how to write land documents

Understanding the legal description of property

Including an accurate legal property description is essential when real estate is being transferred or mortgaged.

Find out more about property owners

how to write land documents

by   Edward A. Haman, J.D.

Edward A. Haman is a freelance writer, who is the author of numerous self-help legal books. He has practiced law in H...

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Updated on: January 22, 2024 · 4min read

Read your property deed

Townships in property descriptions, including subdivision plats, using metes and bounds, supplemental property information.

In order to transfer ownership of real estate, the deed must contain a unique legal description of the property that identifies it. Similarly, to have a valid mortgage on a property, the mortgage also must contain this legal description.

It will also be used for a title search , and appear on the title insurance policy.

couple hugging looking at home

All deeds in the property's chain of title should have an identical legal description. It will usually be found on the document after a phrase similar to: "that certain piece or parcel of land described as follows."

If you own property, you should have a copy of the deed from when you acquired the title. If you are buying property, the seller or real estate agent should have a copy of the deed.

Deeds, mortgages, and other land documents are typically recorded with a county government agency, such as the county clerk or the register of deeds. Each document may be found in a particular volume of the records, which is referred to as a "book" or "liber."

All legal descriptions will indicate the county and state, but the way in which the description is worded will vary.

In most states, property descriptions often include a reference to a township. This goes back to a land survey plan developed by the federal government in 1785.

This plan established various north-south lines, called meridians, and various east-west lines, called baselines. This is why you sometimes see a road called Base Line Road.

A township is normally a square that is six miles on each side, and is designated by its relationship to where a meridian and a baseline meet.

For example, a township that is the fourth township north of the baseline and the second township east of the meridian will be designated as "Township 4 North, Range 2 East." This may be abbreviated "T4N, R2E." The township may also have a name, which may be included.

Each township is divided into 36 numbered sections, which measure one mile on each side. Therefore, you may see a property description that includes a reference to the township and section, such as:

"That part of the Northwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 35, Town 19 North, Range 13 West."

Such descriptions can get quite complicated, especially when a piece of property crosses a section or township boundary.

When a developer plans a housing subdivision, a survey is conducted to measure and identify the separate lots that will be sold. This is known as a subdivision plat.

There will be a plat map, which shows the location and number of each lot. The county may have separate plat books in which subdivisions are recorded.

For platted subdivisions, the property description is simplified. The property description used in deeds and other land documents will refer to the name of the subdivision and the lot number. For example:

"Lot 42, Block 3, of North Lakes Subdivision #1, according to map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 62, Page 9, of the Public Records of Orange County, Florida."

Where the property is not subject to a subdivision plat, and especially if it is irregular in shape, you will see more complex descriptions that are designed to allow a surveyor to measure and mark the property boundary.

This is very common in rural areas, and is called a metes and bounds description. It will start by describing a point where the measurement begins, which may be abbreviated POB, for point of beginning. It typically includes township information.

For example:

"Beginning at a point marked by a survey marker on the South side of Jackson Road 150 feet East from the corner formed by the intersection of the East boundary of State Highway 39 and the South boundary of Jackson Road; thence East 90 degrees 500 feet; thence South 450 feet; thence West 250 degrees 450 feet; thence direct to the point of beginning; situated in Section seven in Township Twenty North, Range Eleven East, Perry Township, Delaware County, Indiana."

This is a simple metes and bounds description. They can be much more complex for irregularly shaped parcels.

In addition to the legal description, you may see other identifying information on a land document. This is most often the street address and a property tax identification number.

The street address is basically the mailing address of the property, which includes the street number and name, city or town, state, and zip code.

For purposes of keeping property tax records, the local tax assessor's office usually attaches an identification number to each parcel. This may be called by various names, such as "Tax I.D. Number," "Parcel Number," or "Folio Number."

Neither the street address, nor the tax number, is a sufficient description to transfer or encumber property.

The information provided above should help you understand legal property descriptions. However, for the purposes of buying or selling property, it is usually not necessary to completely understand the details of land descriptions. What is important is that the deed, mortgage, or other land document contains an accurate property description.

Carefully reading the legal description in your document, and comparing it with the legal description in a previous deed, will help assure that your document contains the appropriate legal description.

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Land Purchase Agreement Form

Take advantage of our Land Purchase Agreement template that allows you to make the transaction of land straightforward. Our outline is easy-to-use, so you can make your valid document stress-free.

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What Is a Land Contract

Elements for a land purchase agreement, how to write a land contract, land purchase agreement sample, related documents, land purchase agreement faqs.

A Land Contract is a legal document that sets the terms and conditions for the purchase of land. This purchase finalizes when one party provides the other with a determined amount of cash or trade. 

A Land Contract goes by alternative titles : 

Land Purchase Agreement

Land Sale Contract

Land Purchase and Sale Agreement

A Land Purchase and Sale Agreement works similarly to an ordinary purchase and sale agreement. The terms, protections, and time limits are all included in the agreement. 

Land Contracts are extremely useful to both parties as they present numerous benefits to both the buyer and seller . 

Buyer benefits : This type of agreement can be beneficial to buyers who do not have a good credit history. Buyers unable to get a mortgage can pay directly to the seller. 

Seller benefits : Sellers can ask for a higher price by offering this type of contract to buyers because it does not require a buyer’s credit history. It would also be easier to ask for a larger money down payment. 

Use our template to make it simple to create a Land Contract. 

Installment Land Contract

Using an Installment Land Contract offers you another way to complete the transaction for land. 

Deciding the payments will be paid in installments, each month , means you are making an Installment Land Contract. 

The selling party can act as a bank and receive the payments, and the purchasing party will have the land. 

If the selling party does not receive payments, they will have the right to retake the land from the buyer.

To create a valid Land Purchase Agreement, there must be 2 parties that agree to the transaction , a buyer, and a seller. 

You must reach an agreement with the other party regarding the price and terms and conditions . 

Using a purchase and sale Agreement for land will help to protect the rights of both parties . 

A traditional Land and Sale Agreement works in the following way: 

The seller keeps the title until the buyer pays off the amount that is owed. 

The buyer and seller can choose how the installment payments are.

The buyer receives an equitable title.

Once the buyer pays off what is owed , the land will fully belong to them.

To further clarify the requirements for creating a Land Contract, we have included the following steps. 

Review the following parts of a Land Contract to make the writing process easier when creating your document. 

Details of the Parties – Include the date the agreement will be signed, as well as the names of each party in the agreement. 

Property Information – Describe what the property is. This includes the space, type of land, and the exact location of the land. 

Sale and Purchase – Add the name of the state and city that will be included in the agreement to sell and purchase between both parties. 

Price of Purchase – Put the amount of money that will be given to complete the purchase of the land. This also includes how the money will be paid. 

Title and Survey – Include that the buyer will accept the title and that facts are disclosed by the survey of the property on a specific date by a surveyor. 

Inspection Period – Add the time frame that will be known as the inspection period. This begins on the effective date until a determined number of days after. 

Conditions for the Closing – Make a selection if the closing will be conditioned upon the purchaser’s ability to finance or not. 

The Closing and Time – Include a statement that includes when the agreement will be made official, in other words, the date of closing.

Transaction Costs – Included the costs of the transaction, as well as how these costs will be distributed. 

Closing Documents and Deliveries – Write what the selling party must bring to the closing. This includes writing the designation of exhibit. 

Casualty and Condemnation – Determine what amount of money will each party be responsible for regarding repairing damages to the property. 

Default and Waiver – Include the amount of days the seller or purchaser will have to cure a default, as well as the money that could be given to the seller for damages by the buyer. 

Notices – Write the contact information of both parties for receiving any notifications regarding the Land Purchase Agreement. 

Resolving Claims or Disputes – List the options available that can provide a solution to any claims or disputes that may arise. 

Governing Law – Add the state that’s laws the Land Contract will be governed by. 

Offer to Purchase – Include when the offer to purchase will be signed and the different options regarding the offer to purchase. 

Additional Terms and Conditions – Add any additional terms and conditions that you would like to add to your Land Purchase Agreement form. 

Signatures of Both Parties – In the final part, add both your names and signatures and the names of any representatives involved. Finally, add the date of the agreement. 

To give you a better understanding of what a simple Land Purchase Agreement looks like, we have included a sample below . 

Along with this sample, LawDistrict provides a Land Contract template that allows you to write your contract with much less effort. 

Using both the template and sample, you can make the writing process stress-free . 

While trying to purchase or sell land, there are similar documents that you may find useful . 

There are other situations you may find yourself in regarding purchasing property or selling an item to someone else. 

Look over these similar documents to give you further legal information and assistance:

Real Estate Purchase Agreement

Quitclaim Deed

To clarify any doubts you may still have about Land Purchase Agreements, we have replied to some of the most frequently asked questions on the subject. 

Review the answers below to have all the information necessary to create your document.

What Happens If the Buyer Fails to Make the Land Contract Payments On Time?

The seller may have the right to retake the land that is purchased if the buyer does not provide payments on time. 

The selling party can act as a bank and if payments are not made, the land can be repossessed.

How is Land Contract Interest Calculated?

The interest rate is a defined part of the land agreement . Both parties can agree to the rate of interest before signing the contract.

This rate can also change if the terms and conditions allow it to.

Who Pays Property Taxes on a Land Contract?

The buyer is the party that must pay the property tax after the completion of the Land Contract. 

It is not the seller’s responsibility to pay this tax, it will be left to the purchasing party. 

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Land Purchase Agreement Form

A land purchase contract is a legal agreement between a seller and purchaser to buy land. It includes details about the property, price, and more.

Land Purchase Agreement Form

Updated September 22, 2023 Reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

A land purchase agreement, also known as a land sale agreement or real estate purchase agreement, is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions under which a parcel of land will be bought or sold.

This agreement serves as a contract between the buyer and the seller, specifying the rights, obligations, and commitments of both parties involved in the transaction.

The document is essential for providing a clear framework for the land sale and purchase, ensuring that both parties understand their responsibilities and minimizing the potential for disputes or misunderstandings later on.

Supplemental Forms

You can further support your real estate goals with our Real Estate Purchase Agreement and Quitclaim Deed forms.

What Is a Land Purchase Agreement?

When do you use a land purchase contract, why use a land purchase agreement, what to include in a simple land purchase agreement, how to write a land purchase agreement, frequently asked questions, land purchase agreement sample.

A land purchase contract is a legal agreement between a seller and purchaser to buy land. It includes details about the property, price, and much more.

