Deed of trust

The paper that lets a lender start foreclosure if the loan is not paid is not the same paper that transfers title. In many states that security paper is called a deed of trust. The promissory note is the promise to repay. The ownership deed changes who owns the home.

CFPB’s official security-interest page says the document granting that interest is commonly called a mortgage or a deed of trust. That official naming is PRIMARY. The closing-process page is supporting context.

People hear deed and deed of trust and think they are the same document. They answer different legal jobs.

• Deed

• Foreclosure
• Mortgage
• Promissory note

This page names the security instrument. It is not a foreclosure-procedure guide.