Even though Deeds of Trust and mortgages are similar in function, there are some important distinctions between them. Let’s explore their key similarities and differences.
Similarities
Here are some similarities between Deeds of Trust and mortgages:
1. Basic purpose
Deeds of Trust and Mortgage Agreements serve the same basic purpose. They’re both agreements that empower lenders to foreclose on borrowers' property if they don’t pay. With both documents, a property’s title is essentially collateral (security) for the loan.
2. Option for guarantor
Both Deeds of Trust and mortgages can involve a guarantor, the person jointly liable for the loan if the trustor defaults. Having a guarantor is not necessarily a requirement, although a lender may require a borrower to have one.
3. State governed
State laws decide which type of contract the parties have to use. In some states, you must use a mortgage. In others, you have to use a Deed of Trust. Some states allow you to use either.
Differences
Here are some differences between Deeds of Trust and mortgages:
1. Number of parties
A mortgage is between two parties, the borrower and the lender. A Deed of Trust has three parties, the borrower, lender, and trustee.
2. Foreclosure process
When a Deed of Trust includes a power of sale clause and the borrower defaults, the lender has the right to foreclose on the property. Deeds of Trust have a non-judicial foreclosure process, meaning the lender does not have to go through the court system to sell the property.
Alternatively, if a borrower has a mortgage and is facing foreclosure, the case might need to go through the court process because mortgages often have a judicial foreclosure process.
Going through the court system takes much more time and money for both the borrower and the lender. Therefore, using a Deed of Trust may be preferable for lenders in states where you can use either a Deed of Trust or a Mortgage Agreement.