Glossary

Deed of Trust

A deed of trust is a special kind of deed that is recorded in public records, where it tells everyone that there is a lien on your property. It is used in place of a mortgage.

A deed of trust involves three parties. You as the debtor/mortgagor, the lender as the beneficiary, and a neutral third party as the trustee, who you can think of as someone who holds temporary (but not full) title until the lien is paid.

The deed of trust is canceled when the debt is paid. Until then, the trustee has the power to foreclose if the debt is not paid, without going through the court system, making it easier and quicker than foreclosing on a mortgage.