Definition
After closing, your mortgage is recorded with the county so it becomes a public record and your lender's lien position is official. Recording fees are paid by you at closing.
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When a buyer finances a property with a mortgage, the lender's interest must be recorded to have legal priority over other claims. The mortgage (or deed of trust in some states) is recorded along with or shortly after the deed. Recording establishes the lender's lien position and protects the lender's ability to foreclose if the borrower defaults. Mortgage recording fees are typically paid by the buyer at closing.
Pro Tip
Verify that your mortgage has been recorded within a few weeks after closing.
Example
The mortgage note for $250,000 was recorded on April 16 in the county records, establishing First National Bank's lien position against the property. If the buyer defaults, the bank can foreclose based on this recorded lien.