Finance and Mortgage Directory

Mortgage is legal document by which the owner transfers to the lender an interest in real estate to secure the repayment of a debt, evidenced by a mortgage note. When the debt is repaid, the mortgage is discharged, and a satisfaction of mortgage is recorded with the register or recorder of deeds in the county where the mortgage was recorded. Because most people cannot afford to buy real estate with cash, nearly every real estate transaction involves a mortgage.

The mortgage must be executed according to the formalities required by the laws of the state where the property is located. It must describe the real estate and be signed by all owners; including no owner spouses if the property is a homestead. Some states require witnesses as well as acknowledgement before a notary public.

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