Other common names for a land purchase agreement include:

  • Land agreement
  • Installment land contract
  • Land sale contract

But keep in mind that a land installment contract differs slightly from a standard land purchase agreement.

What Is an Installment Land Contract?

An installment land contract is a purchase agreement where the seller finances the sale.

The buyer pays for the land in installments (to the buyer) until the total price is paid, avoiding financing through a bank or a third-party lender.

You use a land purchase contract for situations such as, but not limited to:

  • Instances where the buyer has trouble financing through a bank
  • When selling vacant land
  • While creating flexibility in purchasing options

Land Pricing Factors

When determining the purchase price, the seller should consider several factors:

  • Location and size of the real estate
  • Availability of utilities
  • Mineral rights and soil quality
  • The amount of usable land and how the property is zoned

A land purchase agreement template helps you document a deal between a seller and a buyer.

It is a legal contract to sell or purchase land, and this agreement helps both parties protect their interests and rights in what can be a complex real estate deal.

Most jurisdictions require   that land contracts be in writing, as they lay out critical details that each party must follow and can legally enforce.

Otherwise, the land purchase agreement can be unenforceable or voided.

To write a land purchase agreement , you should include important provisions, such as:

  • Identify all parties to the contract
  • Include a detailed description of the land, including the property address and the legal description
  • Provide the purchase price, earnest money deposit, payment details, and installment options
  • Add financing contingencies, if any
  • Include the representations and warranties section
  • Detail any rights of inspection, title insurance, closing, and costs
  • Signature lines for the parties to the agreement

A land purchase agreement contains many legal sections.

You can use our step-by-step builder to create a customized land contract quickly.

Follow the steps below to write a land purchase agreement.

Step 1 – Write the Date of the Agreement 

Write the date of the land purchase agreement.

Step 2 – Enter Seller and Buyer Information

Provide the full name and address of the seller and buyer, the parties signing the agreement.

Then, indicate if the seller and buyer are individuals or entities, including the entity type.

Step 3 – Note Property Description

Describe the purchased property and include as much detail as possible to identify the property accurately.

Include the property size, property address, and legal description. Refer to the title or deed for an explanation.

Step 4 – Fill In Purchase Price

Write the amount of the purchase price the buyer is paying the seller for the property.

Include details regarding earnest money deposit and method of payment.

Step 5 – Enter Financing Details

Provide whether the buyer will assume the seller’s existing loan and whether the purchase is contingent on the buyer obtaining a mortgage.

Step 6 – State Any Seller Representations and Warranties

Select the representations and warranties the seller will make under this agreement.

Write in any other representations and warranties not already provided. 

 Step 7 – Enter Closing Details

Provide the closing date and location. Indicate the seller and buyer closing deliverables and the seller and buyer closing costs. 

Step 8 – Fill in the Delivery Date of the Property

Provide the date the seller will deliver possession of the property to the buyer.

Step 9 – Write Miscellaneous Provisions

Provide for miscellaneous provisions such as seller disclosures, property inspection, title insurance, and dispute resolution methods. 

Step 10 – Obtain Signatures

Both the seller and buyer will sign the land purchase agreement.

Below are some frequently asked questions about land purchase agreements.

What Is a Land Purchase Option?

A land purchase option is when a buyer pays for the right to purchase a property at a certain price and within a specific time frame.

The seller cannot sell the property to anyone else during that time. The buyer is under no obligation to buy the property, however.

What Happens When a Land Contract is Paid in Full?

Once the buyer pays off a land contract, the seller transfers the property’s legal title to the buyer through a deed .

The buyer now owns the real estate .

Can You Sell a Land Contract?

Yes, you can sell a land contract if permitted by the contract and state or local law .

Is There a Difference Between a Residential and Commercial Land Purchase Agreement?

Both agreements are usually identical unless something must differ under state or local law.

Below is an example of what the document typically looks like. You can download our free land purchase agreement in PDF or Word format and complete it on your own.

land purchase agreement

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Land Purchase Agreement Form

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How to write a land or real estate bill of sale.

A woman uses her laptop to write a bill of sale for real estate.

Similar to how a bill of sale is used for vehicle transactions, a bill of sale can also be used for the transfer of land or real estate. Whether you’re a private seller, buyer, or real estate agent, it’s important that the document be thorough and complete. Below are three simple steps for writing a legally binding real estate bill of sale that transfers ownership of land or real estate property.

What is a bill of sale in real estate?

In real estate, a bill of sale is a document that is written proof that the property — land or house — has changed ownership from the seller to the buyer. This record contains details like who’s involved, property specifics, the sale price, and the date. It’s important for legal and financial purposes, such as title transfer and taxes, ensuring a clear, transparent property transfer. When you’re undertaking the task of creating a bill of sale for land or real estate, it’s crucial to know where to get a bill of sale form that allows you to finalize the sale with ease.

How to write a bill of sale for land or real estate.

Follow these three easy steps to create a professional land or real estate bill of sale.

  • Set up a real estate bill of sale template.
  • Fill in the bill of sale form.
  • Get the real estate bill of sale form signed.

Step 1 — Set up a real estate bill of sale template.

With the right tools, setting up a bill of sale for real estate or land only takes a few minutes. Buyers and sellers can choose from countless real estate bill of sale templates that are prebuilt and ready to use.

However, if you want to draft your own, an intuitive document creation and e-signature software lets you easily personalize a bill of sale form yourself. Generally, all you’ll have to do is drag and drop fields to enter the pertinent transaction information.

Step 2 — Fill in the bill of sale form.

Protect the property’s buyer and seller by making sure you’ve collected every important detail and entered them into the bill of sale form. You should include:

  • Land or real estate location
  • Property description
  • Sale price for the land or real estate
  • Contact information for the buyer and seller
  • Terms and conditions of the sale (for example, the buyer accepts property “as is”)

Step 3 — Get the real estate bill of sale form signed.

Once the sale terms have been agreed to and inserted into the form, simply ensure all involved parties provide their signatures and the sale is complete.

Is a bill of sale different for commercial real estate vs. personal?

While the basic function of a bill of sale remains consistent for both commercial and personal real estate transactions, there are differences. Commercial real estate bill of sale documents tend to be more complex, involving additional terms and conditions, financial matters, and the participation of business entities. Personal real estate transactions are typically simpler, involving individuals or families. These distinctions come up due to the varying levels of complexity, financial scale, and the parties involved in each type of transaction.

Streamline your bill of sale for real estate with Acrobat.

With Adobe Acrobat, you can create, share, and sign real estate documents digitally for fast and easy transactions. Plus, each signature is legally binding and fully encrypted for security and peace of mind. Explore what more you can do with Adobe Acrobat today.

how to write land documents

Land Lease Agreement

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Land Lease Agreement

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A Land Lease Agreement is a document used by the owner of a vacant piece of property, known as the landlord, and an individual or entity who wants to occupy the land and develop or improve it, known as the tenant . The lease is for the right to occupy real estate comprised of only dirt and soil, so the land can be used by the tenant for multiple uses ranging from agricultural to residential or commercial purposes . Agricultural land leases can include the use of land as a farm for crops, an orchard for trees, a ranch for hunting wild game and forest animals on the premises, or as a pasture for grazing animals like cattle, goats, and sheep. Commercial land leases can vary from the right to install a billboard, build a telecommunications tower to be used for wireless cell phone reception, open a chain restaurant, or develop a large multi-story hotel complex. Residential land leases can include a spot to park a trailer in a trailer park or the right to construct a small cabin in the woods.

Individuals who purchase, inherit, or otherwise own undeveloped land in either urban or rural settings may benefit from a Land Lease if they want to generate some passive income without the hassle of personally investing the capital, labor, or time needed to build structures and start an independent venture. In rural communities, this sort of tenant farming is common for agricultural or hunting purposes. In these situations, a tenant may have tools or livestock and enough funds to pay for the right to use land, but lack the capital to purchase their own parcel of land outright. In addition to raising livestock or crops, landowners with large properties in the countryside may profit from leasing their property to a hunter or hunting association during hunting season. In addition to earning a seasonal income, a Land Lease to hunt on uninhabited land may prevent crop damage and disease in livestock by managing wildlife in the area. In urban settings, a Land Lease is often used by large chain stores that would like to take advantage of a prime location without having to pay large sums of money for the underlying real estate. By using a Land Lease, the tenant has access to land that they would not otherwise have had access to and the landlord generates steady income with the potential of inheriting any structures or improvements built on the land when the lease ends .

This Agreement is specifically for leasing land that is undeveloped and not for the purpose of renting structures on the land. A Farm Lease Agreement can be used to lease a developed farm that has crops or livestock, a Commercial Lease Agreement can be used to lease a developed commercial property, and a Residential Lease Agreement can be used to lease a developed residential property.

How to use this document

This document includes all of the information necessary to create a thorough and comprehensive Land Lease Agreement. This Agreement can be created by either the landlord or the tenant but its terms must be agreed to and signed by both parties. The document includes various options to tailor the Agreement to meet the parties' needs. The Agreement allows the Parties to specify the following important details that will guide their landlord/tenant relationship :

  • Name and contact information for both Parties, including the landlord, the tenant, and anyone who the landlord is allowing to managing the property, such as an assistant or property manager
  • Description of the type of property being leased and its location
  • Length of the lease , specific start and end dates, and whether and how the lease term may be renewed after the termination of the initial lease term
  • Amount of money that the tenant will pay for a security deposit, rent payments, and late fees
  • Responsibilities that must be fulfilled by each party under this Agreement, such as maintaining the property, paying for utilities, maintaining liability and property insurance, paying taxes, and using the property in an acceptable manner
  • Description of the tenant's rights to develop the land and potentially use their leasehold interest as a security to get a loan to pay for the development

After inputting the required information, the Agreement is printed out and signed by both Parties, and then kept on file by both Parties for the duration of the Agreement as well as for a reasonable period of time thereafter.

Applicable law

All Lease Agreements in the United States are generally subject to the laws of individual states .

The Environmental Protection Agency governs the disclosure of lead-based paint warnings in all rentals in the States. Distinct from that, however, required disclosures and lease terms will be based on the laws of the state, and sometimes county, where you live.

How to modify the template

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats. You can modify it and reuse it.

