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Is reversion just a general category that encompasses both possibility of reverter (automatic reversion) and right of re-entry (optional but grantor must affirmatively...)?

I'm just finishing up on making flashcards for my last MBE subject property, and i noticed I uh... don't know.

Fee Simple Determinable: Grantor has a possibility of reverter.

Fee Simple Subject to Condition Subsequent: Grantor has a right of re-entry.

Fee Simple Subject to Executory Interest: Grantor has no rights upon execution of the stated condition.

The word "reversion" seems to get thrown around a lot though in a very general way.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Guessing it probably gets thrown around in a lot of ways willy nilly but according to Wikipedia there is a distinct difference.

Reversion will absolutely happen, like with a life estate. It's both automatic (like the possibility of a reverter) and certain (the life estate holder will die), thus removing the "possibility" from the equation.

BVest wrote:Reversion will absolutely happen, like with a life estate. It's both automatic (like the possibility of a reverter) and certain (the life estate holder will die), thus removing the "possibility" from the equation.

Like you said, the Possibility of Reverter itself ,contrary to its name isn't a "possibility," but a total guarantee of reversion.

That's why I asked the question if there's any difference at all unless the term "reversion" is a category that encompasses both possibility of reverter under the FSD (Fee Simple Determinable) and the Right to Re-entry in FSC (Fee Simple Subject to Condition Subsequent)

kraeton wrote:

BVest wrote:Reversion will absolutely happen, like with a life estate. It's both automatic (like the possibility of a reverter) and certain (the life estate holder will die), thus removing the "possibility" from the equation.

Like you said, the Possibility of Reverter itself ,contrary to its name isn't a "possibility," but a total guarantee of reversion.

Not what I said. Possibility of reverter in FSD context is very much a possibility and not at all a guarantee. The condition terminating the FSD does not ever have to occur.

Oh snap, that's right.

So, is reversion a mechanism only of a life estate?

kraeton wrote:Oh snap, that's right.

So, is reversion a mechanism only of a life estate?

Right. In life estate, future interest is reversion if held by grantor, remainder if held by a third party. In other words, future interest held by grantor is reversion in life estate, possibility of reverter in FSD.