Trust Deed Investing For High Yield
If you are looking for a way to diversify your investment portfolio and generate high yields with minimal risk, trust deed investing may be the perfect solution for you. Trust deed investing is a type of real estate investment that involves investing in deeds of trust, which are legal documents that secure loans made to borrowers to purchase or refinance real estate.
In this article, we will provide an introduction to trust deed investing, including what it is, how it works, and the potential benefits and risks associated with this type of investment.
What is Trust Deed Investing?
Trust deed investing involves investing in deeds of trust, which are legal documents that serve as security for loans made to borrowers to purchase or refinance real estate. When a borrower obtains a loan to purchase or refinance a property, they sign a promissory note, which outlines the terms of the loan, including the repayment schedule, interest rate, and other details.
The deed of trust, on the other hand, is a legal document that is recorded with the county (in some U.S. states) where the property is located. The deed of trust gives the lender a security interest in the property and allows them to foreclose on the property if the borrower defaults on the loan.
As a trust deed investor, you invest in the deed of trust, which gives you a secured interest in the property. This means that if the borrower defaults on the loan, you have the right to foreclose on the property and recoup your investment.
How Does Trust Deed Investing Work?
Trust deed investing involves working with a private lender or a mortgage broker who originates loans secured by deeds of trust. These loans are typically short-term, ranging from six months to three years, and carry higher interest rates than traditional bank loans.
As a trust deed investor, you provide the funds for the loan and receive a return on your investment in the form of interest payments. The interest rate on the loan is typically higher than the rate of return on other fixed-income investments, such as bonds or CDs, making trust deed investing an attractive option for investors seeking higher yields.
The borrower makes monthly payments to the lender, which includes both principal and interest.
As a trust deed investor, you receive a portion of the interest payments, which can range from 8% to 12% or more, depending on the loan terms and the level of risk involved.
If the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender has the right to foreclose on the property and recoup their investment. As a trust deed investor, you also have the right to foreclose on the property if the borrower defaults on the loan. If the property is sold at auction, you will receive your investment back, along with any interest that has accrued.

Benefits of Trust Deed Investing
- High Yields: One of the biggest benefits of trust deed investing is the potential for high yields (think 10% yield on average). The interest rates on trust deed investments are typically higher than other fixed-income investments, making them an attractive option for investors seeking higher returns.
- Diversification: Trust deed investing provides an opportunity to diversify a portion of your investment portfolio by investing in real estate. Real estate investments have historically provided higher yields than other asset classes, such as stocks and bonds.
- Security: Trust deed investments are secured by real estate, which provides a level of security for investors. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender can foreclose on the property and recoup their investment. This means that trust deed investors have a secured interest in the property and are not dependent on the borrower’s ability to repay the loan.
- Short-Term Investments: Trust deed investments are typically short-term, ranging from six months to three years. This allows investors to earn high yields on their investments without committing their funds for an extended period.
- Passive Income: Trust deed investing provides a passive income stream for investors. Once you have invested in a trust deed, you do not need to actively manage the investment. You receive regular interest payments and, if the borrower repays the loan, you receive your investment back. As a trust deed investor, you receive a portion of the interest payments, which can range from 8% to 12% (or more), depending on the loan terms and other factors.
Risks of Trust Deed Investing
- Default Risk: As with any investment, trust deed investing carries some level of risk. If the borrower defaults on the loan, you may lose some or all of your investment. It is important to thoroughly evaluate the borrower’s creditworthiness and the value of the property before investing in a trust deed.
- Liquidity Risk: Trust deed investments are not as liquid as other types of investments. If you need to sell your investment before the loan matures, you may have difficulty finding a buyer. It is important to have a long-term investment horizon when investing in trust deeds.
- Market Risk: Trust deed investments are tied to the real estate market, which can be volatile. If property values decline, the value of your investment may also decline. It is important to thoroughly evaluate the real estate market before investing in a trust deed.
- Interest Rate Risk: The interest rate on a trust deed investment is usually fixed for the term of the loan. If interest rates rise, the value of your investment may decline. It is important to consider the interest rate environment when investing in a trust deed.
- Property Condition Risk: The condition of the property securing the loan can impact the value of your investment. It is important to evaluate the condition of the property and ensure that it is properly maintained.
How to Invest in Trust Deeds
If you are interested in investing in trust deeds, there are a few steps you can take to get started.
- Educate Yourself: Before investing in trust deeds, it is important to educate yourself on the process and the risks involved. You can read books, attend seminars, and speak with other investors to learn more about trust deed investing.
- Work with a Professional: It is important to work with a professional who has experience in trust deed investing. A mortgage broker or real estate attorney can help you identify investment opportunities and evaluate the risks involved.
- Conduct Due Diligence: Before investing in a trust deed, it is important to conduct due diligence on the borrower and the property. This may include reviewing the borrower’s credit history, evaluating the property’s value, and inspecting the property.
- Invest with Caution: Trust deed investing carries some level of risk, and it is important to invest with caution. Start by investing a small amount and gradually increase your investments as you become more comfortable with the process. Trust deeds should never make up your entire investment portfolio.
Trust Deed Investing – In Summary
Trust deed investing is a high-yield (average 10% yield) real estate investment that can provide an attractive option for investors seeking passive income and diversification. However, it is important to thoroughly evaluate the risks and conduct due diligence before investing in a trust deed.
By working with a professional and educating yourself on the process, you can make informed investment decisions and potentially earn high yields on your investments. With careful planning and investment management, trust deed investing can be a valuable addition to your investment portfolio.
Cheers