<--Back to Wiki Home
Define Reversion in Real Estate
Reversion:
"Reversion" is a term in real estate that refers to the right of the original property owner (or their successors) to regain possession of the property after a specific event or condition has been met. It typically occurs when someone gives another person temporary rights to a property (like a life estate), with the understanding that the property will return to the original owner once that temporary period ends.
Example:
Imagine that Sarah owns a house and decides to let her friend Mark live in it for the rest of his life. They create an agreement where the house will go back to Sarah or her successors after Mark passes away. In this scenario, Sarah has an estate in reversion, which means she'll regain possession of the property when Mark's life estate ends.
"A Deep Dive for Real Estate Agents "
Here are a few more points to keep in mind when studying reversion in real estate:
Reversion vs. Remainder: It's essential to differentiate between reversion and remainder interests. While reversion refers to the right of the original property owner to regain possession of the property after a specific event or condition, a remainder interest is the right of a third party (not the original owner) to take possession of the property upon the termination of the previous interest.
Types of Estates: Reversion usually occurs in cases involving life estates, where a person holds the property for their lifetime, and upon their death, the property reverts to the original owner or their successors.
Legal Transfers: Reversion interests can be created through different legal instruments, such as wills, trusts, or deeds, depending on the grantor's intentions and the specific circumstances.
Marketable Title: When the reversion interest becomes possessory, meaning the specific event or condition has occurred and the original owner or their successors regain possession, they will typically have a marketable title to the property, allowing them to sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of the property as they wish.
Understanding these additional aspects of reversion can help you have a more comprehensive knowledge of the concept as you prepare for your real estate agent exam. Being familiar with the differences between reversion and remainder interests, the types of estates involved, and the legal transfers of reversion interests can be invaluable in your future career.
"Wit & Whimsy with the Dumb Ox: Unlocking Knowledge with Rhyme:"
In the land of real estate, where properties are shared,
Reversion's a concept that's often declared.
When Sarah grants Mark a home for his days,
The property returns, in a reversion maze.
Once Mark's time is up, as life's journey will do,
The house comes back to Sarah, as they both knew.
This reversion of ownership, in a neat little play,
Brings the property back, to where it first lay.
So when you're studying hard, for your real estate test,
Remember reversion, a concept expressed,
When a grantor's property, temporarily strayed,
Comes back to their hands, as the agreement displayed.