How to Sell Your Real Estate Note: A 5-Minute Guide

Learn How to Sell our Real Estate Note

What Is a Real Estate Note?

buying mortgage note

A real estate note (also called a mortgage note or promissory note) is a legal document that represents a borrower’s promise to repay a loan secured by real estate. IWhen someone buys a property with seller financing or a traditional mortgage, the lender or seller typically holds the note.

The note includes:

  • The loan amount (principal)
  • Interest rate
  • Repayment schedule
  • Maturity date
  • Collateral (the property itself)

If you hold the note, you’re essentially the lender—collecting payments over time, usually with interest.


Why Sell Your Real Estate Note?

Creating a private mortgage note is often a short-term solution. Sellers either hope to sell an unmarketable property, help a family or friends get into homeownership, or allow a non-traditional buyer to purchase a home. Whatever the reason, seller financing gives them a quick and easy way to accomplish their goals.

Unfortunately, most sellers quickly realize they do not want to manage payments or wait years (or even decades) to cash in on the home’s value, as seller financing requires. So they seek out note buyers who can take the note — and its tedious management — off their hands for a cash offer.

Generally, mortgage note holders tend to sell their notes for one or more of these reasons:

Simplify their life

They may have received it from an estate or inheritance and want to liquidate it

They are tired of managing the note & IRS tax compliance

They are worried about payor default

They want to pay debts, pay college tuition, make a large purchase or another investment

✅ Get a Lump Sum

note sellers

Rather than waiting 10–30 years for full repayment, you can sell your real estate note for immediate cash—ideal for paying off debt, reinvesting, or covering major expenses.

✅ Reduce Risk

Holding a note means you’re exposed to the risk of borrower default, late payments, or property devaluation. When you sell a real estate note the risk of borrower problems is transferred to the note buyer.

✅ Simplify Finances

Some note holders prefer the simplicity of cash over the complexities of managing a note long-term, especially in estate or divorce settlements.


Who Buys Real Estate Notes?

Typical buyers include:

  • Private investors
  • Note buying companies
  • Hedge funds
  • Pension funds

These buyers are looking for passive income and long-term returns. They evaluate the note’s value and risk before making an offer.


How the Real Estate Note Buying Process Works: Step-by-Step

1. Evaluate Your Note

Buying mortgage notes

If you decide to sell your real estate note, Potential Note Buyers will assess your note based on:

  • Remaining balance & buyer equity position
  • Interest rate
  • Payment history
  • Property value
  • Borrower credit
  • Remaining term

Performing notes (on-time payments) will deliver much higher prices than non-performing (with payment problems) real estate notes.

2. Get a Quote

You can request a free quote from multiple buyers. Expect to receive less than the note’s full value—often 60% to 95%, depending on risk and market conditions. Be sure you are dealing with a reliable and trustworthy note buyer. You can start the process by filling out the below form or calling (772) 232-2383.

I’d like BEST PRICE for ALL or PART of My Note

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Once the note buyer has the relevant information, an offer to sell your real estate note will be made. If you agree to the purchase offer…

3. The Note Buyer prepares a Mortgage Purchase Agreement

Buth the note seller and note buyer then sign the purchase agreement which authorizes the note buyer to spend their money on due diligence.

4. Due Diligence

Then due diligence begins

  • The buyer reviews the original documents (note, deed of trust/mortgage, payment history, insurance, etc.)
  • The Note Buyer will conduct a title search and property valuation

5. Closing & Payment

Once due diligence is completed the note buyer will prepare the closing package

  • When the Note seller signs the closing package…
  • The note and related documents are legally transferred
  • Funds are wired to your account—often within 1–3 weeks of starting the process

Partial vs. Full Note Sale

You don’t have to sell the entire note. There are options:

sell mortgage note

🔹 Full Sale

Sell 100% of the note and walk away with a lump sum.

🔹 Partial Sale

Sell a portion of the future payments (e.g., next 5 years). After that period, the remaining payments revert to you.

This allows flexibility—you get immediate cash while retaining some long-term income.


What Affects a Note’s Value?

Several factors impact the purchase price:

FactorImpact
Interest RateHigher is generally more valuable
Borrower Credit ScoreHigher = less risky
Property ValueHigher value = more secure
Payment HistoryConsistent = better
Note Term RemainingShorter = less risk
LTV Ratio (Loan-to-Value)Lower LTV = more secure, more equity = more secure

Tips for Selling a Note Successfully

  1. Keep Detailed Records
    Payment history, insurance info, and original documents should be organized.
  2. Know the Buyer
    Work with reputable buyers—check reviews, BBB ratings, and experience.
  3. Compare Offers
    Don’t accept the first offer. Get multiple quotes to find the best deal.
  4. Be Honest About Risk
    Disclose issues (e.g., missed payments) upfront. It saves time and avoids deal fallout later.
  5. Understand Tax Implications
    Selling a note may trigger capital gains taxes. Consult a tax professional.

Common Questions

🟡 Is selling a note legal?

Yes. It’s perfectly legal and common. Just ensure proper documentation and title transfer.

🟡 Can I sell a note even if the borrower is behind on payments?

Yes—but it will be considered a non-performing note, which sells at a bigger discount.

🟡 Do I need a lawyer?

No, but it’s wise to have legal or professional help, especially for complex sales. If you feel you’d like your attorney’s advice, then by all means engage your lawyer.

Start by filling out the form below and be sure to check out who we are.

{market_state] mortgage note buyers

I’d like BEST PRICE for ALL or PART of My Note

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.


Final Thoughts

Selling a real estate note is a strategic financial move. Whether you want fast cash, less risk, or to simplify your finances, the key is preparation and working with trustworthy buyers. Understand your note’s value, explore your options, and move forward with confidence.

If you have any questions, please call (772) 232-2383