Other names for the document:

Land Lease Contract, Commercial Land Lease, Residential Land Lease, Farm Land Lease, Farming Land Lease

Country: United States

Commercial Real Estate - Other downloadable templates of legal documents

  • Commercial Lease Agreement
  • Virtual Office Agreement
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  • Storage Space Agreement
  • Billboard Lease Agreement
  • Commercial Rent to own Agreement
  • Other downloadable templates of legal documents

how to write land documents

Templates.Legal

Land Purchase Agreement

Whether you’re buying or selling land, this article is for you. We’ll dive into discovering more about land purchase agreements, what they are, and how to create and obtain a form yourself for an easy transition. Read on to find out what a land purchase agreement is and what are some key elements to keep in mind.

Land Purchase Agreement Template

Land Purchase and Sale Agreement - Templates.Legal

Land Purchase Agreement By State

  • Connecticut
  • Massachusetts
  • Mississippi
  • New Hampshire
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • West Virginia

What Is a Land Purchase Agreement?

A land purchase agreement defines important terms in a real estate transaction between the buyer and seller. You often use a land purchase agreement when buying or selling property. A purchase agreement for land is the best way to quickly make a closing deal on a home or vacant land.

You can review the completed agreement and make edits as necessary with a land purchase agreement. Many states require a single notary to act as the witness. However, some states, like Connecticut and Florida, require two people over 18 years old to act as a witness.

They must not have interest in the transaction or have any blood relation to the participants. The spouse must sign to verify they will not make a claim of ownership over the property after the sale. The majority of the time, an escrow agent helps manage the transaction. In other words, you’ll have a neutral third party to facilitate the land purchase process.

Why Land Purchase Agreements Are Important

Land purchase agreements hold a necessary function when buying and selling property, providing the title policy, appraisal, property inspections, seller disclosures, property repairs, permits, and more. With a land purchase agreement, the buyer can transfer funds to the seller who signs over the title.

The county land recorder’s office records the deed and informs both parties when everything is in order. Additionally, a land purchase agreement has a move-out date, which you should start in advance.

A land purchase agreement visualizes all the important details. For example, the names of both the buyer and seller, the location or address, price, and mortgage. Furthermore, this document protects both parties, and you can customize it as necessary. Such as if the property must be appraised or inspected or if it needs repairs. Sellers need to keep their signed copy for at least three years.

Land Purchase Agreements vs. Real Estate Sales Agreements

Land purchase agreements are used when the transaction goes over $500. Residential, commercial, and industrial properties use a land purchase agreement to finalize details and establish the terms and conditions the new owner should expect. To name a few: any limitations, legal disputes, and contract governments.

You can sign land purchase agreements digitally or in person. However, contrary to the name, you can use land purchase agreements for more than just land, including any asset within that property. For instance, if you buy a large amount of equipment or a motor vehicle. Then, you could use a land purchase agreement to verify your purchase. After signing, the sale finalizes. What’s included within the paperwork depends on the terms outlined with the seller and buyer.

In conclusion, the difference between real estate sales agreements and land purchase agreements is that the former is used for property only, such as houses. Moreover, the contracts and sales are by the owner, and a real estate sales agreement might factor in the role of the person offering it. Nonetheless, a transactional lawyer or another legal professional should verify the drafting and execution of said documents to avoid headaches later on.

Is a land contract the same as a land purchase agreement?

A land contract is a document that establishes the terms and conditions for purchasing a piece of vacant land for cash or trade. A land sale contract is very similar to a purchase or sales agreement, both having an agreement between the buyer and seller with specific conditions, contingencies, and due diligence periods.

Land Purchase Agreement Process

Firstly, the seller makes an offer while the buyer completes the land contract with assistance from a real estate agent or attorney. The land purchase agreement describes the land and includes any conditions.

The buyer waits to hear from the seller, who can reject or counter offer the price. Afterward, the due diligence period occurs, meaning that the seller can test the property or obtain permits from the local government. Lastly, there will be closing on the property. If the seller pays with cash, then the process is immediate. Once recording the deed and verifying the funds, the land is officially the new owner’s property.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ll elaborate on how you can write a land purchase agreement, what a land purchase agreement includes, and other legalities before you begin writing a free land purchase agreement yourself.

You can download a land purchase agreement template and write it yourself. While the process is relatively simple, there is plenty of information covered. You’ll need to include the effective date or when the seller officially sells the land to the buyer. You also have to identify the land purchaser behind the agreement as well as provide their residential location.

A land purchase agreement verifies the land purchaser’s home address and lists the names in the contract. This documentation acts as the main record of the land sale and is an opportunity for the buyer to list out additional and applicable definitions of the land. A land purchase agreement establishes the price and whether the buyer is paying in cash.

Finally, a land purchase agreement highlights the specific deadlines and corresponding consequences. There are several steps to walk through, but most are fill-in-the-blank with the necessary information. The land purchase agreement ends with signatures from both parties as legitimate documentation of the purchase.

A land purchase agreement includes several elements. To name a few: the buyer and seller information, such as their names and contact information, in addition to the property details, such as a detailed description and the address. A land purchase agreement also has the agreed-upon price, as well as any deposits or additional costs.

Representations and warranties are also laid out in a land purchase agreement. Or, in other words, the condition, structure, and composition of the land. A land purchase agreement has financing specifications, such as if the buyer is taking out mortgage loans. Fixtures and appliances, both included and excluded, are in a land purchase agreement for clarity of what’s part of the land price.

A land purchase agreement describes the title insurance, which covers the property’s defects, and elaborates on the tax obligations. A land purchase agreement lists contingencies or requirements like repairs and inspections that you need to complete before the closing date. A land purchase agreement shows the buyer’s interest with earnest money, yet has the option to terminate based on unresolved issues. If the buyer agrees that all are in order, they sign with the seller and the purchase is complete.

A land purchase agreement is legally binding. This document governs the sale and purchase of property, defining the transaction terms and conditions when the sale occurs. A land purchase agreement applies to new homes, apartments, condominiums, primary residences, and investment properties.

You should have a solid contract, making sure that this information is written properly to prevent issues down the road that result in unexpected financial and legal issues. The buyer’s real estate agent will write and prepare the land purchase agreement. They change the legal documents accordingly to fit certain scenarios and match the property’s specific details.

A land purchase agreement outlines key details when selling a home and places the buyer, seller, and land under contract. Once the buyer makes the offer, they propose further conditions, outlining financial details that the seller can accept, reject, or negotiate. They sign once they both reach a satisfying agreement.

That said, a land purchase agreement does not need to be notarized. State laws allow a contract to end when the seller doesn’t disclose issues about the property.

Maybe you changed your mind, and are having second thoughts. Perhaps another issue popped up that’s preventing you from purchasing the land you agreed upon. The sale maybe didn’t go exactly as expected or there’s an issue on the seller’s end.

Can you back out of a land purchase agreement? You can, but it’s complicated, depending on when you decide to decline the offer. There may be repercussions in doing so. For example, if the seller accepted your offer, you’re required to put down a deposit, showing that you plan on carrying out this sale. You might lose that money if you’re backing out of the agreement without a valid reason.

If you withdraw before you or the seller signs, you should be able to walk away with no consequence. If the seller doesn’t meet the requirements listed in the agreement or missed a deadline, both are reasonable explanations for not wanting to continue business with them.

To summarize, a land purchase agreement outlines an agreement between a buyer and seller to buy the land. Most commonly, these documents include a purchase price and closing date. If the buyer does not purchase by the closing date, then the seller can keep the earnest money deposit.

Examples logo

Land Transfer Agreement

Land Transfer Agreement Examples

At some point in our lives, we may have encountered an agreement. The agreement can vary from the use and from the person who is writing it. Have you ever written a contract or an agreement? You may have noticed that when you transfer something like a vehicle, a piece of land or even a transfer of ownership in general. Transferring something like a piece of land or a property to someone else is not as easy as many may perceive it to be. It takes a lot of planning, paperwork and some discussion between or among the parties that are involved. A lot of people may wonder what a land transfer agreement would mean, would it simply be transfer of ownership? In a way it is. To get some idea as to what a land transfer agreement would be, take a look at these examples below .

10+ Land Transfer Agreement Examples

1. land transfer agreement template.

land transfer agreement template

Size: 220 KB

2. Standard Land Transfer Agreement

standard land transfer agreement

Size: 122 KB

3. Formal Land Transfer Agreement

formal land transfer agreement

Size: 128 KB

4. Land Transfer Development Agreement

land transfer development agreement

Size: 13 MB

5. Recreation Land Transfer Agreement

recreation land transfer agreement

Size: 39 KB

6. Professional Land Transfer Agreement

professional land transfer agreement

Size: 107 KB

7. Governmental Land Transfer Agreement

governmental land transfer agreement

Size: 512 KB

8. Draft Land Transfer Agreement

draft land transfer agreement

Size: 237 KB

9. Land Transfer Agreement in PDF

land transfer agreement in pdf

10. Site Land Transfer Agreement

site land transfer agreement

Size: 98 KB

11. Basic Land Transfer Agreement

basic land transfer agreement

Size: 170 KB

What Is a Land Transfer Agreement?

A land transfer agreement is a legal and binding document that summarizes the land transfer between the previous owner of the land and the current owner of the land. The agreement consists of the details about the land, the transfer from the previous owner to the current owner. It also consists of the date and the purpose for the transfer. In addition to that, a land transfer agreement is used in commercial buildings, for school property, or even for personal transfers. The agreement is used in order to give information as to who is the new owner of this commercial space or the land. May it be for the government, for a company or for personal use.

How to Write a Land Transfer Agreement

Have you ever written a land transfer agreement before? A variety of people may agree to this question while a few may not. Whether you may have or have not written an agreement before, it is always best to know the tips to get started on writing one.

1. Write a Letter of Transfer

Write a letter of transfer of ownership when you are ready to write the agreement as well. The letter will explain everything that the agreement may not be able to place. That is the purpose for writing the letter. The agreement however, you must also be writing in order to bind both parties to the agreement of land transfer.

2. State Your Recitals for the Agreement

The recitals or better known as your terms and conditions in the agreement. The recitals of your land transfer must be clear as day. State what your recitals or your conditions for the land transfer are as clear and concise as you can. The recitals are used to explain about the land transfer.

3. Short Description of the Land

Write a short description of the land. In order for the person who may be buying or leasing to know more about the land. It is also best for you to write the entire address of the land in the agreement. In order for anyone who may be reading the agreement to know the exact location.

