Mississippi Seller's Disclosure of Forfeiture Rights for Contract for Deed

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.

But unlike buyers, sellers can't back out and forfeit their earnest deposit money (usually 1-3 percent of the offer price). If you decide to cancel a deal when the home is already under contract, you can be either legally forced to close anyway or sued for financial damages.

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.

Backing out of a home sale can have costly consequences A home seller who backs out of a purchase contract can be sued for breach of contract. A judge could order the seller to sign over a deed and complete the sale anyway. The buyer could sue for damages, but usually, they sue for the property, Schorr says.

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.

Monetary Damages If the Seller decides to breach the contract and keep their home, they may do so, but the court may order the Buyer receive money for the resulting breach. Generally, the money owed to Buyer may include reimbursing the Buyer with: The buyer's temporary housing costs.

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.The legal fees and time frame for this process will be more extensive than a standard Power of Sale foreclosure.