How to Create a Land Contract Without a Lawyer (2025 DIY Guide)
Introduction
You’ve got a buyer. You’ve agreed on price. Now comes the scary part… the paperwork.
But here’s the truth: You don’t need a lawyer to create a simple, legally binding land contract.
In today’s post, we’ll show you:
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What a land contract is
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What to include (and what to avoid)
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How to create one step-by-step
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Tools you can use to do it yourself
Let’s break it down.
📜 What Is a Land Contract?
A land contract is a seller-financed agreement between you and the buyer.
Instead of giving the buyer the deed upfront, they make monthly payments — and get the deed only when the full amount is paid.
Also called:
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Contract for deed
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Installment sale agreement
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Owner financing agreement
This protects you if the buyer defaults.
🧾 What to Include in a Land Contract
✅ Buyer and seller names
✅ Property legal description
✅ Purchase price
✅ Down payment
✅ Monthly payment amount
✅ Interest rate
✅ Term length (e.g. 60 months)
✅ Late fees & default clauses
✅ Who pays taxes/HOA
✅ Forfeiture clause (seller can reclaim land if buyer defaults)
🛑 Note: You keep the deed until the buyer pays in full.
🔧 How to Create One Yourself (Step-by-Step)
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Start with a Template
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Use trusted sources like:
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Customize for Your Deal
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Plug in buyer/seller details, property info, payment terms, etc.
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Include a Forfeiture Clause
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Make sure the contract states that failure to pay voids the agreement and buyer forfeits the land.
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Sign the Contract with E-Signatures or In Person
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Use tools like DocuSign or HelloSign.
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Provide a Copy to the Buyer & Retain a Signed Copy
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Save it securely — you’ll reference it for years.
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📂 Should You Record the Contract?
Most seller-financed land deals do not record the contract with the county.
You still hold the deed — so the buyer doesn’t have ownership yet.
✅ This keeps you in control.
✅ But if the buyer requests it (or you feel better doing so), some counties will accept a memorandum of contract instead.
📌 Bonus Tips for Safety
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Collect a non-refundable document fee (e.g. $250)
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Use a payment servicing company like GeekPay or NoteServicingCenter
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Track every payment and late fee
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Don’t transfer the deed until fully paid
🛒 Selling Land? Use These Tools:
Final Takeaway
You don’t need to spend thousands on attorneys to get started.
A basic land contract gives you control, protection, and predictable income — if you do it right.
Use a solid template, customize it clearly, and protect your deal.
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