Which of the following is considered an encumbrance on real property?

An encumbrance on real property refers to a claim, lien, or liability attached to a property that may affect its use or transferability. A mortgage specifically represents a legal agreement that allows the lender to claim the property as collateral for a loan. This means that until the mortgage is paid off, the lender has a vested interest in the property, which can restrict the owner's ability to sell or refinance it without addressing the mortgage first. Mortgages directly affect ownership rights and are one of the most common types of encumbrances in property transactions.

Ownership transfer, payment of property taxes, and a license to use a property do not fall under the traditional definition of an encumbrance. Ownership transfer signifies a change in title and does not impose any restrictions on the property itself. Payment of property taxes represents an obligation but is not a claim against the property in the same way a mortgage is. A license to use the property is typically a non-transferable permission granted to an individual to use that property under certain conditions, but it does not constitute a long-term claim against the property itself.