Contract for Deed (sometimes referred to as a Land Contract) – Missouri use and applications:

When Buyer Cannot Qualify for Traditional Financing.

Often used by buyers who may not meet bank loan requirements due to credit or income issues.

When Seller Financing is Preferred or Necessary.

When Sellers may offer this arrangement to broaden their buyer pool or avoid dealing with banks.

When Property is Being Sold “As Is”.

Often used in cases involving older or distressed properties where a conventional mortgage would be harder to obtain.

Investment Property Transactions.

Sometimes used in investor deals where holding title back until payment completion is part of the deal structure.

For Sale by Owner (FSBO) Deals.

Common in informal or family transactions without a real estate agent.

Land Sales or Rural Property.

Sometimes used when raw land or agricultural property is sold, especially if the buyer is planning gradual development. Use this form for residential property, rental property, Condominiums, vacant land, small commercial property and planned unit development property. For use in Missouri only.

Things to Consider:
Buyer Risk: Since legal title doesn't transfer until full payment, the buyer can lose the property (and payments made) if they default.

Seller Risk: The seller may have to go through legal action (sometimes similar to eviction or foreclosure) if the buyer defaults.

Recording: Buyer shall be authorized to execute and record this “Contract for Deed” or an “Affidavit of Equitable Agreement” on or after Initial closing.

How to Use This Form

Select your county or independent city from the list above
Download the county or independent city-specific form
Fill in the required information
Have the document notarized if required
Record with your county or independent city recorder's office

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Common Uses for Contract for Deed

Create an installment sale agreement for vacant land
Establish the terms of a real estate transaction before closing
Purchase property through an installment payment agreement
Formalize a residential purchase and sale agreement for recording
Document the abandonment of a buyer's interest in a land contract
Document the terms of a private real estate sale between buyer and seller
Provide public notice that a buyer holds an equitable interest in real property

Compare other Missouri deed forms and documents

Quitclaim Deed Gift Deed Warranty Deed Special Warranty Deed Grant Deed Easement Deed Termination of Easement Correction Deed General Power of Attorney-Durable Specific Power of Attorney for the Purchase of Property Specific Power of Attorney for the Sale of Property Beneficiary Deed Revocation of Beneficiary Deed Affidavit as to Death of Grantor Affidavit of Deceased Joint Tenant Trustee Deed Trustee Deed Under Sale (Foreclosure) Personal Representative Deed Personal Representative Deed of Sale Personal Representative Deed of Distribution Contractor Change Order Consent of Owner Notice of Intent Notice of Rights Claim of Mechanic's Lien Partial Mechanic's Lien Waiver on Progress Payment Mechanic's Lien Waiver on Final Payment Release of Mechanic's Lien Lis Pendens Notice Release of Lis Pendens Notice Deed of Trust and Promissory Note Assignment of Deed of Trust Full Deed of Release for Deed of Trust Affidavit of Equitable Interest Release of Affidavit of Equitable Interest Mineral Deed Mineral Deed with Quitclaim Covenants Disclaimer of Interest

Important: County or Independent City-Specific Forms

Our contract for deed forms are specifically formatted for each county or independent city in Missouri.

After selecting your county or independent city, you'll receive forms that meet all local recording requirements, ensuring your documents will be accepted without delays or rejection fees.

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