Michigan Promissory Note




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A Michigan Promissory Note acts like a formal IOU, but better organized. Picture two friends making an agreement: one gives money to the other, who in turn vows to repay it. This promise includes significant details like the repayment method and any extra charges. It goes beyond a casual understanding - it's a legal commitment ensuring complete transparency and equity for everyone involved.

What is the Usury Rate for Michigan?

In essence, a usury rate resembles a speed limit for loan interest rates. Going beyond this limit, you enter "usury" territory—an area best avoided. Keep in mind that these limits vary; they change from state to state. So, understanding your state's regulations is crucial. Being conscious of your usury rate guarantees fair lending, guiding your business away from potential hazards. Therefore, when considering a business loan, it's a wise move to familiarize yourself with this figure.


For Michigan, if a written contract is established, 7% is the maximum. Otherwise, legal rate is 5%. (Mich. Comp. Laws § 438.31)

 

What's included in a Michigan Promissory Note?

Here are some key components that are typically included in a Michigan Promissory Note:

  1. Amount and Terms of the Loan
  2. Closing and Delivery
  3. Representations, Warranties the Company
     
    1. Organization, Good Standing and Qualification
    2. Corporate Power
    3. Authorization
    4. Compliance with Laws
    5. Use of Proceeds

1. Amount and Terms of the Loan

"The Loan" details the exact trove of dollars you're lending to the business. This clause is crucial because it fosters clarity and safeguards for everyone involved. To execute this, simply fill in the loan amount in the provided space. Also, take a peek at "Exhibit A", which presents the promissory note as the official seal of approval for the loan's pathway.

In essence, this key term casts light on the funds you're dispensing, setting a sturdy foundation for your promissory note agreement.

The Loan.  Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Purchaser agrees to lend to the Company at the Closing $_________ (“Loan Amount”) against the issuance and delivery by the Company of a promissory note for such amount, attached as EXHIBIT A (“Note”). 

2. Closing and Delivery

The CLOSING AND DELIVERY section illuminates the concluding steps of your promissory note setup. Closing is all about determining the day the pact wraps up. Keep in mind, this date's fluid; it doesn't need to coincide with the inception date of the agreement.

Delivery, on the flip side, depicts the exchange landscape: the lender disperses the loan sum to the business, and in return, the business hands over to the lender the finished promissory note, stamping the promise to repay. This two-way transaction provides confidence for everyone involved, ensuring they understand and are committed to the step-by-step.

CLOSING AND DELIVERY


Closing.  The closing of the sale and purchase of the Notes (the “Closing”) will be held on the Effective Date, or at such other time as the Company and Purchasers may mutually agree (such date is referred to as the “Closing Date”).

 

Delivery.  At the Closing (i) Purchaser will deliver to the Company a check or wire transfer funds in the amount of the Loan Amount; and (ii) the Company will issue and deliver to Purchaser a Note in favor of Purchaser payable in the principal amount of Purchaser’s Loan Amount.

3. Representation, Warranties The Company

This part focuses on the business's duty to manage critical issues properly. Staying on course is a legal necessity to avoid potential legal hitches. Be sure to share any vital details about the company's financial status, procedures, or legal affairs. Keeping the agreement genuine and transparent is highly important.

a. Organization, Good Standing and Qualification

The Organization, Good Standing, and Qualification section confirms the business's legal status. It identifies the location where the business carries out its operations, boosting workflow efficiency and fostering trust among everyone involved.

Organization, Good Standing and Qualification.  The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of [State].  The Company has the requisite corporate power to own and operate its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted.  The Company is duly qualified and is authorized to do business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation in all jurisdictions in which the nature of its activities and of its properties (both owned and leased) makes such qualification necessary, except for those jurisdictions in which failure to do so would not have a material adverse effect on the Company or its business.

b. Corporate Power

The Corporate Power section verifies the business's legal authority to kick-start and uphold this deal. Put plainly, it's like asserting, "Our business is legally primed for this pact." This move greatly boosts the trust meter and confirms a legally sound arrangement. Thus, understanding and incorporating this piece in your agreement is incredibly important.

Corporate Power.  The Company has all requisite corporate power to execute and deliver this Agreement, to issue the Note and to carry out and perform its obligations under the terms of the Note.  

c. Authorization

The Authorization section takes care of those thumbs-ups from the executives, confirming that the note's on the level through and through. It's a crucial slice of your agreement, ensuring that every necessary business step is cross-checked. This part looks out for both parties and lays a solid groundwork for your deal.

Authorization.  All corporate action has been taken on the part of the Company, its directors and its stockholders necessary for the authorization of the Note and the execution, delivery and performance of all obligations of the Company under the Note.  The Note, when executed and delivered by the Company, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to laws of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, the relief of debtors.

d. Compliance with Laws

The Compliance with Laws section guarantees your business isn't purposely stepping over any legal boundaries that might stir up trouble. Including this portion into the framework eases all concerns, showcasing your business's unwavering dedication to playing by the legal playbook.

Compliance with Laws.  To its knowledge, the Company is not in violation of any applicable statute, rule, regulation, order or restriction of any domestic or foreign government or any instrumentality or agency in respect of the conduct of its business or the ownership of its properties, which violation would materially and adversely affect the business, assets, liabilities, financial condition or operations of the Company.

e. Use of Proceeds

The Use of Proceeds section highlights that the borrowed funds are to fuel only business-related endeavors, not personal errands. This essential guideline brings everything into the daylight and motivates everyone to honor the responsibility towards those funding the loan.

Use of Proceeds.  The Company will use the proceeds of the Note for the operations of its business, and not for any personal, family or household purpose.

Can a promissory note be used without a mortgage?

Absolutely, a promissory note can exist without a mortgage. Think of the promissory note as your business's pledge, detailing all elements of the loan's particulars. A mortgage, on the other hand, acts like a safety net for your loan, linking it to concrete assets like properties. Promissory notes mesh well with both secured and unsecured loans. So, opting for a promissory note without a mortgage (AKA an unsecured loan) is a completely valid choice. It's crucial to remember, however, that having a mortgage without a promissory note isn't often the smartest tactic. Why? Because this document outlines how you'll pay back the loan and proves you're dedicated to repaying the money.

How do you collect from a promissory note?

To recover owed funds from a promissory note, begin by figuring out the total repayment sum, factoring in interest and extra charges. Next, write a friendly letter to the borrower. If the money is still unpaid, explore your legal options. Make sure to gather all relevant documents and consult with a lawyer as laws can vary by location. Keep in mind that constant nagging of the borrower could breach legal limits. Your safest route? Engage a legal expert to avoid unintentional errors.