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Contract for Deed

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Contract for Deed

CONTRACT FOR DEED

LEGAL DESCRIPTION:

SELLER/GRANTOR:

BUYER/GRANTEE:

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 Missouri, said property being described as follows:

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 , 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: (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.

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.

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:

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.

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 Missouri, 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:

NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

STATE OF MISSOURI

COUNTY OF

On this day of in the year , before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared , known to me to be the person(s) whose name(s) is 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.

My commission expires:

STATE OF MISSOURI

COUNTY OF

On this day of in the year , before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared , known to me to be the person(s) whose name(s) is 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.

My commission expires:

STATE OF MISSOURI

COUNTY OF

On this day of in the year , before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared , known to me to be the person(s) whose name(s) is 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.

My commission expires:

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

Name:

Address:

City:

State: Zip:

Phone:

Name:

Address:

City:

State: Zip:

Phone:

Enter text✕

What a Contract for Deed Is and how it works

A Contract for Deed is a seller-financing real estate agreement where the seller retains legal title while the buyer makes payments over time. The buyer receives equitable title and possession while the seller keeps legal ownership until full payment, at which point the seller conveys deed. These agreements set the purchase price, payment schedule, default remedies, and recording obligations. They are commonly used where buyers cannot access traditional mortgage financing or where sellers offer in-house financing. State recording, consumer-protection, and tax consequences vary and should be confirmed before execution.

Why parties use a Contract for Deed

A Contract for Deed lets sellers offer credit without a mortgage and lets buyers move in with a smaller upfront outlay than a conventional loan. It establishes payment terms, interest, default remedies, and conditions for final transfer while providing a clear written framework that courts can enforce.

Why parties use a Contract for Deed

Who typically completes and signs this agreement

Typical parties include private sellers, individual buyers, small developers, and investor-lenders who prefer seller-held financing.

  • Private sellers offering owner-financing for residential property, often to buyers who lack conventional mortgage access.
  • Individual buyers acquiring property with installment payments and expecting final deed transfer after payoff.
  • Real estate investors or small developers using Contracts for Deed to move units while retaining title security.

Understanding each party's role helps ensure correct execution, recording, and enforcement under applicable state law.

Representative signer profiles

Seller — Property Owner

A seller is the legal titleholder who offers owner financing and retains legal title until full payment. The seller must provide clear property description, payment terms, default remedies, and agree whether the contract will be recorded; legal and tax advisors often review the instrument before signing.

Buyer — Purchaser

A buyer is the party acquiring equitable interest and possession while paying in installments. The buyer should verify title, obtain property inspections, understand payment schedule and escrow duties, and confirm how payoff triggers issuance of a deed and recording procedures.

Essential parts of a professional Contract for Deed

A complete Contract for Deed organizes the transaction, protects parties, and supports enforcement. Include clear sections for each legal and operational element so obligations and remedies are unambiguous.

Parties and Recitals

Full legal names, entity types, and addresses for buyer and seller; factual recitals explaining ownership, authority to sell, and prior title matters to avoid ambiguity at enforcement or recording.

Property description

Complete legal description matching county recorder records, parcel number, and street address; accurate description prevents recording rejections and title defects during future conveyance.

Purchase price and payment terms

Total price, down payment amount, amortization, interest rate, payment frequency, late fees, and application of payments; specify escrow or servicing instructions and whether payments include taxes and insurance.

Title and conveyance mechanics

State whether seller retains legal title until payoff, describe conditions for delivery of deed, and outline required documents and recording steps to complete final transfer.

Default and remedies

Specify cure periods, acceleration rights, late fees, repossession or forfeiture procedures, and judicial foreclosure or statutory remedies available in the governing state.

Recording and notices

Indicate whether the contract will be recorded, who pays recording fees, and how notices must be delivered (mail, personal service, or electronic if permitted).

Required information to include in the document

Buyer name: Full legal name
Seller name: Full legal name
Legal property description: Metes and bounds/parcel
Purchase price: Dollar amount
Payment schedule: Dates and amounts
Signature blocks: Signatures and dates

Step-by-step: completing a Contract for Deed

Follow these steps in order to create a legally enforceable Contract for Deed and reduce the risk of recording or enforcement problems.

  • 01
    Prepare draft: Assemble parties, legal description, payment terms, and exhibits.
  • 02
    Review title: Obtain title search and clear encumbrances that affect conveyance.
  • 03
    Execute and notarize: Sign before required witnesses and notary or use RON if allowed.
  • 04
    Record if required: Submit contract or memorandum to county recorder per local rules.

