Iowa Forms

Hardin County Memorandum of Contract Form

Hardin County Memorandum of Contract Form

Hardin County Memorandum of Contract Form

Fill in the blank Memorandum of Contract form formatted to comply with all Iowa recording and content requirements.

Document Last Validated 8/22/2025
Hardin County Memorandum of Contract Guide

Hardin County Memorandum of Contract Guide

Line by line guide explaining every blank on the Memorandum of Contract form.

Document Last Validated 7/28/2025
Hardin County Completed Example of the Memorandum of Contract Document

Hardin County Completed Example of the Memorandum of Contract Document

Example of a properly completed Iowa Memorandum of Contract document for reference.

Document Last Validated 4/23/2025

All 3 documents above included • One-time purchase • No recurring fees

Immediate Download • Secure Checkout

Important: Your property must be located in Hardin County to use these forms. Documents should be recorded at the office below.

Where to Record Your Documents

Hardin County Recorder
Address:
Courthouse - 1215 Edgington Ave, Suite 4
Eldora, Iowa 50627

Hours: 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday

Phone: 641-939-8178

Recording Tips for Hardin County:
  • Bring your driver's license or state-issued photo ID
  • White-out or correction fluid may cause rejection
  • Both spouses typically need to sign if property is jointly owned
  • If mailing documents, use certified mail with return receipt

Cities and Jurisdictions in Hardin County

Properties in any of these areas use Hardin County forms:

  • Ackley
  • Alden
  • Buckeye
  • Eldora
  • Garden City
  • Gifford
  • Hubbard
  • Iowa Falls
  • New Providence
  • Radcliffe
  • Steamboat Rock
  • Union
  • Whitten

View Complete Recorder Office Guide

Hours, fees, requirements, and more for Hardin County

How do I get my forms?

Forms are available for immediate download after payment. The Hardin County forms will be in your account ready to download to your computer. An account is created for you during checkout if you don't have one. Forms are NOT emailed.

Are these forms guaranteed to be recordable in Hardin County?

Yes. Our form blanks are guaranteed to meet or exceed all formatting requirements set forth by Hardin County including margin requirements, content requirements, font and font size requirements.

Can I reuse these forms?

Yes. You can reuse the forms for your personal use. For example, if you have multiple properties in Hardin County you only need to order once.

What do I need to use these forms?

The forms are PDFs that you fill out on your computer. You'll need Adobe Reader (free software that most computers already have). You do NOT enter your property information online - you download the blank forms and complete them privately on your own computer.

Are there any recurring fees?

No. This is a one-time purchase. Nothing to cancel, no memberships, no recurring fees.

How much does it cost to record in Hardin County?

Recording fees in Hardin County vary. Contact the recorder's office at 641-939-8178 for current fees.

Questions answered? Let's get started!

In Iowa, under Iowa Code Section 558.46, a Memorandum of Contract can be used as a legal alternative to recording the entire real estate installment sales contract, particularly for residential property. The law provides that when certain residential real estate installment sales contracts are entered into, either the full contract or a memorandum of the contract must be recorded. Below are the key uses and implications of using a Memorandum of Contract under Iowa Code 558.46:

Key Uses of a Memorandum of Contract in Iowa:
1. Public Notice of Buyer’s Interest: The primary purpose of recording a Memorandum of Contract is to put the public on notice that the buyer has an interest in the property under an installment sales contract (contract for deed). This helps protect the buyer from claims by third parties, such as future buyers, lienholders, or creditors, who may otherwise be unaware of the buyer’s interest in the property.

Once recorded, the memorandum provides notice that a contract exists, without revealing all details of the transaction.

2. Satisfying the Recording Requirement: Iowa law under 558.46 requires that certain residential real estate installment sales contracts must be recorded to protect the interests of the parties and ensure transparency in property transactions.

The statute allows for either the entire contract or a memorandum of the contract to be recorded, giving parties the option to record a summary document rather than the full agreement

3. Privacy Protection: A key benefit of using a Memorandum of Contract is that it allows the parties to keep sensitive financial details (e.g., the purchase price, installment payment terms, interest rate) private. While the memorandum must include essential information (like the names of the parties, property description, and date of the agreement), it does not need to disclose the entire contents of the contract.

This allows the parties to protect the privacy of their financial arrangements while still complying with the recording requirement.

4. Avoiding Legal Disputes: Recording the memorandum serves as a protective measure to prevent legal disputes over the property. It establishes that a valid contract exists, preventing the seller from attempting to sell the property to another party without the buyer’s knowledge.

It can also be useful if the seller fails to comply with their obligations under the contract, as the recorded memorandum establishes the buyer’s rights.

5. Complying with Iowa’s Legal Framework: Recording either the entire contract or a memorandum ensures compliance with Iowa law and avoids potential legal issues related to the failure to record. Under Iowa Code 558.46, if the contract is not recorded within 90 days of execution, the seller may be subject to fines and penalties, and the buyer may take steps to record the contract or memorandum to protect their interest.