4. Signatures and the Date of the Land Transfer

Signatures are used in order to bind two or more parties to the agreement. This would mean that when the signatures and the dates are present, both parties have fully discussed and agreed to what the information of the agreement.

What is a land transfer agreement?

A land transfer agreement is a document that binds and transfers the ownership from the previous owner to the current owner. The agreement is often used by those who plan to purchase lands from private sectors, commercial buildings, real estate or from public sectors.

Why is a land transfer agreement important?

When you are handling transfers from one ownership to another, especially with land, it is always important to have an agreement with you. The agreement works as a deed or an evidence to prove that the new owner of this piece of land is the one that is being written and termed as purchaser or lessee. In cases that there may be some misunderstanding of the ownership, the agreement is made as proof of it.

Where can I find a ready made land transfer agreement?

You can simply download the examples found in the article above. Edit them to how they may benefit you. If you plan to start from scratch, there are also tips to help you get started.

When it comes to transferring ownership from one owner to another, we all know that an agreement is necessary. It helps when you have a written agreement in order to protect you from any issues or misunderstandings. The agreement serves as proof that you have made the transfer and you are either the owner or have been the previous owner of the land.

how to write land documents

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FREE 9+ Sample Land Agreement Forms in PDF | MS Word

Sample land purchase agreement form - 7+ documents in pdf ..., sample land contract form - 8+ free documents in pdf, doc, 9+ sample land agreement forms - free sample, example, format, land trust agreement form in pdf.

land trust agreement form1

Size: 70 KB

When a landowner wishes to place his land in a trust he can use this form to come up with a perfect agreement. In this document, he is required to share the terms that should be followed. He also needs to name a few beneficiaries for the trust.

Land Contract Agreement Form Download

land contract agreement form1

Size: 19 KB

This form can be used by a landowner to draft an agreement that allows him to sell the land to another person and in the bargain transfer the ownership of the land too. This form comprises of the important clauses that are essential to guard such a transaction. You may also see  Sample Rental Agreement .

Land Use Agreement Form

land use agreement form1

When a landowner offers his land to be used for community service purposes, he can use the aforesaid form to draft an agreement that should be signed by him and the authority concerned. The agreement should contain the terms that should be followed by both the parties.

Purchase Land Agreement Form

purchase land agreement form

Size: 159 KB

As the name indicates, this form can be used by a landowner to draft a purchase agreement to transfer the ownership of the land to the person who has purchased it. The land purchase agreement form gives him an idea of the clauses and segments to be included in the agreement. You can also see  Purchase and Sale Agreement .

Land Exchange Agreement Form

land exchange agreement form

Size: 23 KB

This form is usually used by construction companies to draft an agreement that allows them to secure a land from a landowner and offer him another land in lieu of his own. The form gives them a clear idea of how to frame the clauses of such an agreement.

Farm Land Lease Agreement Form

farm land lease agreement form

Size: 22 KB

This form can be used by the owner of a farmland who wishes to lease it out to another party in lieu of rent. The agreement should comprise of the lease terms that the tenant should adhere to along with other financial details. You may also see  Lease Agreement Forms .

Land Sale Agreement Form

land sale agreement

Size: 57 KB

A person who wishes to sell his land to another person can use the aforesaid form to draft an agreement. By signing this agreement, the two parties agree to follow all the clauses that have been listed in it. It also helps in transferring the ownership of land.

Short-Term Lease Agreement Form

short term lease agreement form

When a landowner wishes to lease out his land to another person on a short-term basis, he can use this form to draft an appropriate agreement. The form gives the user an idea of the format to follow and the segments to include in the agreement. You can also see  Service Agreement Forms .

Standard Form Residential Site Agreement

standard form residential site agreement

Size: 95 KB

This is a standard design of an agreement which can be used by any landowner who owns a land that is apt for developing into a residential site. The form comprises of the important clauses and sections that should be present in such an agreement.

Land Rental Agreement Form

land rental agreement form

Size: 55 KB

Target Audience for Land Agreement Form

The target audience for land agreement forms is

  • Land buyers
  • Land sellers
  • Real estate agents
  • Community centers

What are the Benefits of Using Land Agreement Form?

  • A land agreement comprises of various terms which guard the interests of the landowner and other party involved in the transaction. This form contains all these terms thus ensuring that the user can come up with a land agreement without the help of a professional
  • With all the terms included in writing, both the parties are well aware of their responsibilities. Thus, they cannot give any excuses or create any hassles later about not having been informed of the terms
  • With all the crucial segments in place, the user can be assured that he does not leave out any important information while drafting the agreement

Not sure how to draft a land agreement? Get some inspiration from our huge collection of land agreement forms. With such a vast range to choose from, you are sure to find one that would be perfect for you. Download this and then make changes to it as per your needs. Using these forms you can draft a land agreement in a matter of a few seconds. You may also see  House Lease Agreement Forms .

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Specifications for Descriptions of Land: For Use in Land Orders, Executive Orders, Proclamations, Federal Register Documents, and Land Description Databases

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240 http://www.blm.gov

May 18, 2015

In Reply Refer To:

9601 (350) P

EMS TRANSMISSION 08/12/2015

Information Bulletin No. 2015-067

To:                   All Washington Office and Field Office Officials

Attn:  Realty, and Cadastral Survey and Lands Leads and all Field/District Office Managers

From:               Assistant Director, Energy, Minerals, and Realty Management

Subject:           Specifications for Descriptions of Land:  For Use in Land Orders, Executive Orders, Proclamations, Federal Register Documents, and Land Description Databases

This Information Bulletin (IB) transmits the link to the revised publication, Specifications for Descriptions of Land:  For Use in Land Orders, Executive Orders, Proclamations, Federal Register Documents, and Land Description Databases .  The Specifications provide guidance for writing accurate boundary descriptions and locations by survey, the form and arrangement to be followed for Executive and public land orders and proclamations, and examples of boundary descriptions.  Prior to being finalized, this guidance was reviewed by a host of BLM officials, including a panel of Realty and Cadastral Survey subject matter experts, as well as by officials from the Office of the Federal Register and the National Geodetic Survey.  

The revised Specifications update and include mandatory land description requirements.  Since 1931, the Specifications have been used by those who must write and interpret land descriptions within land orders, Executive orders, proclamations, and the Federal Register .

A limited number of booklets will be printed at the National Operations Center and distributed to State Offices.  Therefore, the revised Specifications will also be posted on the BLM Cadastral Survey website at http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/more/cadastralsurvey.html .

If you have any questions concerning the content of this IB, please contact me at 202-208-4201, or your staff may contact Don Buhler, Branch Chief, Branch of Lands, Realty and Cadastral Survey, at 202-912-7353 for further guidance and direction.  If you have any questions concerning the Specifications , your staff may contact Bob Dahl, Cadastral Surveyor, Washington Office, ( [email protected] ; 202-912-7344).

Signed by:                                                                   Authenticated by:

Karen Mouritsen                                                         Robert M. Williams

Acting, Assistant Director                                          Division of IRM Governance, WO-860

Energy, Minerals, and Realty Management

Fiscal Year

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How to use Copilot Pro to write, edit, and analyze your Word documents

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Microsoft's Copilot Pro AI offers a few benefits for $20 per month. But the most helpful one is the AI-powered integration with the different Microsoft 365 apps. For those of you who use Microsoft Word, for instance, Copilot Pro can help you write and revise your text, provide summaries of your documents, and answer questions about any document.

First, you'll need a subscription to either Microsoft 365 Personal or Family . Priced at $70 per year, the Personal edition is geared for one individual signed into as many as five devices. At $100 per year, the Family edition is aimed at up to six people on as many as five devices. The core apps in the suite include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote.

Also: Microsoft Copilot vs. Copilot Pro: Is the subscription fee worth it?

Second, you'll need the subscription to Copilot Pro if you don't already have one. To sign up, head to the Copilot Pro website . Click the Get Copilot Pro button. Confirm the subscription and the payment. The next time you use Copilot on the website, in Windows, or with the mobile apps, the Pro version will be in effect.

How to use Copilot Pro in Word

1. open word.

Launch Microsoft Word and open a blank document. Let's say you need help writing a particular type of document and want Copilot to create a draft. 

Also: Microsoft Copilot Pro vs. OpenAI's ChatGPT Plus: Which is worth your $20 a month?

A small "Draft with Copilot" window appears on the screen. If you don't see it, click the tiny "Draft with Copilot icon in the left margin."

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2. Submit your request

At the text field in the window, type a description of the text you need and click the "Generate" button.

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3. Review the response and your options

Copilot generates and displays its response. After reading the response, you're presented with a few different options.

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Review the response and your options.

4. Keep, regenerate, or remove the draft

If you like the draft, click "Keep it." The draft is then inserted into your document where you can work with it. If you don't like the draft, click the "Regenerate" button, and a new draft is created. 

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If you'd prefer to throw out the entire draft and start from scratch, click the trash can icon.

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Keep, regenerate, or remove the draft.

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Alternatively, you can try to modify the draft by typing a specific request in the text field, such as "Make it more formal," "Make it shorter," or "Make it more casual."

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7. Revise existing text

Copilot will also help you fine-tune existing text. Select the text you want to revise. Click the Copilot icon in the left margin and select "Rewrite with Copilot."

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Revise existing text.

8. Review the different versions

Copilot creates a few different versions of the text. Click the arrow keys to view each version.

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Review the different versions.

9. Replace or Insert

If you find one you like, click "Replace" to replace the text you selected. 

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Click "Insert below" to insert the new draft below the existing words so you can compare the two.

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Replace or Insert.

10. Adjust the tone

Click "Regenerate" to ask Copilot to try again. Click the "Adjust Tone" button and select a different tone to generate another draft.

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Adjust the tone.

11. Turn text into a table

Sometimes you have text that would look and work better as a table. Copilot can help. Select the text you wish to turn into a table. Click the Copilot icon and select "Visualize as a Table."

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12. Respond to the table

In response, click "Keep it" to retain the table. Click "Regenerate" to try again. Click the trash can icon to delete it. Otherwise, type a request in the text field, such as "remove the second row" or "make the last column wider."

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Respond to the table.

13. Summarize a document

Copilot Pro can provide a summary of a document with its key points. To try this, open the document you want to summarize and then click the Copilot icon on the Ribbon. 

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The right sidebar displays several prompts you can use to start your question. Click the one for "Summarize this doc."

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Summarize a document.

14. Review the summary

View the generated summary in the sidebar. If you like it as is, click the "Copy" button to copy the summary and paste it elsewhere.

