Sheets v. Huben

The question in this case is whether a certain instrument in the form of a deed of conveyance was intended as a deed or as a mortgage. The circumstances leading to the execution of the instrument are these: Mrs. Dorothy Sheets, the plaintiff, was purchasing certain property on land contract, subject to a mortgage. She had previously invested at least $1,500 in the property. She had made a down payment of $1,300, had made monthly payments, upon principal, totalling $478, and, in addition, had made substantial improvements. Financial difficulties, however, had come upon her because of an…