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FinancingDeed_of_trust_vs_mortgageMEDIUM

James is a Maryland real estate salesperson helping a buyer client understand the closing documents. The buyer asks why the security instrument is called a deed of trust rather than a mortgage. James correctly explains that the key legal difference is that a deed of trust, unlike a mortgage, does which of the following?

Correct Answer

B) Transfers legal title to a neutral trustee, enabling non-judicial foreclosure upon default

The fundamental legal distinction of a deed of trust is that the borrower conveys legal title to a neutral third-party trustee at closing. This title transfer is what enables non-judicial foreclosure (trustee's sale) upon default, because the trustee already holds title and can conduct a sale without a court order. This is the primary reason deeds of trust are preferred in Maryland — they allow faster, less expensive foreclosure than mortgages.

Answer Options
A
Requires the borrower to pay a higher interest rate due to the added risk to the lender
B
Transfers legal title to a neutral trustee, enabling non-judicial foreclosure upon default
C
Gives the lender the right to collect rent from the property during the loan term
D
Requires court approval before the lender can declare the loan in default

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

deed_of_trustnon_judicial_foreclosurelegal_titletrusteemortgage_comparison
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