Sentence:  The will might stipulate, for example, that the heir receive the home, <WSD>free and clear</WSD>, Ms. Wheatley-Liss said, which may mean that the executor will be directed to sell stocks, bonds or other assets in the estate to pay off the mortgage. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  In a condition of lawful outright ownership, without restrictions or encumbrances.