What does a subordination clause allow the mortgagor to do?

A subordination clause is a provision in a mortgage that allows the mortgagor to subordinate their existing lien or claim to that of a future or additional lender. Essentially, this means that if the mortgagor wants to obtain future financing, this clause permits the new lender to have a priority claim over the property, even though a previous mortgage exists.

This is particularly useful when a property owner wants to take out a second mortgage or line of credit against the property without needing to first pay off the existing mortgage. The subordination clause ensures that the new financing can be secured while not disrupting the current mortgage agreement.

In contrast, options related to challenging mortgage terms, selling the property without settling the mortgage, or foreclosing the property do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of the subordination clause, which is strictly about establishing lien priority for future financial arrangements.