A property owner borrowed $200,000 from a lender to purchase a home and executed a mortgage that included a due-on-sale clause. Five years later, the owner sold the home to a buyer. The buyer agreed to take over the mortgage payments but did not notify the lender of the transfer. After discovering the sale, the lender accelerated the loan and began foreclosure proceedings, asserting that the transfer triggered the due-on-sale clause.
Does the lender have the legal right to foreclose?
Yes. Due-on-sale clauses are enforceable when ownership is transferred without the lender's consent.
No. The lender must first prove that the transfer significantly impaired its security interest before foreclosing.
No. The lender is barred because the buyer assumed responsibility for the mortgage payments.
No. Federal law restricts enforcement of due-on-sale clauses unless a state statute specifically authorizes it.
Yes. The Garn-St. Germain Depository Institutions Act of 1982, 12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3, preempts contrary state law and generally allows a lender to enforce (accelerate) a due-on-sale clause whenever the borrower transfers an interest in the property without the lender's prior consent. The statute does not require the lender to show impairment of its security or comply with additional state authorization, and none of the statute's specific exemptions (e.g., transfers to a spouse, child, or into a qualifying trust) apply here. Therefore the lender may accelerate the debt and foreclose.
Incorrect answers:
Merely assuming the mortgage does not avoid the clause; consent is still required.
Federal law does not condition enforcement on state authorization; it expressly preempts contrary state law.
The lender need not prove that the sale impaired its security interest; enforcement is contractual under the federal statute.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What is a due-on-sale clause?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What is the Garn-St. Germain Depository Institutions Act of 1982?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Under what conditions are due-on-sale clauses not enforceable?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Multistate Bar Examination
Real Property
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Pass with Confidence.
Bar Prep Package
You have hit the limits of our free tier, become a Premium Member today for unlimited access.
Military, Healthcare worker, Gov. employee or Teacher? See if you qualify for a Community Discount.
3 Month Pass
$299.99
$99.99/mo
One time purchase of $299.99, Does not auto-renew.
BEST DEAL
Lifetime Pass
$399.99
One time purchase, Good for life.
What You Get
All Bar Prep Package plans include the following perks and exams .