Property Flashcards

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1
Q

Fee Simple

A

In present estates, fee simple is the default estate. A fee simple is created when the grantor uses any of the following language:

(1) “O to A”
(2) “O to A and his/her heirs”
(3) “O to A forever”

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2
Q

Defeasible Fee

A

A defeasible fee is a conveyance in fee simple in which the grantor places express conditions on the conveyance (e.g., “O to A on the condition that . . .”). A defeasible fee is capable of lasting forever, but may be terminated by the occurrence of an event.

A defeasible fee gives the grantee a present possessory interest in the property, but reserves a future interest in the property in the favor of the grantor or a third party. There are three main types of defeasible fees:

(1) Fee Simple Determinable
(2) Fee Simple Subject to Condition Subsequent
(3) Fee Simple Subject to Executory Interest

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3
Q

Fee Simple Determinable

A

A fee simple determinable is a conditional conveyance in which the grantor retains a possibility of reverter. The possibility of reverter vests automatically when the condition fails (i.e., the grantor does not have to reclaim the property, the interest automatically vests back to him). A fee simple determinable is created when the grantor uses durational language, such as:

(a) “While the property is used for farming”
(b) “During the property’s use as a farm”
(c) “Until the property is no longer used as a farm”

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4
Q

Fee Simple Subject to Condition Subsequent

A

A fee simple subject to condition subsequent is a conditional conveyance in which the grantor retains a right of entry. The right of entry does NOT vest automatically when the condition fails (i.e., the grantor must reclaim the property). A fee simple subject to condition subsequent is created when the grantor uses conditional language, such as:

(a) “Provided that the property is used for farming”
(b) “On the condition that the property is used as a farm”

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5
Q

Fee Simple Subject to Executory Interest

A

A fee simple subject to executory interest is a conditional conveyance in which a third party (not the grantor) is granted an executory interest in the property. An executory interest is a future interest that divests (i.e., terminates) an earlier interest. For example:
(a) “O conveys Greenacre to A and his heirs, but if Greenacre is no longer used as a farm, then to B and her heirs.” A has a fee simple subject to an executory interest. B has an executory interest, because B is a third party (not the grantor) and her interest divests A’s interest.

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6
Q

Life Estate

A

A life estate is a present possessory estate that is limited by a person’s life (terminates when the measuring life dies). A life estate is created when the grantor uses the following language:

(1) “O to A for A’s life” (A is the measuring life – life estate terminates when A dies)
(2) “O to A for B’s life” (B is the measuring life – life estate terminates when B dies)

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7
Q

Transferability of a Life Estate

A

A life estate is transferable. The transferee’s interest in the property terminates upon the death of the measuring life.

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8
Q

Life Estate: Reversion

A

If possession of the land goes back to the grantor after the life estate terminates, then the grantor retains a reversion.

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9
Q

Life Estate: Vested and Contingent Remainders

A

If possession of the land goes to a third party after the life estate terminates, then the third party takes a remainder. A remainder can be vested or contingent. A vested remainder is a future interest that is both:

(a) Given to an ascertained (i.e., readily identifiable) grantee; AND
(b) NOT subject to a condition precedent (i.e., a condition that must be satisfied in order for the interest to vest).

If either of the two above elements fail, the remainder is contingent.

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10
Q

Tenancy in Common

A

A tenancy in common is the default estate created by a conveyance of real property to two or more people. The grantor need NOT use any type of explicit language to create a tenancy in common (e.g., “O to A and B”). Each tenant in common has:

(1) A separate but undivided interest in the property (i.e., the property does not have to be physically divided);
(2) The right to possess and enjoy the entire property; AND
(3) The right to transfer their interest in the property freely during their lifetime or at death (i.e., NO right of survivorship).

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11
Q

Joint Tenancy

A

A joint tenancy is a conveyance of real property to two or more people that is distinguished by a right of survivorship, whereby the surviving joint tenants
automatically take the deceased tenant’s property interest. Thus, joint tenants CANNOT pass their property interest by will or intestate succession (at death, their property interest automatically passes to the other joint tenants). To create a joint tenancy, the grantor must clearly express his intent to create a joint tenancy by using survivorship language (e.g., “as joint tenants with a right of survivorship”). Additionally, the “four unities” (P.I.T.T.) must be in place to create a joint tenancy:

(1) Possession. Each joint tenant must have an equal right to posses and enjoy the whole property (also required for tenants in common).
(2) Interest. Each joint tenant must have an equal share of the same type of interest (e.g., two joint tenants each have a 50% share in fee simple).
(3) Time. Joint tenants must receive their property interests at the same time.
(4) Title. Joint tenants must receive their property interest in the same instrument of title.

