{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/loan-instruments","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/loan-instruments","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"loan-instruments","term":"Loan Instruments","group":"The loan itself","definition":"These are the legal documents that define the terms of your loan, including the promissory note, security agreements, and guaranty agreements. They legally bind you to the loan's repayment.","what_it_means":"Before closing, your attorney must review all loan instruments carefully. Understand every covenant, collateral requirement, and personal obligation. These documents dictate your responsibilities and the lender's rights throughout the loan's life.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/loan-instruments","official_sources":[],"related":[{"slug":"loan-agreement","term":"Loan agreement","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/loan-agreement"},{"slug":"note","term":"Note","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/note"},{"slug":"security-interest","term":"Security Interest","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/security-interest"},{"slug":"personal-guarantee","term":"Personal guarantee","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/personal-guarantee"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"Does an SBA loan have better terms than a regular bank loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/does-an-sba-loan-have-better-terms-than-a-regular-bank-loan"},{"question":"What is the minimum loan amount for an SBA 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/what-is-the-minimum-loan-amount-for-an-sba-7-a-loan"},{"question":"What is the maximum loan amount for an SBA 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/what-is-the-maximum-loan-amount-for-an-sba-7-a-loan"},{"question":"Is there a typical average loan size for an SBA 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/is-there-a-typical-average-loan-size-for-an-sba-7-a-loan"},{"question":"How is the maximum loan amount for an SBA 7(a) loan determined?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/how-is-the-maximum-loan-amount-for-an-sba-7-a-loan-determined"},{"question":"Is there a minimum loan amount for an SBA 7(a) loan program?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/is-there-a-minimum-loan-amount-for-an-sba-7-a-loan-program"}]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — Loan Instruments","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/loan-instruments","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}