Establishing secure connection…Loading editor…Preparing document…

Contract for Deed

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

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 Pennsylvania, 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 , 20 and a like payment on the first day of each month thereafter until the day of , 20, when the final payment shall be due. No interest.

(b) Balance payable, together with interest on the whole sum that shall be from time to time unpaid at the rate of per cent, per annum, payable in the amount of $ dollars per month beginning on the day of , 20 and continuing on the same day of each month thereafter until fully paid.

(c) Balance payable, together with interest on the whole sum that shall be from time to time unpaid at the rate of per cent, per annum, payable in the amount of dollars per month beginning on the day of , 20, and continuing on the same day of each month thereafter until the day of , 20, when all remaining principal and interest shall be paid. (Balloon payment)

If interest is charged, interest shall be computed monthly and deducted from payment and the balance of payment shall be applied on principal.

3.

TIME OF THE ESSENCE

Time is of the essence in the performance of each and every term and provision in this agreement by Purchaser.

4.

SECURITY

This contract shall stand as security of the payment of the obligations of Purchaser.

5.

MAINTENANCE OF IMPROVEMENTS

All improvements on the property, including, but not limited to, buildings, trees or other improvements now on the premises, or hereafter made or placed thereon, shall be a part of the security for the performance of this contract and shall not be removed therefrom. Purchaser shall not commit, or suffer any other person to commit, any waste or damage to said premises or the appurtenances and shall keep the premises and all improvements in as good condition as they are now.

6.

CONDITION OF IMPROVEMENTS

Purchaser agrees that the Seller has not made, nor makes any representations or warranties as to the condition of the premises, the condition of the buildings, appurtenances and fixtures locate thereon, and/or the location of the boundaries. Purchaser accepts the property in its "as-is" condition without warranty of any kind.

7.

POSSESSION OF PROPERTY

Purchaser shall take possession of the property and all improvements thereon upon execution of this contract and shall continue in the peaceful enjoyment of the property so long as all payments due under the terms of this contract are timely made. Purchaser agrees to keep the property in a good state of repair and in the event of termination of this contract, Purchaser agrees to return the property to Seller in substantially the same condition as it now exists, ordinary wear and tear excepted. Seller reserves the right to inspect the property at any time with or without notice to Purchaser.

8.

TAXES, INSURANCE AND ASSESSMENTS

Taxes and Assessments: During the term of this contract: (a) Purchaser shall pay all taxes and assessments levied against the property.

(b) Seller shall pay all taxes and assessments levied against the property. In the event that Seller pays the taxes and insurance, Purchaser shall reimburse Seller for same upon 30 days notice to purchaser.

Content Insurance: Purchaser shall be solely responsible for obtaining insurance of the contents, insuring contents owned by Purchaser. Seller shall be solely responsible for obtaining insurance on all contents owned by Seller.

Liability and Hazard Insurance: Liability insurance shall be maintained by Purchaser during the term of this contract naming Seller as an additional insured, in the amount of not less than $.

Fire, Hazard and Windstorm insurance: Fire, hazard and windstorm insurance shall be maintained as follows:

(a) Purchaser shall obtain fire, hazard and windstorm insurance in the amount not less than $, on a policy of insurance naming Seller as additional insured.

(b) Seller shall obtain and pay for hazard, fire and windstorm insurance in an amount not less than $. In the event Seller elects this option, Purchaser shall repay the amount so paid by Seller within thirty (30) days of demand for same by Seller.

Should the Purchaser fail to pay any tax or assessment, or installment thereof, when due, or keep said buildings insured, Seller may pay the same and have the buildings insured, and the amounts thus expended shall be a lien on said premises and may be added to the balance then unpaid, or collected by Seller, in the discretion if Seller with interest until paid at the rate of the per cent per annum.

In case of any damage as a result of which said insurance proceeds are available, the Purchaser may, within sixty (60) days of said loss or damage, give to the Seller written notice of Purchaser’s election to repair or rebuild the damaged parts of the premises, in which event said insurance proceeds shall be used for such purpose. The balance of said proceeds, if any, which remain after completion of said repairing or rebuilding, or all of said insurance proceeds if the Purchaser elects not to repair or rebuild, shall be applied first toward the satisfaction of any existing defaults under the terms of this contract, and then as a prepayment upon the principal balance owing. No such prepayment shall defer the time for payment of any remaining payments required by said contract. Any surplus of said proceeds in excess of the balance owing hereon shall be paid to the Purchaser.