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15. Revise the summary

Otherwise, choose one of the suggested questions or ask your own question to revise the summary. For example, you could tell Copilot to make the summary longer, shorter, more formal, or less formal. 

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You could also ask it to expand on one of the points in the summary or provide more details on a certain point. A specific response is then generated based on your request.

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16. Ask questions about a document

Next, you can ask specific questions about any of the content in a document. Again, click the Copilot icon to display the sidebar. In the prompt area, type and submit your question. Copilot displays the response in the sidebar. You can then ask follow-up questions as needed.

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Ask questions about a document.

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Get Microsoft Office Professional for Mac or PC for $60 with this deal: Last chance

After inheriting ancestral land, these Black families are defying the odds to keep it

Paper collage illustration of Black hands passing a suburban home on grass to another pair of Black hands; the hands have maps of places like Montgomery, Ala.

A street sign on a dirt road leading up to a large plot of land in Nakina, North Carolina, lets you know you’re traveling down Roland Smith Lane. On that land sits a large white house — the only house standing on the 60-acre plot — that has become a vacation home for several generations of the Smith family to gather at. 

The Smiths say they have done everything right to hold on to their land — and they have no intention of selling. Still, Evelyn S. Booker, who inherited the land from their father, says she and her seven siblings receive letters and texts weekly from developers with offers to buy. 

A home built by Evelyn Booker's sister on land purchased by their grandfather in Nakina.

“We’ve established that if anyone wants to sell their property, they will do so to a sibling and not an outsider,” Booker said.

By 1910, Black Americans like Smith’s ancestors had acquired a cumulative 16 million acres of rural land, according to the American Economic Association . But over the century that followed, 90% of that land was lost because of threats, violent force or systematic rejection from programs offered to white landowners to help keep land through economic hardships like the Great Depression. 

With distrust of local governments, which had been charged with regulating property ownership in Southern states hostile to Black equality, and legal systems that had shut out Black families, many took informal routes to pass down ownership. Attorneys and others who work to help landowners gain clear title to their land say that for decades, countless Black property owners simply passed their land on to heirs through word of mouth. But instead of guaranteeing generational wealth, the lack of clear ownership on paper has created headaches and, at worst, opened families up to losing their land in the end. 

Those vulnerabilities create a perfect storm for what’s known as an heirs’ property hunter. 

“The rate of  — and I’m going to call it what I think it is: land theft — is not only egregious but should be considered criminal and is being exploited by people with legal backgrounds, ties to local tax offices and courts,” said Ryan Thomson, an assistant professor of  agriculture economics and sociology at Auburn University in Alabama. 

Developers take advantage of the makeup of such informal arrangements, in which all the heirs have equal stakes in and ownership of their families’ land. 

And with each generation, the number of heirs tends to increase, making it more difficult to prove ownership. 

Without clear ownership, each person owns only a fractional stake in a property, not a specific physical piece of the land. So if an heirs’ hunter purchases the ownership of one heir, it can force the other owners into court to define their ownership interests in the land, which they usually can’t do. Once a property hunter is successful in purchasing the entirety of the land, he or she can flip it for a larger profit.  

Thomson also works with the Southern Rural Development Center, training extension agents, lawyers and nonprofit groups on how to help heirs’ property owners navigate conflicts to get their legal houses in order.

When Thomson works in western Alabama, in predominantly Black counties like Wilcox and Lowndes, “and you see the lion’s share of land is under some white man’s name who is a descendant of a former judge, you are starting to pick up on some of these patterns,” Thomson said.

In South Carolina, the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation has offered legal education and direct legal services for families that want to hold on to their generational land. Families most often arrive already in dire straits, legally and economically, because of situations caused by heirs’ property.

Because ownership of such properties can be so muddy, heirs typically “can’t get loans to improve homes, can’t get FEMA grants or use their property for collateral,” said Josh Walden, the chief of operations. “A lot of clients are relegated to motor homes because they can’t build a house on the property.”

Predatory developers consider a group of mobile homes on a property a sign that there may be an opportunity to grab property at less than its actual value. Or heirs’ property hunters could persuade individual family members to sell their shares, giving them the same rights to the land as the family members.

“You basically have a new family member,” said Walden, who added that sometimes family members mistakenly believe they can sell their shares while keeping everyone else’s allotment safe.

But Walden said that without clear titles, inheritors are considered “tenants in common.” So, for example, 10 siblings may believe each of them owns one of the 10 acres left to them by their parents. But without a will specifying exactly which portion of land they each own, they really own a tenth of each acre, instead of 100% of one acre. 

For some families that haven’t kept family records and updated legal documents, the process to get clear titles and deeds may be lengthy and expensive.

Jaavon Garrett-Collier had been trying to get a clear title on her family’s land in Rembert, South Carolina, for nearly a decade when she turned to the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation.

“I got bad information from some attorneys and wasted a lot of time,” Garrett-Collier said.

Her family’s 10 acres of land started as 97 acres that her great-grandfather Harrison Wingfield Johnson purchased for $3,000 in 1945. Johnson willed it to his children, including Garrett-Collier’s grandfather. But when her grandfather died, he didn’t leave a will.

Garrett-Collier took on the task of making sure the remaining land was divided properly so each inheritor would have a deed to his or her property, a process the center assisted with.

“We wanted each property to have taxes in the owner’s names and that person to be responsible for those taxes,” she said.

She had to explain it to her elder relatives, some of whom had never paid taxes on the property. She had to collect documents from cousins strewn across the country and keep others abreast of the steps being taken.

“It is important to identify one person from each branch of the family to receive and convey information,” she said. “Thank goodness there are only six of us.” 

Her family is close to having deeds and clear titles for everyone who inherited some of the family property. Not everyone will be satisfied. Some relatives will inherit less property than others. But Garrett-Collier is trying to honor her grandparents’ wishes.

“My grandmother wanted to hold on to something for their children. This land is a blessing,” she said. “She held on to this land so if her children wanted to come back, they will always have a place to live.”

Crystal Richardson is among the small number of attorneys who specialize in heirs’ property law. Richardson practices in North Carolina, which has among the highest concentrations of likely heirs’ property, according to a study last year by Fannie Mae and the Housing Assistance Council . 

“When it comes to heirs’ property matters, my clients tend to be land rich and cash poor,” Richardson said. “They generally want to preserve their family-owned land for future generations to come because of their ancestral connection to the land.”

Historically, resources for land loss prevention have been sparse. However, she is encouraged that more people are becoming aware of heirs’ property issues, especially through recent documentaries like “ Silver Dollar Road ” and “ Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land .” 

She said anyone who may inherit property should keep accurate records of family information, such as a detailed family tree, which can help wrangle who is entitled to what. She also suggests anyone over age 18 “should at least have a last will and testament” to help minimize some of the questions around property ownership. If you have family-owned land, Richardson recommends having regular family meetings to discuss management and make important decisions about the property to ease future conflict and confusion.

“You might also consider creating an entity such as a family LLC or trust to manage the property, so that the responsibility does not just fall on one or a few family members,” she said. “As generations pass on, these family members may not be able to continue on with these responsibilities and the younger generations may not have the same connection to the land as the older ones do.

“If disputes later arise and your family cannot make unanimous decisions about the property, then you may have to get the courts involved to resolve the issues,” she added. “When that happens, everybody loses. Your only options later may be to mediate or buy out family members.”

Evelyn Booker.

Evelyn Booker, whose family has been through the process, said she encourages other Black landowners to do the work necessary to maintain clear and legal title to their property.  She said she knows there’s keen interest in her family’s land because of how close it is to water. The family’s 60 acres in Nakina are an hour from Wilmington, North Carolina, and a half-hour from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. But the descendants of Roland and Eulah Bell Long Smith say they aren’t selling.

“Our grandparents gave the land to their children. Our parents farmed the land. We were self-sufficient,” Booker said. She keeps a box full of letters from developers making offers.

“The older siblings — after our father passed — got together and paid back taxes so we could keep the land in the family, and then we subdivided the land and we each had our own acreage.”

Her grandfather, who purchased the land, left a will giving the land to his children. Then her parents, the second generation, did the same, leaving the land to Booker and her siblings. They grew up knowing there were neighbors who had bought other land by paying off back taxes and white farmers who had ordered local banks to not make loans to Black farmers.

Image of Eula and Roland Smith, Evelyn Booker's parents.

Today, some of the siblings earn money from the timber on their land, and the entire family rents some of the land to local farmers.

“The farmers, they plant, and whatever they sell they show us receipts, and we get a percentage of that. We get a little check at the end of the season,” Booker said. “The land just keeps giving.”

A street sign reads Roland Smith Lane.

Meanwhile, generations of the family have gathered there for special occasions. 

“There is an emotional aspect to land,” Booker said. She has a great-niece whose short film, called “ Bug Hill ,” is about the family’s connection to its property. The film has been featured at festivals and on PBS. “You can walk on that land, and when we are there, especially in the backyard, it’s like you can feel the presence of our parents,” Booker said. “A lot happened on that 60 acres of land. We’re not going to give any of it away.”

For more from NBC BLK,  sign up for our weekly newsletter .

CORRECTION (Feb. 17, 2024, 10:38 a.m. ET): An earlier version of this article misstated who bestowed land onto Evelyn Booker and her siblings. It was their father, Roland Smith not their sister Esther Smith Morse.

Middle East latest: Egypt building wall and clearing land on Gaza border, satellite images and footage show

Satellite images and footage reveal that Egypt is clearing land and building a wall along its border with Gaza, with an official suggesting it could be a contingency plan in the event of Palestinians crossing into the country to flee an Israeli offensive in Rafah.

Friday 16 February 2024 22:02, UK

  • Israel-Hamas war

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  • Egypt clearing land on Gaza border in case of refugee 'worst-case scenario', satellite images show
  • Biden urges Israel to come up with 'credible' plan to protect civilians
  • Netanyahu says Israel will not accept 'international dictates'
  • Hezbollah fires rocket barrage at Israel in retaliation for deadly strike
  • Sean Bell: Escalation on border feels like a tipping point
  • Live reporting by  Narbeh Minassian  and (earlier)  Emily Mee

The war in Gaza is having impacts far beyond the Middle East.

Sky News North of England correspondent, Shingi Mararike , spoke to Jews in Manchester, who have started hiding their faith over fears of being attacked amid a spike in antisemitism in Britain.

