A contract for deed, also known as an installment sale contract or land contract, is an alternative way to purchase real estate without obtaining traditional financing from a bank or mortgage lender. In a contract for deed, the buyer agrees to purchase the property from the seller and pay the purchase price in installments over time, typically with interest. The seller retains legal ownership of the property until the buyer has paid the full purchase price and all other agreed-upon terms of the contract have been met, at which point the deed is transferred to the buyer.
Contracts for deed can be beneficial for both buyers and sellers. For buyers, they can provide an opportunity to purchase a home without having to qualify for a traditional mortgage, which can be helpful for those with poor credit or limited financial resources. For sellers, they can provide an alternative to selling their property through a real estate agent, which can save them money on commissions and other fees.