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12
Q

Severance of Joint Tenancy by Conveyance

A

If any of the four unities (P.I.T.T.) are severed (i.e., destroyed), then the joint tenancy is terminated and the co-tenants hold the property as tenants in common. There are two main situations where this happens: When a joint tenant conveys her interest to a third party, that party takes the property as a tenant in common (clearly destroys the time and title unities).

If there were originally two joint tenants, the conveyance converts the estate into a tenancy in common (i.e., the two tenants are now tenants
in common with no right of survivorship).

If there were originally three or more joint tenants, the joint tenancy remains among the other joint tenants not involved in the conveyance while the third party is a tenant in common.

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13
Q

Severance of Joint Tenancy by Mortgage

A

When a joint tenant grants a mortgage interest in the joint tenancy to a creditor, the effect will depend on the jurisdiction:

(1) In a lien theory jurisdiction (majority view), the mortgage is treated as a lien and does NOT terminate the joint tenancy.
(2) In a title theory jurisdiction (minority view), the mortgage will terminate the joint tenancy, and the tenants will then hold the property as tenants in common.

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14
Q

Co-Tenant Division of Operating Expenses and Rent Payments

A

Operating expenses are divided based on the ownership interests of each cotenant. Operating expenses consist of necessary charges (e.g., taxes and mortgage payments).

Rent payments received from a third party’s possession of the property, minus operating expenses, are divided based on the ownership interests of each cotenant.

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15
Q

Co-Tenant Division of Repair Costs and Improvement Costs

A

Repair costs (even if the repairs are necessary) are NOT divided between the cotenants (i.e., there is no right for reimbursement for necessary repair costs). However, the cotenant who pays for the repairs can get credit for the repairs in a partition action.

Improvement costs are NOT divided between the cotenants (i.e., there is no right for reimbursement for improvement costs). However, the cotenant who pays for the improvements can get credit for the repairs in a partition action.

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16
Q

Ouster

A

Each cotenant (whether a joint tenant or tenant in common) has the right to possess ALL of the property, regardless of ownership share. An ouster occurs if a cotenant denies another cotenant access to the property. If this occurs, the ousted tenant can:

(1) Get an injunction granting access to the property; AND/OR
(2) Recover damages for the value of the use while ousted.

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17
Q

Partition in Kind

A

A partition action is an equitable remedy that is available unilaterally to joint tenants and tenants in common.

A partition in kind physically divides the property into distinct portions. Courts have a preference for physical divisions of property over forced sales.

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18
Q

Partition by Sale

A

A partition by sale involves selling the property and dividing the proceeds from the sale among each cotenant based on their ownership interests. Courts will order a partition by sale if a partition in kind is:

(a) NOT practicable;
OR
(b) NOT fair to all parties.

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19
Q

Leasehold Interest

A

The relationship between a landlord and a tenant can create four types of possessory estates (tenancy for years, periodic tenancy, tenancy at will, and tenancy at sufferance).

This relationship is generally governed by a contract (the “lease”), which contains the covenants of the parties. Generally, each party must perform his promises pursuant to the lease whether or not the other party performs his promises.

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20
Q

Leasehold: Tenancy for Years

A

A tenancy for years is an interest that lasts for a fixed and ascertainable amount of time (e.g., Landlord leases Greenacre to Tenant for 6 months). If the term is longer than one year, then the agreement must be in writing because of the statute of frauds. A tenancy for years automatically terminates when the term expires.

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21
Q

Leasehold: Tenancy at Will

A

A tenancy at will continues until it is terminated by either party. It may be terminated at any time for any reason, and may be terminated without notice. If either party dies, the tenancy at will is terminated. The parties must intend to create a tenancy at will. Intent can be express (e.g., a specific term in the signed lease agreement gives either party or
both parties the “right to terminate at will”) OR implied (e.g., ongoing payment of rent at will).

