Is a real estate purchase contract the same as a contract for deed?

Question by Susan: Is a real estate purchase contract the same as a contract for deed?
I am buying the house from the owner herself, she gave me a real estate purchase contract, that looks very similar to a sample copy I saw online of a contract for deed. When I took my real estate purchase contract to the Register of Deeds to city office, they said they need a contract for deed or an affidavit of equitable interest and refused to record my contract although its notarized. I did have an affidavit of equitable interest which I filed.. but wanted to know if I should have her give me a contract for deed instead of the Real Estate Contract we originally signed?

If its any help the real estate purchase contract (residential) is the same template I found online when I searched for samples…
THANKS!!!

Best answer:

Answer by acermill
There is a DEFINITE difference. A ‘contract for deed’ (also known as a land contract) is the document used when you are entering into an agreement with the seller in which the seller is providing the financing. A real estate purchase contract is one in which you (the buyer) are paying the seller in full for the house, either from your own cash or via a separate mortgage from a lender. You appear to be ‘going this on your own’. I STRONGLY recommend that you engage a qualified professional to prepare the documents properly, such that there are NO issues for either buyer or seller in the future.

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