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

A listing of all assets a person or business owns, their cost, and appraised value. A complete inventory record should be maintained including real estate. Documentation is needed in the ...

Through the homestead exemption definition, we understand the legal instrument that provides physical and financial shelter in dire situations. The homestead exemption legal provision can ...

Document evidencing the passage of title to a purchaser of property sold for taxes. The tax deed is issued upon foreclosure of the property lien. Typically, there is a grace time period ...

Part of a capital gain constituting tax benefits previously taken and taxed as ordinary income. ...

Area or county used in the census or other data gathering functions that has a population of 50,000 inhabitants or more. ...

Trade group of predominately land developers. ...

Generally, a tight market does not offer too much opportunity for negotiations.  More precisely, a tight market means a trading environment where the spreads between the asking and ...

Barring an act. It may occur when an individual has improperly acted resulting in an unfair advantage over another party. ...

Sale that is finalized only in the case of a particular occurrence or eventuality. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions