What is the term used to describe the lender in a mortgage transaction?

In a mortgage transaction, the lender is referred to as the mortgagee. This term specifically denotes the party that lends money to the borrower (the mortgagor) for the purpose of purchasing a property. The mortgagee holds the mortgage as security for the loan, meaning they have a legal claim to the property should the borrower default on the loan.

The concept of the mortgagee being the lender is fundamental in understanding mortgage agreements and the roles of the parties involved. This term is crucial for real estate professionals to grasp, as it relates to the financing of property and the legal rights associated with mortgage obligations.