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CFPB Issues Advisory Opinion Concerning Contracts for Deed

Michael Christians • August 17, 2024

On August 13th, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued an advisory opinion affirming the applicability of certain Truth in Lending Act / Regulation Z requirements to contracts for deed. In a typical contract for deed transaction, a homebuyer makes periodic payments directly to the seller. During the repayment period, the buyer has the exclusive right to occupy the property. However, the seller retains ownership of the property until all payments are made under the contract. In some instances, financial institutions sell other real estate owned (OREO) properties obtained through foreclosure to sellers using this type of arrangement. The advisory opinion first explains that in most instances, contract for deed financing meets the definition of consumer credit if the buyer is purchasing the property for a personal, family, or household purpose. Regulation Z defines credit as the right to defer the payment of a debt, which is exactly what is contemplated by the periodic payments made by the buyer to the bank over time.


Because contract for deed financing meets the definition of consumer credit under Regulation Z, many of the regulation's requirements specific to residential mortgage loan transactions are likely applicable. These requirements include, but are not limited to:

  • Disclosures,
  • Ability to repay determination,
  • Rescission,
  • High-cost mortgage requirements (if applicable),
  • Higher priced mortgage loan requirements (if applicable), and
  • Prohibited acts and practices and certain requirements for transactions secured by a dwelling.


You can read the CFPB's advisory opinion here.

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