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:

  • What a land contract is

  • What to include (and what to avoid)

  • How to create one step-by-step

  • 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:

  • Contract for deed

  • Installment sale agreement

  • 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)

  1. Start with a Template

  2. Customize for Your Deal

    • Plug in buyer/seller details, property info, payment terms, etc.

  3. Include a Forfeiture Clause

    • Make sure the contract states that failure to pay voids the agreement and buyer forfeits the land.

  4. Sign the Contract with E-Signatures or In Person

    • Use tools like DocuSign or HelloSign.

  5. Provide a Copy to the Buyer & Retain a Signed Copy

    • Save it securely — you’ll reference it for years.


📂 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

  • Collect a non-refundable document fee (e.g. $250)

  • Use a payment servicing company like GeekPay or NoteServicingCenter

  • Track every payment and late fee

  • 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.


📈 SEO Keywords Recap:
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