Below is an explanation of the recording fees that can be quoted within LodeStar. These recording fees are either automatically quoted (depending on the loan type) or can be manually added, if needed.
Deed
Definition: A deed records the transfer of property ownership from one party to another (seller to buyer).
Used In: Most standard real estate sales where the buyer and seller are unrelated and financing is involved.
LodeStar Note: Automatically quoted on purchase transactions.
Mortgage / Deed of Trust
Definition: A document in which a borrower agrees to repay a loan and gives the lender a security interest in the property. If the borrower defaults, the lender may enforce its rights against the property.
Used In: Purchase and refinance transactions involving mortgage financing.
LodeStar Note: Automatically quoted on purchase and refinance transactions.
Mortgage Riders: Automatically added when specific loan criteria require them.
Release of Real Estate Lien
Definition: A document showing that a mortgage or other lien (mechanic’s lien, judgment lien, etc.) has been satisfied and the legal claim on the property is removed.
Used In: When a mortgage is paid off (refinance, sale, or resolution of a lien dispute).
LodeStar Note: Automatically quoted on refinances in applicable states/counties.
Assignment
Definition: The legal record transferring ownership of a mortgage from one lender (assignor) to another (assignee).
Used In: When a lender sells or transfers servicing/ownership of a loan.
Additional Note: Not the same as property assignment; does not allow a buyer to sell before taking possession—that applies to contract assignments, not mortgage assignments.
Modification
Definition: A recorded document that changes specific terms of an existing loan while leaving the original loan in place.
Used In: Often to help a borrower avoid foreclosure (e.g., changing rate or extending the loan term).
Power of Attorney
Definition: A document granting one party authority to act on another’s behalf.
Used In: When a party to the transaction cannot sign and authorizes an agent to sign recorded documents.
Subordination Agreement
Definition: A document that adjusts the priority of liens so lenders know which lien is paid first.
Used In: Common when a borrower has a second mortgage or HELOC and is refinancing the first mortgage; the junior lienholder must remain in second position.
Certificate of Trust
Definition: A document certifying the existence of a trust and summarizing key terms without disclosing the full trust instrument.
Used In: Transactions where the property is held in, or will be transferred to, a trust.
Quit Claim Deed
Definition: A deed where the grantor transfers whatever interest they have in a property, without warranties or guarantees.
Used In: Familial or spousal transfers, adding/removing a spouse after marriage or divorce, or correcting minor title issues (e.g., name misspellings).
Assent to Execution / Marital Waiver
Definition: A document signed by a non-owner spouse waiving marital rights so the owner-spouse can convey or encumber the property.
Used In: When one spouse individually owns the property and needs the other spouse’s consent.
Note: Differs from a quit claim deed—no consideration is exchanged, so transfer taxes typically do not apply.
Manufactured Affidavit of Affixture
Definition: A document confirming that a manufactured home has been permanently attached (“affixed”) to real property, allowing it to be treated as real estate rather than personal property.
Used In: Sales, refinances, and transactions where manufactured homes must be classified as real property for:
Mortgage financing
Tax purposes
Insurance
Sale/transfer of the home
Compliance with state DMV/housing authority requirements
Retention Agreement
Definition: A contract in which funds are temporarily held to cover future costs, obligations, or repairs that are not yet resolved at closing.
Used In: Residential real estate transactions where proceeds must be held back post-closing to address outstanding issues (e.g., repairs, lien payoffs, or unresolved fees).