What phrase describes the title after an In Rem foreclosure?

• A. Fee simple title
• B. Defeasible title
• C. Absolute and indefeasible title
• D. Quiet title

Answer: (C)

After an In Rem foreclosure, the buyer receives title described as absolute and indefeasible. This means the ownership is complete and cannot be defeated by the foreclosed tax claim—the buyer holds a secure, uncompromised deed to the property. Absolute indicates there are no ongoing conditions that could nullify the ownership, and indefeasible means the title cannot be easily challenged or undone due to the prior tax lien, aside from any lawful exceptions (like fraud or procedural issues). This is more final than simply “fee simple,” which is a broad term for ownership, or “defeasible,” which suggests the title could be lost on a future event. Quiet title, on the other hand, is a separate court action to determine who owns the property, not the nature of the title itself after foreclosure.