A Texas Contract For Deed is a legal agreement that allows a buyer to purchase property through installment payments while the seller retains legal title until the full price is paid. This type of contract can be beneficial for buyers who may not qualify for traditional financing. To get started with this form, click the button below.
When filling out the Texas Contract For Deed form, it is essential to approach the process carefully. Here are seven recommendations to help ensure accuracy and compliance.
Conversely, there are also actions to avoid while completing this form:
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.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/py/py0000500toc.html
NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY RIGHTS: IF YOU ARE A NATURAL PERSON, YOU MAY REMOVE OR STRIKE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION FROM THIS INSTRUMENT BEFORE IT IS FILED FOR RECORD IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS: YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE NUMBER.
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 Texas, said property being described as follows: (Type description or attach description as exhibit "A")
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.
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Contract for Deed
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 $__________________ being due and payable as
follows:(Select one)
(a) Balance payable in __________ (_______) monthly installments of ______________
Dollars ($_________) 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
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Purchaser.
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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.
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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
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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 sixty (60) 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 60 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,
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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. 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. Notice of Default shall be made by registered or certified mail postage prepaid.
12.
ASSIGNMENT OR SALE
Purchaser shall not sell, assign, transfer or convey any interest in the subject property or this
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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
If the Seller's interest is now or hereafter encumbered by mortgage, the Seller covenants that Seller
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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.
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.
______________________________
(Date)
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The Texas Contract For Deed form is an important document in real estate transactions, particularly for those who may not be able to secure traditional financing. Several other forms and documents are often used alongside this contract to ensure clarity and protection for both the buyer and seller. Below is a list of these related documents, along with a brief description of each.
These documents work together to create a comprehensive framework for the transaction, protecting the interests of both the seller and the buyer. Understanding each of these forms is crucial for anyone involved in a Contract For Deed in Texas.
When filling out the Texas Contract For Deed form, individuals often make several common mistakes that can lead to complications in the transaction. One prevalent error is failing to provide a complete and accurate property description. This section requires specific details about the property, including its location and any relevant legal descriptions. Inadequate descriptions can create ambiguity, potentially leading to disputes between the seller and purchaser.
Another frequent mistake is neglecting to specify the purchase price and payment terms clearly. The form requires the purchaser to fill in the total purchase price and the payment schedule. Omitting this information or providing incorrect figures can result in misunderstandings regarding financial obligations. It is crucial for both parties to agree on these terms to avoid future conflicts.
People also often overlook the importance of including all necessary signatures. The contract must be signed by both the seller and the purchaser. If any party fails to sign, the contract may be considered invalid. This oversight can lead to significant legal issues down the line, as the agreement may not hold up in court without proper execution.
Additionally, individuals sometimes ignore the section regarding confidentiality rights. The Texas Contract For Deed form advises that natural persons may remove certain personal information, such as Social Security numbers, before filing. Failing to take this precaution can expose individuals to identity theft and privacy concerns.
Lastly, some individuals do not review or attach the required Property Disclosure Statement. This statement, which is meant to inform the purchaser about the condition of the property, is a critical component of the contract. Not providing this document can lead to claims of misrepresentation or dissatisfaction with the property after the sale is completed.
Understanding the Texas Contract for Deed can be challenging. Many people hold misconceptions about this form that can lead to confusion or missteps in real estate transactions. Here are five common misconceptions:
While it is true that the Seller holds the deed until the Purchaser fulfills their payment obligations, the Purchaser has equitable interest in the property from the moment the contract is signed. This means the Purchaser can occupy and use the property, even though the legal title remains with the Seller until the contract is fully paid.
This is not accurate. The Purchaser has rights to occupy and use the property as agreed upon in the contract. Furthermore, the Purchaser can enforce their rights under the contract, such as seeking damages if the Seller fails to uphold their end of the agreement.
In fact, Texas law provides certain protections for Purchasers under executory contracts. For instance, Sellers must provide a Property Disclosure Statement, and there are specific requirements regarding the notice of default and the right to cure before a Seller can terminate the contract.
While the Purchaser does accept the property in its current condition, this does not absolve the Seller of all responsibilities. Sellers must disclose any known defects or issues with the property. Failure to do so can lead to legal repercussions.
These two agreements serve different purposes. A traditional mortgage involves a lender providing funds to purchase the property, while a Contract for Deed is a direct agreement between the Seller and Purchaser. In a Contract for Deed, the Seller acts as the lender, and the Purchaser pays the Seller directly over time.
Recognizing these misconceptions can help individuals navigate the complexities of real estate transactions in Texas more effectively.
When it comes to filling out and using the Texas Contract For Deed form, there are several important points to keep in mind. Here are some key takeaways:
By keeping these points in mind, you can navigate the Texas Contract For Deed form with confidence and clarity.
After completing the Texas Contract For Deed form, it is crucial to ensure that all information is accurate and clearly stated. This will help avoid any misunderstandings between the seller and purchaser regarding the terms of the agreement. Follow these steps to fill out the form correctly.