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

People often use the term in their everyday discourse, yet many wonder what the meaning of common law genuinely implies. Common law refers to a system of jurisprudence based on court ...

Expenditures pay by the owner of house to keep and maintain it including real estate taxes, interest on a mortgage, repairs and maintenance, and capital additions (e.g., new roof, new ...

System of interconnected pipes, radiators, and/or ducts designed to heat a building utilizing a main heating unit. The system is controlled through a thermostat that regulates the ...

Economic policies designed to reduce the fluctuation in the business cycle. An example is Federal reserve monetary policies. An attempt by an underwriter to prevent a market price of a ...

Ownership interest in property that is above the minimum needed to meet uncertainties or a downward trend in real estate market. ...

Charges billed for services rendered. They may be on a flat basis or on an hourly rate. ...

Periodic expenditures undertaken to preserve or retain a property's operational status for its originally intended use. These expenditures do not improve or extend the life of the property. ...

national trade association of people engaged in the mortgage banking business, dedicated to the betterment of the mortgage banking industry through education, legislation, and high ethical ...

Lien on a given property, such as an person's house as a collateral for a loan. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions