Iowa Forms

Union County Real Estate Contract-Installments Form

Union County Real Estate Contract-Installments Form

Union 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
Union County Real Estate Contract-Installments Guide

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

Union 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
Union County Contract Disclosure Form

Union County Contract Disclosure Form

Required by seller for certain residential property.

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

Union County Lead Based Paint Disclosure Form

Required for residential property built before 1978.

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

Union County Protect your family from lead based paint

Issue to buyers if lead based paint disclosure is required.

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

Union 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 Union County to use these forms. Documents should be recorded at the office below.

Where to Record Your Documents

Union County Recorder's Office
Address:
Courthouse - 300 North Pine St, Suite 5
Creston, Iowa 50801

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

Phone: (641) 782-1725

Recording Tips for Union County:
  • Both spouses typically need to sign if property is jointly owned
  • Make copies of your documents before recording - keep originals safe
  • Leave recording info boxes blank - the office fills these
  • Avoid the last business day of the month when possible
  • Request a receipt showing your recording numbers

Cities and Jurisdictions in Union County

Properties in any of these areas use Union County forms:

  • Afton
  • Arispe
  • Creston
  • Cromwell
  • Lorimor
  • Shannon City
  • Thayer

View Complete Recorder Office Guide

Hours, fees, requirements, and more for Union County

How do I get my forms?

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

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

Recording fees in Union County vary. Contact the recorder's office at (641) 782-1725 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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Union County to use these forms. Documents should be recorded at the office below.

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

Our Promise

The documents you receive here will meet, or exceed, the Union 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 Union 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 )

Robert D.

March 7th, 2019

These forms made it so easy to update the property deed and the instructions and sample filled out form were most helpful. You might want to add some brief information on when or why to use the Acknowledgment in Individual Capacity notary form. In my case the notary was required to use it but also filled in the brief notarize section on the Affidavit as well. She said the one on the Affidavit had some value because it showed she had witnessed the my signature. But this was only after I suggested both be filled in as she initially thought to just strike through it and just use the Acknowledgment in Individual Capacity form.

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Donna O.

March 6th, 2020

Quick and easy to use. I was able to download the Transfer on Death Deed form to my computer so that I can read through and fill them out at a later time. That made it convenient and "no pressure". The complimentary guide and completed example that came with the form was also very helpful.

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Anne H.

July 25th, 2024

After some initial general confusion -- (we sold a small piece of land privately and therefore do not typically prepare such documentation (!)) -- we were able to purchase and download all forms from Deeds.com and understand how to complete it/them. The help is all there, we just needed to read and study it - the "Example" helped alot. We were able to complete the Document per your online form(s) and then take it to be signed/notarized - and take the completed paper document to the Registry -- and it is now all registered and we are All Set. Took the morning (only). THANK YOU. A wonderful tool!!

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Linda W.

August 3rd, 2020

Received feedback in a timely manner and got a quick reponse.

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Kurt P.

November 20th, 2020

I like the basics. The one thing I would recommend changing would be, something that tells me I have actually have submitted my package, or that I can leave at any time without needing to click on a "Submit" button.

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Natasha M.

January 9th, 2024

Your forms, guides, sample deeds and submission process were accessible, easy to understand and simple. I also was pleasantly surprised by the efficiency, professionalism and ease of staff communicating with me after I uploaded the document to ensure the county accepted it. I will continue to use this website to record deeds. Thank you!

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Todd B.

October 9th, 2020

very quick and easy

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RAMONA F.

July 29th, 2020

Good communication but they were unable to help me

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Lawrence R.

February 4th, 2020

Forms do not allow enough space for fields and cutoff. Need to expand the fields to allow for more writing. I ended up re-typing to be able to include full property description. Would be nice if available in Word format rather than only PDF format.

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Solomon L.

October 10th, 2024

Great communication, this was my first e-recording.

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April 22nd, 2020

Ordered and received the quitclaim form. Exactly what I expected, perfect.

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September 13th, 2021

Quality product. Forms are as advertised. Easy to use site.

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Nancy O.

August 6th, 2023

Have not actually filed as yet but package seems to answer all my questions and believe this will be a walk in the park instead a a headache or expensive endeavor. Thanks.

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Hal M.

September 23rd, 2022

Very good, and easy and fast to use.

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July 21st, 2022

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