If the agreement gives only the landlord the right to terminate at will, the tenant also gets the right to terminate implicitly.

If the agreement gives only the tenant the right to terminate at will, the landlord is NOT given the right to terminate at will.

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22
Q

Leasehold: Periodic Tenancy

A

A periodic tenancy is a repetitive and ongoing interest that continues for a set period of time UNTIL it is terminated by proper notice from either party (e.g., month-to-month lease, year-to-year lease, etc.). The parties must intend to create a periodic tenancy. Intent can be express (e.g., a specific term in the signed lease agreement) OR implied (e.g., ongoing payment of rent).

Proper notice requires the terminating party to give notice before the start of what will be the last term. The notice is effective on the last day of the term (e.g., Landlord leases Greenacre to Tenant on a month-to-month basis. If Tenant gives proper notice of termination on June 11, the termination will be effective on July 31).

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23
Q

Leasehold: Tenancy at Sufferance

A

A tenancy at sufferance is created when the tenant refuses to vacate the premises after his lease has terminated. This situation creates a temporary tenancy, where the terms of the prior lease control, until:

(1) The landlord evicts the tenant;
(2) The landlord re-leases the property to the tenant; OR
(3) The tenant voluntarily vacates.

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24
Q

Tenant’s Duty to Pay Rent

A

The tenant has a contractual duty to pay rent to the landlord in exchange for his possessory interest in the landlord’s property. If the tenant fails to pay rent, the landlord may evict the tenant or sue the tenant for breach of contract. However, there are three main situations where the duty to pay rent is suspended:

(1) The premises are destroyed (so long as the tenant did not cause the damage);
(2) The landlord completely or partially evicts the tenant; OR
(3) The landlord materially breaches on the lease (e.g., violates the implied warranty of habitability).

25
Q

Implied Warranty of Habitability

A

A warranty of habitability is implied in every residential lease (NOT commercial leases). The implied warranty of habitability requires landlords to maintain their property such that it is reasonably suitable for basic human needs (failure to comply with applicable housing codes constitutes a breach). The tenant CANNOT waive habitability protection. If the landlord breaches the implied warrant of habitability, the tenant may:

(1) Vacate the premises and terminate the lease (Note that the tenant is NOT required to vacate the premises);
(2) Withhold or reduce the rent (If the tenant chooses to withhold rent, the tenant must first notify the landlord of the problem and give the landlord a reasonable opportunity to correct the problem);
(3) Remedy the defect and offset the costs against the rent; OR
(4) Defend against eviction.

26
Q

Implied Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment

A

Every lease (commercial and residential) includes an implied covenant of quiet enjoyment, which prevents the landlord from taking action that makes the premises wholly or substantially unsuitable for their intended purposes resulting in the constructive eviction of the tenant.

The implied covenant of quiet enjoyment is breached (tenant may withhold rent or seek damages) if the tenant is constructively evicted. A constructive eviction occurs if the:

(1) Landlord caused the premises to be unsuitable for their intended purposes;
(2) Tenant notified the landlord of the problem;
(3) Landlord did NOT correct the problem; AND
(4) Tenant vacates the premises after a reasonable amount of time passed.

27
Q

Lease Assignments

A

An assignment is a complete transfer of the tenant’s entire remaining term under the lease. In an assignment, the landlord can collect rent from the:

(1) Assignee (because there is privity of estate); OR
(2) Original tenant (because there is privity of contract).

28
Q

Subleases

A

A sublease is a transfer of less than the tenant’s entire remaining term under the lease. In a sublease, the landlord can ONLY collect rent from the original tenant (because there is privity of contract and estate). The subtenant ONLY has rent obligations to the original tenant.

29
Q

Lease Surrender

A

A surrender terminates the lease agreement and ends the landlord-tenant relationship between both parties (releases both parties from their duties and obligations under the lease agreement). A surrender occurs when:

(1) A tenant returns possession of the leased premises to the landlord before the expiration of the lease; AND
(2) The landlord consents.

30
Q

Lease Abandonment

A

An abandonment occurs when the tenant unilaterally returns possession of the leased premises before the lease expires WITHOUT the landlord’s consent. Here, the tenant will have to continue paying rent until the landlord is able to find a replacement tenant.

If the tenant refuses to pay rent, the landlord is entitled to damages for the difference between the original rent and the rent received from the replacement tenant.

