Consider this scenario: You loan money to a borrower. You intend to secure the loan with a deed of trust encumbering real property. Your borrower signs a promissory note dated November 7, 2006. But ...

If you get a mortgage to buy a home, you will end up signing something called a promissory note. So what exactly is a promissory note? In the most basic terms, it’s a legal document you sign ...

When buying a home, it’s easy to get lost in the terminology. Understanding key terms and requirements can become confusing. For example, some states require a deed of trust while others require a ...

Q: You recently wrote an article on what to do once a mortgage is paid off. I was wondering whether the original promissory note and the trust deed are necessary and/or beneficial if a “ certificate ...

Matt Webber is an experienced personal finance writer, researcher, and editor. He has published widely on personal finance, marketing, and the impact of technology on contemporary arts and culture.

Q: Is a promissory note better than a land installment contract? A: A land installment contract is a procedure whereby the property owner enters into a contract with a potential buyer. The buyer ...