Understanding Real Estate Documents: Notice of Default

See a sample of a Notice of Default, with accompanying numbers, terms and definitions.

Sample Notice of Default
Sample Notice of Default - 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. Document Transfer Tax

Any tax paid based on the sale of the property. The amount varies depending on the location of the property.  Property tax rates will vary between unincorporated portions of the County and an incorporated City.

4. And When Recorded Mail To

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

5. Borrower

The party who borrowed the money.

6. Lender/Beneficiary

The party who lent the money

7. Amount in Default

Amount of the loan in default as of the date listed

8. Trustee

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

9. Legal Description

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

10. Original Deed of Trust

This indicates the Deed of Trust which has entered Default status.

11. Date

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

12. Signature of the Trustee

The signature of the trustee or authorized party recording the document

13. Notary Seal

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

14. Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN)

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

15. Venue

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