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If the buyer defaults on the land contract, or fails to make the monthly payments to the seller as required, the seller can file a court action called land contract forfeiture.In other words, if the buyer fails to pay, the seller keeps all money received, plus the seller keeps the real estate.

The main advantage of a land contract is that it's fairly easy to qualify for. As long as the seller is willing to go that route, there's little need for extensive credit checks.A land contract is often viewed as a way to "pay down the purchase price" before obtaining a regular mortgage to buy the property outright.

Most of the disadvantages of land contracts for buyers of property stem from the fact that the vendee (buyer) does not receive the deed to the property at closing. The vendee obtains equitable title, but the vendor (seller) retains legal title. This situation usually exists until the land contract is paid in full.

Because there's no bank involved, land contract closings can happen in under a weekand without expensive closing costs. Buyers with poor or no credit can get a land contract because it's up to the seller to decide if they're creditworthy.

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.

Just like buyers, sellers can get cold feet.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 seller is responsible for the maintenance of the property, any repairs and for paying property taxes and insurance, the same as any landlord. The seller also gets to deduct those costs, as well as any mortgage interest, on his or her tax returns.