What is a nominee used for in real estate closings?

• A. It is used primarily when the buyer wants the option of naming someone else to take title to the property at closing
• B. It is used to name the seller to take title
• C. It is a type of mortgage
• D. It is a type of inspection

Answer: (A)

A nominee is used to have someone else appear on the title to the property at the moment of closing, on behalf of the buyer. This lets the buyer name a different person or entity to take title when the deal closes, while the actual owner (the buyer or a specified beneficiary) can be the ultimate owner after closing. This arrangement is handy for ownership setup (such as using a corporation, trust, or a family member for privacy or estate planning), or to meet certain lender or closing requirements. The nominee holds title in the interim under a documented agreement so the true owner can take title as intended later. It is not a mortgage and not an inspection, and it does not involve naming the seller to take title.