31
Q

Landlord’s Duty to Mitigate

A

Under the majority rule, the landlord has a duty to mitigate damages if the tenant abandons the property early or is evicted by making reasonable efforts to re-rent the property to another tenant. The landlord is entitled to damages for the difference between the original rent and the rent received from the replacement tenant.

Under the minority rule, the landlord does NOT have to mitigate damages (more common in cases involving commercial leases).

32
Q

Real Covenant: Benefit Run

A

A real covenant is a promise concerning the use of the land that runs to successors of the promise. It typically requires the holder to either do something OR refrain from doing something to the land. The benefit of the covenant is the ability to enforce the covenant. The burden of the covenant is being subject to it or bound by it. In order for a benefit to run to successors, the following four elements must be present:

(1) Writing. The covenant must be included in writing in the original conveyance (i.e., must satisfy the statute of frauds).
(2) Intent. The original parties must have intended for the covenant to run with the land.
(3) Touch and Concern. The covenant must touch and concern the land (i.e., the benefit of the covenant must affect both the promisee and promisor as owners of the land – usually by increasing the value of the land).
(4) Relaxed Vertical Privity. The successor need only take an interest that is carved out of the original party’s estate (i.e., the successor can take less than the original party’s entire interest in the property – e.g., the successor takes a life estate from a fee simple).

33
Q

Real Covenant: Burden Run

A

A real covenant is a promise concerning the use of the land that runs to successors of the promise. In order for a burden to run to successors, the following six elements must be present:

(1) Writing. The covenant must be included in writing in the original conveyance (i.e., must satisfy the statute of frauds).
(2) Intent. The original parties must have intended for the covenant to run with the land.
(3) Touch and Concern. The covenant must touch and concern the land (i.e., the burden of the covenant must affect both the promisee and promisor as owners of the land – usually by increasing the value of the land).
(4) Strict Vertical Privity. The successor must take the original party’s entire interest.
(5) Horizontal Privity. The instrument used in the conveyance of the property between the original parties must contain the estate and the covenant (e.g., the deed contains the covenant).
(6) Notice. The new owner must have notice of the covenant. Notice may be either actual or constructive (i.e., record notice). Inquiry notice may suffice for equitable servitudes (e.g., an inspection of the land would reveal the servitude).

34
Q

Equitable Servitudes

A

An equitable servitude operates like a real covenant with easier requirements. The main difference between a real covenant and an equitable servitude is in the remedy. The remedy for a breach of a real covenant is money damages – the remedy for a
breach of an equitable servitude is injunctive relief. In order to bind a successor, the following four elements must be present:

(1) Writing. The servitude must be included in writing in the original conveyance (i.e., must satisfy the statute of frauds).
(2) Intent. The original parties must have intended for the servitude to run with the land.
(3) Touch and Concern. The servitude must touch and concern the land (i.e., the servitude must affect both the promisee and promisor as owners of the land – usually by increasing the value of the land).
(4) Notice. The new owner must have notice of the servitude. Notice may be either actual, constructive, or inquiry.

35
Q

Implied Reciprocal Servitudes

A

Implied reciprocal servitudes arise in planned subdivisions. Most jurisdictions impose the following requirements to enforce an implied reciprocal servitude:

(1) There must be intent to create a servitude on all plots (i.e., a common scheme);
(2) The servitude must be negative (i.e., a promise to refrain from doing something); AND
(3) The party against whom enforcement of the servitude is sought must have actual, constructive, or inquiry notice.

Reciprocal negative servitudes are implied from the common scheme (i.e., a writing is NOT required for an equitable servitude created by implication).

36
Q

Express Easement

A

An easement is a right held by one person to use another’s land. An express easement can be created by grant or by reservation:

(1) By Grant. An express easement by grant arises when it is affirmatively created by the parties in a writing that satisfies the statue of frauds.
(2) By Reservation. An express easement by reservation is created when a grantor conveys land but reserves an easement right in that land for his own use.

37
Q

Implied Easement by Implication

A

An implied easement by implication is created when:

(1) A single tract of land is divided by a common owner and a piece of the land is conveyed to another;
(2) Before the division, the common owner used the single tract of land as if there was an easement on it;
(3) After the division, the common owner’s use of the conveyed land must be continuous and apparent; AND
(4) Such use must be reasonably necessary for the owner’s use and enjoyment.

