Title that is free from reasonable doubt or any sort of threat of litigation. An implied promise in a contract when a seller is selling land to a buyer is that the seller will deliver marketable title to the buyer at the date of the closing.

What makes a title marketable?

A marketable title is a title that is free and clear of any defects or clouds that a reasonable buyer would find objectionable. This is a fairly stringent standard, but buyers should also be aware that a marketable title does not have to be a perfect title.

What is an example of marketable title?

Suppose, for example, that Mary buys land from Bob. The contract of sale declares that Bob holds marketable title to the land. After paying Bob, Mary receives a letter from an attorney saying that a business called Lou's Used Cars holds a lien on the property because Bob is using it as collateral for a car loan.