What is the purpose of a defeasance clause?

The purpose of a defeasance clause is to "defeat" the mortgage obligation once the borrower has fulfilled all terms of the loan, such as paying it off in full. This clause essentially signifies that once the borrower has made all the necessary payments, the mortgage is rendered void, and the lender cannot hold any claim to the property. This provides a level of assurance and clarity to the borrower that upon satisfying the loan conditions, they will fully own the property without any encumbrances from that mortgage.

In contrast, while some options mention aspects related to foreclosure and financing, they do not address the primary function of a defeasance clause, which specifically pertains to the cancellation of the mortgage upon reaching completion of its terms. Facilitating future financing or enforcing payment prior to sale are not the direct purposes of this clause, making the understanding of its function essential for comprehending mortgage agreements and borrower rights.