A balloon note is a type of loan where the borrower makes small monthly payments for a specified period, usually a few years, followed by a lump-sum payment at the end. It is called a balloon note because the final payment "balloons" in size compared to the regular payments made during the loan term. One example of a balloon note is a real estate loan known as a balloon mortgage. In this case, the borrower typically makes lower monthly payments for a specific period, such as five or seven years, and at the end of the term, the remaining balance must be paid in full. This final payment is often much higher than the monthly installments, hence the term "balloon." Another common example of a balloon note is an installment loan with a balloon payment. This type of loan may be used for various purposes, such as purchasing a car or equipment. The borrower pays smaller monthly installments for a certain period, usually a few years, and at the end, a larger balloon payment is required to satisfy the remaining balance. Balloon notes can be advantageous for borrowers who can afford lower monthly payments for a specific time and anticipate having sufficient funds to make the final lump-sum payment. It is particularly useful for individuals who expect a significant increase in income or plan to sell an asset to cover the balloon payment. However, balloon notes also come with risks. If the borrower fails to make the final payment, they may need to refinance or sell the asset to fulfill the obligation. Failure to do so could result in default and potential foreclosure or repossession. In summary, balloon notes are loans that involve smaller monthly payments over a specified period, followed by a larger lump-sum payment at the end. They are commonly found in real estate and installment loan scenarios and provide flexibility for borrowers, but also come with certain risks.