Understanding Real Estate Documents: Deed of Trust

See a sample of a Deed of Trust, with accompanying numbers, terms and definitions.

Sample Deed of Trust
Sample Deed of Trust - Page 2
1. Recording Requested By:

The party requesting the recording, usually, the party who prepared the document for recording.

2. County Recorder’s Stamp/Recording Information

The stamp of the County in which the document was recorded. The document number is also listed here.

3. Mailing Instructions

The address directing the recorder to where the document will be mailed after recording

4. Borrower

The party who borrowed the money.

5. Lender/Beneficiary

The party who lent the money

6. Trustee

The party who holds title until the loan is paid in full

7. Legal Description

The description of a property in legal terms, typically in terms of Lot and Tract

8. Date

Typically the document is dated when it is actually signed by the trustee.

9. Signature of the Borrower

The signature of the trustee or authorized party recording the document

10. Notary seal

The seal of the notary public or authorized official who verified the identity of the signing party

11. Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN)

A number assigned by the County Assessor’s office identifying the property involved in the transaction.

12. Venue

The County and State where the document was signed and notarized.

13. Order and Escrow number

Information used by the escrow or title company for internal tracking and identifying purposes.