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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 Texas, 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 it's "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 Purchaser 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 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;

(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, as Sellers 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 Texas, 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 TEXAS

COUNTY OF

This instrument was acknowledged before me on (date) by .

______________________________
Notary Public

Printed Name:

My Commission Expires:

STATE OF TEXAS

COUNTY OF

This instrument was acknowledged before me on (date) by .

______________________________
Notary Public

Printed Name:

My Commission Expires:

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

Enter text

What a Contract for Deed Is and how it functions

A Contract for Deed is a seller-financed real estate agreement in which the seller retains legal title while the buyer (vendee) makes scheduled payments. The contract sets the purchase price, payment schedule, default remedies, and conditions for transferring legal title when the balance is paid. It functions as both contract and security instrument in many states and can include escrow, tax, and insurance obligations, so parties typically confirm recording, notarization, and title status before signing.

Why parties use a Contract for Deed

A Contract for Deed permits seller financing and can enable a buyer to occupy property while paying over time. It can speed closings when traditional lending is unavailable and provides flexible terms, but it also concentrates title and recording risks that the parties must manage carefully.

Why parties use a Contract for Deed

Who commonly completes a Contract for Deed

Typical users include private sellers, buyers seeking alternative financing, real estate investors, and small lenders handling owner-financed sales.

  • Private sellers offering owner financing to retain control while receiving payments over time.
  • Buyers unable to secure mortgage financing but able to make regular installment payments.
  • Real estate investors who acquire or sell properties using flexible financing and exit strategies.

Each party should confirm legal, recording, and tax implications for their state and consider professional review before signing.

Who can sign on behalf of each party

Vendor (Seller)

The seller (vendor) must have authority to encumber and convey the property; entity sellers need corporate authorization or resolution. Verify title status and any existing liens prior to execution, because the vendor retains legal title until full payment and must meet recording requirements.

Vendee (Buyer)

The buyer (vendee) holds equitable title while making payments and must meet contract obligations for taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Full legal title transfers only after performance; the vendee should document payments and ensure the final satisfaction instrument is recorded.

Security and compliance basics for electronic execution

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 and AES-256 at rest
Access controls: Role-based access and MFA
Audit trail: Timestamps, IP, and signer attribution
HIPAA / BAA: BAA available where PHI is involved
ESIGN / UETA: Compliant with ESIGN and UETA
Data retention: Exportable logs and secure PDF storage

Principal risks and legal consequences to watch

Foreclosure risk: Buyer default may trigger forfeiture
Title defect exposure: Unrecorded liens threaten marketable title
Tax liability: Unpaid property taxes accrue penalties
Recording omission: Unrecorded contract risks third-party claims
Invalid signature: Improper signature may void contract
Statutory remedies: State law limits available remedies

Common preparation errors to avoid

  • Failing to record the Contract for Deed promptly can allow other creditors to assert priority, undermining the seller's security interest and exposing both parties to title disputes.
  • Using vague payment terms or unclear default remedies increases litigation risk; specify cure periods, late fees, and acceleration clauses to reduce ambiguity and enforcement disputes.
  • Mismatched party names or incorrect legal entity details can invalidate transfers; verify corporate resolutions and identification before signing and during recording.
  • Ignoring local recording and tax filing requirements can create liens or tax penalties; consult the county recorder and tax authorities to confirm obligations.

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

Follow these steps to prepare and execute a Contract for Deed correctly and reduce post-closing disputes.

  • 01
    Gather parties: Confirm full legal names and correct entity details
  • 02
    Determine terms: Specify price, down payment, schedule, and interest
  • 03
    Title review: Obtain title search and resolve encumbrances before signing
  • 04
    Record & retain: Notarize, record with county, and keep certified copies

How online execution typically flows

Typical online execution follows a predictable workflow; each step produces records you should retain for compliance and potential disputes.

  • Upload Document: Attach PDF of completed contract
  • Place Fields: Add signatures, dates, and payment fields
  • Signer Authentication: Use email, SMS, or stronger verification
  • Complete & Audit: Signed copies and audit trail are generated

Configuring an online workflow for a Contract for Deed

Configure an online workflow to collect signatures, automate reminders, and attach supporting documents for a Contract for Deed.

Field Configuration
Signature field Place signature and date fields for each signer
Authentication method Email link, SMS code, or KBA as needed
Conditional fields Show payment schedule after down payment entered
Storage destination Save signed PDF to cloud or local records

Platform capabilities to confirm for enforceable e-execution

Electronic execution requires compatible document formats, signer authentication, and integration with recorder or storage systems to ensure enforceability.

  • File formats: PDF, DOCX, and editable Word accepted
  • Integrations: Connectors for Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, MFA, and RON support

Key timing and deadline considerations

Key timing points for a Contract for Deed include payment schedule dates, recording, default cure periods, and tax reporting obligations.

Effective date and commencement:

Effective date establishes payment start and interest accrual

Recording deadline:

Record promptly per county rules to protect priority

Payment due dates:

Monthly or periodic dates fixed in the schedule

Default cure period:

Contract should specify cure window before acceleration

Tax reporting:

Seller reports income; buyer may owe prorated taxes

Milestone timeline from agreement to final conveyance

Milestones from negotiation through title transfer create a sequential path; track these stages to prevent lapses and preserve rights.

01

Negotiation & Offer

Agree principal terms, purchase price, and initial deposit

02

Contract Execution

Both parties sign; secure notarization and witness steps

03

Recording with County

File deed or memorandum to protect priority interests

04

Final Conveyance

Execute release or deed when full payment occurs

Comparison: common eSignature providers for Contracts for Deed workflows

Basic plan and compliance comparisons for common eSignature providers to consider when managing Contracts for Deed workflows.

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 plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes (Business Premium) Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Real-world examples of Contracts for Deed in practice

Two real-world examples illustrate Contract for Deed use, online execution, and practical compliance steps.

Martin Properties

Martin Properties implemented online signing to process owner-financed sales and manage documentation across mobile and offline scenarios.

  • Mobile and offline signing capability for field agents.
  • 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

Optica Ventures streamlined signature workflows for investors and tenants, relying on a simple interface for internal teams and external parties.

  • Easy customer-facing signing experience and reliability.
  • The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers.

Practical drafting and execution practices

Adopting consistent drafting and execution practices reduces disputes and preserves enforceability throughout the Contract for Deed lifecycle.

Draft precise payment, interest, and default terms
Specify exact payment dates, interest calculation method, late fees, cure periods, and acceleration triggers. Clear definitions reduce litigation risk and simplify accounting, enforcement, and title transfer at payoff.
Record promptly and verify county rules
Record the contract or memorandum with the county recorder to protect priority; confirm whether the county accepts electronic recordings and the number of witnesses or notary acknowledgements required where you file.
Verify title and resolve liens first
Obtain a title search and address any encumbrances before execution; unresolved liens can defeat seller security and complicate transfer upon payment completion.
Use standardized satisfaction and deed forms
Prepare release or deed templates in advance to streamline final conveyance; ensure documents are notarized and recorded quickly after the final payment to avoid disputes.

Frequently asked questions about Contracts for Deed

Answers to frequent questions about validity, notarization, recording, and remedies for Contracts for Deed in the United States.


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