Trust Deed: What it Is and How it Works
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Trust deeds are sometimes used instead of mortgages to secure a loan against the property in some states. In other states, trust deeds are used in conjunction with a mortgage loan. They offer lenders protection to take swift legal action if the home loan defaults. It’s essential to have the correct language in place to serve this document’s intended purpose.
In this article, we examine what to know about drafting and using trust deeds:
What is a Trust Deed?
A trust deed, also known as deeds of trust, is a real estate agreement between a borrower and a lender when transferring a property’s title to a trustee for purposes of future ownership. The trustee holds the legal title on behalf of the lender, but the borrower retains ownership and possession of the property. Trust deeds are usually signed alongside loan documents outlining repayment terms while guaranteeing ownership upon satisfactory repayment. Some states use trust deeds as a type of security instrument along with a mortgage loan. Furthermore, some states use trust deeds instead of mortgages to secure the loan against the property.
Ordinarily, trust deeds will record the following information:
- Consideration for the home’s purchase
- Amount of money held in trust
- Force of sale rights
- Foreclosure procedures
Also, they can describe the home purchase details and the owner’s intention regarding the trust. For more information, this web page also defines trust deeds.
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How do Trust Deeds work?
Trust deeds work by providing a real estate transaction lender with legal protections. However, the protection varies from state to state. Typically, the borrower must sign a promissory note for a trust deed to become effective. Promissory notes are legal contracts signed by the trustor and signify an agreement to repay a home loan while detailing the loan’s terms and conditions.
These are primarily the three parties involved in trust deeds:
- Beneficiaries: Lenders are the beneficiaries. They are beneficiaries since the established trust seeks to protect their interests. Of the three parties, investors or lenders have the most to lose in real estate transactions, and a trust deed provides reassurance.
- Trustees: Third-party trustees hold the property ownership title until the home loan is paid in full. A title insurance company or bank usually fulfills this role. Lenders facilitate this relationship and often have authority over selecting the party. Trustees must stay impartial throughout the transaction.
- Trustors: Borrowers are designated as trustees. They can legally retain this designation as long as they meet the terms and conditions contained within the promissory note. This payment consistency gives them an equitable title, meaning that they claim equity while making loan payments.
The trustee is generally the party that prepares the trust deeds, promissory notes, and other documentation involved in a real estate transaction.
Example of How Trust Deeds Work
More than twenty states require the use of trust deeds versus mortgages. If you live in one of these states, it’s critical to understand the transaction clearly when investing, buying, or selling property. Each state follows various procedures and laws, which means that you should first determine which ones apply to your trust deeds.
Let’s solidify our understanding of how trust deeds work with a concrete example:
- Jack, a prospective borrower, wants to buy a home
- Jack visits his banker to apply for a home loan
- His bank, Horizon Financial, approves Jack
- Horizon Financial drafts a trust deed as a beneficiary
- They also prepare a promissory note to set the terms of the loan
- Horizon Financial names First Title & Trust as the trustee
- Jack agrees to the loan’s terms and signs as the trustor
- Jack repays the loan after 15 years
- Horizon Financial informs First Title & Trust of term completion
- First Title & Trust initiates the trust deed transfer process
- First Title & Trust presents Jack a quitclaim or warranty deed
- First Title & Trust is the grantor during the transfer
- Jack signs the documents as the grantee
- Jack now owns the property outright
All parties must follow the terms of the loan documents explicitly to avoid legal issues. Poorly drafted documents can also create unwanted problems, so it’s a good idea to seek legal advice during the legal drafting phase from a real estate lawyer. They can also give you valuable advice regarding situations they represented in the past to make the process more efficient for you.
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Purpose of a Trust Deed
The purpose of a trust deed is to protect the beneficiary lender if the borrower does not repay the home loan. In the event of default, the trust deed gives the lender authority to resell the home and pay off the debt. The level of protection for the lender depends on the laws and regulations of the state where the trust deed is executed. Trust deeds create a lien on the property in favor of the lender once the trust deed or mortgage is created. The trust deed needs to be registered with the county clerk & recorder’s office.
The clerk will notify the lender that they have a record of their security interests on file. If more than one lender funded the home loan, then they receive repayment from a lien based on the order in which it was recorded.
Difference between a Mortgage and Trust Deed
Trust deeds are similar to traditional mortgages, but they are also two very different documents with exclusive legal implications. The most significant differences between a mortgage and trust deed include party designations, default loan terms, redemption rights, availability, contract types, securities backing, cost,
Let’s take a much closer look at each of the differences between mortgages and trust deeds:
Difference 1. Party Designations
Mortgages utilize the terms mortgagors and mortgagees, when referring to lenders and borrowers, respectively. In contrast, trust deeds name three parties, including trustors, trustees, and beneficiaries. Title companies typically serve as trustees, while lenders function as beneficiaries and borrowers as trustors.
