A deed of trust creates a lien on the purchased property when it is executed and delivered by the trustor/borrower to the beneficiary (usually the lender). Once executed and delivered, the deed of trust takes priority as a security against the property in relation to any other liens previously recorded.
Property liens A lien will show up in a property title search. If you are trying to sell your home, you'll need to settle the dispute with the lienholder—in this case, the mortgage lender—to clear the title and proceed with the sale.
If you're lucky, your county might even provide a self-service official records search site. From here, you may be able to look up your property, locate the deed, and download a copy of your deed onto the computer. Be prepared to provide the owner's name, property street address, and parcel number if you have it.
You can search for property records and property ownership information online, in person, or over the phone with a 311 representative. Property owners of all boroughs except Staten Island can visit ACRIS. To search documents for Staten Island property, visit the Richmond County Clerk's website.
The deed, when recorded, became a permanent part of the County property records. If you should lose your original deed, you may obtain a certified copy of your deed from the County Recorder in which the land is located. A county certified copy can be used in the place of the original.
You'll find most California property deeds at the County Clerk's office, also called the Registrar/Recorder office. Some of them provide online searches. Others require visiting their offices. For example, the San Diego County Clerk's Office provides online searches.
For Deeds, Mortgages or other property related records, consult the County Recorder of the county where the transaction occurred. See for county recorder contact information.