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Texas Contract Deed

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CONTRACT FOR DEED

Before using these forms, please read the sections of the Property Code dealing with Executory Contracts (Contracts for Deed), Sections 5.061 through 5.080.

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/SOTWDocs/PR/htm/PR.5.htm#5.061

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 Texas, 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

Except as permitted by law, 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. The required Property Disclosure Statement is attached hereto as “Exhibit A”, which form was provided to the Purchaser before execution of this agreement.

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.

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 thirty (30) days from the date the notice is made (mailed) to cure the default or performance. In the event the default or failure of performance is not cured within the 30 day time period, then Seller shall have the remedies as provided in the Texas Laws and the Texas Property Code, Sections 5.061 et seq., which include rescission and forfeiture, and all sums due shall be accelerated and become immediately due.

Except as otherwise provided by the Texas Property Code, 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 possession of the property and 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 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. The deed shall be recorded by Seller within thirty (30) days of receiving final payment from the Purchaser in accordance with the Texas Property Code.

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.

Seller(s):

Purchaser(s):

Notice of Default shall be made by registered or certified mail postage prepaid, return receipt requested.

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. However, the Purchaser shall have the right to obtain a loan for the purposes allowed by the Texas Property Code, Sections 5.016, and mortgage Purchaser’s interest in the property for such purposes.

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

Seller’s interest in the property is fee simple free from any liens or other encumbrances. The Seller agrees to maintain fee simple title free from any liens or other encumbrances to the property covered by this contract for the entire duration of this contract with the following exceptions.

17. AMENDMENT – WAIVERS

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

18. 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.

19. HEADINGS

Section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only.

20. 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.

21. JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY

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

22. 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 Texas.

23. HEIRS AND ASSIGNS

This contract shall be binding upon and to the benefit of the heirs, administrators, executors, and assigns of the parties hereto.

24. OTHER PROVISIONS

25. 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.

This executory contract represents the final agreement between the seller and purchaser and may not be contradicted by evidence of prior, contemporaneous, or subsequent oral agreements of the parties. There are no unwritten oral agreements between the parties.

You, the purchaser, may cancel this contract at any time during the next two weeks. The deadline for canceling the contract is . The attached notice of cancellation explains this right.

WITNESS THE SIGNATURES of the Parties this the day of , 20 .

SELLER:

Signature

Name:

PURCHASER:

Signature

Name:

STATE OF TEXAS

COUNTY OF

This instrument was acknowledged before me on by .

Notary Public

Printed Name:

My Commission expires:

STATE OF TEXAS

COUNTY OF

This instrument was acknowledged before me on by .

Notary Public

Printed Name:

My Commission expires:

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 the Texas Contract Deed Is and when parties use it

A Texas Contract Deed (often called a contract for deed or installment land contract) is a written agreement where a seller finances the sale and retains legal title until the buyer completes payments. The buyer receives possession and equitable title while the seller keeps legal title as security. These agreements define payment schedules, interest, default remedies, and the conditions for delivering the statutory deed of conveyance when obligations are satisfied.

Why parties choose a Contract Deed for Texas property transfers

Contract deeds clarify payment terms and allow buyers to occupy property without immediate mortgage financing while sellers retain legal title as collateral. Electronic execution and managed workflows can reduce turnaround and create an auditable record when used with compliant platforms such as signNow.

Why parties choose a Contract Deed for Texas property transfers

Typical parties and professionals involved

Several groups commonly prepare, review, or sign Texas Contract Deeds; each has distinct responsibilities during negotiation and closing.

  • Private sellers and buyers engaged in seller-financed transactions, often where conventional lending is not used.
  • Real estate agents and brokers who prepare terms and coordinate title/recording processes.
  • Title companies, closing attorneys, or escrow agents who verify legal description and ensure recordation.

Knowing the participants helps assign responsibilities for drafting, notarization, recording, and post-closing retention to reduce disputes and preserve marketable title.

Step-by-step: preparing and executing a Texas Contract Deed

Follow these four practical steps to prepare, execute, and preserve a Contract Deed for Texas real property.

  • 01
    Draft the Agreement: Assemble parties, legal description, price, payment schedule and default remedies.
  • 02
    Review with Professionals: Have title company or attorney review for encumbrances and recording requirements.
  • 03
    Execute with Authentication: Sign before a notary; consider remote online notarization where allowed.
  • 04
    Record and Retain: Record the deed or memorandum promptly and retain originals and audit trail.

How electronic completion and eSubmission typically flow

A modern eSubmission workflow reduces paper handling and creates standardized records for Contract Deeds while preserving each step of execution.

  • Upload Document: Upload a final Contract Deed PDF or DOCX to the signing platform.
  • Place Signing Fields: Add signature, initial, date, and notarization fields where required.
  • Send to Signers: Distribute by email or secure link with authentication options.
  • Receive Executed Copy: Platform returns signed PDF with audit trail and certificate of completion.

Recommended digital workflow settings for Texas Contract Deeds

Configure signing workflows to match legal and title requirements, and preserve the audit trail for recording and disputes.

Field Recommended Setting
Authentication Email + SMS code for signer verification
Notarization Select RON or in-person notary field per local rules
Retention Store signed PDF/A with audit trail
Notifications Automate reminders and final delivery

Technical considerations for eSigning and delivery

Ensure the platform supports required file types, signer authentication, and secure storage before executing a deed electronically.

  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX, or PDF/A
  • Integrations: Salesforce | NetSuite | Google Workspace
  • Authentication Options: Email, SMS code, KBA where needed

Confirm the chosen service meets ESIGN/UETA legal tests, provides an immutable audit trail, and supports integrations used by title companies or closing agents to avoid processing delays.

