{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/clear-title","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/clear-title","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"clear-title","term":"Clear Title","group":"Doing the deal","definition":"This means there are no liens, claims, or encumbrances against an asset, like real estate or equipment. It confirms the seller has full legal ownership to transfer.","what_it_means":"Before closing, your lender will require a title search for any real estate or major assets being acquired to ensure clear title. Any existing liens must be satisfied and released at closing. This protects your ownership and the lender's collateral.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/clear-title","official_sources":[],"related":[{"slug":"lien","term":"Lien","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/lien"},{"slug":"ucc-lien","term":"UCC lien","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/ucc-lien"},{"slug":"collateral","term":"Collateral","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/collateral"},{"slug":"perfect-lien","term":"Perfect lien","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/perfect-lien"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"What are the SBA's lien requirements for a 7(a) loan when the collateral includes titled vehicles?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/what-are-the-sba-s-lien-requirements-for-a-7-a-loan-when-the-collateral-includes-titled-ve"},{"question":"What are the specific requirements for securing a lien on titled vehicles as collateral for a 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/what-are-the-specific-requirements-for-securing-a-lien-on-titled-vehicles-as-collateral-fo"}]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — Clear Title","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/clear-title","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}