“Real estate note” is the broad term for any note secured by real property — including mortgage notes, land contracts, and notes secured by a deed of trust. Whatever your paperwork is called, if it represents payments owed to you and secured by real estate, Cassidy Investment Group wants to hear about it. We buy real estate notes directly, whole or partial, across Indiana and nationwide.
Key Takeaways
- A real estate note is any note secured by real property, regardless of what the specific paperwork is called.
- The terms mortgage note, land contract, and deed of trust often describe the same basic idea with different legal structures.
- We buy notes secured by residential, multi-family, and land property.
- You can sell the whole note or a partial — a set number of payments — for cash now.
- Not sure exactly what type of note you have? Send us the details and we’ll help you figure it out.
What Is a Real Estate Note?
A real estate note is any written promise to repay a loan that is secured by real property. Depending on your state and how your sale was structured, that promise might be documented as a mortgage note, a land contract, or a note secured by a deed of trust. The paperwork and legal mechanics differ, but the core idea is the same: a buyer pays a seller over time, secured by the property.
| Type | How Title Works | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage note | Buyer typically holds title; lender holds a lien | See our mortgage note page |
| Land contract | Seller retains legal title until paid in full | See our land contract page |
| Deed of trust | A trustee holds title until the loan is repaid | See our deed of trust page |
Note: because a land contract leaves legal title with the seller, we typically ask that it be converted into a note and mortgage or deed of trust before we purchase it, since we prefer not to be in the chain of title on the property.
Why Sell a Real Estate Note?
Whatever the specific structure, the reasons to sell are usually the same: a lump sum of cash now, relief from collecting and servicing payments, and reduced long-term risk. Selling doesn’t change your buyer’s terms — they continue paying under the same agreement, simply to the new note holder.
What Determines Your Note’s Value?
Regardless of the note type, buyers look at the same core factors:
A seasoned, on-time track record supports a stronger price.
More equity means a stronger cushion and a better offer.
Clean, complete paperwork speeds up the sale.
Condition, location, and marketability of the collateral.
For the full breakdown, see how much your note is worth.
Not Sure What Type of Note You Have?
That’s okay — many sellers aren’t sure whether their paperwork is technically a mortgage note, a land contract, or a deed of trust, especially if an attorney or title company handled the closing years ago. Send us your documents or a description of your situation, and we’ll help you identify exactly what you have and what it might be worth.
Have a mortgage note? Find out what it’s worth.
Cassidy Investment Group buys mortgage notes, trust deeds, and land contracts in Indiana and nationwide. Get a free, no-obligation quote, or sell all or part of your note for a lump sum.
Not ready yet? Join Note Talks, our free monthly Q&A on Zoom — the last Thursday of every month at 12:00pm EST.Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a mortgage note, a land contract, and a deed of trust?
All three are ways of securing a real estate loan, but the legal structure differs. A mortgage note typically gives the buyer title with a lender lien. A land contract has the seller keep title until the loan is paid off. A deed of trust adds a neutral trustee who holds title. Which one you have depends on your state and how the sale was structured.
I’m not sure what kind of note I have. Can you still help?
Yes. Send us your documents or describe your situation, and we’ll help you identify what type of note you hold and what it might be worth.
Do you buy notes on all types of property?
We buy notes secured by residential, multi-family, and land property. If you’re unsure whether your property qualifies, just ask.
Can I sell only part of my real estate note?
Yes. A partial sale lets you sell a set number of upcoming payments for cash now, with the rest reverting to you afterward.
Sources
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Real estate financing guidance. consumerfinance.gov
Disclaimer: Cassidy Investment Group, LLC provides this content for general educational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, tax, or legal advice, and it does not constitute an offer to buy or sell any security or investment. Mortgage note transactions involve risk, and offers depend on the specifics of each note. Statistics cited reflect the sources and dates noted and may change over time. Consult qualified legal, tax, and financial professionals before making decisions about buying, selling, or investing in mortgage notes.