A mortgage gives a creditor a lien on a debtor's real property as security for payment of a debt.

Mortgage

A written instrument that gives a creditor (the mortgagee) an interest in, or lien on, the debtor’s (mortgagor’s) real property as security for a debt. If the debt is not paid, the property can be sold by the creditor and the proceeds used to pay the debt.

Creditor

An individual, institution, or entity that lends money or extends credit, expecting to be repaid.

Lien

A claim against specific property to satisfy a debt.