Trustee Sale
Definition
A trustee sale is a type of foreclosure where a trustee, appointed under a deed of trust, sells the property at auction to satisfy the debt.
Example
Maria defaults on her mortgage, which is secured by a deed of trust. The lender instructs the trustee to sell the property. The trustee advertises the sale and holds a public auction. A buyer purchases the property at the trustee sale and receives a trustee's deed.
Exam Tip
Focus on the fact that trustee sales are associated with deeds of trust and non-judicial foreclosures. Understand that the trustee acts on behalf of the lender to sell the property quickly and efficiently. The buyer at a trustee sale receives a deed, granting them ownership.
Related Financing Terms
Conventional Loan
A conventional loan is a mortgage that is not insured or guaranteed by a government agency such as the FHA, VA, or USDA. It is originated and funded by private lenders and may be conforming or non-conforming.
FHA Loan
An FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration that allows lower down payments and credit scores than conventional loans. It is designed to help first-time homebuyers and borrowers with limited resources.
VA Loan
A VA loan is a mortgage guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. It offers no down payment and no private mortgage insurance requirements.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage
A fixed-rate mortgage has an interest rate that remains constant for the entire term of the loan, resulting in equal monthly principal and interest payments throughout the life of the mortgage.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)
An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) has an interest rate that changes periodically based on market conditions, typically after an initial fixed-rate period. The rate adjustment is tied to a financial index plus a margin.
Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV)
The loan-to-value ratio (LTV) is the percentage of a property's appraised value or purchase price (whichever is lower) that is being financed through a mortgage. LTV = Loan Amount / Property Value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Test Your Financing Knowledge
Practice with exam-style questions to make sure you can apply Trustee Sale and other financing concepts.