Deed of Trust Forms

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Deed of Trust - What You Need to Know on Trust Deeds

If you've been wondering what are trust deeds, this article will answer popular questions such as what is a deed of trust, what is a trust deed assignment, and how a trust deed is released. The article also discusses various other concepts related to deeds of trust.

Deed of Trust

A trust deed or a deed of trust is an instrument in writing that lays down the terms and conditions of a trust agreement. A trust deed is a contract entered into between a lender and a borrower to secure payment of the borrower's debt by transferring an interest in the borrower's land to a third party known as a trustee. Deeds of trust authorize the trustee to sell trust property if the borrower fails to pay the debt.

Parties to a deed of trust are:

  • a borrower who gives the legal title of a real property to the trustee
  • a lender or a beneficiary who gives the loan
  • a trustee or a grantor who holds property for the benefit of the lender

There are different types of trust property deeds:

  • Warranty deeds - a warranty deed transfers ownership free of liens.
  • Grant deed - it transfers ownership with a guarantee that the property is not already transferred.
  • Quitclaim deed - it transfers only the rights of a transferring party on the property.

A deed of trust is similar to a mortgage. However, in a mortgage there is an actual transfer of title to the lender, whereas title is not transferred in trust deed. Mortgages are generally related with loans secured on real estate.

Many jurisdictions allow second and third trust of deeds or mortgages. A second mortgage or trust deed is a mortgage that is second in priority to another mortgage. The lender of a second mortgage loan holds a junior security interest in the real property.

When a loan is paid in full, a lender can request the trustee to return property by reconveyance. This can be done with the help of a deed of reconveyance. A reconveyance deed is an instrument issued by a lender to a borrower where the lender officially certifies that s/he is releasing claim on the property. A reconveyance deed is also known as release of mortgage document or release of deed of trust document. When a loan is fully paid, a satisfaction of mortgage is recorded with the register of deeds in the county records.

If a loan is in default, a lender can file a notice of default. After issuing notice of default to the borrower, a trustee can commence foreclosure by power of sale. In a foreclosure sale by trustee or trustee's sale, the trustee auctions the property to the highest bidder. A transfer or sale of real estate is made by preparing and recording a trust transfer deed. After the sale, a borrower can buy back the property within a stipulated period by paying the auction price plus interest and other charges. This right is known as a right of redemption.

Lenders of mortgages or trust deeds can assign mortgages to other lenders. When an assignment of mortgage is made, the assignee gets all rights of the original lender. In order to provide a valid notice of assignment, the assignment must be in writing and recorded in the records of the county where the property is situated.

A sample deed for trust and a variety of other easily downloadable deed of trust forms are available on the US Legal Forms website.

Deed of Trust FAQs

What are trust deeds?

Trust deeds or deeds of trust are legal documents that stipulate the terms and conditions of a trust. A trust is an entity created for the benefit of a person, usually a lender, in which a borrower gives legal title over real property to a trustee, who holds the property as a secured loan for the benefit of the lender. A trust property deed authorizes a trustee to hold the trust property as security for a debt between a borrower and lender. Various sample trust property deeds, deeds trust, and other deed of trust forms are available on the US Legal Forms website.

What are the various types of trust deeds?

Trust deeds vary in their nature and the purpose for which they are created. Different types of trust deeds are:

  • warranty trust deeds that transfer ownership of property held in trust free of liens
  • grant trust deeds that transfer ownership of trust property with an assurance that the property is not already transferred
  • quitclaim deeds that transfer only the rights held by a transferring party over the trust property

Apart from these, there are second and third trust of deeds or mortgages. A second mortgage will be paid only after fulfilling the first mortgage. However, the lender of a second mortgage holds a security interest in the real property.

Who are the parties to a deed for trust?

The parties to a deed for trust are:

  • borrower or settlor who creates the trust
  • lender or beneficiary who is benefited by the trust
  • trustee or grantor who holds the property for the benefit of the beneficiary

What is a trust deed release?

A trust deed release or release of mortgage is an acknowledgement by a lender that all conditions of the trust deed have been fully satisfied. After full satisfaction of the loan, a lender makes a written request to the trustee to remove lien on the property created by the trust deed. A formal document by which the lender makes a trust deed release is called a reconveyance deed. A deed of reconveyance shows full satisfaction of mortgage. When the terms of a Deed of Trust or mortgage loan are satisfied, a request of Release of Deed of Trust and the reconveyance deed must be recorded in the county records to remove the lien from the trust property.

What is a deed of trust assignment?

A deed of trust assignment is a document by which transfer of title or rights in a trust property or mortgage is made to another person. The person who makes the deed transfer is called an assignor and the person to whom the mortgage is assigned is known as an assignee. By an assignment of mortgage, the assignee gets all rights of the original lender. A deed of trust assignment is also known as trust transfer deed.

What is trustee's sale?

A trustee's sale is a sale of a property held in trust due to default in payment of a loan. A trust deed gives a trustee the power of sale when a borrower defaults on a loan payment. Before the sale procedure, proper notice of default must be made to the defaulted borrower. A borrower has the right of redemption or right of repurchase even after the trustee's sale is made. However, the redemption has to be made within a stipulated period.

Top Questions about Deed Of Trust Forms

  • Who files a deed of trust?

    Typically, the lender or the borrower's attorney files the deed of trust with the county recorder or clerk's office. This filing makes the deed of trust a matter of public record, which protects the lender's interest in the property. Using Deed of Trust Forms simplifies this filing process and ensures all necessary information is included. Keeping this document on record protects both parties involved.

  • Where do I get a trust deed?

    You can obtain a trust deed from various sources, including your lender, financial institution, or through real estate professionals. Additionally, you can find standardized Deed of Trust Forms online that suit your needs. If you want quick access to reliable templates, uslegalforms provides a comprehensive library of documents to help you acquire a trust deed efficiently.

  • Is South Carolina a deed or lien state?

    South Carolina operates primarily as a deed of trust state, not a lien state. This distinction is important as it influences how property rights are held and executed under foreclosure. Understanding whether you are dealing with deeds or liens helps in navigating the complexities of property financing. If you are unsure, uslegalforms can provide clarity and resources tailored to your state.

  • How do I create a deed of trust?

    Creating a deed of trust typically involves filling out a specific form with accurate details about the borrower, lender, and property. It is crucial to ensure that the form complies with your state's legal requirements. Using standardized deed of trust forms available through uslegalforms simplifies this process, making it easier to secure your property.

  • What states use a deed of trust instead of a mortgage?

    Several states, including California, Texas, and Virginia, utilize deed of trust forms instead of traditional mortgages. This practice allows for unique advantages, such as a quicker foreclosure process. If you are in one of these states and require a deed of trust form, uslegalforms offers state-specific templates to meet your needs.

  • Can you write your own trust deed?

    While it is legal for an individual to write their own trust deed, it is advisable to use established deed of trust forms to ensure compliance with legal requirements. Drafting your own forms may lead to mistakes that could affect your rights or complicate the process. Therefore, utilizing pre-approved deed of trust forms available on uslegalforms provides peace of mind and legal security.

  • Is South Carolina a deed of trust state?

    Yes, South Carolina is classified as a deed of trust state. This means that when a property is financed, a deed of trust is commonly executed as the primary security instrument. Understanding this legal framework helps borrowers make informed decisions about their financing. If you need a deed of trust form tailored to South Carolina laws, uslegalforms can assist you.