Difference 2. Default Loan Terms
Each type of real estate transaction enacts a unique foreclosure procedure. Typically, trust deeds utilize a non-judicial foreclosure process, whereas a mortgage follows a judicial foreclosure process. As such, lenders must obtain a formal court order before they can foreclose on one’s home.
Difference 3. Redemption Rights
If a foreclosure procedure occurs, a property auction is a final step in remedying a defaulted loan. Generally, borrowers have ample opportunity to save the house, but it cannot be repurchased once sold. On the other hand, mortgages recognize a redemption period, which means that borrowers could reclaim their property within several months or years.
Difference 4. Availability
There are more than thirty states that permit the use of trust deeds. Some of these states enable the use of both trust deeds and mortgages. Speak with real estate lawyers in your state to determine which laws apply to your specific situation.
Difference 5. Contracts Types
The types of repayment contracts also differ when it comes to mortgages vs. trust deeds. Trust deeds utilize promissory notes to facilitate the transaction. In contrast, lenders offer mortgage notes to manage it.
Difference 6. Securities Backing
People erroneously refer to all home loans like mortgages. However, a mortgage is only genuine when a mortgage note backs it. Trust deeds are the legal instruments that support a non-mortgage home loan.
Difference 7. Cost
Due to a lender’s responsibility to seek judicial foreclosure, mortgages often utilize more resources than trust deeds. Consequently, mortgagors favor trust deeds in states that permit them. They will always spend less money, time, and attention on trust deeds over mortgages.
Get Help With A Trust Deed
Whether you’re investing in a property or lending to a prospective buyer, it’s critical to get legal help when working with trust deeds. These transactions are significant, and vulnerable parties need to protect their financial interests. Real estate lawyers in your state can offer legal advice and guidance throughout the drafting or negotiating process. Post a project in ContractsCounsel’s marketplace to get free bids from vetted lawyers.
ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.
Meet some of our Trust Deed Lawyers
Samuel R.
My career interests are to practice Transactional Corporate Law, including Business Start Up, as well as Real Estate Law, Estate Planning Law, and Intellectual Property Law. I am currently licensed in Arizona, Pennsylvania and Utah, after having moved to Phoenix from Philadelphia in September 2019. I currently serve as General Counsel for a bioengineering company. I handle everything from their Business Transactional Agreements, Private Placement Memorandums, and Corporate Structures to Intellectual Property Assignments, to Employment Law and Beach of Contract settlements. Responsibilities include writing and executing agreements, drafting court pleadings, court appearances, mergers and acquisitions, transactional documents, managing expert specialized legal counsel, legal research and anticipating unique legal issues that could impact the Company. Conducted an acquisition of an entire line of intellectual property from a competitor. In regards to other clients, I am primarily focused on transactional law for clients in a variety of industries including, but not limited to, real estate investment, property management, and e-commerce. Work is primarily centered around entity formation and corporate structure, corporate governance agreements, PPMs, opportunity zone tax incentives, and all kinds of business to business agreements. I have also recently gained experience with Estate Planning law, drafting numerous Estate Planning documents for people such as Wills, Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Directives, and Trusts. I was selected to the Super Lawyers Southwest Rising Stars list for 2024 - 2026. Each year no more than 2.5% of the attorneys in Arizona and New Mexico are selected to the Rising Stars. I am looking to further gain legal experience in these fields of law as well as expand my legal experience assisting business start ups, and also trademark registration and licensing.
"Thanks Samuel for your thorough review of my materials. I'm incredibly impressed by your prompt turnaround in drafting my letter. The letter captured the facts perfectly and struck exactly the right tone."
Michelle T.
I am an experienced, well-rounded attorney with a background specializing in trusts and estates, contracts and business law. I have extensive experience working with simple contracts all the way up to multi-million dollar deals.
"Michelle drafted an excellent and unique Post Nuptial agreement which outlines a very specific "process" that will be used to divide assets in the event of divorce. Since assets can change value daily, traditional "splitting an asset list" methods are often outdated within a week of signing. Michelle rose to the challenge at a very reasonable price. Other, "meter man" attorneys would have charged at least 5x more. I highly recommend Michelle!"
Ted A.
Equity Investments, Agreements & Transactions | Securities & Lending | Corporate Governance | Complex Commercial Contracts | Outside General Counsel & Compliance
"Ted was extremely responsive, knowledgeable, easy to work with and was able help me the same day. I would confidently recommend him in the future."
Daehoon P.
Daehoon P.
