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Montana 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 Montana, 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 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 Montana, 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 MONTANA

COUNTY OF

The instrument was acknowledged before me on by .

My Commission expires:

Notary Public

Printed Name:

STATE OF MONTANA

COUNTY OF

The instrument was acknowledged before me on by .

My Commission expires:

Notary Public

Printed Name:

Seller(s) Name and Address
Buyer(s) Name and Address
Name:
Name:
Address:
Address:
City:
City:
State: Zip:
State: Zip:
Phone:
Phone:
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What a Montana Contract for Deed Is and when it’s used

A Montana Contract for Deed is a real estate installment agreement in which the seller (vendor) retains legal title until the buyer (vendee) completes payment under the contract. The buyer receives equitable title and possession while making scheduled payments and the seller retains security interest. These agreements are commonly used when traditional mortgage financing is unavailable or when parties prefer a seller-financed purchase. Electronic execution is generally allowed under federal ESIGN law (15 U.S.C. §7001) and state UETA rules where adopted, but recording, notarization, and local practice determine enforceability and priority.

Why a clear Contract for Deed matters for Montana transactions

A well-drafted Montana Contract for Deed clarifies payment obligations, default remedies, and recording steps to protect both parties’ interests and establish priority in the public record.

Why a clear Contract for Deed matters for Montana transactions

Who typically uses a Montana Contract for Deed

Common users include private sellers offering owner financing, buyers unable to obtain conventional loans, and small brokers or title professionals managing non-lender transactions.

  • Private sellers using owner financing to expand buyer pool and manage sale terms directly.
  • Buyers with nontraditional credit seeking purchase through installment payments instead of a mortgage.
  • Title agents or escrow agents handling recording, payoff accounting, and deed conveyance at completion.

Parties should involve title or legal counsel to confirm recording requirements and ensure the contract preserves intended rights and priorities.

Primary roles who sign and manage the contract

Seller / Vendor

A private owner or entity selling the property who retains legal title until full payment; responsible for preparing clear description, delivering deed at payoff, and complying with recording and disclosure rules.

Buyer / Vendee

The purchaser who takes possession and equitable title under installment terms; obligated to make payments, maintain insurance, and obey contract covenants while awaiting conveyance of legal title.

Essential information required in the contract

Full legal names: Exactly as on government ID
Property description: Legal description and parcel number
Purchase price: Total dollar amount
Payment schedule: Amount, due dates, interest rate
Recording county: County where deed will be recorded
Default terms: Cure period and remedies

Common drafting and transaction pitfalls to avoid

  • Using vague property descriptions or failing to include the recorded legal description can invalidate conveyance and create title defects.
  • Omitting clear payment schedule, interest rate, or late-charge terms leads to disputes and enforcement problems.
  • Failing to record the agreement or a memorandum promptly can harm priority against subsequent purchasers or creditors.
  • Neglecting to clarify tax, insurance, and maintenance obligations causes post-closing conflicts and may affect foreclosure rights.

Step-by-step: completing a Montana Contract for Deed

Follow these core steps to prepare, execute, and register a Contract for Deed so rights and obligations are clear for both parties.

  • 01
    Draft the agreement: Include parties, price, legal description, payment schedule.
  • 02
    Negotiate terms: Agree on interest, escrow, taxes, insurance, and default remedies.
  • 03
    Sign and notarize: All parties sign before a notary as required.
  • 04
    Record memorandum: File deed or memorandum at county clerk to protect priority.

Configuring an online signing workflow for this contract

Set up fields and signer order so each party signs in the correct sequence and required notarization steps are included.

Field Configuration
Signature Type Wet-notarized and e-signature fields combined
Authentication Email plus SMS or ID verification for higher assurance
Notary Step Include notarization field and audio-video record if RON used
Recording Reminder Add a task to send deed/memorandum to county clerk

Digital signing and technical file requirements

Check format and integration needs before sending: PDF or DOCX are standard and many county clerks accept recorded PDFs.