38
Q

Implied Easement by Necessity

A

An implied easement by necessity is created when:

(1) A single tract of land is divided by a common owner and a piece of the land is conveyed to another; AND
(2) Necessity arose when the land was divided into two separate estates where one of the properties became virtually useless without the easement.

39
Q

Implied Easement by Prescription

A

An implied easement by prescription is created when a landowner allows a trespasser to use his land continuously for the statutory period. The trespasser’s use must be:

(1) Hostile (i.e., without permission from the owner of the land);
(2) Open and notorious (i.e., not hidden); AND
(3) Continuous for the statutory period.

NOTE. Unlike adverse possession, the use need NOT be exclusive (e.g., a public easement to access a beach).

40
Q

Termination of an Easement

A

An easement may be terminated by any of the following:

(1) Release. An easement is terminated if the holder expressly releases it. The release must be in writing and satisfy the statute of frauds.
(2) Merger. An easement is terminated if the holder acquires fee title to the underlying estate – the easement merges into the title.
(3) Abandonment. An easement is terminated if the holder demonstrates an intent to never use the easement again through physical action (i.e., requires more than non-use or statements).
(4) Prescription. An easement is terminated if the holder fails to protect against trespassers for the statutory period.
(5) Sale to a Bona Fide Purchaser. An easement may be terminated if the landowner sells the property.
(6) Estoppel. An easement is terminated if the landowner reasonably relies to his detriment on the easement holder’s assurance that the easement will no longer be used.
(7) End of Necessity. An easement by necessity lasts as long as the easement is necessary – if it is no longer necessary, the easement terminates.

41
Q

Profits and Licenses

A

The following two interests are NOT easements:

(1) A profit is a right to enter another’s land to remove a specific natural resource.
(2) A license is a revocable permission to use another’s land (e.g., a ticket to a music concert).

42
Q

Fixtures

A

A fixture is tangible personal property (i.e., chattel) that is attached to real property in such a manner that it is treated as part of the real property when determining its ownership. Generally, a chattel is considered a fixture if the owner of real property
intends for the chattel to become a fixture by attaching it to the real property. Such intent is judged by applying an objective, reasonable person standard that examines such factors as:

(1) The importance of the chattel to the real property;
(2) Whether the chattel was specially designed for use on the real property; AND
(3) The amount of damage that removal of the chattel would cause to the real property.

43
Q

Structures Built on Real Property

A

Structures built on real property (e.g., walls) and materials incorporated into a structure (e.g., bricks used in making a wall) become part of the real property. The owner of the real property is generally also the owner of any structures on the real property (including the materials incorporated into the structures).

44
Q

Land Sale Contract Requirements

A

A valid contract for the sale of land must satisfy the statute of frauds. Generally, the contract must:
(1) Be in writing and signed by the party to be charged; AND
(2) Contain all of the essential terms (i.e., parties, property description, terms of
price and payment).

There are two main exceptions to the writing requirement:

(1) Promissory Estoppel/Detrimental Reliance operates as a valid exception where a party reasonably and foreseeably relied on the land sale contract to his detriment and would suffer hardship if the contract is not enforced.

(2) Partial performance by either the seller or buyer is treated as evidence that the land sale contract existed. This is a valid exception to the writing requirement in many jurisdictions if any two of the following three are met:
(a) Possession by the purchaser;
(b) Payment of all or part of the purchase price; AND/OR
(c) Improvements to the land made by the purchaser.

45
Q

Deed Merger

A

Covenants under the land sale contract are merged into the deed and CANNOT be enforced unless the covenant is also in the deed. Merger breaks the land sale contract down into two stages:

(1) Contract Stage. Prior to closing (i.e., the date that the ownership of the property is transferred to the buyer), any liability must be based on a provision
in the land sale contract.

(2) Deed Stage. After closing (i.e., the date that the ownership of the property is transferred to the buyer), any liability must be based on a deed warranty.

46
Q

Implied Covenant of Marketable Title

A

In every land sale contract, the seller has a duty to convey marketable title to the buyer at closing. Marketable title is title that is free from an unreasonable risk of litigation.