Configuring an online Contract for Deed workflow

Set up the digital workflow to mirror the contract's execution sequence and evidentiary needs before sending for signature.

Field Configuration
Signing order Sequential signing: seller then buyer (or vice versa)
Authentication Email link plus SMS or knowledge-based auth if high assurance needed
Notarization Enable RON session if state permits; otherwise plan in-person notarization
Document storage Enable PDF/A export and audit trail retention

Digital signing and file compatibility

Use an eSignature platform that supports PDF, Word (DOCX), and secure audit trails; confirm integrations you need before setup.

  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace
  • File formats: PDF, DOCX
  • Security: AES-256 at rest

Where to send, sign, and record the completed document

A Contract for Deed typically moves from draft to signed execution, then to recording or memorandum filing with the county recorder. Follow local recording practice.

  • Prepare final copy: Convert signed manuscript to final PDF for recording.
  • Obtain notarization: Complete notarial steps in-person or via approved RON process.
  • Record or file: Submit contract or memorandum at county recorder's office.
  • Deliver copies: Provide signed, recorded copies to buyer and seller.

Comparing eSignature vendors for Contract for Deed workflows

Basic vendor criteria for document signing, bulk workflows, audit trails, HIPAA support, and pricing help choose a provider suited to real estate transactions.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes Varies
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes (BAA available) Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Envelope Cap No envelope cap 100 envelopes/user/yr Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Key timing points and typical deadlines

Contracts for Deed impose payment and recording milestones. Confirm date formats and local recording cutoff times to avoid delays.

Contract effective date:

Use MM/DD/YYYY; payments and rights begin on this date

First payment due:

As specified in the payment schedule, commonly 30 days after effective date

Recording window:

Record promptly after execution; county deadlines vary by office

Default cure period:

As contract specifies; commonly 30 days but varies by state

Final conveyance:

Upon final payment, prepare deed and record to transfer legal title

Milestone timeline: execution to final deed

A sequential milestone view clarifies responsibilities from signing through final conveyance and recording.

01

Execution

Parties sign, witnesses attend, and notary acknowledges signatures.

02

Recorder submission

Deliver contract or memorandum to county recorder for indexing.

03

Payment performance

Buyer makes scheduled payments and maintains required insurance/taxes.

04

Final conveyance

Seller executes deed and buyer records final deed after payoff.

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing the agreement

  • Using a street address instead of the official legal description, which can cause recording rejection and title disputes.
  • Failing to specify how payments apply to principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, creating accounting and enforcement confusion.
  • Skipping recordation or filing only a private memorandum, which can affect priority against third-party liens.
  • Neglecting to confirm state-specific consumer-protection or usury rules that may alter enforceability or interest limitations.

Risks and legal consequences of incorrect or incomplete agreements

Loss of priority: Recording delay can subordinate seller interest
Title defects: Incomplete legal description complicates transfer
Usury exposure: Excessive interest may be unenforceable
Foreclosure risk: Default remedies differ by state
Tax reporting: Incorrect reporting can trigger IRS penalties
Consumer claims: Missing disclosures may lead to statutory claims

Real-world examples of online execution

Organizations and small sellers use digital signing to reduce turnaround time and create verifiable audit trails for Contracts for Deed.

Martin Properties

A small real estate firm moved closings online to meet remote buyers

  • Mobile signing solved in-person scheduling issues
  • The team reported faster execution and consistent compliance when documents, signatures, and audit trails were captured in a single platform.

Optica Ventures LLC

A commercial investor standardized seller-financed deals with templates and online signatures

  • Templates reduced drafting time
  • Using secure eSignature workflows improved document consistency and simplified distribution of recorded copies to stakeholders.

Practical tips for accurate and efficient completion

Applying consistent workflows and verification reduces downstream disputes and recording issues.

Use official property data
Pull the legal description and parcel number from the county recorder to avoid recording rejection and title ambiguities.
Document payment mechanics
Specify how each payment is applied, include default cure periods, and require proof of insurance and tax payments to protect seller security.
Confirm execution formalities
Follow state rules for notarization and witness requirements; where permitted, use RON sessions that meet state-proofing standards.
Preserve audit evidence
Keep signed PDFs, notarization records, and an immutable audit trail for enforcement and future conveyance.

Frequently asked questions about Contracts for Deed

Answers address common legal, recording, and eSignature questions and reference the controlling legal principles where applicable.


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