Ben Katzav has been in Manchester for eight years.

His pizza shop is on the corner of King's Road in Prestwich, an area lined with kosher delis and butcher shops, a short drive from a synagogue.

As staff bustle in and out of the kitchen and customers sit down to eat their pizzas, Ben tells me how he no longer feels safe in his place of work, or the country he now calls home.

His fear stems from a bomb threat last year made by an unknown caller.

Read more here...

The top UN court rejected a South African request to impose urgent measures to safeguard Rafah in the Gaza Strip.

However, it has stressed that Israel must respect earlier measures imposed late last month at a preliminary stage in a landmark genocide case.

The International Court of Justice said in a statement that the "perilous situation" in Rafah "demands immediate and effective implementation of the provisional measures indicated by the Court in its Order of 26 January 2024, which are applicable throughout the Gaza Strip, including in Rafah, and does not demand the indication of additional provisional measures".

The court added that Israel "remains bound to fully comply with its obligations under the Genocide Convention and with the said Order, including by ensuring the safety and security of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip".

Last month the court ordered Israel to do all it can to prevent death, destruction and any acts of genocide in Gaza, but the panel stopped short of ordering an end to the military offensive.

South Africa announced on Tuesday that it had lodged an "urgent request" with the International Court of Justice to consider whether Israel's military operations targeting the southern Gaza city of Rafah breach provisional orders the court handed down last month in a case alleging genocide.

On Thursday, Israel urged the world court to reject what it called South Africa's "highly peculiar and improper" request.

Israel strongly denies committing genocide in Gaza and says it does all it can to spare civilians and is only targeting Hamas militants.

The top US diplomat involved in humanitarian assistance for Gaza says that Israeli forces earlier this month killed Palestinian police protecting a UN aid convoy in Rafah. 

"As a result, Palestinian police have refused to protect convoys, hampering aid deliveries inside Gaza because of threats from criminal gangs," said David Satterfield, Washington's special regional envoy for humanitarian issues. 

"With the departure of police escorts, it has been virtually impossible for the UN or anyone else, Jordan, the UAE, or any other implementer to safely move assistance in Gaza because of criminal elements," Mr Satterfield told an event hosted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. 

He added that police escorts include Hamas members but also officers with no direct affiliation to the militant group. 

Israel's military has not yet commented on his remarks.

The UN says aid has been impeded by Israeli forces, a charge Israel denies. 

Mr Satterfield was asked if there was any truth to a report that Israeli troops killed "Hamas operatives" protecting a UN aid convoy in Rafah earlier this month. 

"The IDF [Israel Defense Force] 10 days, two weeks ago, did indeed strike at seven, eight, or nine police officials, including a commander whose units had been involved in providing escorts," he replied. 

Such escorts were needed because of attacks on aid convoys first by "desperate" Palestinians and "then by criminal elements," Satterfield said. 

The US has returned the Houthis to a list of terrorist groups today, hitting the Iran-aligned group with harsh sanctions.

The move has sparked fears at the United Nations that it could hurt the Yemeni economy and civilians. 

Washington said last month that it would designate the Houthis as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist" as it aimed to cut off funding and weapons the group has used to attack or hijack ships in the Red Sea. 

However, a senior UN aid official said earlier this week that the sanctions could harm the war-torn country. 

The UN says more than 18 million people need help in Yemen.

Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam said in a statement the US decision reflects "blatant hypocrisy" and accused the US of sponsoring terrorism by supporting Israel. 

"Yemen persists in supporting Gaza by all available means, and continues to prevent Israeli ships or those heading to the ports of occupied Palestine until the Israeli aggression ceases and the blockade on Gaza is lifted," Mr Abdulsalam said.

A US State Department spokesperson said that the 30-day period from when Washington announced it would relist the Houthis as a terror group was used in part to give the Iran-backed rebels the opportunity to scale down their attacks. 

Joe Biden says he has had extensive talks with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recent days, in which he pushed for a temporary ceasefire. 

The administration has been pushing Israel for a humanitarian pause that would allow for the release of hostages still being held by Hamas, months after the group's 7 October attack.

"I've had extensive conversations with the prime minister of Israel over the last several days, almost an hour each, and I've made the case, and I feel very strongly about it, that there has to be a temporary ceasefire to get the prisoners out, to get the hostages out," Mr Biden told reporters at the White House.

Yesterday, the US president again told Mr Netanyahu that he should not proceed with military action in Rafah without a credible and executable plan to protect Palestinian civilians.

Hamas has claimed that Israelis taken hostage on 7 October have suffered many losses and that those that were alive are living in extremely difficult conditions.

"Losses amongst [Israeli hostages] have become many while other hostages live in extremely difficult conditions," Hamas' armed wing spokesman Abu Obeida said in an audio message.

"We warned dozens of times about the dangers to which their hostages are being exposed. We didn't want the situation to reach this stage, but [Israel's] leadership ignored us," he said.

"For months, we tried to protect and care for the lives of these hostages, as it is our top humanitarian goal to liberate our own prisoners and to realise the legitimate rights of our people."

Israel's chief military spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said on Tuesday that 31 of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza were dead.

Israel believes 136 hostages are still being held in Gaza.

The Palestinian Prisoners Club, which documents and cares for Palestinian detainees, issued a statement on Tuesday saying the number of Palestinians who have been arrested since 7 October was at least 7,000.

Israel's defence minister says it has "no intention" of sending Palestinians into Egypt as part of an evacuation of Rafah.

Yoav Gallant told reporters: "We respect and value our peace agreement with Egypt, which is a cornerstone of stability in the region as well as an important partner.

"We are thoroughly planning future operations in Rafah, which is a significant Hamas stronghold."

His comments come as reports emerge that Cairo is building a miles-wide buffer zone along its border with Gaza as part of a contingency plan in case large numbers of Palestinian refugees flood into Egypt.

Israeli officials say the military is working on a detailed plan to evacuate civilians from Rafah ahead of a planned offensive there, but have yet to share any detail.

Read more on the situation in Rafah here...

Seafarers now have the right to refuse to sail on ships passing through the Red Sea according to a new industry agreement, a labour union and other industry groups have said. 

The announcement comes as the situation in the region escalates and further vessels are attacked by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis.

The Houthis have targeted commercial ships with drones and missiles in the Red Sea since mid-November in "solidarity" with Palestinians against Israel in the Gaza war. 

Sailors remain in the firing line, and have already signed agreements to receive double pay when entering the high-risk zones. 

In December, areas deemed "warlike and high-risk" were extended into the southern area of the Red Sea as part of negotiated arrangements between seafarers and commercial shipping companies, known as the International Bargaining Forum (IBF).

In the latest IBF arrangement seafarers must give seven days notice prior to entering the area and have the right to be repatriated to another location at the shipping company's cost, the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and the Joint Negotiating Group, said in a statement. 

It also includes compensation equal to two months basic wage.

Around 12% of global trade is estimated to pass through the Red Sea. 

Missile fire has apparently targeted a ship off Yemen in the Red Sea.

It is the latest attack suspected to have been carried out by Houthi rebels.

The captain reported an explosion near the ship off the Yemeni city of Mocha, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organisation centre said.

"The crew and the vessel are reported safe," it said.

It did not immediately identify the vessel targeted.

Security firm Ambrey described the ship as a Panama-flagged tanker and said the crew was unharmed, though the vessel sustained minor damage.

The Houthis did not immediately acknowledge carrying out the attack. 

However, the rebels typically take several hours before claiming responsibility for their assaults.

Earlier we brought you news that a man had shot two people dead and wounded four others at a bus stop in southern Israel in what Israeli media described as a suspected Palestinian attack.

Hamas has now praised the shooting as "a natural response" to Israel's devastating war in Gaza and called on more Palestinians to take up arms.

Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack showed the "entire country is a front and that the murderers, who come not only from Gaza, want to kill us all". 

He vowed to continue the Gaza war until "total victory" over Hamas.

The attacker was shot dead by an armed civilian who was at the scene, the authorities have confirmed. 

Israel's Haaretz newspaper and other outlets identified the shooter as a Palestinian from East Jerusalem, but police said the investigation was under a court-sanctioned gag order and declined to confirm his identity. 

The national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, speaking at the scene, pledged to increase distribution of firearms to civilians who have been arming themselves in record numbers since the attack on 7 October.

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how to write land documents

how to write land documents

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  • National Media Release

CBP Releases January 2024 Monthly Update

WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released operational statistics today for January 2024. Migrant encounters along the southwest border were significantly lower than experienced in December. CBP monthly reporting can be viewed on CBP’s Stats and Summaries webpage .

“As a result of seasonal trends, as well as enhanced enforcement efforts by the men and women of CBP and our international partners, southwest border encounters between ports of entry dropped by 50% in January. We continue to experience serious challenges along our border which surpass the capacity of the immigration system,” said Troy A. Miller, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner. “CBP remains on the frontline in preventing fentanyl and other dangerous drugs from entering our country, enforcing our nation’s laws and interdicting 34% more fentanyl and 68% more cocaine than the previous month.”

CBP continues to work closely with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to quickly process individuals encountered at the border and remove those who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States, utilizing consequences strengthened by the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Rule.  Since May 12, 2023 to January 31, 2024, DHS has removed or returned over 520,000 individuals, the vast majority of whom crossed the southwest border, including more than 87,000 individual family members. The majority of all individuals encountered at the southwest border over the past three years have been removed, returned, or expelled.  Total removals and returns since mid-May exceed removals and returns in every full fiscal year since 2013.

Below are key operational statistics for CBP’s primary mission areas in January 2024. View all CBP statistics online. 

Ensuring Border Security and Managing Migration  

CBP has taken significant steps to surge personnel and resources to impacted areas and address challenges we have experienced across the southwest border. CBP continues to expeditiously process and remove individuals who do not have a legal basis to remain in the country. We are working together with our domestic and foreign partners to jointly limit disorderly migration across the region, offering lawful pathways and cutting out ruthless smugglers who continue to spread falsehoods and show disregard for the safety and well-being of vulnerable migrants. CBP is targeting and disrupting transnational criminal organizations and smugglers who take advantage of and profit from migrants.

In January 2024, the U.S. Border Patrol recorded 124,220 encounters between ports of entry along the southwest border, a decrease of 50% from December 2023.

CBP’s total encounters along the southwest border in January 2024 were 176,205, a decrease of 42% from December 2023. Total encounters include U.S. Border Patrol encounters between ports of entry, as well as individuals who presented themselves at ports of entry (including those with CBP One appointments, detailed further below).