9.

DEFAULT

If the Purchaser shall fail to perform any of the covenants or conditions contained in this contract on or before the date on which the performance is required, the Seller shall give Purchaser notice of default or performance, stating the Purchaser is allowed fourteen (14) days from the date of the Notice to cure the default or performance. In the event the default or failure of performance is not cured within the 14 day time period, then Seller shall have any of the following remedies, in the discretion of Seller:

(a) give the Purchaser a written notice specifying the failure to cure the default and informing the Purchaser that if the default continues for a period of an additional fifteen (15) days after service of the notice of failure to cure, that without further notice, this contract shall stand cancelled and Seller may regain possession of the property as provided herein; or

(b) give the Purchaser a written notice specifying the failure to cure the default and informing the Purchaser that if the default continues for a period of an additional fifteen (15) days after service of the notice of failure to cure, that without further notice, the entire principal balance and unpaid interest shall be immediately due and payable and Seller may take appropriate action against Purchaser for collection of same according to the laws of the State of .

In the event of default in any of the terms and conditions or installments due and payable under the terms of this contract and Seller elects 9(a), Seller shall be entitled to immediate possession of the property.

In the event of default and termination of the contract by Seller, Purchaser shall forfeit any and all payments made under the terms of this contract including taxes and assessments as liquidated damages, Seller shall be entitled to recover such other damages as they may be due which are caused by the acts or negligence of Purchaser.

The parties expressly agree that in the event of default not cured by the Purchaser and termination of this agreement, and Purchaser fails to vacate the premises, Seller shall have the right to obtain possession by appropriate court action.

10.

DEED AND EVIDENCE OF TITLE

Upon total payment of the purchase price and any and all late charges, and other amounts due Seller, Seller agrees to deliver to Purchaser a Warranty Deed to the subject property, at Seller’s expense, free and clear of any liens or encumbrances other than taxes and assessments for the current year.

11.

NOTICES

All notices required hereunder shall be deemed to have been made when deposited in the U. S. Mail, postage prepaid, certified, return receipt requested, to the Purchaser or Seller at the addresses listed below. All notices required hereunder may he sent to:

Seller:

Purchaser:

and when mailed, postage prepaid, to said address, shall be binding and conclusively presumed to be served upon said parties respectively.

12.

ASSIGNMENT OR SALE

Purchaser shall not sell, assign, transfer or convey any interest in the subject property or this agreement, without first securing the written consent of the Seller.

13.

PREPAYMENT

Purchaser to have the right to prepay, without penalty, the whole or any part of the balance remaining unpaid on this contract at any time before the due date.

14.

ATTORNEY FEES

In the event of default, Purchaser shall pay to Seller, Seller's reasonable and actual attorneys' fees and expenses incurred by Seller in enforcement of any rights of Seller. All attorney fees shall be payable prior to Purchaser's being deemed to have corrected any such default.

15.

LATE PAYMENT CHARGES

If Purchaser shall fail to pay, within fifteen (15) days after due date, any installment due hereunder, Purchaser shall be required to pay an additional charge of five (5%) percent of the late installment. Such charge shall be paid to Seller at the time of payment of the past due installment.

16.

CONVEYANCE OR MORTGAGE BY SELLER

If the Seller's interest is now or hereafter encumbered by mortgage, the Seller covenants that Seller will meet the payments of principal and interest thereon as they mature and produce evidence thereof to the Purchaser upon demand. In the event the Seller shall default upon any such mortgage or land contract, the Purchaser shall have the right to do the acts or make the payments necessary to cure such default and shall be reimbursed for so doing by receiving, automatically, credit to this contract to apply on the payments due or to become due hereon.

The Seller reserves the right to convey, his or her interest in the above described land and such conveyance hereof shall not be a cause for rescission but such conveyance shall be subject to the terms of this agreement.

The Seller may, during the lifetime of this contract, place a mortgage on the premises above described, which shall be a lien on the premises, superior to the rights of the Purchaser herein, or may continue and renew any existing mortgage thereon, provided that the aggregate amount due on all outstanding mortgages shall not at any time be greater than the unpaid balance of the contract.

