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Indiana Land Contract

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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:

See Legal Description Attached as Exhibit A incorporated by reference as though set forth in full

Legal Description:

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 , 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:

(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.

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 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:

Signature:

Printed Name:

PURCHASER:

Signature:

Printed Name:

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.

Notary Public

(SEAL)

Print Name:

My commission expires:

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.

Notary Public

(SEAL)

Print Name:

My commission expires:

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 an Indiana Land Contract Is and How it Works

An Indiana Land Contract (also called a contract for deed or installment land contract) is a purchase agreement where the buyer makes periodic payments to the seller and the seller retains legal title until the contract is paid in full. The contract sets purchase price, payment schedule, interest (if any), default remedies, property taxes, insurance responsibilities, and recordation or notice requirements. Parties often use land contracts when conventional financing is unavailable or to bridge timing gaps; careful drafting and clear payment and cure terms are critical because title does not transfer until full performance.

Why Use an Indiana Land Contract Instead of a Mortgage

A land contract can simplify closing, allow flexible payment terms, and let buyers occupy property before financing is finalized. It shifts some title risk to the seller because legal title remains with the seller until payoff, so the agreement must address taxes, insurance, maintenance, default cure periods, and recordation to protect buyer and seller interests.

Why Use an Indiana Land Contract Instead of a Mortgage

Who Typically Uses an Indiana Land Contract

Each party should assess risks and consult counsel; licensed real estate professionals and title companies commonly participate to clarify recording and payoff procedures.

  • Individual buyers seeking alternative financing when bank loans are unavailable or to avoid conventional mortgage underwriting.
  • Investors or developers acquiring property for renovation or resale using short-term seller financing.
  • Sellers offering owner-financing to expand the buyer pool or accelerate sale closure without interim lender involvement.

Common Parties and Signatories

Buyer / Purchaser

Individual or entity acquiring equitable title under the agreement. The buyer should verify payment capacity, obtain required disclosures, and sign the contract and any acknowledgment or financing statements required by sellers or county recording offices.

Seller / Vendor

Owner financing the sale who retains legal title until payoff. The seller must ensure the contract includes default remedies, tax and insurance allocations, and clear payoff and reconveyance mechanics to avoid later disputes.

Core Elements Every Indiana Land Contract Should Include

A complete land contract makes obligations and remedies explicit, assigns responsibility for taxes and insurance, and establishes how title will pass when payments are complete.

Purchase Terms

Total price, down payment, financing rate, amortization method, and itemized payment schedule so parties know exact obligations and timeline.

Possession & Use

Whether buyer may occupy the property, who pays utilities and maintenance, and rules about alterations or leasing during the contract term.

Taxes & Insurance

Allocation of property tax payments and insurance premiums; remedies for unpaid taxes to protect both parties' interests.

Default Provisions

Events of default, notice and cure periods, late fees, acceleration clauses, and whether forfeiture or foreclosure applies under Indiana law.

Recording & Notice

Whether the contract or a memorandum will be recorded to provide constructive notice, plus county recording procedures and costs.

Title Transfer

Mechanism for conveyance on payoff (deed, warranty deed, reconveyance), escrow instructions, and payoff statement requirements.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete and Execute a Land Contract

Follow these steps in order to prepare, review, and finalize an Indiana Land Contract with reduced risk and clear expectations.

  • 01
    Draft Core Terms: State price, down payment, schedule, taxes, insurance.
  • 02
    Obtain Title Information: Run a title search and note liens or encumbrances.
  • 03
    Add Protections: Include cure periods, default remedies, and reconveyance terms.
  • 04
    Sign, Notarize, Record: Execute with required signatures, notarization, and recordation if chosen.

Customizing an Online Workflow for the Indiana Land Contract

When configuring a digital signing workflow, set field rules, signer order, and authentication to match legal needs and reduce errors.

Field Configuration
Signers and Order Specify buyer first or seller first; require all signatures before completion.
Required Fields Mark names, dates, price, and signature blocks as mandatory.
Authentication Use email + SMS code or stronger ID verification for high-risk transactions.
Conditional Fields Show payoff or reconveyance fields only if specific conditions are met.

Where to File and How the Document Moves After Signing

Decide whether to record the full contract, a memorandum, or keep the contract off-record; that choice affects public notice and title searches.

  • Recording: Record deed or memorandum at county recorder's office.
  • Title Company: Send final documents to title company for payoff handling.
  • Escrow Hold: Place deeds or payoff instructions in escrow if required.
  • Tax Agencies: Notify local tax assessor if possession or tax responsibility changes.

Digital Signing and Distribution Requirements for Land Contracts

Choose an eSignature solution that supports audit trails, optional notarization or RON, and secure storage; configure signer authentication according to transaction risk and regulatory needs.

  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX supported
  • Integrations: CRM and title systems
  • Security: TLS, AES-256

Risks and Penalties of Improperly Prepared Land Contracts

Unclear Title: Buyer may have limited protection
Recording Errors: Priority or lien disputes
Tax Liability: Unexpected property tax obligations
Foreclosure Exposure: Swift remedies for default
Consumer-Protection Claims: Potential statutory penalties
Unenforceability: Missing signatures or improper form

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing a Land Contract

  • Using informal or vague descriptions of the property or price that make payoff calculations ambiguous and create title search problems.
  • Failing to specify tax and insurance obligations clearly, which can lead to duplicate payments or unpaid tax liens encumbering the property.
  • Omitting a clear default cure period and notice process, producing disputes about when acceleration, repossession, or forfeiture procedures may begin.
  • Not recording a memorandum or the contract where appropriate, leaving subsequent purchasers or lenders unaware of existing seller-financing arrangements.

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Use precise language, confirm all names and legal descriptions, and document payment mechanics to reduce disputes and streamline closing.

Use Standard Legal Descriptions
Copy the exact legal description from the existing deed or county plat records to avoid ambiguity in recording and title examination. Do not rely on street addresses alone.
Require Proof of Insurance
Specify insurance type and minimum limits, require proof from the buyer, and define who is responsible for maintaining coverage during the contract term.
Document Payments Carefully
State how payments are applied to principal, interest, taxes, and fees and require receipts or escrow accounting to provide a clear payoff trail.
Plan for Reconveyance
Include a reconveyance deed or escrow instructions to transfer title automatically upon final payment, and identify the party responsible for recording.

Key Dates and Typical Deadlines in a Land Contract

Contracts should list explicit dates for payments, notices, recording decisions, and cure periods to avoid ambiguity over defaults and enforcement.

Effective Date:

Contract date that starts payment and performance obligations

First Payment Due:

Date when first installment is payable

Recurring Due Dates:

Monthly or other periodic due dates and grace periods

Default Notice Period:

Number of days allowed to cure a missed payment

Recording Decision:

Date by which parties will record contract or memorandum

Security, Compliance, and Controls for Digitally Executed Land Contracts

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit
Data at Rest: AES-256 encryption
Audit Trail: Comprehensive signing logs
HIPAA Support: BAA available when required
Access Controls: Role-based permissions
SSO / SAML: Enterprise authentication options

Comparing eSignature Providers for Indiana Land Contracts

Pricing and features vary by vendor; signNow appears first in the table below for consistent comparison of starting price and core capabilities relevant to land-contract 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 Yes, 7-day trial Verify Verify Verify Verify
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 Indiana Land Contracts

Answers to common questions about enforceability, recording, default handling, and electronic execution of land contracts in Indiana.


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