California Real Estate Broker ExaminationContractsMedium

A developer plans to build a new subdivision and needs to secure financing for the entire project, including the land acquisition and construction of multiple homes. The lender requires a single loan secured by all parcels within the subdivision, with a provision for individual lots to be released from the lien as they are sold. What type of security instrument would be most appropriate for this scenario?

  1. AOpen-end loan
  2. BDeed of trust
  3. CBlanket encumbrance
  4. DPackage loan
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. Blanket encumbrance

A blanket encumbrance (or blanket loan/trust deed) covers more than one parcel of real estate and typically includes a 'release clause' allowing individual parcels to be sold free of the lien upon partial repayment.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. An open-end loan allows the borrower to re-borrow up to a certain amount, which is not the main feature needed for this development.
  • B. A deed of trust is a general type of security instrument, but 'blanket encumbrance' specifies its application to multiple parcels with release clauses.
  • D. A package loan includes both real and personal property, which is not the primary characteristic described here.

Blanket Encumbrance

A single loan or deed of trust that covers more than one parcel of real estate, often used in subdivision financing.

  • Secures multiple properties
  • Typically includes a 'release clause'
  • Allows individual properties to be sold free of lien

Memory trick: Blanket loan: 'It covers ALL the lots, like a big blanket!'

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