Definition of "Straight note"

Scott Lincicome real estate agent

Written by

Scott Lincicomeelite badge icon

Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Lifestyle Property Partners

The term straight note in real estate is also known as a promissory note. A straight note is defined as a loan agreement that generally requires payments of interest only over the term of the note. At the end of the term, the entire debt balance becomes payable in a single balloon payment. However, a straight note can also only require one payment that includes the amount of its principle to which the accrued interest is added that is also paid at the end of the loan in one balloon payment.

While other types of installment notes require monthly principal payments, a straight note can only demand interest payments. The principal payment is only covered at the end of the loan.

What is a Straight Note in Real Estate?

In real estate transactions, a straight note can also be referred to as a sleeper trust deed because interest usually accrues unpaid and is only required with the lump sum payment of the principal. However, if the principal is not required for a year or two, periodic accruing interest may be demanded during the term of a straight note.

A straight note in real estate isn’t a common loan because purchasing loans like mortgages are for much more extended periods of time. The most common reason to use straight notes in real estate is for short-term debt by lenders or carryback sellers. Another instance when the straight note is used in real estate is for evidence of short-term real estate commitments. For example, if someone wants to purchase a property, but the funds necessary for the closing might take a while to be granted, a straight note works as a bridge loan. The buyer will use the straight note to demonstrate a real estate obligation until the mortgage is granted.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

English-style home. It is usually 2-stories high. The roof is of a hip type. The chimney is on the side of the home. ...

Agreement by a lender to loan money to suitable borrowers within a given time period but without identifying those borrowers. ...

Legal obligation to pay for a benefit received as if a contract has actually occurred. This may arise in a few cases so that an equitable situation occurs. An example is when a homeowner ...

Additional tax liability that the IRS deems to be owed by a taxpayer. A taxpayer can argue the correctness of a deficiency with the IRS. There can be an appeal to the Tax Court without ...

Considerations used by lenders in appraising a prospective homebuyer' credit application. They are: Character, Capacity (cash Flow), Capital, Collateral and Conditions (economic status) ...

Standard language in real estate contracts and prospectuses-usually in small print. ...

Metal hardware within the construction that is typically not visible, such as bolts, nails, and screws. ...

Capability of a party to enter into a contract such as having the financial and physical resources as well as mental competency to meet contractual commitments. ...

When answering the question of what is a real estate investor, several aspects should be considered. First, a real estate investor, also known as a real estate entrepreneur, allocates ...

Popular Real Estate Questions