A simple promissory note might be for a lump sum repayment on a certain date. For example, let's say you lend your friend $1,000 and he agrees to repay you by December 1st. The full amount is due on that date, and there is no payment schedule involved.
Promissory notes are specific to loans and repayment agreements. They outline the borrower's promise to repay a debt, along with the terms and conditions of repayment. Contracts, on the other hand, cover a broader spectrum of agreements and relationships, including sales, services, partnerships, employment, and more.
Bonds: these are medium and long-term debt securities, with a pre-established return. Promissory notes: they are debt securities with short-term maturities.
Yes, a properly executed promissory note is legally binding. As long as the note contains all necessary elements, is signed by the involved parties, and complies with applicable laws, it's enforceable in court if the borrower defaults or fails to meet their obligations.
Promissory notes with balloon payments are a financing option you may be considering for your business. These types of loans may be secured by collateral or not, but they always end their repayment schedule with a big payment, known as the balloon payment.
Most promissory notes must be registered as securities with the SEC and the states in which they're being sold. But remember that some promissory notes, such as those that have nine-month or shorter terms, may be “exempt.” That means that they don't have to be registered.
There may or may not be a balloon payment at the end of an interest-only mortgage. It's more common for the monthly payments to increase after an initial, interest-only period of between five and 10 years.
But what exactly do you need to write a promissory note? Include their full legal names, addresses, and contact numbers—include any co-signers if applicable. The terms of this note should specify the amount borrowed, repayment terms (including interest rate, if applicable), and the due date or schedule of payments.