Which document secures a mortgage loan by transferring property title to a trustee?

The document that secures a mortgage loan by transferring property title to a trustee is the deed of trust. This legal instrument serves as a security agreement in which the borrower conveys the title of the property to a trustee, who holds it on behalf of the lender until the borrower repays the loan. The key aspect of a deed of trust is that it involves three parties: the borrower (trustor), the lender (beneficiary), and the trustee. This structure allows the lender to initiate a non-judicial foreclosure if the borrower defaults, as the title is held by the trustee.

In contrast, the mortgage agreement primarily outlines the terms and conditions of the loan, while the promissory note is a document that signifies the borrower's promise to repay the loan amount under the specified terms. The closing disclosure pertains to the final details of the loan transaction, including costs and loan terms, but does not secure the loan in the manner that a deed of trust does. Thus, the deed of trust is the correct choice as it directly relates to the security of the mortgage loan by transferring title to a trustee.