Among CBP’s 176,205 total southwest border encounters in January 2024, encounters with single adults decreased by 35% compared to December 2023, encounters with unaccompanied children decreased by 37% , and encounters with family unit individuals decreased by 51% .

CBP continually analyzes and responds to changes in migration patterns, particularly irregular migration outside of legal pathways and border crossings. We work with our federal and international partners to combat human smuggling. The fact remains: the United States continues to enforce immigration law, and our borders are not open for those without a legal basis to enter the country. Migrants attempting to enter without authorization are subject to removal under Title 8 authorities.

CBP’s message for anyone who is thinking of attempting to circumvent lawful pathways to enter the United States is simple: don’t do it. When noncitizens cross the border unlawfully, they put their lives in peril. The U.S. Border Patrol has undertaken significant efforts in recent years to expand capacity to aid and rescue individuals in distress. To prevent the loss of life, CBP initiated a Missing Migrant Program in 2017 that locates noncitizens reported missing, rescues individuals in distress, and reunifies decedents’ remains with their families in the border region. In January, the U.S. Border Patrol conducted 245 rescues, totaling 1,611 rescues in FY 2024 .

View more migration statistics and rescues statistics .  

CBP One™ App   

The CBP One™ mobile application remains a key component of DHS’s efforts to incentivize noncitizens to use lawful, safe, humane, and orderly pathways and disincentivize attempts to cross between ports of entry. In January, CBP processed approximately 45,000 individuals through appointments at ports of entry utilizing advanced information submitted in CBP One™

CBP One appointments accounted for 87% of noncitizens processed at ports of entry;  demonstrating that noncitizens will follow an orderly process when one is available. Since the appointment scheduling function in CBP One™ was introduced in January 2023 through the end of January 2024, 459,118 individuals have successfully scheduled appointments to present at ports of entry using CBP One™  instead of risking their lives in the hands of smugglers. The top nationalities who have been processed are Venezuelan, Mexican, and Haitian.

A percentage of daily available appointments are allocated to the earliest registered CBP One™ profiles, so noncitizens who have been trying to obtain appointments for the longest time will be prioritized. CBP is continually monitoring and evaluating the application to ensure its functionality and guard against bad actors. 

CHNV Parole Processes

Through the end of January 2024, over 357,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans arrived lawfully and were granted parole under the parole processes. Specifically, over 75,000 Cubans,  144,000 Haitians,  64,000 Nicaraguans, and  92,000 Venezuelans were vetted and authorized for travel; and over  74,000 Cubans,  138,000 Haitians,  58,000 Nicaraguans, and  86,000 Venezuelans arrived lawfully and were granted parole.

As Safeguarding Communities by Interdicting Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs

As the largest law enforcement agency in the United States, CBP is uniquely positioned to detect, identify, and seize illicit drugs before they enter our communities. CBP’s combination of interdiction and intelligence capabilities, complemented by its border search authorities, scientific services, non-intrusive inspection equipment, and canine detection teams, places it at the forefront of the U.S. government’s efforts to combat illicit fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.

CBP continues to conduct operations, including Operation Apollo, which target the smuggling of illicit fentanyl and other dangerous drugs. These operations leverage intelligence and investigative information to target drug traffickers’ supply chains and interdict items required in the production of illicit fentanyl, including precursor chemicals, pill presses and parts, movement of finished product, and illicit proceeds.

Nationwide in January, fentanyl seizures increased 34% and cocaine seizures increased 68% from December to January.

To date in FY 2024 through January, CBP has seized 7,000 pounds of fentanyl. CBP has stopped more fentanyl in the last two years than in the previous five years combined, and we continue to optimize our intelligence and field operations to stop these deadly substances from reaching American communities. 

Additional CBP drug seizure statistics can be found on the Drug Seizure Statistics webpage .

Facilitating Lawful Trade and Travel and Promoting Economic Security 

 As international travel continues to increase, CBP is leveraging technology to streamline efficiency and increase security at air and land ports of entry. Travelers are encouraged to utilize CBP’s mobile apps to enhance their travel experience, including the Global Entry Mobile Application and Mobile Passport Control , as well as new Global Entry Touchless Portals at nearly all international airports across the United States, which protect passenger privacy and expedite arrival processing by eliminating paper receipts.

Travelers arriving by air into the United States increased 14% from January 2023 to January 2024, and pedestrians arriving by land at ports of entry increased 2.6% over the same period.  

CBP works diligently with the trade community and port operators to ensure that merchandise is cleared as efficiently as possible and to strengthen international supply chains and improve border security. In January 2024, CBP processed more than 2.7 million entry summaries valued at more than $267 billion , identifying estimated duties of nearly $7 billion to be collected by the U.S. government. In January, trade via the ocean environment accounted for 44% of the total import value, followed by air, truck, and rail.

Consumers are encouraged to be alert to the dangers of counterfeit goods especially when shopping online as they support criminal activity, hurt American businesses, and often have materials or ingredients that can pose serious health and safety risks. Every year CBP seizes millions of counterfeit products worth billions of dollars had they been genuine. In January, CBP seized 1,814 shipments that contained counterfeit goods valued at more than $718 million . More information about CBP’s intellectual property rights enforcement is available at https://www.cbp.gov/trade .

View more travel statistics , and trade statistics . 

Protecting Consumers and Eradicating Forced Labor from Supply Chains     

CBP continues to lead U.S. government efforts to eliminate goods from the supply chain made with forced labor from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. In January, CBP stopped 424 shipments valued at more than $236 million for further examination based on the suspected use of forced labor.

Intellectual property rights violations continue to put America’s innovation economy at risk. Counterfeit and pirated goods threaten the competitiveness of U.S. businesses, the livelihoods of American workers, and the health and safety of consumers. 

View more UFLPA enforcement statistics , and intellectual property rights enforcement statistics.  

Defending our Nation’s Agricultural System     

Through targeting, detection, and interception, CBP agriculture specialists work to prevent threats from entering the United States.  

CBP issued 6,248 emergency action notifications for restricted and prohibited plant and animal products entering the United States in January 2024. CBP conducted 102,987 positive passenger inspections and issued 898 civil penalties and/or violations to the traveling public for failing to declare prohibited agriculture items.   

View more agricultural enforcement statistics . 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the comprehensive management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection at and between official ports of entry.

how to write land documents

Create a form in Word that users can complete or print

In Word, you can create a form that others can fill out and save or print.  To do this, you will start with baseline content in a document, potentially via a form template.  Then you can add content controls for elements such as check boxes, text boxes, date pickers, and drop-down lists. Optionally, these content controls can be linked to database information.  Following are the recommended action steps in sequence.  

Show the Developer tab

In Word, be sure you have the Developer tab displayed in the ribbon.  (See how here:  Show the developer tab .)

Open a template or a blank document on which to base the form

You can start with a template or just start from scratch with a blank document.

Start with a form template

Go to File > New .

In the  Search for online templates  field, type  Forms or the kind of form you want. Then press Enter .

In the displayed results, right-click any item, then select  Create. 

Start with a blank document 

Select Blank document .

Add content to the form

Go to the  Developer  tab Controls section where you can choose controls to add to your document or form. Hover over any icon therein to see what control type it represents. The various control types are described below. You can set properties on a control once it has been inserted.

To delete a content control, right-click it, then select Remove content control  in the pop-up menu. 

Note:  You can print a form that was created via content controls. However, the boxes around the content controls will not print.

Insert a text control

The rich text content control enables users to format text (e.g., bold, italic) and type multiple paragraphs. To limit these capabilities, use the plain text content control . 

Click or tap where you want to insert the control.

Rich text control button

To learn about setting specific properties on these controls, see Set or change properties for content controls .

Insert a picture control

A picture control is most often used for templates, but you can also add a picture control to a form.

Picture control button

Insert a building block control

Use a building block control  when you want users to choose a specific block of text. These are helpful when you need to add different boilerplate text depending on the document's specific purpose. You can create rich text content controls for each version of the boilerplate text, and then use a building block control as the container for the rich text content controls.

building block gallery control

Select Developer and content controls for the building block.

Developer tab showing content controls

Insert a combo box or a drop-down list

In a combo box, users can select from a list of choices that you provide or they can type in their own information. In a drop-down list, users can only select from the list of choices.

combo box button

Select the content control, and then select Properties .

To create a list of choices, select Add under Drop-Down List Properties .

Type a choice in Display Name , such as Yes , No , or Maybe .

Repeat this step until all of the choices are in the drop-down list.

Fill in any other properties that you want.

Note:  If you select the Contents cannot be edited check box, users won’t be able to click a choice.

Insert a date picker

Click or tap where you want to insert the date picker control.

Date picker button

Insert a check box

Click or tap where you want to insert the check box control.

Check box button

Use the legacy form controls

Legacy form controls are for compatibility with older versions of Word and consist of legacy form and Active X controls.

Click or tap where you want to insert a legacy control.

Legacy control button

Select the Legacy Form control or Active X Control that you want to include.

Set or change properties for content controls

Each content control has properties that you can set or change. For example, the Date Picker control offers options for the format you want to use to display the date.

Select the content control that you want to change.

Go to Developer > Properties .

Controls Properties  button

Change the properties that you want.

Add protection to a form

If you want to limit how much others can edit or format a form, use the Restrict Editing command:

Open the form that you want to lock or protect.

Select Developer > Restrict Editing .

Restrict editing button

After selecting restrictions, select Yes, Start Enforcing Protection .

Restrict editing panel

Advanced Tip:

If you want to protect only parts of the document, separate the document into sections and only protect the sections you want.

To do this, choose Select Sections in the Restrict Editing panel. For more info on sections, see Insert a section break .

Sections selector on Resrict sections panel

If the developer tab isn't displayed in the ribbon, see Show the Developer tab .

Open a template or use a blank document

To create a form in Word that others can fill out, start with a template or document and add content controls. Content controls include things like check boxes, text boxes, and drop-down lists. If you’re familiar with databases, these content controls can even be linked to data.

Go to File > New from Template .

New from template option

In Search, type form .

Double-click the template you want to use.

Select File > Save As , and pick a location to save the form.

In Save As , type a file name and then select Save .

Start with a blank document

Go to File > New Document .

New document option

Go to File > Save As .

