Owner Financed Homes by Area in Kentucky

What is a Contract for Deed?

A Contract for Deed (aka 'installment land contract) is an agreement wherein the buyer makes payments on an arrangement similar to an vehicle financing. The seller has legal title to the property as security for payment, while the buyer has 'equitable' title. When the buyer pays the full amount due under the contract, the seller delivers legal title to the buyer.

Equitable title gives the buyer the right to live in the property, improve it, rent it and otherwise enjoy all of the benefits of ownership. However, since the buyer does not have legal title, he cannot use it as collateral for a home equity loan (although in some states, banks will lend against an equitable interest in a land contract).

How does Rent to Own Work?

'Lease-option' or more commonly called a Rent to Own describes the process whereby you are only buying the right to buy a home at some time in the future at a given price (or again, at a price to be determined). With a lease option you are under no legal obligation to buy the property ('exercise your option') if you determine that doing so is not in your best interest.