Definition of "Reversion"

Elizabeth "Beth" Plumlee real estate agent

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The definition of reversion in real estate is the return of property or assets to their original owner after a prespecified event or occurrence. This real estate term is used primarily in documents pertaining to estates and their execution, but can also be used in other circumstances. In the following section, we’ll provide an example of reversion in real estate. 

Example of reversion in real estate 

Steve and Harry are best friends and have been since childhood. After graduating the pair goes their separate ways, attending different colleges and graduating with degrees in finance and anthropology, respectively. Steve finds a comfortable job as a financial advisor in their hometown and marries his high school sweetheart, while Harry moves to the capital of the state and becomes a professor of anthropology at the state's largest University. 

Once they have established themselves in the world, they realize they’ve fallen out of touch, and make an effort to reconnect with one another. After gradually reconnecting, the pair are once again spending time together as they rebuild their relationship. Time goes by, and Steve is now the head of the firm he began his career at. 

Then, misfortune strikes. The economy enters a recession, and Harry loses his job at the University. He sells his expensive home in the capital and moves back to his hometown to find work. After becoming a grade history teacher, Harry is having difficulties with his finances. In order to help him back to his feet, Steve grants Harry the use of one of the houses he had purchased for investment purposes. 

Generously, the conditions specified in the contract were as follows: Harry will have the use of the house until the day he dies. When this happens, reversion dictates that the house will return to Steve, the original owner, or his heirs. In real estate, this is known as the reversion.

Comments for Reversion

Arturo Saavedra Arturo Saavedra said:

I need to find a broker to revert the sale of my home. I wish to buy it back.

Oct 13, 2020  06:54:21

 
Real Estate Agent

Hey, Arturo! Unfortenately, there are very few cases where reverting the sale of a home is possible. Reversion, as described in the glossary, is refering to a very specific scenario where the house is return only if some conditions are meet. If  your agreement doesn't feature any terms and conditions where reverting the sale is possible, then after you have agreed upon the sale with your own signiture, there is no turning back. We have an article talking about different kinds of listing and what you need to know when hiring an agent or broker. Hope you find it useful!

Oct 23, 2020  05:36:45
 
 
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