Q. What is the difference between a Mortgage Agreement and a Deed of Trust? A. Essentially both documents serve the same purpose; the borrower is using the property as security to acquire the lender's loan. A mortgage creates a lien on the Mortgagor's property and that serves as security for the loan. The mortgage is between the borrower and the lender. While in a Deed of Trust, a lien still exists and serves the same function; however, a third party called the Trustee is also involved. The neutral third party will hold the title temporary for the Beneficiary (the lender), until the loan is fully paid.