| name | mortgage-deed-of-trust |
| title | Mortgage / Deed of Trust |
| description | Drafts recording-ready residential Mortgages or Deeds of Trust with jurisdiction-appropriate instrument selection, uniform covenants, default/foreclosure provisions, and execution formalities. Use when drafting mortgage instruments, deeds of trust, security instruments for home loans, or real estate financing documents. |
| author | CaseMark |
| author_url | https://github.com/CaseMark/skills/tree/main/skills/legal/mortgage-deed-of-trust |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| version | 0.1.0 |
| execution_mode | open |
| jurisdiction | us |
| practice | real-estate |
| language | en |
Mortgage / Deed of Trust
Drafts a recording-ready residential security instrument appropriate to the property's jurisdiction. Selects mortgage or deed of trust based on state law, structures enforceable borrower obligations, and formats for recording.
Prerequisites
Gather before drafting:
- Jurisdiction — property state dictates instrument type
- Note terms — principal, rate, payment schedule, maturity, special features (ARM, balloon, prepayment)
- Title commitment — full legal description, exceptions, encumbrances
- Parties — all borrowers (exact names as on deed), lender (legal name, org status), trustee if deed of trust
- Property — legal description, street address, county, parcel ID
- Special circumstances — condo, PUD, second home, investment property, flood zone
Instrument Selection
| Factor | Mortgage | Deed of Trust |
|---|
| Title | Borrower retains title; lender holds lien | Title conveyed to trustee |
| Foreclosure | Judicial (court proceedings) | Non-judicial (power of sale) |
| Parties | Borrower + Lender | Trustor + Trustee + Beneficiary |
| Granting language | "mortgage, grant, and convey unto Lender" | "irrevocably grant, transfer, and assign to Trustee, in trust, with power of sale" |
Use state law to determine instrument. Never default — always confirm jurisdiction.
Document Structure
1. Recitals & Granting Clause
- All parties with full legal names and capacities
- Recite the note: date, principal, payee
- Granting clause: land, improvements, fixtures, appurtenances, easements, after-acquired fixtures
- Security language: "to secure payment of indebtedness evidenced by promissory note of even date in the principal amount of $[AMOUNT], together with all renewals, extensions, and modifications"
2. Property Description
- Legal description matching title commitment exactly (controls over address)
- Street address, city/township, county, state
- Parcel/tax ID if available
3. Uniform Covenants
