[header] How to buy a home with a land contract [title] Learn about the concept. [step] A land contract is when a homeowner agrees to sell a home directly to the buyer, with the terms for the deal set privately by the buyer and the seller. This allows for flexibility in setting up an agreeable payment schedule and permits the sale of homes to individuals with bad credit. 
Typically full payment is expected quicker than would be the case with a traditional mortgage, but the period of repayment is usually at least five years. The buyer lives in the house while he or she is completing payment on the property.