If there is a defect in title rendering title unmarketable, it must be fixed or cured BEFORE closing (at which point the contract and deed merge and the deed controls). If the seller cannot deliver marketable title at closing, the buyer can rescind the contract without penalty.

47
Q

Defects in Title that Render it Unmarketable

A

Defects in title that render title unmarketable include:

(1) Title acquired by adverse possession that has not yet been quieted (i.e.,
supported by a judicial decree).
(2) Future interest holders that have not agreed to the transfer;
(3) Private encumbrances (e.g., mortgage, covenant, option, or easement);
(4) Violation of a zoning ordinance; OR
(5) Significant physical defect (encroachment on the land that is incurable).

48
Q

Waiver of the Implied Covenant of Marketable Title

A

The purchaser may choose to waive the requirement that the seller deliver marketable title. However, a seller CANNOT cancel a land sale contract for failure to deliver marketable title if the buyer chooses to waive the requirement.

49
Q

New Construction Implied Warranties

A

The implied warranty of fitness or suitability applies to defects in new construction. It protects against latent defects (i.e., defects that are not discoverable from a reasonable inspection) and warrants that the new construction is safe and fit for human habitation.

In most jurisdictions, both the initial purchaser and subsequent purchasers may recover damages. In other jurisdictions, only the initial purchaser can enforce this warranty.

50
Q

Duty to Disclose Property Defects

A

Most jurisdictions impose a duty on the seller to disclose material defects to the buyer. Material defects are defects that substantially impact the:

(1) Value of the property;
(2) Desirability of the property; OR
(3) Health and safety of its occupants.
b) General disclaimers (e.g., “as is”) do NOT satisfy the seller’s duty to disclose defects.

51
Q

Equitable Conversion of Risk and Loss

A

In the majority of jurisdictions, the purchaser holds equitable title during the period between the execution of the contract and the closing and delivery of the deed. During this period:

(1) The purchaser is responsible for any damages to the property; AND
(2) The seller, as holder of legal title, has the right to possess the property.

A minority of jurisdictions follow the Uniform Vendor and Purchaser Risk Act. This places the risk of loss on the seller until closing and the delivery of the deed.

52
Q

The Mortgage and the Note

A

A mortgage is a security device used to secure repayment of a debt. There are two components to a mortgage:

(1) The Note. The note is the borrower’s promise to repay the debt or loan.
(2) The Mortgage. The mortgage is the device that provides security to the note by allowing the lender to force a foreclosure sale to recover the outstanding debt if the borrower defaults on the loan.

53
Q

Purchase Money Mortgage

A

A purchase-money mortgage is a mortgage where the borrower takes out a loan for the purpose of purchasing property.

54
Q

Future-Advance Mortgage

A

Future-Advance Mortgage. A future-advance mortgage is a line of credit used
for home equity, construction, business, and commercial loans (often called a
“second mortgage”).

55
Q

Deed of Trust

A

A deed of trust is an alternative used instead of a mortgage as a security device. A deed of trust operates like a mortgage, but involves three parties:

(a) The borrower;
(b) The lender; AND
(c) A third-party trustee who holds title of the property until the loan is paid off.

56
Q

Installment Land Contract

A

An installment land contract is an alternative used instead of a mortgage as a security device. The seller finances the purchase in an installment land contract retaining title until the buyer makes the final payment on the installment plan.

57
Q

Absolute Deed

A

An absolute deed is an alternative used instead of a mortgage as a security device. An absolute deed is an instrument used by the borrower to transfer the deed to the property instead of conveying a security interest in exchange for a loan.

58
Q

Mortgage Transfer by the Borrower

A

The borrower may transfer the property by deed (i.e., selling), will, or intestate succession. The borrower remains personally liable after the transfer unless:

(1) The lender releases the borrower from his obligation; OR
(2) The lender modifies the transferee’s obligation.

If the transferee assumes the mortgage, the transferee is primarily liable upon default while the original borrower is secondarily liable. If the transferee takes title subject to the mortgage, the transferee is NOT personally liable upon default while the original borrower remains liable (this is the default/presumed option).

59
Q

Acceleration Clauses

A

A due-on-sale clause allows the lender to demand immediate
full payment from the borrower upon transfer. A due-on encumbrance clause allows the lender to demand accelerated payments from the borrower when the borrower obtains a second mortgage or otherwise encumbers the property.