In the context of real estate, what is the primary focus of a contract for deed?

A contract for deed, also known as a land contract, primarily focuses on installment payments for the purchase of real estate. In this arrangement, the seller retains the title to the property while the buyer makes regular payments over a specified period. The buyer gains equitable interest in the property and typically receives the title only after all payments have been made. This method of financing is particularly useful for buyers who may not qualify for traditional financing through banks or other lenders, as it allows them to acquire property without an upfront cash purchase.

The other choices present scenarios that do not accurately define the essence of a contract for deed. Immediate transfer of title is contrary to the structure of a contract for deed since the title is held by the seller until completion of payments. Leveraged financing involves borrowing, which is not the focus of a contract for deed, where the transaction is more about direct seller-to-buyer payment arrangements. Short-term leasing refers to rental agreements rather than the installment purchase process inherent in a contract for deed, making it irrelevant in this context.