Contracts

Under New York law, the 'doctrine of equitable conversion' in a real estate contract means that:

AA contract can be converted from residential to commercial purpose
BOnce a binding contract is signed, the buyer holds equitable title and the seller holds legal title in trust for the buyer; the risk of loss shifts to the buyer✓ Correct
CThe lender holds equitable title during the mortgage period
DThe court may convert a void contract into a voidable one

Explanation

Under the doctrine of equitable conversion in New York, once a valid real estate purchase contract is signed, the buyer is treated as the equitable owner (holding equitable title) and the seller holds legal title in trust for the buyer. Traditionally, this meant the risk of loss for casualty damage was on the buyer between contract and closing.

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