What is a promissory note? Definition and explanation

be unfamiliar to you. One such term is “promissory note,” which will come up if you’re using lender money to finance your home purchase.

A promissory note is essentially a legal IOU that says you, the borrower, formally agree in writing that you’ll repay a loan.

Let’s go over what a promissory note is in real estate, the different types of promissory notes, what a promissory note contains and more.

What is a promissory note?

A promissory note is a written agreement between two parties –you, the borrower, who will repay the second party, often a bank or other financial institution. Anyone lending money (like home sellers, credit unions, mortgage lenders and banks, for instance) can issue a promissory note.

But specific to real estate and the mortgage process, promissory notes serve as an agreement that the borrower will repay their mortgage loan by the maturity date.

Mortgage note vs. promissory note

It’s worth making the distinction between a promissory note and a mortgage note. While all mortgage notes are promissory notes, not all promissory notes are mortgage notes.

A promissory note is a legally binding, written promise from a borrower to repay a loan to their lender. A mortgage note is a document that outlines the terms of a mortgage. It includes information such as the down payment amount, the principal amount, whether the interest rate is fixed or adjustable and whether the borrower pays a prepayment penalty if the loan is paid off early.

Essential elements of a promissory note

A promissory note is, ultimately, a legal document outlining the terms of the agreement. But the document also includes additional relevant information about the loan.

While each state has its rules governing what must be in the document, standard items that you may expect to see within a promissory note include:

Identification of parties

• Borrower’s name and contact information
• Lender details and contact information

Monetary values

• Total amount of money to be borrowed
• Interest rate being charged and how it’s been calculated
• Additional fees and charges, if applicable

Repayment terms

• Date first payment is required
• Required payment amount
• Number of required payments
• Frequency with which payments will be made
• Repayment terms and options
• Loan maturity date
• Loan conditions
• Collateral involved (in the case of a mortgage, the property)
• Possible explanations of default and consequences (these are not always included)
• Waivers, if applicable

Signatures and execution

• Date and location of note issuance
• Signatures of both parties (this is what makes it legally binding)

When should you use a promissory note?

Any time a company, bank or person loans money to another individual, a promissory note should be used. Promissory notes can be used for a variety of circumstances, including mortgages, car loans, student loans and personal loans.

Are promissory notes always required?

There are some instances when a lender may not require a promissory note, such as a small loan between friends of family members. However, if there is no promissory note, there’s not much a lender can do to enforce the repayment of their loan. A promissory note is always a good idea to ensure the loan is repaid, but a lender may choose to forgo one if the loan is for a small amount and if it isn’t repaid.

Types of promissory notes

There are a handful of types of promissory notes, such as secured, unsecured and the aptly titled Master Promissory Note (MPN). While they essentially work the same way, different types of promissory notes have various features.

Secured promissory notes

A secured promissory note requires the borrower to safeguard the loan by putting up items of hard value, such as the home, condominium or rental property you’re purchasing, as collateral to ensure the mortgage is repaid.

Unsecured promissory notes

An unsecured promissory note does not come with upfront collateral requirements, though you’re still obligated to repay the loan. If the loan isn’t repaid, the lender can file a lawsuit or send the borrower’s unpaid debt to a debt collector.

Master promissory notes

A Master Promissory Note (MPN) is the same as a promissory note. The term “master” comes from the fact that lenders and borrowers can use a Master Promissory Note across multiple loans. For example, when students take out federal school loans, they take out one MPN the first year and use it for all their loans throughout their tenure in school. This eliminates the need to sign a new promissory note each time they take out a student loan.

In real estate, however, a secured or unsecured promissory note must be issued for every new home loan. For example, if you've ever refinanced a home, you signed a new promissory note because a refinanced loan is a new loan.

How do promissory notes work in real estate?

Promissory notes are just one part of the financial and legal process of buying a home. While it may look like a simple stack of paper at closing, each document serves a purpose.

As part of the home loan mortgage process, you can expect to execute both a legally binding mortgage and mortgage promissory note, which have complementary purposes. A home mortgage secures a promissory note with the title to the property as collateral. This is done in case the lender ever needs to foreclose and sell the property because the homeowner didn’t make their loan payments.

Your lender will keep the original promissory note until your loan is paid off. When you close, you’ll also receive a copy of your mortgage and promissory note and the remainder of your closing documents.

Note: A promissory note may be called an eNote when you close on a mortgage online (through Rocket Mortgage®, for example), but it’s essentially the same thing.

Why do mortgage lenders use promissory notes?

A lender uses a promissory note as a way to ensure there is legal recourse if a borrower doesn’t repay a loan. While many homeowners think they’re paying off the mortgage loan to officially “own” their home, it's actually the promissory note that holds them to the promise. The lender keeps the note until mortgage repayment is complete. And the note gives them the power to foreclose if the homeowner defaults.

Legal standing of promissory notes

Promissory notes are legally binding and can lead to court proceedings if either party does not uphold their obligations. Courts will review the nature of the promissory note including the amount borrowed, interest rate, repayment schedule and any other conditions. Such notes must include the obligations of both parties, which means that the lender cannot change payment schedules or requirements either.

Enforceability of promissory notes

As promissory notes generally fall under contract law, they may be legally enforced. Before legal action is pursued, a letter of demand will usually be sent to the borrower. If there is no response or if the buyer continues to fail to pay, a collections lawyer may be hired and legal proceedings may occur. Because mortgages are secured loans, this can eventually lead to forbearance and foreclosure, resulting in the borrower losing the house.

Binding nature in legal proceedings

A court will review all information in the promissory note and decide how to proceed on a case-by-case basis. However, under rare circumstances, such as if the promissory note is missing necessary information or is otherwise faulty, the note is no longer legally binding and may be dismissed. Furthermore, certain types of mortgages, such as FHA loans, offer additional borrower protections in the case of legal proceedings.

FAQs about promissory notes

Looking to learn more about promissory notes? The following FAQs can be a great starting point.

Can I write my own promissory note?

It is possible to write your own promissory note. Doing so can help ensure the note is customized to fit the transaction. A promissory note template can help you get started, but it may also be a good idea to enlist the help of an attorney to ensure the note is correct and legally binding.

Can I get a promissory note without a mortgage?

Yes, it’s possible to have a promissory note without a mortgage. In fact, a promissory note may be a way for buyers who can’t obtain traditional financing to still buy a home through what is called a take-back mortgage. The financing vehicle effectively allows the home seller to lend money to a buyer to purchase their home.

What happens after I’ve paid off a promissory note?

After a promissory note is paid off, the lender will report the release of the promissory note to credit agencies. From there, the note will be considered paid as agreed.

The bottom line on promissory notes

A promissory note is a key piece of a home loan application and mortgage agreement. It ensures that a borrower agrees to be indebted to a lender for loan repayment. Ultimately, it serves as a necessary piece of the legal puzzle that helps guarantee that sums are repaid in full and in a timely fashion.

Homeowners will see and need to sign a promissory note at closing. But first, they’ll need to apply for a mortgage. If you’re ready to get started, start your mortgage application online today.