When a home is sold, the seller may be able to transfer the mortgage to the new buyer. This means the mortgage is assumable. Lenders generally require a credit review of the new borrower and usually charge a fee for the assumpt ion. Most mortgages now contain a due-on-sale clause, which means that the mortgage may not be transferable to a new buyer. Instead, the lender may insist that the entire balance is paid in full when the home is sold. Assumability may benefit the seller especially during periods of higher interest rates or after periods of property depreciation.