Who is referred to as the lender of the funds in a loan?

The term "mortgagee" refers specifically to the lender of funds in a loan agreement, particularly in the context of real estate financing. In a mortgage transaction, the mortgagee is the institution or individual that provides the funds for the borrower to acquire a property, typically secured by a mortgage lien on that property. This relationship establishes the lender as the party providing financial resources, effectively holding the legal right to collect loan payments and possess a claim against the property if the borrower defaults.

On the other hand, other roles such as a broker, guarantor, and investor have distinct responsibilities within real estate transactions but do not fit the definition of a lender. A broker acts as an intermediary in the transaction, facilitating communication between buyers and sellers or lenders and borrowers. A guarantor provides a guarantee to assume responsibility for the loan if the primary borrower defaults, offering a layer of security to the lender but not originating the loan themselves. An investor, while they may provide funds, often participates in various investment activities and may create a more complex financial relationship rather than being a direct lender in a simple loan scenario.