Key timing considerations and recommended deadlines

Set clear dates in the contract and follow a consistent timetable for payments, recording, and notices to preserve rights and reduce disputes.

Effective Date:

Date contract obligations and possession rights begin (use MM/DD/YYYY).

First Payment Due:

Specify exact due date for first installment to start amortization.

Recording Recommendation:

Record deed or memorandum promptly; many practitioners recommend within 30 days.

Default Notice Period:

Include a clear cure period (commonly 30 days) before acceleration.

Final Conveyance Date:

State when legal title will transfer upon completion of payments.

Sequential milestones from negotiation to final conveyance

Track major milestones in numbered order to confirm obligations, recording, and title transfer events across the life of the contract.

01

Negotiation and Agreement

Parties agree price, schedule, and remedies; finalize draft.

02

Execution and Notarization

All signers sign before a notary or via permitted RON.

03

Recordation / Notice

Record deed or memorandum to protect buyer's interest.

04

Final Payment and Conveyance

Seller executes statutory deed when payments complete.

Essential elements every professional Texas Contract Deed includes

A complete Contract Deed balances precise legal description, payment mechanics, and remedies to protect buyer and seller while enabling recording and enforceability.

Identified Parties

Clear legal names for seller and buyer with contact details and entity status; accurate party identification prevents chain-of-title issues and enforces contractual obligations across payments and potential disputes.

Property Description

Full recorded legal description and parcel identifiers rather than a mailing address; precision here ensures accurate recording and prevents boundary or title search conflicts during closing.

Consideration Terms

Exact purchase price, down payment, financing terms, interest rate and allocation of taxes and insurance; explicit financial terms reduce ambiguity in payment accounting and default calculations.

Payment Schedule

Detailed amortization, installment due dates, grace periods, late fees and prepayment rights; this schedule governs default determinations and payoff calculations at conveyance.

Default and Remedies

Clear events of default, cure procedures, acceleration rights and title remedies; well-defined remedies limit litigation and support enforcement or forfeiture processes when necessary.

Recording and Conveyance

Clause stating how and when a statutory or special warranty deed will be delivered upon satisfaction, plus a requirement to record the deed or memorandum to protect equitable interests.

Security and compliance considerations when you handle deeds electronically

Transport Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3
Data-at-Rest: AES-256 encryption
Audit Trail: Immutable timestamp and IP log
Legal Compliance: ESIGN and UETA compliance
Regulatory Certifications: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001
Healthcare Options: HIPAA BAA available

Principal risks and negative outcomes from errors

Unrecorded Interest: Buyer lacks public notice protection
Ambiguous Description: Deed rejection or title gap
Missing Notary: Recording office may refuse acceptance
Incorrect Names: Title chain disputes
Improper Signing: Enforceability challenges
Tax/Withholding Errors: Possible penalties or withholding

Common preparation errors to avoid

  • Using informal or incomplete legal descriptions instead of recorded parcel language, which frequently leads to recording rejections and title-search complications if not corrected prior to submission.
  • Failing to specify payment allocation and interest calculations clearly, creating disputes over accruals, prepayments, and the precise payoff amount required for conveyance.
  • Neglecting to obtain a notary or to follow state RON rules where used, which can result in refusal of recording offices to accept the instrument for recordation.
  • Skipping a title search or failing to clear liens and encumbrances before executing, leaving unresolved claims that impair marketable title at the time of final conveyance.

Best practices for drafting, executing, and preserving Contract Deeds

Adopt consistent practices that minimize title risk, improve enforceability, and preserve an evidentiary record for the life of the agreement.

Use Exact Recorded Descriptions
Always copy the legal description verbatim from the seller's current recorded deed or the county plat. This prevents discrepancies in recording, expedites title clearance, and reduces the chance of rejection by the county clerk.
Document Payment Mechanics
Include arithmetic examples showing how payments apply to principal and interest, state how taxes and insurance are handled, and provide a sample payoff statement method to avoid future accounting disputes.
Coordinate with Title Professionals
Run a title search and resolve outstanding liens before execution; involve the title company or attorney early to prepare any required memorandum or deed form acceptable to the county recorder.
Preserve a Verifiable Audit Trail
If executing electronically, use a platform that captures timestamps, IP addresses, signer authentication and tamper-evident PDFs to ensure the record meets ESIGN/UETA legal tests and supports later challenges.

Real-world examples: how sellers and businesses used electronic workflows

Two representative examples show the practical effect of clear contracting and compliant electronic execution in property transactions.

Martin Properties (Tim Martin)

Tim Martin streamlined seller-financed closings by standardizing a Contract Deed template with electronic signing

  • Reduced turnaround from days to hours in many cases
  • The result improved recordkeeping, reduced in-person trips, and ensured every executed deed included a verifiable audit trail for title counsel and county recording.

Optica Ventures LLC (Brian Fitzgibbons)

Optica used standardized contract forms and eSignature to handle multiple seller-financed transactions concurrently

  • Reduced manual errors and re-entries
  • Centralized signed PDFs and audit logs allowed faster title review and consistent communication with buyers, saving administrative time and lowering reconciliation disputes.

Who typically signs and who can bind the parties

Seller — Property Owner

The seller must be the current record owner or an authorized agent; a corporate seller requires a properly authorized officer or signatory per corporate resolution to bind the entity and avoid later challenges.

Buyer — Purchaser

The buyer must be an individual named in the contract or a duly authorized representative of an entity; signatures should show printed name and capacity to clarify authority for recording and tax reporting.

Comparing common eSignature options for Contract Deed workflows

Compare starting prices and core features for commonly used eSignature providers; signNow is listed first per vendor comparison conventions.

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 trial No trial No trial No trial
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 Texas Contract Deeds

Answers to typical practical and legal questions about preparing, executing, and recording Contract Deeds in Texas.


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