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

Together with all rights of ownership associated with the property, including, but not limited to, all easements and rights benefiting the premises, whether or not such easements and rights are of record, and all tenements, hereditaments, improvements and appurtenances, including all lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, shades, venetian blinds, curtain rods, storm windows, storm doors, screens, awnings, if any, and now on the premises.

SUBJECT TO all recorded easements, rights-of-way, conditions, encumbrances and limitations and to all applicable building and use restrictions, zoning laws and ordinances, if any, affecting the property.

2.

PURCHASE PRICE AND TERMS

The purchase price of the property shall be $. The purchaser does hereby agree to pay to the order of the Seller the sum of Dollars ($) upon execution of this agreement, with the balance of $ being due and payable as follows: (Select one)

(a) Balance payable in () monthly installments of Dollars ($) each, with the first installment being due and payable on the day of , and a like payment on the first day of each month thereafter until the day of , , 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 , 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 , , and continuing on the same day of each month thereafter until the day of , , 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: (Select one)

(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: (Select one)

(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.

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 Indiana, 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 INDIANA

COUNTY OF

Before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public, in and for said County and State, this day of , 20, personally appeared , said person being over the age of 18 years, and acknowledged the execution of the foregoing instrument.

(SEAL)

My commission expires:

Notary Public

STATE OF INDIANA

COUNTY OF

Before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public, in and for said County and State, this day of , 20, personally appeared , said person being over the age of 18 years, and acknowledged the execution of the foregoing instrument.

(SEAL)

My commission expires:

Notary Public

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 when it’s used

A Contract for Deed is a real estate installment agreement in which the seller retains legal title while the buyer makes scheduled payments; the buyer obtains equitable title and possession during performance. Parties use it when traditional financing is unavailable, credit terms are negotiated privately, or a seller-financed sale is preferable. The contract sets purchase price, payment schedule, default remedies, and conveyance conditions. When the final payment is made and contract terms are satisfied, the seller conveys legal title by deed. State recording rules and enforcement remedies vary and should be confirmed before signing.

Why a Contract for Deed can be a practical option

A Contract for Deed provides flexible financing, faster closings without bank underwriting, and a route to purchase for buyers who need time to qualify for a mortgage. Sellers keep title until full payment, which preserves security and simplifies repossession remedies if needed.

Why a Contract for Deed can be a practical option

Legal validity in electronic and paper form

Electronic execution of a Contract for Deed is generally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA statutes where adopted; however, certain jurisdictions and specific conveyance formalities may require notarization or recording steps. Verify state deed recording rules and any consumer-disclosure requirements that apply to seller-financed transactions.

Legal validity in electronic and paper form

Typical parties and when they complete a Contract for Deed

Sellers, buyers, real estate brokers, and small residential lenders commonly use Contracts for Deed as an alternative to traditional mortgage financing.

  • Individual sellers and buyers: Private parties negotiating purchase price, payment schedule, and default remedies without institutional lender involvement.
  • Small or portfolio lenders: Investors who offer seller-financing on residential investment properties when underwriting criteria are flexible.
  • Real estate professionals: Brokers and attorneys who draft, review, and record the agreement and related instruments.

Each party should confirm that the chosen approach complies with state transfer, disclosure, and recording requirements and consider counsel for complex terms.

Step-by-step: completing a Contract for Deed

Follow these essential steps to prepare, sign, and record a Contract for Deed with attention to enforceability and local filing practices.

  • 01
    Draft core terms: Define price, down payment, schedule, and remedies clearly.
  • 02
    Obtain property data: Confirm legal description and lien status via title search.
  • 03
    Execute with formalities: Signatures, notarization, and witness rules per state.
  • 04
    Record or memorialize: File contract/memorandum in county recorder’s office if required.

How the Contract for Deed process typically flows

A simple sequence outlines responsibilities from negotiation through transfer of legal title after performance.

  • Offer and negotiation: Parties agree on price, term, payments, and contingencies.
  • Background checks: Seller may require credit or title review before agreeing.
  • Signing and authentication: Parties sign; include notarization and witness steps as required.
  • Payments and final conveyance: Buyer makes payments; seller conveys deed at final payment.

