Finance & Mortgages

    Promissory Note

    The borrower's written promise to repay a debt, which is the instrument that actually creates the obligation.

    A promissory note is the borrower's written promise to repay a loan on stated terms. It is the document that creates the debt. The note states the amount, the interest rate, the payment schedule, and the terms of repayment.

    The note works together with the deed of trust. The note creates the debt; the deed of trust pledges the property as security for that debt and gives a trustee the power of sale.

    On the exam

    If a question asks which document creates the debt, the answer is the note. In Texas the deed of trust creates the lien and power of sale.

    Exam trap

    A debt can exist without a security instrument, but a deed of trust cannot exist without a debt. The note is the controlling instrument.

    Tested in

    Financing & Settlement (6% of the exam)

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    This definition is Texas real estate exam-prep education, not legal, tax, or professional advice. Verify current rules against the official source before relying on them for a real transaction. Back to the full glossary.