California Deed of Trust Form

A California deed of trust transfers a homebuyer’s property title to a trustee for the purpose of securing a debt to a loan provider. Upon full repayment of the loan, the title is released from the trustee to the homebuyer. Should they fail to repay the loan and default on the agreement, the trustee may enforce their “power of sale,” allowing for the non-judicial foreclosure of the property.

California Deed of Trust Form

A California deed of trust transfers a homebuyer’s property title to a trustee for the purpose of securing a debt to a loan provider. Upon full repayment of the loan, the title is released from the trustee to the homebuyer. Should they fail to repay the loan and default on the agreement, the trustee may enforce their “power of sale,” allowing for the non-judicial foreclosure of the property.

Last updated April 19th, 2025

A California deed of trust transfers a homebuyer’s property title to a trustee for the purpose of securing a debt to a loan provider. Upon full repayment of the loan, the title is released from the trustee to the homebuyer. Should they fail to repay the loan and default on the agreement, the trustee may enforce their “power of sale,” allowing for the non-judicial foreclosure of the property.

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The grantor must execute the deed and acknowledge their signature before a notary.[1] Deeds are recorded with the County Recorder.[2]

The following formatting standards must be met before submitting a deed for recording[3]:

  • Between 8.5″ x 11″ and 8.5″ x 14″ in size
  • 0.5″ side margins, and min. 2.5″ top margin with 3.5″ space in top left of first page

Deed of Trust Foreclosure

Once a trustor satisfies their loan obligation, the title is returned to them by a Deed of Reconveyance. In the event of a default, a deed of trust foreclosure goes as follows[4]:

  1. At least 30 days before a Notice of Default is recorded, the beneficiary must contact the trustor and attempt to find a foreclosure alternative.[5]
  2. After at least 120 days from the initial default, the Notice of Default can be recorded by the trustee or beneficiary.[6]
  3. If the trustor cannot resolve the default within three months of the Notice of Default’s recording, the trustee or beneficiary can record a Notice of Trustee Sale specifying when the property will be sold.[7]

Deed of Trust (Preview)