17.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement embodies and constitutes the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the transactions contemplated herein. All prior or contemporaneous agreements, understandings, representations, oral or written, are merged into this Agreement.

18.

AMENDMENT – WAIVERS

This Agreement shall not be modified, or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by all parties.

No delay or failure on the part of any party hereto in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement or under any other documents furnished in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement shall impair any such right, power or privilege or be construed as a waiver of any default or any acquiescence therein. No single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege shall preclude the further exercise of such right, power or privilege, or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. No waiver shall be valid against any party hereto unless made in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement of such waiver is sought and then only to the extent expressly specified therein.

19.

SEVERABILITY

If any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall be held illegal or unenforceable by a court, no other provisions shall be affected by this holding. The parties intend that in the event one or more provisions of this agreement are declared invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain enforceable and this agreement shall be interpreted by a Court in favor of survival of all remaining provisions.

20.

HEADINGS

Section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only, shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement for any purpose, and shall not in any way define or affect the meaning, construction or scope of any of the provisions hereof.

21.

PRONOUNS

All pronouns and any variations thereof shall be deemed to refer to the masculine, feminine, neuter, singular, or plural, as the identity of the person or entity may require. As used in this agreement: (1) words of the masculine gender shall mean and include corresponding neuter words or words of the feminine gender, (2) words in the singular shall mean and include the plural and vice versa, and (3) the word "may" gives sole discretion without any obligation to take any action.

22.

JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY

All Purchasers, if more than one, covenants and agrees that their obligations and liability shall be joint and several.

23.

PURCHASER’S RIGHT TO REINSTATE AFTER ACCELERATION

If Purchaser defaults and the loan is accelerated, then Purchaser shall have the right of reinstatement as allowed under the laws of the State of Pennsylvania, 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 PENNSYLVANIA

COUNTY OF

On this, the day of , , before me , the undersigned officer, personally appeared , known to me (or satisfactorily proven) to be the person whose name subscribed to the within instrument, and acknowledged that he executed the same for the purposes therein contained.

In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and official seal.

Notary Public

Printed Name:

My Commission expires:

STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA

COUNTY OF

On this, the day of , , before me , the undersigned officer, personally appeared , known to me (or satisfactorily proven) to be the person whose name subscribed to the within instrument, and acknowledged that he executed the same for the purposes therein contained.

In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and official seal.

Notary Public

Printed 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:

CERTIFICATION OF GRANTEE’S ADDRESS:

Grantee Name and Address:

Grantee Name and Address:

I hereby certify under penalty of perjury that the above information is true and accurate.

Date:

Signature

Rank/Position

EXHIBIT A

Enter text✕

What a Contract for Deed Is and how it works

A Contract for Deed is a seller-financing instrument where the buyer agrees to pay the purchase price in installments while the seller retains legal title until full payment. The buyer receives equitable title and possession but the deed is not conveyed until payoff. It is used when traditional mortgage financing is unavailable or to speed transactions; it requires clear payment terms, default remedies, and recording or acknowledgment as required by state law. Electronic execution is generally permissible under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, subject to notarization and recording rules.

Why parties choose a Contract for Deed

Offers seller-financing flexibility, avoids lender underwriting delays, and can close transactions quickly while preserving seller security; parties should balance convenience against transfer and default risks and confirm recording and disclosure requirements under state law.

Why parties choose a Contract for Deed

Who typically uses a Contract for Deed

Common users include private sellers, buyers who cannot obtain conventional financing, and professionals who manage alternative financing arrangements.

  • Private sellers and investor-vendors offering owner financing to broaden buyer pool and earn interest income.
  • Buyers with limited credit or nontraditional income needing a pathway to occupancy without immediate mortgage approval.
  • Real estate brokers, settlement agents, and attorneys preparing tailored terms and ensuring compliance.

Professional review is recommended because enforceability, recording, and default remedies differ by jurisdiction and by the specific contract language.

Essential elements to include in a professional Contract for Deed

A complete contract clearly sequences payment obligations, title treatment, default remedies, and recording or closing mechanics to reduce ambiguity and litigation risk.

Purchase Price

State the total purchase price, allocation (down payment vs financed balance), and any interest rate or calculation method so payments and payoff figures are determinable.

Payment Schedule

Specify payment amounts, due dates, late fees, grace periods, and acceptable payment methods to avoid dispute and to support enforcement of remedies in case of default.

