Contract for Deed Checklist

Review the Risks Before You Sign a Contract for Deed

An Illinois contract for deed can look simple at first, but the details can affect title, payments, possession, taxes, insurance, and what happens if something goes wrong.

Macon County Title created this checklist to help buyers, sellers, and real estate investors in Decatur, Macon County, and Central Illinois spot the questions worth asking before an agreement is signed.

This resource is general information only. A contract for deed can affect legal rights, so you should ask an attorney to review your specific agreement before signing.

What's Inside the Checklist

Use this quick one-page checklist to review:

• Whether a title search has confirmed ownership and possible liens.
• How payment terms, interest, due dates, and payoff details are written.
• Who handles taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, and repairs.
• What counts as default and what happens if the agreement ends early.
• Which title, recording, and attorney review questions should be answered before signing.