Promissory Note Secured Real Property

Small businesses frequently borrow money, or extend credit, in the course of their operations. A promissory note is the document that sets forth the terms of a loan's repayment. A promissory note can be secured with a pledge of collateral, which is something of value that can be seized if a borrower defaults.

A promissory note basically includes the name of both parties (lender and borrower), date of the loan, the amount, the date the loan will be repaid in full, frequency of loan payments, the interest rate charged on the loan payments, and any security agreement.

To secure a promissory note means that you identify some specific property and attach it to the note. Then, if the borrower defaults on the loan, you will be able to repossess the collateral as compensation for the loan.

A promissory note or promissory letter is a legal instrument that details a contractual agreement between two parties. When the parties are in agreement and sign the promissory note, it becomes a legally binding instrument that obligates both parties to perform according to their agreement.

In order for a promissory note to be valid, both the lender and the borrower must sign the documentation. If you are a co-signer for the loan, you are required to sign the promissory note. Being a co-signer requires you to repay the loan amount in the instance that the borrower defaults on payment.

Write the date of the writing of the promissory note at the top of the page. Write the amount of the note. Describe the note terms. Write the interest rate. State if the note is secured or unsecured. Include the names of both the lender and the borrower on the note, indicating which person is which.

Although a promissory note is usually written on a computer and printed out or a pre-made form is filled out, a handwritten promissory note signed by both parties is legal and will stand up in court.

Unlike a mortgage or deed of trust, the promissory note isn't recorded in the county land records. The lender holds the promissory note while the loan is outstanding. When the loan is paid off, the note is marked as "paid in full" and returned to the borrower.

A simple promissory note might be for a lump sum repayment on a certain date. For example, you lend your friend $1,000 and he agrees to repay you by December 1. The full amount is due on that date, and there is no payment schedule involved.