Iowa Forms

Buchanan County Real Estate Contract-Installments Form

Buchanan County Real Estate Contract-Installments Form

Buchanan County Real Estate Contract-Installments Form

Fill in the blank Real Estate Contract-Installments form formatted to comply with all Iowa recording and content requirements.

Document Last Validated 4/4/2025
Buchanan County Real Estate Contract-Installments Guide

Buchanan County Real Estate Contract-Installments Guide

Line by line guide explaining every blank on the Real Estate Contract-Installments form.

Document Last Validated 2/14/2025
Buchanan County Completed Example of the Real Estate Contract-Installments Document

Buchanan County Completed Example of the Real Estate Contract-Installments Document

Example of a properly completed Iowa Real Estate Contract-Installments document for reference.

Document Last Validated 5/16/2025
Buchanan County Contract Disclosure Form

Buchanan County Contract Disclosure Form

Required by seller for certain residential property.

Document Last Validated 7/4/2025
Buchanan County Lead Based Paint Disclosure Form

Buchanan County Lead Based Paint Disclosure Form

Required for residential property built before 1978.

Document Last Validated 1/15/2025
Buchanan County Protect your family from lead based paint

Buchanan County Protect your family from lead based paint

Issue to buyers if lead based paint disclosure is required.

Document Last Validated 4/22/2025
Buchanan County Annual Accounting Statement Form

Buchanan County Annual Accounting Statement Form

Issue to buyers at end of year for fiscal year reporting, interest paid, etc.

Document Last Validated 8/5/2025

All 7 documents above included • One-time purchase • No recurring fees

Immediate Download • Secure Checkout

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

Where to Record Your Documents

Buchanan County Recorder
Address:
Courthouse - 210 Fifth Ave NE, 1st floor / PO Box 298
Independence , Iowa 50644

Hours: 8:00am to 4:30pm M-F

Phone: (319) 334-4259

Recording Tips for Buchanan County:
  • Check that your notary's commission hasn't expired
  • White-out or correction fluid may cause rejection
  • Consider using eRecording to avoid trips to the office
  • Recording early in the week helps ensure same-week processing

Cities and Jurisdictions in Buchanan County

Properties in any of these areas use Buchanan County forms:

  • Aurora
  • Brandon
  • Fairbank
  • Hazleton
  • Independence
  • Jesup
  • Lamont
  • Quasqueton
  • Rowley
  • Stanley
  • Winthrop

View Complete Recorder Office Guide

Hours, fees, requirements, and more for Buchanan County

How do I get my forms?

Forms are available for immediate download after payment. The Buchanan 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 Buchanan County?

Yes. Our form blanks are guaranteed to meet or exceed all formatting requirements set forth by Buchanan 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 Buchanan 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 Buchanan County?

Recording fees in Buchanan County vary. Contact the recorder's office at (319) 334-4259 for current fees.

Questions answered? Let's get started!

In Iowa, a "Real Estate Contract–Installments" (commonly referred to as a contract for deed or installment land contract) is an agreement in which the seller finances the purchase of real estate for the buyer. The buyer makes payments over time, but the seller retains legal title to the property until the contract is fully paid.
When Applicable:
A real estate contract for installments is commonly used in the following situations:
1. Buyer Cannot Obtain Traditional Financing:
Buyers who are unable to secure a traditional mortgage due to poor credit, lack of credit history, or other financial barriers may use a real estate contract.
The seller essentially acts as the lender, providing an alternative to bank financing.
2. Seller-Owned Properties:
The property is owned outright by the seller, and the seller agrees to sell the property under a financing arrangement.
3. Vacant Land or Unique Properties:
Installment contracts are often used for rural or vacant land, or for properties that might not qualify for traditional financing.
4. Investor Arrangements:
Real estate investors sometimes use installment contracts to purchase properties while deferring full payment.
5. Tax Advantages for Sellers:
A seller may prefer an installment sale for tax purposes because the capital gains tax is spread out over the term of the payments.
________________________________________
Key Features of an Iowa Real Estate Contract–Installments:
1. Retention of Legal Title:
The seller retains legal title to the property until the buyer fulfills the terms of the contract (usually full payment of the purchase price).
2. Possession Rights:
The buyer typically takes possession of the property and assumes responsibility for taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
3. Payment Structure:
Payments are made in regular installments over a specified period, often including principal and interest.
4. Default and Termination:
If the buyer defaults, Iowa law provides specific protections and procedures for termination, including potential forfeiture of payments and the return of property to the seller.
________________________________________
Legal Requirements in Iowa:
Iowa Code § 558.46 outlines specific requirements for installment real estate contracts, including:
1. Written Agreement:
The contract must be in writing and signed by both parties.
2. Recording Requirements:
The seller must record the contract with the county recorder where the property is located within 180 days of execution. Failure to do so can lead to penalties and make the contract unenforceable.
3. Disclosure Statement:
Iowa Code § 558.70 requires sellers to provide a disclosure statement detailing the terms of the contract (e.g., purchase price, interest rate, payment schedule, and property description).
4. Forfeiture or Foreclosure:
If a buyer defaults, the seller may pursue forfeiture under Iowa Code Chapter 656 or foreclosure through court proceedings. Forfeiture is faster but generally results in the buyer losing all payments made.
________________________________________
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages for Buyers:
Easier access to property ownership without traditional financing.
Flexible terms negotiated directly with the seller.
Immediate possession and use of the property.
Disadvantages for Buyers:
Higher risk of forfeiture if unable to meet payment terms.
No legal title until the contract is fulfilled.
Potentially higher costs than traditional financing.
Advantages for Sellers:
Ability to sell property without requiring the buyer to obtain financing.
Opportunity to earn interest on the sale price.
Retention of legal title as security for the agreement.
Disadvantages for Sellers:
Risk of buyer default.
Responsibility for legal action in case of default or disputes.
________________________________________
Situations Requiring Legal Advice:
1. Complex Terms: Buyers or sellers negotiating complex installment contracts should seek legal advice to ensure fair terms and compliance with Iowa law.
2. Default: Understanding rights and remedies in the event of a default is crucial for both parties.
3. Disclosures and Recording: Ensuring compliance with Iowa Code §§ 558.46 and 558.70 is essential to avoid penalties and legal issues.
For a valid and enforceable agreement, both parties should consult a real estate attorney to draft or review the contract.

