A deed of trust is a document which pledges real property to secure a loan, used instead of a mortgage in certain states. A deed of trust involves a third party called a trustee, usually an attorney of officer of the lender, who acts on behalf of the lender. When you sign a deed of trust, you in effect are giving a trustee title to the property, but you hold the rights and privileges to use and live in or on the property. If the loan becomes delinquent the beneficiary can file a notice of default and, if the loan is not brought current, can demand that the trustee begin foreclosure on the property so that the beneficiary (lender) may either be paid or obtain title. Unlike a mortgage, a deed of trust also gives the trustee the right to foreclose on your property without taking you to court first.
An agreement modifying a promissory note and deed of trust should be signed by both parties to the transaction and recorded in the office of the register of deeds and mortgages where the original deed of trust was recorded.
