record memorandum; transfer deed after final payment

Essential provisions to include in a Contract for Deed

A professional Contract for Deed should be comprehensive, unambiguous, and drafted to align with state conveyancing and recording practices to protect both buyer and seller.

Parties

Identify seller and buyer with full legal names, business entity type if applicable, and authorized signatory details; include contact and mailing addresses to ensure notices and service are directed properly.

Property

Describe the property precisely: legal description, parcel number, street address, and any exclusions; attach plats or exhibits where necessary to eliminate ambiguity about what is sold.

Payment Terms

Specify purchase price, down payment, amortization schedule, interest rate, payment intervals, late fees, prepayment policy, and procedures for missed or partial payments to avoid disputes.

Title & Deed

State that seller retains legal title until full payment; describe when deed will be delivered, any escrow arrangements, and whether a memorandum will be recorded to protect buyer's equitable interest.

Default Remedies

Set cure periods, acceleration clauses, repossession or forfeiture processes, right to cure, accounting procedures, and notice methods consistent with state foreclosure and contract laws and statutory notice requirements.

Recording & Notices

Specify which documents will be recorded, where to record, responsibility for recording costs, and exact notice addresses plus permitted delivery methods for legal notices, including certified mail and electronic delivery where allowed.

Best practices to reduce disputes and protect interests

Adopt standard drafting practices, clear disclosure, and proper recording to minimize disputes and improve enforceability of a Contract for Deed.

Record a memorandum of contract to public record
Record a short-form memorandum describing the parties, property, and agreement date to publicly note buyer's equitable interest. A memorandum helps future purchasers and lenders identify encumbrances without exposing detailed payment terms.
Obtain title insurance where possible
If obtainable, require title insurance or ensure clear title prior to possession. Title insurance can protect the buyer's equitable interest and the seller from undisclosed liens; adjust policy endorsements to reflect seller financing arrangements.
Clear default procedures and accounting
Define cure periods, how missed payments apply to principal versus interest, late fee calculations, accounting methods, and notice periods. Accurate accounting prevents disputes and supports remedies such as acceleration or reinstatement under state law.
Use escrow or trustee arrangements
Consider escrow holdback for taxes and insurance or appoint a trustee to hold title until performance. Escrow or trustee structures can mitigate risk, clarify obligations, and simplify title conveyance upon final payment.

Critical dates to track for a Contract for Deed

Key dates include contract execution, recording or memorandum filing, scheduled payment due dates, any notice deadlines for default, and the deed conveyance date after full payment.

Execution Date:

Effective date when parties sign

Recording/Memo Filing:

File within county timeframe to protect buyer

Payment Due Dates:

Per agreed schedule; note late fee triggers

Default Notice Period:

Use contract-specified cure period before acceleration

Deed Conveyance Date:

Date deed transfers after final payment

Key milestones from negotiation to deed transfer

Milestones provide a sequential view of contract lifecycle from negotiation through ultimate deed transfer and post-closing obligations.

01

Negotiation and Offer

Agree on price, financing, contingencies, and inspections

02

Execution and Authentication

Signatures, notarization, and witness steps per state law

03

Recording or Memorandum

Record to give public notice and protect buyer

04

Payment Performance & Conveyance

Payments made until final; deed transferred upon satisfaction

Configuring an online workflow for a Contract for Deed

Configure an online workflow to collect signatures, notarization, and optional payments for Contract for Deed transactions.

Field Configuration
Authentication Method Email link, SMS code, or KBA
Signer Order Specify sequential or parallel signer order
Notarization Enable RON or in-person notary field as required
Attachments Allow upload of title report, plat, and exhibits

Platform capabilities to support Contract for Deed workflows

For eSigning and distribution choose platforms that support notarization, audit trails, and state-compliant authentication methods.

  • Formats: PDF, DOCX, and fillable forms supported
  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, SSO, and optional KBA

Pricing and feature snapshot for eSignature vendors

Compare base pricing and key capabilities across eSignature vendors relevant to Contract for Deed execution and recordkeeping.

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 No No Yes, limited Yes, limited
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 Contract for Deed preparation and enforcement

Common questions about preparing, signing, recording, and enforcing a Contract for Deed are answered below to reduce execution errors.


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