When must marketable title be delivered?

Marketable title must be delivered at the time of closing because it is an essential requirement for the closing process in real estate transactions. A marketable title signifies that the title to a property is free from significant defects or encumbrances and is suitable for transfer to a buyer.

During the closing, all parties involved, including the buyer and seller, need to be assured that the title is clear and that the buyer will hold a good, marketable title after the transaction is complete. This means that any issues such as liens, easements, or disputes over ownership must be resolved prior to or at the time of closing. Delivering the title at this stage enables the buyer to feel secure in their investment and ensures that they can legally use and enjoy the property without future legal complications.

The other options do not align with the common practices in real estate closing processes. For instance, delivering the title before closing may not allow enough time to resolve any potential title defects. Similarly, delivering it immediately after the offer is accepted or one week before closing does not provide the necessary assurance to the buyer at the critical moment of the transaction. This ensures that all necessary checks and balances are in place to confirm the legitimacy of the title.