Under a land trust, the owner directs a what to hold title to the real estate?

In a land trust, the owner directs a corporate fiduciary to hold title to the real estate. This arrangement provides a layer of privacy for the property owner since the corporate fiduciary, often a bank or a trust company, will be the recorded title holder, while the actual beneficial owner remains anonymous.

The use of a corporate fiduciary is advantageous because these entities are designed to manage assets and ensure that they are handled according to the owner's wishes and in compliance with all applicable laws. They have the experience and legal structure necessary to manage trusts effectively and can help facilitate the administration of the land trust efficiently. This setup also minimizes personal liability for the property owner regarding decisions made about the property.

Other choices, such as a governmental agency, real estate agent, or family member, do not typically serve as corporate fiduciaries and therefore lack the legal and operational framework that is essential for managing a trust's assets in a way consistent with the owner’s directives.