Corporate, M&A & Securities Lawyer | Managing Attorney, DP Counsel PLLC Practice Areas: Business Formation | Commercial Contracts | Contract Drafting & Review | Mergers & Acquisitions | Venture Capital | Securities Offerings | Franchise Law | Employment & Equity Compensation | Intellectual Property | Cross-Border Transactions About/Bio: I represent companies, investors, and fund sponsors in corporate transactions, commercial contracting, and private securities matters, from entity formation and early-stage financings to acquisitions, exits, and ongoing strategic counsel. As Managing Attorney of DP Counsel PLLC, I help clients structure transactions clearly, allocate risk thoughtfully, and move deals forward with documentation that is practical, enforceable, and aligned with business objectives. My practice includes both day-to-day commercial matters and more complex transactional work, including venture financings, private offerings, M&A deals, fund-related documents, and cross-border structuring. What I Do: Corporate & Commercial • Entity formation and structuring for corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships • Operating agreements, shareholder agreements, and governance documents • Commercial contract drafting, review, and negotiation • Vendor, distribution, manufacturing, SaaS, and licensing agreements • Employment, consulting, confidentiality, and equity compensation agreements • Outside general counsel support for growing companies Securities & Private Capital • Private offerings under Regulation D and Regulation S • Private placement memoranda, subscription agreements, and investor documents • SAFE, convertible note, and priced equity financings • Venture capital and private fund formation matters • Fund governing documents and offering document packages • Securities law analysis for private capital raising transactions Mergers & Acquisitions • Letters of intent and term sheets • Stock purchase, asset purchase, and merger agreements • Due diligence coordination and transaction support • Disclosure schedules, closing documents, and post-closing matters • Earnouts, rollover equity, indemnity structures, and related deal terms • HSR, CFIUS, and related regulatory issue spotting for qualifying transactions Digital Assets & Emerging Technologies • Federal-law digital asset and token securities analysis • Entity structuring for blockchain and Web3 ventures • Digital asset fund and operating structures • AML/KYC documentation support and regulatory issue spotting Franchising • Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) • Franchise agreements • Master franchise and area development agreements • Franchise structuring and registration coordination Real Estate Transactions • Commercial real estate acquisitions and dispositions • Real estate joint ventures and syndications • Commercial lease drafting and negotiation • Real estate investment structures and related offering documents Cross-Border & International • U.S. market entry and entity structuring for international clients • Delaware and multi-entity holding structures • Cross-border transaction planning and documentation • Coordination with foreign counsel and tax advisors on cross-border matters Why Clients Hire Me: • Big-law-level drafting with boutique responsiveness • Practical, business-focused advice grounded in execution reality • Clear scoping and transparent fee arrangements • Experience across financings, acquisitions, fund formations, and cross-border transactions Typical Projects: • Contract drafting and negotiation • Entity formation and governance packages • Private offering document suites • Venture financing documentation • M&A transactions from LOI through closing • Fractional or outside general counsel support Industries Technology | SaaS | FinTech | Digital Assets | E-commerce | Healthcare | Real Estate | Food & Beverage | Professional Services
"Thanks Daehoon for going above and beyond and helping me with a lot of detailed information regarding signing multiple contracts. I was very happy with the outcome. Best"
Namrita N.
Retired Dentist transitioned to Law, with a special interest in Commercial Real Estate, Startup businesses, Asset Purchase Agreements, and Employment Contracts. I love to help dentists and physicians with legal issues pertaining to licensing, credentialing, employment, and general business-legal questions.
"Dr Notani is a top lawyer. We very much appreciate her attentiveness and expertise."
William B.
Attorney based in Southern California (for in-person matters), taking clients globally/remotely for CA-specific and Federal legals needs. Owner and operator of Alchemist Attorney, Inc. (www.alchemistattorney.com).
"Work product was good with only minor revisions for additional information."
May 28, 2025
Calleigh G.
Associate attorney
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Can a trust deed be revoked or modified after it has been established?
I recently inherited a property that was placed in a trust deed by my late father, who named me as the beneficiary. The trust deed was established several years ago and outlines specific conditions for the distribution of the property. However, I am now considering making some changes to the property, such as adding an additional structure or dividing it into separate lots. I am wondering if it is possible to revoke or modify the trust deed to accommodate these changes, or if I am bound by its original terms.
Dolan W.
Hello! My name is Dolan and I'm happy to answer your question. If your father placed the property into trust and has passed, it's important to look at the trust terms to see if the trustee has any authority to transfer the property over to you. If there is no authority for that, then you have to determine whether the property requires the trustee to approve modifications or if your dad gave you the right to make these improvements yourself. Nevertheless, when a person dies, the trust becomes irrevocable, so modifications or revocations are not permitted. Revocations are allowed if something happens like you die and there is no backup beneficiary or if the property is condemned by the state,for example. Otherwise, you have to look at the trust terms and/or speak to the trustee. We can always review these things for you here on the site. Thanks again!
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