In real estate in the United States, a deed of trust or trust deed is a legal instrument which is used to create a security interest in real property wherein legal title in real property is transferred to a trustee, which holds it as security for a loan between a borrower and lender.

What is a trustee deed?

A trustee deed—sometimes called a deed of trust or a trust deed—is a legal document created when someone purchases real estate in a trust deed state, such as California (check your local laws to see what is required in your state). A trust deed is used in place of a mortgage.

What does it mean when a trustee owns a house?

When you buy a home in trust, you can become the trustee (rather than the outright owner) of the property. Then, when you die, a person or financial institution you have designated becomes the trustee. The trustee is essentially the administrator of the assets in a trust, in this case, a home.