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MERS (Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems)

MERS, or Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, is a digital system created to streamline the process of tracking mortgage loans. Instead of recording each mortgage transaction in local land records, MERS allows lenders to register and transfer mortgage rights electronically. This simplifies the process of buying, selling, and servicing mortgages, making it more efficient and reducing costs. However, MERS has faced criticism for complicating property ownership records and creating difficulties in foreclosures, as the actual holder of the mortgage may not always be clear. Overall, it plays a significant role in the modern mortgage industry.