Maine General Notice of Default for Contract for Deed

The buyer should record the contract for deed with the county recorder where the land is located and does so normally within four months after the contract is signed, though the time may vary depending on state law.

In the first instance, if your deed is not recorded, there is nothing in the public record to stop the seller from conveying the property to another person.The second situation could happen if your seller fails to pay his or her debts and the seller's creditors file liens or judgments against your property.

A disadvantage to the seller is that a contract for deed is frequently characterized by a low down payment and the purchase price is paid in installments instead of one lump sum. If a seller needs funds from the sale to buy another property, this would not be a beneficial method of selling real estate.

This means that if you default and can?t make your payments, you lose the property and all of the money you have already paid into it (often including repairs and improvements). Unlike a traditional mortgage, a defaulting buyer in a contact for deed may only have 30-60 days to cure the default or move out.

If a buyer backs out of a transaction without invoking her rights under a contingency, the seller could sue her to force the sale to move forward or for damages. To avoid this risk, most contracts contain a clause that allows the seller to keep the buyer's deposit if the buyer backs out.

If a seller defaults, he must return all deposits, plus added reasonable expenses, to the buyer. The other party may also seek to compel the erring party to complete the deal under specific performance. From a buyer's point of view, it is advisable to get the sale agreement registered.

Failure to record a deed effectively makes it impossible for the public to know about the transfer of a property. That means the legal owner of the property appears to be someone other than the buyer, a situation that can generate serious ramifications.

Contact the other party and ask whether they are willing to negotiate the cancellation of the contract. Offer the other party an incentive to cancel the contract for deed.