Official Michigan Contract for Deed Form | Step-by-Step Guide

Seller-financed real estate purchase agreement

Sales Tax: 6%Notary: $10Witnesses: 1

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CONTRACT FOR DEED (LAND CONTRACT)
State of Michigan

This Contract for Deed is entered into on [DATE] between:

SELLER:
Name: [SELLER NAME]
Address: [ADDRESS], MI [ZIP]

BUYER:
Name: [BUYER NAME]
Address: [ADDRESS], MI [ZIP]

PROPERTY:
Legal Description: [LEGAL DESCRIPTION]
Address: [PROPERTY ADDRESS], MI [ZIP]

1. PURCHASE PRICE: $[TOTAL AMOUNT]
2. DOWN PAYMENT: $[AMOUNT] paid on [DATE]
3. BALANCE: $[AMOUNT] payable in [NUMBER] monthly installments of $[AMOUNT]
4. INTEREST RATE: [RATE]% per annum
5. PAYMENT DUE DATE: [DAY] of each month beginning [DATE]
6. BALLOON PAYMENT (if any): $[AMOUNT] due on [DATE]

7. TAXES AND INSURANCE: [  ] Buyer [  ] Seller shall pay property taxes and insurance.
8. TITLE TRANSFER: Seller shall deliver a warranty deed upon full payment.
9. DEFAULT: If Buyer defaults, Seller may [FORFEITURE/FORECLOSURE] per Michigan law.

This contract is governed by Michigan law (MI Statutes).

SELLER SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____
BUYER SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____

Where to File Your Contract for Deed in Michigan

Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Contract for Deed.

Wayne County Clerk

Detroit

2 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

Kent County Clerk

Grand Rapids

300 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Ingham County Clerk

Lansing

341 S Jefferson St, Mason, MI 48854

Contract for Deed Costs in Michigan

Estimated fees and processing times

Fee Type	Cost	Notes
Notary Fee	$5-$15 (if required)	Michigan standard rate: $10
Filing Fee	Varies by state	State registration (if applicable)
Processing Time	1-3 business days	Typical turnaround in Michigan
Sales Tax	6%	Michigan base rate (local taxes may apply)
Witness Requirement	1 witness	Single witness sufficient
Our Template	FREE	Download instantly, no cost

Fees shown are Michigan-specific estimates. Contact your local office for exact pricing.

FAQ: Contract for Deed in Michigan

Is a Contract for Deed required in Michigan?

Yes, in Michigan, a Contract for Deed is required for most transactions of this type. Under Michigan State Code, the document must include all parties' information, be signed, and witnessed by at least one individual. Failure to use a proper Contract for Deed may result in legal complications.

Does a Contract for Deed need to be notarized in Michigan?

Notarization requirements in Michigan (MI) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $10. While not always mandatory, notarization adds an extra layer of legal protection and is recommended for high-value transactions.

What are the tax implications of a Contract for Deed in Michigan?

Michigan has a base sales tax rate of 6%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Contract for Deed, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Michigan tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.

Michigan Contract for Deed Requirements

Review the following requirements to ensure your Contract for Deed is legally valid in Michigan.

Notarization required

1 witness must sign

Vehicle identification number (VIN) required

Odometer disclosure mandatory

Buyer and seller signatures required

Purchase price must be stated

Date of sale required

Blue or black ink only

Electronic signatures accepted

County clerk filing required

Michigan Notarization

While notarization may not be required in Michigan, it is recommended. Fees range from $10.

Before You Sign

Review all information carefully. In Michigan, a 6% sales tax may apply.

Legal Protection

Keep copies of all signed documents. Michigan law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.

Michigan Filing Deadlines

Check Michigan deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.

MCE

Reviewed & Fact-Checked

Michael Chen, Esq.

Real Estate Law Consultant

Bar Certified, Real Estate Expert

Expert in property transactions and real estate documentation

This Contract for Deed template for Michigan has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.

Last reviewed: March 2026

Michigan Contract for Deed Legal Guide

Under Michigan jurisdiction, this form meets all statutory requirements and provides comprehensive legal protection for your transaction.

Pursuant to Michigan State Code in Michigan, this Contract for Deed must meet specific criteria. The applicable sales tax is 6%. Notarization, which costs $10 in MI, may be required depending on the transaction type. 1 witness is needed.

Ensure your transaction is legally sound in Michigan with this expertly crafted, state-compliant template.

land contractseller financinginstallment saleequitable titleballoon paymentforfeiture

Michigan residents searching for a reliable Contract for Deed template have come to the right place. Our form is tailored to MI statutory requirements and updated for 2026, giving you a legally sound starting point.

Getting It Done Right in Michigan

Here's the practical approach: download, fill in your details, get signatures, and handle any MI-required notarization. Michigan makes the process relatively straightforward, but attention to detail matters. Keep at least two copies — one for each party involved.

Enforceability in Michigan

A Contract for Deed that meets all MI requirements is fully enforceable in Michigan. Courts in Michigan have consistently upheld documents that demonstrate clear intent, proper execution, and compliance with state formalities. Keep your original signed copy in a secure location.

What Michigan Attorneys Want You to Know

Practicing lawyers in Michigan emphasize three things: accuracy, completeness, and compliance with MI statutes. A well-prepared Contract for Deed saves time, money, and potential legal headaches down the road. When in doubt, a brief consultation with a Michigan-licensed attorney is worth the investment.

Meeting Michigan's Legal Threshold

For your Contract for Deed to hold up in a Michigan court, it must satisfy the state's statutory requirements. MI law emphasizes clear language, mutual consent, and proper execution. We've built these requirements directly into our template.

Other Forms in Michigan

Contract for Deed in Neighboring States

Document Information

Document: Contract for Deed
State: Michigan (MI)
Category: Real Estate
Format: PDF / Word / Print
Cost: 100% Free
Sales Tax: 6%
Notary Fee: $10

Michigan Legal Requirements

Governing Statute:

State Law

✓Consult with a licensed attorney for specific requirements

Legal Disclaimer

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Michigan may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.