In Iowa, real estate installment contracts—commonly known as contracts for deed—are governed by specific statutes designed to protect both buyers and sellers. Key provisions include:
Mandatory Recording of Contracts:
• Iowa Code § 558.46: Sellers must record residential real estate installment sales contracts with the county recorder where the property is located within 90 days of execution. Failure to record prohibits the seller from initiating forfeiture proceedings based on contract non-compliance.
• Iowa Code § 558.46 (4). 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.
Contract Disclosure Requirements:
• Iowa Code § 558.70: Before executing a residential real estate installment sales contract, sellers must provide buyers with a written disclosure statement. This statement should include details such as the property's assessed value, any due property taxes or special assessments, existing mortgages or liens, a complete amortization schedule, interest rates, and any balloon payments. The disclosure ensures transparency and informs buyers of their rights and obligations.
Forfeiture Procedures:
• Iowa Code Chapter 656: This chapter outlines the procedures for forfeiture of real estate contracts in cases of buyer default. It specifies the notice requirements and timelines that sellers must follow to terminate the contract legally.
Real Estate Disclosures:
• Iowa Code Chapter 558A: This chapter mandates that sellers provide a disclosure statement to buyers, detailing the condition and characteristics of the property. The disclosure must be provided at least seven days before the execution of a real estate installment sales contract.
These statutes aim to ensure transparency, protect the interests of both parties, and maintain fair practices in real estate transactions involving installment contracts in Iowa.

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

This Real Estate Contract-Installments meets all recording requirements specific to Buchanan County.

Our Promise

The documents you receive here will meet, or exceed, the Buchanan 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 Buchanan County Real Estate Contract-Installments 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 - ( 4573 Reviews )

Gladys F.

September 21st, 2020

The process was very friendly and easy to use. I appreciated the status updates as well as clear instructions on what was needed to get the file ready for recording.

Reply from Staff

Thank you!

Darlene D.

June 21st, 2019

A little confusing to try to save your docouments and how to process them but once figured out easy to do.

Reply from Staff

Thank you!

patricia l.

February 16th, 2019

found this site very easy to use

Reply from Staff

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

Dale V.

April 21st, 2019

Great site good price everything easy to use and correct.. Thanks

Reply from Staff

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

Robert S.

November 15th, 2021

Very nice!

Reply from Staff

Thank you!

Toni C.

September 2nd, 2020

Super impressed!! For me to get back my recorded document in one day was awesome. I needed it for a foreclosure and knew if I mailed it in to the Clerk's office I more than likely would not get it back in time. Also the fact that you had no problem with me having a one-time document to record is a plus. I will be using you in the future for my recording needs. Thank you.

Reply from Staff

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

Scott W.

February 5th, 2024

Quick and simple.

Reply from Staff

Thank you!

Scott G.

June 4th, 2024

Frankly, if our tax dollars were being used to run government "services" correctly, we wouldn't need Deeds.com Since the sun will burn out before government is run correctly, Deeds.com provides an important, efficient, time-saving service that, all things considered, offers big savings over time-and-soul-draining struggles with government agencies.

Reply from Staff

Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience!

Stacie L.

April 1st, 2020

The deed is great. However, I do not believe your Statement of Full Consideration is up to date as it does not give the reference for an exemption on the Transfer on Death Deed.

Reply from Staff

Thank you Stacie. We'll take a look at those supplemental forms. Have a great day!

Anthony P.

December 7th, 2021

Documents exactly as described, no complaints.

Reply from Staff

Thank you!

joab k.

May 20th, 2021

Usable mediocre average stuff. functional but not extraordinary but the price and service is quite good

Reply from Staff

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

Sally Ann C.

November 16th, 2019

Thank you for your service. It seems to have worked, I printed a document purporting to be the Deed I needed. I was somewhat disappointed though - I was expecting something as impressive as the Title Search, which goes back to 1828 and includes Millard Fillmore, admittedly not one of our most celebrated Presidents. But I am happy to have what I have, and thank you again! peace - SAVC

Reply from Staff

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

Robert J D.

December 19th, 2018

No feedback

Reply from Staff

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

Brenda B.

March 4th, 2023

Disappointed. Did not get the information requested.

Reply from Staff

Sorry we were unable to pull the documents you requested. We do hope that you found what you were looking for elsewhere. Have a wonderful day.

Omar F.

February 1st, 2021

Great! Thank you!

Reply from Staff

Thank you!