Is a promissory note attached to a deed?

Asked by: Prof. Nick Bogan II  |  Last update: April 8, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (51 votes)

A trust deed is always used together with a promissory note (also called “prom note”) that sets out the amount and terms of the loan. The property owner signs the note, which is a written promise to repay the borrowed money.

Does a promissory note secure a deed?

A promissory note is a kind of IOU that's secured by property, often property that the borrower owns. This type of loan secures the repayment from the borrower by coupling the deed of trust with the promissory note. The deed of trust acts as a promise from the borrower to repay the loan.

Who holds the promissory note in real estate?

Your lender will keep the original promissory note until your loan is paid off.

Is a promissory note signed at closing?

Expect to receive and/or sign many documents. These documents will include: Your Closing Disclosure. Your promissory note, which is your promise to repay the mortgage loan to your lender.

What makes a promissory note invalid in real estate?

In addition, if the promissory note contains unclear or ambiguous clauses, or unfair terms, the note might be deemed invalid. An unfair term might be if the note includes an interest rate of 25% but your state only allows for a 15% interest rate.

What is a deed, mortgage, promissory note and more with Dr. David Phelps

42 related questions found

What voids a promissory note?

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.

How do you secure a promissory note with real estate?

Securing a promissory note with real estate involves outlining the property as collateral in the document. This process includes detailing the property's description and ensuring all legal requirements are met to enforce the security interest.

Is a notarized promissory note legally binding?

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.

Who signs the deed at the settlement table?

During the table closing, the seller signs paperwork that ultimately transfers the title of the home. The buyer will also sign the necessary mortgage documents, including the promissory note.

Can you buy a house with a promissory note?

Promissory notes are ideal for individuals who do not qualify for traditional mortgages because they allow them to purchase a home by using the seller as the source of the loan and the purchased home as the source of the collateral.

Who keeps the original promissory note?

The lender keeps the original promissory note until you have fulfilled all obligations, i.e., paid off, your mortgage. A promissory note will generally contain the following information: The total amount of money borrowed; Your interest rate (either fixed or adjustable);

What is the difference between a promissory note and a deed of trust?

The property owner signs the note, which is a written promise to repay the borrowed money. A trust deed gives the third-party “trustee” (usually a title company or real estate broker) legal ownership of the property.

Can you sell a house with a deed of trust?

Yes, you can sell a home with a Deed of Trust. However, just like a mortgage, if you're selling the home for less than you owe on it, you'll need approval from the lender.

Can you foreclose on a promissory note?

Specifically, if you fail to make the payments scheduled in the promissory note, you will default on the loan, and the lender will become entitled to foreclose the note in the manner specified in the deed of trust: namely, the lender can sell your property, use the sale proceeds to pay off the debt owed under the note ...

Does a promissory note get recorded?

A promissory note isn't recorded in the county land records. The lender holds on to the note.

Who is the primarily liable on a promissory note?

It is the maker who is primarily liable on a promissory note. The issuer of a note or the maker is one of the parties who, by means of a written promise, pay another party (the note's payee) a definite sum of money, either on demand or at a specified future date.

Who keeps the deed?

When a home is owned free-and-clear, the homeowner is the rightful owner and thus holds the deed to the house. However, if the homeowner is still paying a mortgage, then they technically do not fully own the house yet. In this case, the deed may be held by the mortgage lender.

Who pays most of the closing costs?

Closing costs are paid according to the terms of the purchase contract made between the buyer and seller. Usually, the buyer pays for most of the closing costs, but there are instances when the seller may also have to pay some fees at closing.

Who comes to the closing of a house?

You and any other co-borrowers. The seller of the property or their agent. Your real estate agent and the seller's real estate agent. Real estate agents are not required to be at the closing, but may choose to attend to make sure that the closing transaction goes through.

Do promissory notes hold up in court?

Yes, a properly executed promissory note is legally binding. As long as the note contains all necessary elements, is signed by the involved parties, and complies with applicable laws, it's enforceable in court if the borrower defaults or fails to meet their obligations.

What makes a promissory note invalid?

Some common triggers that can invalidate and cause problems in a promissory note are: missing the payment schedule or interest rate, loss of the original copy of the document, and others. When a promissory note becomes invalid the lender cannot sue the borrower legally if they fail to make payments.

Who holds the promissory note while it's being repaid?

A lender holds the promissory note until the mortgage loan is paid off.

Is a promissory note part of a deed of trust?

The deed of trust is what secures the promissory note. The promissory note includes the interest rate, the payment amounts and terms, and the buyer's promise to pay the lender the amount borrowed plus interest.

How do you legally enforce a promissory note?

How to Enforce a Promissory Note (5 Steps)
  1. Step 1: Inform Borrower. Start by arranging a meeting with the borrower via traceable means such as email or chat apps to discuss the debt repayment. ...
  2. Step 2: Enlist Collection Agency. ...
  3. Step 3: Collect Evidence. ...
  4. Step 4: File a Lawsuit. ...
  5. Step 5: Get Legal Remedies.

Is a promissory note part of an estate?

Promissory notes held by a deceased person at the time of death can be included in the taxable estate. The value of the note, particularly if it is between private parties, must be assessed and included in the estate's total value for estate tax purposes.