Information Typically Included in a Memorandum of Contract: (If a real estate contract is required to be recorded under this section, the requirement is satisfied by recording either the entire real estate contract or a memorandum of the contract containing at least the names and addresses of all parties named in the contract, a description of all real property and interests in the real property subject to the contract, the length of the contract, and a statement as to whether the seller is entitled to the remedy of forfeiture and as to the dates upon which payments are due. Mandatory recording of certain residential real estate installment sales contracts. 558.46(4))

Example Scenario of Use:
A buyer enters into a contract for deed to purchase a residential property in Iowa. Rather than record the entire contract, which contains sensitive financial information, the buyer and seller agree to record a Memorandum of Contract. The memorandum includes the essential details, such as the names of the parties, the date of the contract, and the property description. This ensures that the buyer's interest is protected and the public is on notice, while keeping financial details private.
Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance:

If the seller fails to record the contract or memorandum within 90 days as required under Iowa Code 558.46, the buyer has the right to record the contract or memorandum themselves.

Sellers who do not comply with this requirement may face legal penalties, and their failure to record could expose the buyer to risks such as third-party claims against the property.

In Iowa, recording a Memorandum of Contract under 558.46 serves as a critical tool for protecting the buyer’s interest in a property under an installment sales contract, while also allowing for privacy in sensitive financial terms. It fulfills the legal requirement for recording and protects both parties against future disputes or claims by third parties.

Important: Your property must be located in Hardin County to use these forms. Documents should be recorded at the office below.

This Memorandum of Contract meets all recording requirements specific to Hardin County.

Our Promise

The documents you receive here will meet, or exceed, the Hardin County recording requirements for formatting. If there's an issue caused by our formatting, we'll make it right and refund your payment.

Save Time and Money

Get your Hardin County Memorandum of Contract form done right the first time with Deeds.com Uniform Conveyancing Blanks. At Deeds.com, we understand that your time and money are valuable resources, and we don't want you to face a penalty fee or rejection imposed by a county recorder for submitting nonstandard documents. We constantly review and update our forms to meet rapidly changing state and county recording requirements for roughly 3,500 counties and local jurisdictions.

4.8 out of 5 - ( 4581 Reviews )

Elizabeth F.

February 14th, 2022

This was great other than exemption codes did not populate and I couldn't refer to it.

Reply from Staff

Thank you for your feedback. We really appreciate it. Have a great day!

Kim C.

October 5th, 2020

Very user-friendly and easy to obtain exactly what I needed. I am impressed by the sample forms as well. I will definitely be using Deeds.com again!!

Reply from Staff

Thank you for your feedback. We really appreciate it. Have a great day!

Lisa W.

May 25th, 2022

The easiest thing to use ever. Amazing and extremely prompt support. They get the job done with all the information you might need

Reply from Staff

We appreciate your business and value your feedback. Thank you. Have a wonderful day!

curtice c.

September 30th, 2022

I bought the Transfer on Death Deed documents. Great product and the accompanying example and guides were great.

Reply from Staff

Thank you for your feedback. We really appreciate it. Have a great day!

PAMELA D.

March 28th, 2022

great response!! Thank you

Reply from Staff

Thank you!

Gloria S.

October 31st, 2019

I needed a Contest of Lien form and was told by our County Department that the forms could be obtained online. The whole process of paying and receiving a PDF re-usable form was user friendly and the items that came with the purchase;the directions about filling out the form ect., were a fantastic addition for the price of the document. Happy customer!

Reply from Staff

We appreciate your business and value your feedback. Thank you. Have a wonderful day!

Nigel S.

June 24th, 2025

Very simple to use. The 'completed examples' are very helpful.

Reply from Staff

Thank you for your feedback. We really appreciate it. Have a great day!

Pegi B.

January 24th, 2022

This service is fast and easy to use. We will definitely use this service again. Thank you.

Reply from Staff

We appreciate your business and value your feedback. Thank you. Have a wonderful day!

Leticia A.

January 20th, 2020

Down to the point,covers every angle with great tips:Don't forget Probate.

Reply from Staff

Thank you!

Eugenia T.

August 9th, 2023

I am the Kent County Recorder of Deeds in Central Delaware. I am impressed by the accuracy of your website. All data you post is correct regarding forms, fees, etc. We have just spent several months researching Property Theft, using many cites from various sources. I just discovered your white paper on this subject, and it is excellent. It also covers a few things we did not, such as house flipping and immigrants. Congratulations!

Reply from Staff

Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful review! It's an honor to know that our resources have been valuable to the Kent County Recorder of Deeds. Your feedback is particularly meaningful to us, and we are glad that our white paper contributed to your research on Property Theft. We fully support your vital efforts to combat property theft and deed fraud, and if there's anything else we can assist you with or any further insights you'd like to share, please don't hesitate to reach out. Keep up the outstanding work!

Tommie G.

March 11th, 2021

I saved 225.00 with this purchase.Make sure you have an updated property description from your county tax collectors' office.In Bay county,Florida the tax office will email you an updated property description.I attached the email to the the deed.I had to change the date and they accepted a white out and ink correction on your form.

Reply from Staff

Thank you for your feedback. We really appreciate it. Have a great day!

Elango R.

November 9th, 2020

It was so easy to use the site and got recording done in a day. Very happy with experience.

Reply from Staff

Thank you!

Michael S.

July 11th, 2019

So far, I'm happy with my experience. I'm still reviewing the guide for the docs I downloaded. Including the guide for the docs is indeed a plus.

Reply from Staff

Thank you Michael, we really appreciate your feedback.

Kevin T.

January 22nd, 2021

amazing customer service. thank you deeds.com. I just wish I knew about this company earlier. Kevin

Reply from Staff

We appreciate your business and value your feedback. Thank you. Have a wonderful day!

Angela W.

March 12th, 2022

Very helpful and very quick to respond. Thank you!

Reply from Staff

We appreciate your business and value your feedback. Thank you. Have a wonderful day!