North Carolina § 47-20 - 5. Real property; effectiveness of after-acquired property clause.

Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 47-20 — 5. Real property; effectiveness of after-acquired property clause., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 47-20. 5. Real property; effectiveness of after-acquired property clause.

As used in this section, "after-acquired property clause" means any provision or provisions in an instrument which create a security interest in real property acquired by the grantor of the instrument subsequent to its execution. As used in this section, "after-acquired property," and "property subsequently acquired" mean any real property which the grantor of a security instrument containing an after-acquired property clause acquires subsequent to the execution of such instrument, and in which the terms of the after-acquired property clause would create a security interest. An after-acquired property clause is effective to pass after-acquired property as between the parties to the instrument containing such clause, but shall not be effective to pass title to after-acquired property as against lien creditors or purchasers for a valuable consideration from the grantor of the instrument unless and until such instrument has been registered or reregistered at or subsequent to the time such after-acquired property is acquired by such grantor and the deed to the grantor of the after-acquired property is registered. In lieu of reregistering the instrument containing the after-acquired property clause as specified in subsection (c), such instrument may be made effective to pass title to after-acquired property as against lien creditors and purchasers for a valuable consideration from the grantor of the instrument by registering a notice of extension as specified in subsection (e) at or subsequent to the time of acquisition of the after-acquired property by the grantor. The notice of extension shall Show that effective registration of the after-acquired property clause is extended, Include the names of the parties to the instrument containing the after-acquired property clause, Refer to the book and page where the instrument containing the after-acquired property clause is registered, and Be signed by the grantee or the person secured by the instrument containing the after-acquired property clause or his successor in interest. The register of deeds shall index the notice of extension in the same manner as the instrument containing the after-acquired property clause. Except as provided in subsection (h) of this section, no instrument which has been heretofore executed or registered and which contains an after-acquired property clause shall be effective to pass title to after-acquired property as against lien creditors or purchasers for a valuable consideration from the grantor of such instrument unless and until such instrument or a notice of extension thereof has been registered or reregistered as herein provided. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section with respect to registration, reregistration and registration of notice of extension, an after-acquired property clause in an instrument which creates a security interest made by a public utility as defined in G.S. 62-3(23) or a natural gas company as defined in section 2(6) of the Natural Gas Act, 15 U.S.C.A. 717a(6), or by an electric or telephone membership corporation incorporated or domesticated in North Carolina shall be effective to pass after-acquired property as against lien creditors or purchasers for a valuable consideration from the grantor of the instrument from the time of original registration of such instrument. History (1967, c. 861, s. 1; 1969, c. 813, ss. 1-3; 1997-386, s. 1.) Legal Periodicals. - For note on the effectiveness of after-acquired property clauses in this State, see 6 Wake Forest Intra. L. Rev. 378 (1970).

Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 47-20

What does North Carolina General Statutes § 47-20 cover?

Section 47-20 ("5. Real property; effectiveness of after-acquired property clause.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite North Carolina § 47-20?

A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 47-20" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of North Carolina law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.

How does North Carolina § 47-20 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.