The Nature of the Loan
For larger loans, such as mortgages or business loans, secured promissory notes are more common due to the need for substantial collateral. Conversely, smaller, short-term loans may be facilitated with unsecured promissory notes.
You can typically sign a legally binding promissory note that contains unconditional pledges to pay a certain sum of money. However, you can strengthen the legality of a valid promissory note by having it notarized. It never hurts to add a layer of protection as you may have to use it in court.
Promissory notes are legally binding contracts that can hold up in court if the terms of borrowing and repayment are signed and follow applicable laws.
A promissory note could become invalid if: It isn't signed by both parties. The note violates laws. One party tries to change the terms of the agreement without notifying the other party.
A bill of exchange is similar to a promissory note, but has some key differences. The first thing to know about a bill of exchange is that it is only used in international business transactions.
Essential Elements of a Promissory Note
Principal Amount: States the exact amount of money borrowed. Interest Rate: Specifies the interest rate, if applicable. Repayment Terms: Details the repayment schedule and dates. Signatures: Both parties must sign to validate the agreement.
A lender holds the promissory note until the mortgage loan is paid off.
Promissory notes are quite simple and can be prepared by anyone. They do not need to be prepared by a lawyer or be notarized. It isn't even particularly significant whether a promissory note is handwritten or typed and printed.
Date and Signatures
The promissory note must be dated and signed by both the borrower and the lender.
DO THE NOTES NEED TO BE REGISTERED? Most promissory notes must be registered as securities with the SEC and the states in which they're being sold. But remember that some promissory notes, such as those that have nine-month or shorter terms, may be “exempt.” That means that they don't have to be registered.
Borrower's promise to pay is secured by a mortgage, deed of trust or similar security instrument that is dated the same date as this Note and called the “Security Instrument.” The Security Instrument protects the Lender from losses, which might result if Borrower defaults under this Note.
But what exactly do you need to write a promissory note? Include their full legal names, addresses, and contact numbers—include any co-signers if applicable. The terms of this note should specify the amount borrowed, repayment terms (including interest rate, if applicable), and the due date or schedule of payments.
A promissory note is a form of negotiable instrument, which does not need to be notarized to be legally binding, although both parties who are expected to adhere to the agreement must sign it.
If the maker fails to pay according to the terms of the promissory note, the holder can foreclose on the property that secured the note, thereby recovering the unpaid principal of the note, interest, fees and expenses. An unsecured promissory note is one that is not secured by any collateral.
A simple promissory note might be for a lump sum repayment on a certain date. For example, let's say you lend your friend $1,000 and he agrees to repay you by December 1st. The full amount is due on that date, and there is no payment schedule involved.
Changes Made without a New Agreement
Modifying a promissory note without all parties' consent can void the note. Proper documentation and agreement through a new contract or amendment are necessary to maintain the note's validity.
The SAFE is legally a contract of the issuer, constituting an agreement to issue equity in the future at a purchase price paid in advance. It is not debt and, unlike a convertible promissory note, accrues no interest and has no maturity date.
Promissory notes can be appropriate investments for many investors. But, promissory notes that are sold broadly to individual investors are often scams. What you can do to avoid promissory note fraud: Typically, promissory notes are securities.
A secured promissory note is an agreement where the borrower puts something of value up as collateral to safeguard the value of the loan. In the event the borrower is unable to make payments and defaults on the loan, a secured promissory note empowers the lender to take possession of the collateral in lieu of payment.
Whether a promissory note is hand written or typed and signed, it is a legally, binding contract. LendingTree quoted Vincent Averaimo for saying, “However, it would be foolish to sign a handwritten promissory note as it is easier to add language to a handwritten note after the fact as opposed to a typewritten one.”
In some circumstances, however, a promissory note is fraudulent and a promissory note scam is operated in order to improperly obtain investor funds. Promissory note fraud is a crime and those involved in a scam can face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted of fraud offenses.