The mortgage owner—often referred to as the mortgage lender or note holder—is the financial institution, bank, or corporate entity that legally holds the promissory note and provides the funds for a real estate loan. While a borrower retains the deed and title to the property, the mortgage owner possesses the security interest that allows them to place a lien on the home until the debt is fully satisfied. In many cases, the original lender sells the servicing rights or the underlying mortgage-backed security to a secondary market investor or government-sponsored enterprise like Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Reviewing your annual mortgage statements or contacting your loan servicer will clarify precisely who currently owns the financial rights to your loan note.