Deeds of Trust in California are Practically and Substantially only Mortgages with a Power of Sale

As we explained in describing “the anomalous nature of deeds of trust in this state” (Bank of Italy etc. Assn. v. Bentley (1933) 217 Cal. 644, 657 [20 P.2d 940]), “deeds of trust, except for the passage of title for the purpose of the trust, are practically and substantially only mortgages with a power of sale….” (Ibid.) In practical effect, if not in legal parlance, a deed of trust is a lien on the property.

And a few other tidbits:

“Just as a panda is not a true bear, a trustee of a deed of trust is not a true trustee.” (Stephens, Partain & Cunningham v. Hollis (1987) 196 Cal. App.3d 948, 955 [242 Cal. Rptr. 251].)