Frequently Asked Questions

Note Sellers

A mortgage note is a legal instrument that typically outlines a promise to pay, or a loan, by one party to another. This instrument is usually secured by real estate and will contain information describing: loan amount, interest rate, payback period among other relevant items.

Great news! Although selling a note has similar costs as selling a property, most note buyers will pay all costs – so any quote should be NET to you.

The average note sale takes about two to four weeks. The process is relatively easy. The first step is to obtain copies of your paperwork. We’ll review then order title and property evaluations. We will keep you informed every step of the way.

You have an asset and, more often than note, you can choose to sell only PART of the future payments. Just sell enough payments to receive the money you need today. After that, you get the payment stream back. You can sell more of the note or keep the payments.

There is a wide range of options available to sellers who decide to take their debt instrument to market:

  1. Full Purchase Buy-Out: A full purchase buy-out is when a seller of a mortgage asset sells the entire note, receives the most money possible up-front 
  2. Partial Purchase Option: A partial purchase option is the purchase of a portion of the note with regards to the payment stream or possibly the balloon payment (if any).
  3. Split Buy-Out: A Split Buy-Out is the entire purchase of the note in 2 or more lump sum stages. It usually consists of a lump sum at the closing of the sale and then scheduled lump sum payments at future dates until the sale is complete.
  4. Reverse Partial Buy-Out: A reverse partial buy-out is the purchase of a portion of a note, although the investor does not start collecting until a later date.

Each note transaction is unique. That makes it tough to “ballpark” how much your note is worth — which is why we don’t do it. Bottom line, every note is different. We have done this for decades and promise to make the process of getting the Fair Market Value of your note easy. In the end, the value of your note is determined by five main factors:
1. How long the note has been paying
2. Value of the note
3. Down Payment or equity amount
4. Interest rate and other note terms, and
5. Strength of the person paying on your note

We are a family-owned business and together have been purchasing notes for over 60 combined years. There is never an obligation to sell your note. Our goal is to help you with your specific note selling needs. We are dedicated to finding a solution that works for your specific goals.

Our Simple 5‑Step Note Purchase Process

  1. Offer
    Review the note details with your Loan Acquisitions Officer and receive a competitive net offer within 48 hours—you choose your commission.
  2. Accepted Offer
    Once the seller accepts and signs the Broker/Seller Agreement, submit the agreement and required documents.
  3. Due Diligence
    We handle property evaluation, title work, document review, and borrower verification (with permission). After completion, the file moves to underwriting.
  4. Processing
    After approval, a Loan Processor reviews title work. If clear, we prepare the closing package and coordinate with the title company.
  5. Closing
    The seller signs, funding is authorized, and both the seller and broker receive their wire transfers.

No. The payer will have the same interest rate, payment amount, due date, etc.  The only thing that changes with the sale of a note is where the payer is sending the payment.

Yes, in many cases. Non-performing notes can still have value.

The offer will depend on:

  • Number of missed payments
  • Borrower communication
  • Property condition
  • Equity position

Even if payments are behind, you may still be able to receive a cash offer.

After you accept a preliminary offer, we verify key details before closing. This may include:

  • Title search to confirm lien position
  • Property value review
  • Insurance verification
  • Borrower payment history confirmation
  • Document review for legal compliance

Due diligence protects both parties and ensures a smooth, secure transfer.

We evaluate notes of various sizes. Smaller balances and large commercial notes are reviewed case-by-case based on risk, equity, and documentation.

Note Buyers

Yes. Selling a mortgage note is a common and legal transaction in the secondary mortgage market.

Mortgage notes are routinely bought and sold by:

  • Private investors
  • Investment funds
  • Financial institutions

Transactions are completed through licensed title or escrow companies to ensure compliance and proper transfer of ownership.

The value of your note depends on several factors:

  • Remaining balance
  • Interest rate
  • Payment history
  • Property value
  • Borrower creditworthiness
  • Loan-to-value (LTV) ratio

Generally, notes sell at a discount to their unpaid balance. Higher interest rates and strong payment histories typically increase value.

No. Many buyers choose a partial purchase.

With a partial, you buy a set number of future payments instead of the full balance. After the agreed number of payments are received by the remaining payments revert back to the seller.

This option allows you to:

  • Get cash now
  • Keep long-term income
  • Increase overall yield
  1. Pick the note type (performing or non‑performing).

  2. Review the loan data (balance, payments, property).

  3. Run due diligence (documents, title, value).

  4. Submit your bid based on risk and yield.

  5. Close the deal and fund the purchase.

  6. Receive assignments and recorded documents.

  7. Board with a servicer for payments and compliance.

  8. Execute your strategy (collect, modify, or exit).

Business Purpose Loans

NoteOlogy™ specializes exclusively in non‑consumer, non‑owner‑occupied business purpose loans. All lending activities are strictly intended for business, investment and/or commercial use only.

Business purpose lending refers to loans provided to individuals or entities for commercial or investment activities, rather than personal, family, or household use. These loans are commonly used for real estate investments, business expansion, or financing revenue-generating projects and are governed by different regulatory standards compared to consumer loans.

Business purpose loans are structured to meet the needs of borrowers engaging in commercial activities. Key characteristics include:

  • Use of Funds: Borrowers must use the loan proceeds exclusively for business-related purposes, such as purchasing or renovating investment properties, acquiring equipment, or funding operational expenses.

  • Flexible Structures: Loan terms are often more adaptable to the borrower’s project timeline and goals compared to traditional consumer loans.

  • Regulatory Exemptions: Business purpose loans are not subject to many consumer protection laws, such as the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), focusing instead on the needs of commercial transactions.

Common types of business purpose loans include:

  • Fix-and-Flip Loans: Short-term financing for purchasing and renovating properties for resale.

  • Bridge Loans: Interim financing used until long-term funding is secured or a property is sold.

  • Rental Property Loans: Financing for acquiring or improving income-generating rental properties.

  • Construction Loans: Funding for ground-up development or major renovations.

  • Startup Loans: Financing designed for new businesses with limited operating history.

  • Working Capital Loans: Short‑term funding to cover daily operating expenses like payroll, inventory, or utilities.

  • Term Loans: A fixed lump sum repaid over a set period with interest. Ideal for long‑term investments and major purchases.

  • Invoice Financing / Factoring: Access cash quickly by borrowing against or selling outstanding invoices.