Configuring an online completion workflow

Set up document fields, signer roles, and authentication when using a digital platform to complete and sign the Contract for Deed.

Field Configuration
Signer roles Assign Buyer, Seller, and Notary roles with email addresses
Required fields Make names, property description, price, and dates mandatory
Authentication Use email plus SMS or ID verification for higher assurance
Recording export Enable PDF/A export and include a certificate of completion

Digital signing and platform considerations

Choose a signing platform that supports secure authentication, tamper-evident PDFs, and notarization workflows if your state allows RON.

  • Document formats: PDF, DOCX supported for upload and final export
  • Integrations: Connectors for Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and NetSuite
  • Notary support: In-person or Remote Online Notarization (if state-permitted)

Ensure your provider can produce a signed PDF with an audit trail, store records securely, and meet any industry-specific compliance such as HIPAA when applicable.

Core clauses and sections to include in a professional Contract for Deed

A complete Contract for Deed should include clear sections that define obligations, remedies, and administrative steps to reduce disputes and support recording or enforcement.

Parties

Identify buyer(s) and seller(s) with full legal names and contact information.

Property

Include the full legal description, parcel number, and street address.

Price and payments

State purchase price, down payment, amortization schedule, and interest rate if applicable.

Possession and taxes

Clarify possession date, responsibility for taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

Default and remedies

Set cure periods, acceleration clauses, and steps for forfeiture or foreclosure.

Conveyance and recording

Explain when legal title transfers and whether a memorandum or deed will be recorded.

Essential data elements and document controls

Names: Full legal names
PropertyID: Legal description and parcel number
Price: Total purchase price
Payments: Schedule and amounts
Signatures: Signed, dated, notarized
Recording: County and recording instructions

Key legal risks and consequences of defects

Unrecorded Agreement: May leave buyer without constructive notice
Name Mismatch: Title transfer or lien issues
Improper Notarization: Recorder may reject documents
Inadequate Defaults: Lengthy litigation or unclear remedies
Consumer Protections: Violations can trigger statutory rescission
Tax Treatment: Misclassification affects tax reporting

Common preparation mistakes to avoid

  • Using a street address instead of the recorded legal description
  • Failing to confirm existing liens or mortgages on the property
  • Omitting clear default cure periods or acceleration mechanics
  • Not checking state-specific recording or disclosure obligations

Typical timing and filing expectations

Timing depends on negotiation, title clearance, and local recording office schedules; plan for administrative and statutory deadlines.

Negotiation period:

Days to weeks depending on financing and title issues

Title search:

Often completed within 3–10 business days

Notarization window:

Complete signatures and acknowledgement before recording

Recording processing:

County processing ranges from same day to several weeks

Statute of limitations impact:

Effective date affects accrual and statute periods

Key milestones from signing to title transfer

A sequential milestone view clarifies when responsibilities shift and when title transfers take effect.

01

Agreement Execution

Parties sign and acknowledge the contract; initial payments made if required.

02

Title Clearance

Outstanding liens resolved or subordinated before performance.

03

Ongoing Payments

Buyer fulfills installment schedule and complies with covenants.

04

Final Conveyance

Seller executes deed after full performance and records transfer.

Real-world Contract for Deed scenarios

Representative use cases show how parties structure contracts to meet business and legal needs.

Case Study 1

A small investor sold a residence via seller financing to a buyer with limited credit

  • The agreement required a 20% down payment and monthly amortization to protect the seller
  • The seller recorded a memorandum to provide notice and reserved legal title until the final payment, which simplified enforcement when the buyer defaulted.

Case Study 2

A homeowner used a Contract for Deed to sell a property to a family member while retaining title for tax planning

  • Payments were structured with interest and an escrow for taxes
  • Parties used notarization and recorded a notice to avoid third-party lien priorities and to put subsequent purchasers on notice.

eSignature vendor comparison for executing Contracts for Deed

Feature and pricing comparisons show typical vendor starting prices and capability markers relevant when choosing an eSignature provider to execute and store 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 Yes, 7-day trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes Varies by plan
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No envelope cap 100 envelopes/user/year limit Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

FAQs and troubleshooting for Contracts for Deed

Answers to common questions about completeness, enforceability, recording, and electronic execution.


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