  • File formats: PDF, Word DOCX, or flattened signed PDF
  • Integration needs: Connect to cloud storage for archive
  • Authentication: Use SMS or ID verification for stronger signer identity

Ensure the electronic signature method meets state notarization and recording rules; maintain an unalterable audit trail and retain originals per retention policy.

Where to send and file the executed Contract for Deed

Routing the executed document correctly preserves priorities and supports future conveyance at payoff.

  • County Clerk: Record deed or memorandum in the property’s county of record.
  • Title Company: Provide copy for title insurance and payoff tracking.
  • Escrow Agent: Deliver originals if escrow holds payments or documents.
  • Both Parties: Send signed copies to buyer and seller for records.

Real-world examples from buyers and sellers

Practical experiences show how clarity and digital tools reduce friction in seller-financed deals.

Tim Martin — Martin Properties

I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security.

  • Mobile and offline signing preserves speed on-site.
  • Using an auditable electronic workflow helped reduce turnaround and allowed the company to manage remote closings while maintaining required documentation and traceability.

Brian Fitzgibbons — Optica Ventures LLC

The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers.

  • Simplicity increased signer response rates.
  • Streamlined online execution made it easier to manage installment agreements, reduced paperwork errors, and helped keep the project on schedule with reliable signature records.

Key dates and timing considerations for the contract lifecycle

Track critical dates to preserve rights, avoid penalties, and ensure recording priority.

Execution Date:

Date parties sign; starts obligations and payment timing

Effective Date:

Date obligations and interest calculations begin

Recording Timing:

Record promptly after execution to protect priority

Payment Start Date:

Date of first scheduled payment per contract

Default Cure Period:

Contract-specified cure period for missed payments

Milestone timeline for completing and enforcing the agreement

These numbered stages summarize the typical lifecycle from drafting to completion for a Contract for Deed.

01

Drafting and Negotiation

Prepare legal description, payment schedule, and default terms before signing.

02

Execution and Notarization

All parties sign and a notary acknowledges signatures to permit recording.

03

Recording and Notice

Record deed or memorandum with county clerk to preserve public notice and priority.

04

Final Conveyance

Upon final payment, seller executes and records the conveyance deed to transfer legal title.

How a Contract for Deed differs from a mortgage-secured sale

Compare core distinctions so parties choose the right structure for financing and title transfer.

Criteria Contract for Deed Mortgage
Title at closing seller retains title buyer receives title
Foreclosure remedy seller-driven repossession judicial or statutory foreclosure
Recording practice memorandum commonly filed mortgage lien recorded
Typical users seller-financed buyers bank-financed buyers

Six essential components to include in a professional Contract for Deed

Include these clauses to reduce ambiguity and create an enforceable record for Montana property transactions.

Parties

Full legal names, capacities, and mailing addresses for seller and buyer.

Legal Description

Complete recorded legal description and parcel identifier to ensure accurate title reference.

Price & Consideration

Total purchase price, down payment, allocation of consideration, and interest rate if applicable.

Payment Terms

Payment amounts, due dates, amortization, balloon provisions, and prepayment terms.

Default Remedies

Cure period, acceleration, repossession or foreclosure procedures, and notice requirements.

Recording & Conveyance

Instructions for recording, who pays fees, and deed delivery upon payoff.

Comparing eSignature providers for executing the Contract for Deed

Vendor pricing and feature availability affect ongoing execution costs for high-volume document 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, no card Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Legal and financial risks to note

Recording gap: Loss of priority
Name mismatch: Title transfer issues
Improper notice: Invalid foreclosure steps
Tax misallocation: Liability for unpaid taxes
Unclear remedies: Litigation risk
Consumer protections: Potential statutory disclosure violations

Frequently asked questions about Montana Contracts for Deed

Answers to common legal and procedural questions when preparing, signing, and recording a Contract for Deed in Montana.


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