Title and Security

Describe that legal title remains with the seller until final payment, and state any lien, escrow, or security interest arrangements to secure seller rights.

Default and Remedies

Define events of default, cure periods, seller remedies (acceleration, forfeiture, foreclosure, or repossession), and whether state forfeiture statutes or judicial foreclosure apply.

Taxes and Maintenance

Allocate responsibility for property taxes, insurance, repairs, and homeowners association dues to prevent disputes over upkeep and liens.

Recording and Conveyance

State whether a memorandum will be recorded, the process for delivering the deed at payoff, and any costs allocated for recording or transfer.

Step-by-step: completing a Contract for Deed

Follow these sequential steps to prepare, execute, and preserve enforceability of the Contract for Deed.

  • 01
    Draft terms: Define price, schedule, interest, and remedies clearly.
  • 02
    Verify property data: Use recorded legal description and title report.
  • 03
    Execute and notarize: Sign with notarization or RON if permitted.
  • 04
    Record or file: Record memorandum or notice per county rules.

How execution and post-closing steps typically flow

A simple flow from agreement to transfer clarifies responsibilities and reduces post-closing disputes.

  • Signatures obtained: Seller and buyer sign; witnesses or notary as required.
  • Payment processing: Buyer makes scheduled payments to seller or escrow.
  • Title transfer on payoff: Seller delivers deed when balance is paid in full.
  • Default handling: Seller follows contract remedies and state law procedures.

Configuring an online Contract for Deed workflow

Map the document fields and authentication options before sending to ensure legal validity and streamline signer experience.

Field Configuration
Authentication Method Email + SMS code or stronger KBA when required.
Notarization Use RON where state permits; record AV session.
Template Elements Lock legal description and payment schedule fields.
Notifications Automate payment reminders and document delivery.

Technical considerations for digital completion and eSubmission

Choose a platform that supports required authentication, notarization workflows, PDF/A output, and secure storage prior to sending the contract for signature.

  • Integrations: CRM and cloud storage connectors simplify record retention.
  • File formats: Use PDF or DOCX with preserved legal text.
  • Compliance: Ensure TLS and AES encryption in transit and at rest.

Confirm the platform meets notarization, audit-trail, and retention needs; if handling PHI, require a BAA and verify 21 CFR Part 11 compatibility for regulated records.

Penalties and legal risks of an incorrect Contract for Deed

Unrecorded Interest: Buyer equity may be unprotected
Buyer's Loss: Risk of forfeiture without cure
Seller Liability: Improper remedies invite litigation
Tax Consequences: Reporting errors trigger IRS penalties
Foreclosure Risk: Complex procedures may be required
Clerical Errors: Name or legal-description mistakes delay recordation

Common mistakes when preparing a Contract for Deed

  • Using informal property descriptions or street addresses instead of the full legal description leads to recording disputes and title defects.
  • Failing to define default and cure procedures precisely can trigger inconsistent remedies or unintended forfeiture under state statutes.
  • Not recording a memorandum or failing to notify third-party lienholders leaves buyer equity unprotected and invites priority claims.
  • Skipping professional review for tax, consumer-disclosure, or usury-law implications can cause fines, recharacterization of the transaction, or rescission.

Security and compliance essentials for electronic Contract for Deed execution

In-transit Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3
At-rest Encryption: AES-256
Federal E-sign Law: ESIGN (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA compliance
Healthcare Compliance: HIPAA available with a BAA
Audit Trail: Timestamp, IP, and action logs
Certifications: SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001

Sample pricing and feature comparison for eSignature platforms

Basic vendor pricing and feature availability for common eSignature needs; signNow is listed first per standard comparison formatting.

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

Real-world scenarios using a Contract for Deed

Two concise examples illustrate common uses and operational details.

Investor Sale

A small investor sells a rental to a buyer with limited credit

  • Uses a five-year amortization with balloon payment
  • The investor records a memorandum, collects monthly payments through escrow, and delivers the deed on payoff while preserving remedy language for default.

Owner-Occupied Purchase

A homeowner finances sale to a tenant-buyer

  • Includes pro rata tax and insurance responsibilities
  • The parties notarize the contract, record a notice of interest, and use clear payoff calculation language to avoid later title disputes.

Frequently asked questions about Contracts for Deed

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


Need help? Contact support

be ready to get more
Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users