Deed vs. Note vs. Mortgage: What’s the Difference? - Stock & Leader (2024)

Deed vs. Note vs. Mortgage: What’s the Difference? - Stock & Leader (1)

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Author: Jody Anderson Leighty
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People tend to throw around the terms “Deed” and “Mortgage,” and use them interchangeably when they’re talking about owning property. But what really is the difference?

Well, there is actually a distinct difference between a Deed and a Mortgage, and in fact, there’s is one additional document that often goes unmentioned but is most important. It’s called the Note.

Here’s what you need to know about all three:

Deed: This is the document that proves ownership of a property. It transfers ownership of the property to the grantee, also known as the buyer. That means, anyone identified as the grantee in a Deed is an owner of the property. The Deed is recorded in the Courthouse and the original is returned to the buyer a few weeks later.

Note: This is the “IOU” between a lender and a borrower. So whoever is a borrower on the Note is personally liable for paying back the debt to the lender. The Note is not recorded in the Courthouse, so the original Note is returned to the lender upon closing.

Mortgage: This is the document that gives the lender a security interest in the property until the Note is paid in full. If the debt is not paid, then the lender can enforce its security interest by foreclosing on the property. Anyone who is on the Deed of the property being used as collateral must be on the Mortgage. However, just because someone is on the Mortgage, doesn’t mean that they are personally liable for the debt. Only the person that signs the Note is personally liable for the debt.

So, as a rule of thumb, if someone is on the Deed, they must be on the Mortgage. But just because they are on the Mortgage, doesn’t mean they are on the Note. For example, often times one spouse may have bad credit so they are not on the Note (lenders sometimes say “they are not on the loan”), but both spouses are on the Deed, so both spouses have to be on the Mortgage. It is important to recognize the difference between a Deed, a Note and a Mortgage, because they definitely have different legal implications.

Contact one of our real estate attorneys to learn more.

Deed vs. Note vs. Mortgage: What’s the Difference? - Stock & Leader (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a deed and a note? ›

To Recap: The Deed is a recorded document memorializing the transfer of property from the Grantor to the Grantee. The Note is an unrecorded paper that binds an individual who has assumed debt through a promise-to-pay instrument.

Who holds the deed and the note? ›

The Note and Deed of Trust must have a “Trustee” – a disinterested third party who is called upon to issue the Reconveyance when the loan is paid in full.

Is it more important to be on the deed or mortgage? ›

If your name on deed but not on mortgage death, you own the property if one of you dies. You are not liable for the mortgage loan if you do not have a mortgage. However, if your spouse dies, you inherit their interest in the property. The mortgage lender can evict you if you default on mortgage payments.

What is the difference between a mortgage and a note? ›

A mortgage note is a written agreement outlining the specifics of a mortgage loan. Whereas a mortgage, is a loan backed by actual property. A mortgage note, also known as a promissory note, is the document that is generated and signed at the time of closing.

What are the disadvantages of a deed? ›

There are several reasons why:
  • The seller retains the title. This can extend through the completion of your payment plan, which can complicate things like ownership and taxes, as well as personal security and rights.
  • Maintenance gets confusing. ...
  • There's little regulation. ...
  • Sellers don't have it easy.

What is the primary difference between the note and mortgage and the deed of trust? ›

A mortgage or deed of trust is an agreement in which a borrower puts up title to real estate as security (collateral) for a loan. People often refer to a home loan as a "mortgage." But a mortgage isn't a loan agreement. The promissory note promises to repay the amount you borrowed to buy a home.

Who holds the mortgage and who holds the note? ›

Who holds the mortgage note? As the borrower, you'll receive a copy of your mortgage note at closing, not the original. The original mortgage note is held by your mortgage lender or servicer until (or unless) the lender sells it on the secondary market. Most lenders do this relatively quickly after closing.

Can someone be on the mortgage but not the deed? ›

Both owners of the home, typically being spouses listed on the deed, do not have to both be listed on the mortgage. Remember that the mortgage does not indicate who the owner of the home is, so not being listed on the mortgage will have no effect on your ownership of the home.

Can someone be on the mortgage and not on the note? ›

If you take out a home loan and are on the property's deed, you'll likely have to sign the mortgage. But even if the lender requires you to sign the mortgage, you might not have to sign the note.

Can my wife be on the title but not the mortgage? ›

Yes, you can put your spouse on the title without putting them on the mortgage. This would mean that they share ownership of the home but aren't legally responsible for making mortgage payments.

Which is better deed or title? ›

When you own a home, the deed is the physical document that proves ownership. The title is the concept of legal ownership that the deed grants you. You can think of the deed as the document that transfers, or passes on, the title or the right to ownership. When you buy a home, you need both.

What if my wife is not on the deed? ›

What Does It Mean If Your Name Is Not on the Deed? If your name isn't on the deed, you're not the legal owner. However, in a divorce, the court looks at the contribution of both spouses to the marriage, which includes non-financial contributions, when dividing assets.

What is another name for a mortgage note? ›

A promissory note is a legal document representing the borrower's agreement to repay the loan. The note details the loan value, the interest rate charged by the lender, the due dates for payments, and the loan terms. 1.

Can you sell a mortgage note? ›

A mortgage note is a relatively easy-to-sell, high-value asset, so selling it can provide the owner with the funds they need to address an urgent financial need.

What is the purpose of a mortgage note? ›

It will include your loan amount, down payment, repayment term and additional conditions set by the mortgage lender. The mortgage note is signed by borrowers at the end of the home buying process stating your promise to repay the money you're borrowing from your mortgage lender.

Can you be on the note and not the deed? ›

Mortgages are filed in the courthouse as public record, and anyone listed on the deed must be listed on the mortgage. But that person doesn't have to be the same person listed on the note as the party responsible for the debt.

What is a note on a property? ›

A mortgage note is a legal document signed when closing on a mortgage. The mortgage note contains details about a loan, including interest, monthly payments, and penalties for late payments. 1. The mortgage note establishes the property as collateral for the loan.

Why would you use a deed? ›

Not only do they provide legal certainty by documenting the terms of the property transaction, but they also ensure that both parties fully understand their rights and obligations throughout the process. Without conveyancing deeds, there may be legal complications to consider.

Is a deed better than a title? ›

Is A Deed Better Than A Title? When you buy a home, you need both the deed and the title; one isn't better than the other. The title is the concept of legal ownership while the deed is the document that proves ownership.

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