"Free and Clear" RE Term

Hi all,

Just wanted some quick insight into this term. Let's say there's a trust deed payment in place (or any other loan/bond) on an asset. When you acquire it "free and clear", what happens to this debt?

Any insight into this would be great, SB for great help as always :)

 

From Investopedia:

Definition of 'Free and Clear' A slang phrase describing the situation of someone when he or she gains outright ownership of an asset, such as when it is completely paid off and no creditor has a claim on the property.
Investopedia explains 'Free and Clear' The phrase is probably most commonly used in reference to one's mortgage. If your house is completely paid off, you own your house "free and clear."

In the case of real estate, before a sale can occur, the property must be "free and clear" so the buyers know that there are no prior claims on it.

I'm just unsure as to what happens to the debt, or if you include it in your valuation of the asset.

 
DaisukiDaYo:
So let's say a trust deed is in place, and the owners are paying interest on it. Now you acquire the asset free and clear. This is technically impossible ?

Any lawyers on here would be able to answer this better. I believe that many title deeds have terms for reconveyance at the time of sale. So basically the buyer, can settle the terms with the original lender and the title becomes free and clear at the exact time of transfer. Financing can obviously get more creative and a new title deed may be applied to the buyer.

Please don't quote Patrick Bateman.
 

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