Go to Developer , and then choose the controls that you want to add to the document or form. To remove a content control, select the control and press Delete. You can set Options on controls once inserted. From Options, you can add entry and exit macros to run when users interact with the controls, as well as list items for combo boxes, .

Adding content controls to your form

In the document, click or tap where you want to add a content control.

On Developer , select Text Box , Check Box , or Combo Box .

Developer tab with content controls

To set specific properties for the control, select Options , and set .

Repeat steps 1 through 3 for each control that you want to add.

Set options

Options let you set common settings, as well as control specific settings. Select a control and then select Options to set up or make changes.

Set common properties.

Select Macro to Run on lets you choose a recorded or custom macro to run on Entry or Exit from the field.

Bookmark Set a unique name or bookmark for each control.

Calculate on exit This forces Word to run or refresh any calculations, such as total price when the user exits the field.

Add Help Text Give hints or instructions for each field.

OK Saves settings and exits the panel.

Cancel Forgets changes and exits the panel.

Set specific properties for a Text box

Type Select form Regular text, Number, Date, Current Date, Current Time, or Calculation.

Default text sets optional instructional text that's displayed in the text box before the user types in the field. Set Text box enabled to allow the user to enter text into the field.

Maximum length sets the length of text that a user can enter. The default is Unlimited .

Text format can set whether text automatically formats to Uppercase , Lowercase , First capital, or Title case .

Text box enabled Lets the user enter text into a field. If there is default text, user text replaces it.

Set specific properties for a Check box .

Default Value Choose between Not checked or checked as default.

Checkbox size Set a size Exactly or Auto to change size as needed.

Check box enabled Lets the user check or clear the text box.

Set specific properties for a Combo box

Drop-down item Type in strings for the list box items. Press + or Enter to add an item to the list.

Items in drop-down list Shows your current list. Select an item and use the up or down arrows to change the order, Press - to remove a selected item.

Drop-down enabled Lets the user open the combo box and make selections.

Protect the form

Go to Developer > Protect Form .

Protect form button on the Developer tab

Note:  To unprotect the form and continue editing, select Protect Form again.

Save and close the form.

Test the form (optional)

If you want, you can test the form before you distribute it.

Protect the form.

Reopen the form, fill it out as the user would, and then save a copy.

Creating fillable forms isn’t available in Word for the web.

You can create the form with the desktop version of Word with the instructions in Create a fillable form .

When you save the document and reopen it in Word for the web, you’ll see the changes you made.

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COMMENTS

  1. Understanding the legal description of property

    updated January 22, 2024 · 4min read Read your property deed Townships in property descriptions Including subdivision plats Using metes and bounds Supplemental property information In order to transfer ownership of real estate, the deed must contain a unique legal description of the property that identifies it.

  2. Free Land Contract Template

    Create Document Updated September 08, 2023 A land purchase contract is between a buyer who agrees to buy unimproved (raw) land from its owner (seller). It includes a purchase price, earnest money deposit, closing date, and other negotiated terms by the parties.

  3. BLM Module 1: Land Description Types

    fundamental working knowledge of interpreting and writing land descriptions to be used in legal documentation. The modules will reference information available in the Specifications for Descriptions of Land: For Use in Land Orders, Executive Orders, Proclamations, Federal Register Documents, and Land Description Databases documents.

  4. Property Easement Agreement

    1. Choose this template Start by clicking on "Fill out the template" 2. Complete the document Answer a few questions and your document is created automatically. 3. Save - Print Your document is ready! You will receive it in Word and PDF formats. You will be able to modify it. Property Easement Agreement Last revision 11/30/2023 Formats Word and PDF

  5. The Basics of Land Contracts

    A land contract is a form of seller financing. It is similar to a mortgage, but rather than borrowing money from an institutional lender or bank, the buyer agrees to take ownership of the property and then make payments to the real estate owner or seller until the purchase price is paid in full. A buyer and a seller both sign the land contract ...

  6. Land Purchase Agreement

    To further clarify the requirements for creating a Land Contract, we have included the following steps.. Review the following parts of a Land Contract to make the writing process easier when creating your document.. Details of the Parties - Include the date the agreement will be signed, as well as the names of each party in the agreement.. Property Information- Describe what the property is.

  7. Land Contract Forms

    This obligation explains why a Land Contract is also known as a Contract for Deed. It is an agreement that the seller will complete a property deed transfer once the buyer has paid off the purchase price. A Warranty Deed is a responsible way to transfer a title because it ensures that the title is free and clear.

  8. Free Land Purchase Agreement Form

    To write a land purchase agreement, you should include important provisions, such as: Identify all parties to the contract. Include a detailed description of the land, including the property address and the legal description. Provide the purchase price, earnest money deposit, payment details, and installment options.

  9. Five Steps to Writing a Land Acknowledgement

    A land acknowledgement is a written statement that acknowledges the indigenous peoples on whose land you live. They are small, yet powerful statements that recognize and name indigenous peoples. Learn how to write a land acknowledgement that empowers indigenous peoples through this guide!

  10. PDF Writing a Land (and Collections) Acknowledgement, for Colleges and

    Land Acknowledgements can express an intention and indicate the next step your institution will take. Statements that lead from the past into the present, with an eye toward the future. Land Acknowledgements are not: Apologies A land acknowledgment is not intended to alleviate settler or other guilt, nor is it a

  11. How to write a land or real estate bill of sale.

    Step 2 — Fill in the bill of sale form. Protect the property's buyer and seller by making sure you've collected every important detail and entered them into the bill of sale form. You should include: Land or real estate location. Property description. Sale date. Sale price for the land or real estate. Contact information for the buyer and ...

  12. Land Contract Form

    A land contract form, also known as a contract for deed, may be a legally binding document between the seller and buyer of some sort of property, such as a house. With a land contract form, the seller agrees to accept payments for the property from the buyer. Once the loan for the property is paid off, the seller transfers the title of the deed ...

  13. Property Deed Form

    Create My Document A property deed may be a legally binding contract that deeds a piece of property from one person to another. It may also be referred to as a general warranty deed. The property deed must contain personal information about the buyer and seller as well as the property being transferred.

  14. Land Lease Agreement

    Formats Word and PDF. Size 10 to 14 pages. 4.4 - 15 votes. Fill out the template. A Land Lease Agreement is a document used by the owner of a vacant piece of property, known as the landlord, and an individual or entity who wants to occupy the land and develop or improve it, known as the tenant. The lease is for the right to occupy real estate ...

  15. How to Read a Legal Description of a Property

    Written by MasterClass Last updated: Jul 16, 2021 • 4 min read The legal description of a property is a real estate document that identifies the location of a particular parcel of land. This document can help homeowners settle property disputes and close property sales. What Is a Legal Description of a Property?

  16. Land Purchase Agreement Templates (Free) [Word, PDF, ODT]

    The buyer's real estate agent will write and prepare the land purchase agreement. They change the legal documents accordingly to fit certain scenarios and match the property's specific details. A land purchase agreement outlines key details when selling a home and places the buyer, seller, and land under contract.

  17. Land Trust: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Create One

    A land trust is a legal entity that involves a grantor, a trustee and a beneficiary. The grantor is the landowner, and in many cases, also the beneficiary. The trustee is the person or firm that takes ownership — at least on paper — of the property. A land trust can involve joint owners and multiple beneficiaries.

  18. Buying Land: How to Make an Offer That Protects You

    Most buyers use the real estate agent's Bid Offer form (also called an "Office to Purchase" and other things) to make an offer on a property and, if the offer is accepted, then use the agent's Purchase-and-Sales (P&S) form to spell out all the terms of the sale. Remember that both forms are binding, legal documents.

  19. Land Transfer Agreement

    Short Description of the Land. Write a short description of the land. In order for the person who may be buying or leasing to know more about the land. It is also best for you to write the entire address of the land in the agreement. ... A land transfer agreement is a document that binds and transfers the ownership from the previous owner to ...

  20. PDF WRITING LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS

    Writing Descriptions Determination of What Controls Easements HISTORY Plymouth Colony in 1640, Connecticut in 1639, Massachusetts in 1641, required by law that a notice of conveyance of land was to be RECORDED. The system of public disclosure of land transfers has become part of each state's law (1) 1.2 PUBLIC RECORDS

  21. FREE 9+ Sample Land Agreement Forms in PDF

    Land Use Agreement Form community-gardens.ca Details File Format PDF Size: 70 KB Download When a landowner offers his land to be used for community service purposes, he can use the aforesaid form to draft an agreement that should be signed by him and the authority concerned.

  22. 37 FREE Land Lease Agreements [Word & PDF]

    A land lease agreement is made to allow a person who is the owner of a piece of land to rent the land to another person or a company. This might be for personal use or business use, depending upon the kind of property that is being leased out. The most common reasons to enter into this kind of arrangement are: There are various kinds of land ...

  23. Specifications for Descriptions of Land: For Use in Land Orders

    The revised Specifications update and include mandatory land description requirements. Since 1931, the Specifications have been used by those who must write and interpret land descriptions within land orders, Executive orders, proclamations, and the Federal Register.

  24. How to use Copilot Pro to write, edit, and analyze your Word documents

    Launch Microsoft Word and open a blank document. Let's say you need help writing a particular type of document and want Copilot to create a draft.

  25. Black families are holding onto ancestral land for generations, despite

    Predatory developers often target Black families whose generational land lacks clear ownership. Now, more families are securing deeds to keep their land and create real wealth.

  26. Middle East latest: Egypt building wall and clearing land on Gaza

    Key points. Egypt clearing land on Gaza border in case of refugee 'worst-case scenario', satellite images show; Biden urges Israel to come up with 'credible' plan to protect civilians

  27. CBP Releases January 2024 Monthly Update

    Travelers arriving by air into the United States increased 14% from January 2023 to January 2024, and pedestrians arriving by land at ports of entry increased 2.6% over the same period. CBP works diligently with the trade community and port operators to ensure that merchandise is cleared as efficiently as possible and to strengthen ...

  28. Create a form in Word that users can complete or print

    Open a template or use a blank document. To create a form in Word that others can fill out, start with a template or document and add content controls. Content controls include things like check boxes, text boxes, and drop-down lists. If you're familiar with databases, these content controls can even be linked to data.

  29. PDF Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2022

    8 Throughout this document, the term sludge _ refers to the solids separated during the treatment of municipal wastewater. The definition includes domestic septage. iosolids _ refers to treated sewage sludge that meets the EPA pollutant and pathogen requirements for land application and surface disposal.