Promissory Note
Sets principal, interest rate, payment schedule, late fees, prepayment terms, and acceleration rights protecting the seller.
Seller financing expands buyer options, can accelerate a sale, and preserves financing flexibility for both parties. It can improve marketability for properties that have trouble qualifying for traditional loans and allow sellers to earn interest income while holding a secured position.
Seller financing is used by individuals and businesses in transactions where traditional lender financing is limited, slow, or undesirable.
The parties should confirm roles and authority up front and consider professional review to address recording, tax, and consumer‑finance rules.
The owner providing credit and taking a secured interest. The seller prepares or approves the promissory note, security instrument, and any disclosure required by state consumer finance laws; the seller often retains the right to accelerate payments on default.
The purchaser who promises to pay under the promissory note and grants collateral security. The buyer must understand repayment schedules, interest calculations, prepayment penalties, and recording obligations for the security instrument.
A seller financed a single-family home for a buyer with limited bank options;
A small-business sale included a promissory note secured by business assets;
Sets principal, interest rate, payment schedule, late fees, prepayment terms, and acceleration rights protecting the seller.
Describes collateral, grants a lien, includes legal description, and contains assignment and foreclosure language for state recording.
Specifies how payments apply to interest, principal, costs, and escrow; important for default calculation and accounting.
Lists events of default, cure periods, acceleration, repossession, foreclosure procedures, and recovery of attorney fees.
Includes seller and buyer statements on authority, title, and absence of undisclosed liens to support enforceability.
Names the state law governing the agreement and the venue for disputes; affects interpretation and enforcement.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Roles | Seller | Buyer | Guarantor |
| Authentication | Email plus SMS code recommended |
| Required Documents | Note | Security instrument | UCC‑1 |
| Recordkeeping | Retain audit trail and PDF copy |
Choose platform features that preserve evidence of signing and provide secure storage for recorded instruments.
Record security instrument promptly after signing to protect priority
Monthly due dates stated in the note and escrow account schedules
Report interest income per IRS rules; consult a tax advisor
Notice periods for balloon maturity and refinancing obligations
Cure windows specified in the agreement determine acceleration timing
Agreement drafted and reviewed by counsel before signatures
All parties sign; notarization obtained when required
Security instrument recorded at county recorder to perfect the lien
Payment processing, notices, and escrow accounts are activated
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial, no credit card required | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Business Premium) | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes (BAA available) | Yes | Yes | No | No |