In real estate transactions, a trust deed transfers the legal title of a property to a third party until the borrower repays their debt to the lender. Some states allow both mortgages and deeds of trust.A main difference is that a mortgage foreclosure proceeding needs to go through the courts. The main difference between a mortgage and deed of trust is the number of parties involved with the transaction. A Deed of Trust is a legal document similar to a home mortgage. It guarantees a real estate transaction between a lender and a borrower. While the two are similar, a deed of trust involves more people in the sale of a property and is not executed through the judicial system. Deed of trust: Grantor: Borrowers; Grantee: First trustee listed on deed of trust (please put TR for trustee in the suffix box). Subordination Agreement:. Like a mortgage, a deed of trust agreement obligates the borrower to repay a home loan, with the home serving as collateral if they default.