Super Glossary

Contract For Deed

Business / Real Estate / Contract For Deed: The contract for deed is used extensively in many areas, where it may be called a land contract, agreement of sale, installment contract, articles of agreement, conditional sales contract, bond for deed or real estate contract. A contract for deed is an agreement between the seller (vendor) and buyer (vendee) for the purchase of real property in which the payment of all or a portion of the selling price is deferred. The purchase price may be paid in installments (of either principal and interest or interest only) over the period of the contract, with the balance due at maturity. When the buyer completes the required payments, the seller must deliver good legal title to the buyer by way of a deed or assignment of lease (if the property is leasehold property). Under the terms of the contract for deed, the buyer is given possession of the property and equitable title to the property, while the seller holds legal title and continues to be primarily liable for payment of any underlying mortgage. The features of the buyers equitable title and obligation to purchase are what distinguishes a contract for deed from a lease-option. The contract for deed document usually contains the names of the buyer and seller, the sales price, the terms of payment, a full legal description and a lengthy statement of the rights and obligations of the parties, similar to those under a mortgage, including use of premises, risk of loss, maintenance of premises, payment of taxes and insurance and remedies in case of default. Specific rights, such as acceleration or the right to prepay without penalty, must be expressly written into the agreement. The contract is usually signed by both parties, acknowledged and recorded. In a dynamic and rapidly appreciating real estate market, the contract for deed enables buyers to purchase property on reasonable financial terms and thereby benefit from the appreciation of the property values. Many buyers then sell the property at a profit before their final payment becomes due. In a tight money market where it is difficult to qualify prospective buyers for conventional financing, the contract for deed is frequently the best method to sell or purchase a property. Especially benefited by the contract for deed are young couples, who would have difficulty qualifying for a bank loan at the time of entering into the contract for deed, but whose incomes will increase before maturity of the agreement, enabling them to refinance and pay off the contract for deed. Some sellers prefer to sell on a contract for deed because it can create an installment sale, which will enable them to defer payment of a portion of tax. In addition, if the buyer defaults the seller can sue for strict foreclosure, something he or she cannot do with a mortgage. However, a seller who chooses this remedy is rescinding the contract and cannot seek a deficiency judgment for the unpaid balance. Some contracts for deed provide that seller and/or buyer can convert the contract into a conventional security transaction. For example, upon payment of 40 percent of the purchase price, the seller may be required to deliver a deed and take back a purchase-money mortgage from the buyer for the balance of the purchase price.
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