If you take a loan out for a house do you get the deed before the loan is paid off or after?

You get the deed when the mortgage (loan) is paid off.

It depends on the state where the property is located. In states that use a Deed of Trust you get the Deed when the loan is paid off. In states that use a Mortgage you receive the Deed when you close on the purchase. The original Mortgage Note and Mortgage get returned to you after the loan is paid off.