---
title: Debt Definition | Corporate Debt | Public Debt
description: Debt is an amount of money owed by a borrower to a lender.
image: https://www.realized1031.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/Realized_Glossary_Graphic.jpg
---

[![Realized 1031 Exchange Marketplace](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Brand/Logo/Realized/Realized-Logo-Black.png?width=240&height=80&name=Realized-Logo-Black.png "Realized 1031 Logo") ](https://www.realized1031.com/)

- Better Business Bureau Rating: **A+**
- [FINRA BrokerCheck](https://brokercheck.finra.org/firm/summary/22333)
- [Call](tel:1-877-797-1031) **(877) 797-1031**

# Debt

Debt is an amount of money owed by a borrower to a lender. It is used by individuals and corporations to make large purchases that they otherwise would be incapable of making given current cash holdings. A debt agreement provides terms that include the amount borrowed and the date at which principal and interest need to be repaid.

Common forms of debt for personal consumers include mortgages, auto loans and credit card debt. Terms of debt arrangements vary depending on the type of asset. For example, mortgages typically have terms of 15 or 30 years with an interest rate that is ultimately a gauge of the borrower’s creditworthiness. A mortgage is also a secured type of debt, meaning the lender has rights to obtain control of an individual’s home in the event a borrower is no longer capable of repaying the debts.

Corporate debt serves a similar purpose and is used by businesses to expand operations and grow revenues. Corporate debt is an agreement between investors and corporations in which investors provide corporations funds now in exchange for the return of principal and regular interest payments at a later date.

Learn Ways To Help Build Long-Term Real Estate Wealth

[![Get Tips For Managing Real Estate Wealth](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/UI/graphics/composites/IPWM-eBook-250c.jpg?width=250&height=250&name=IPWM-eBook-250c.jpg "Learn new ways to use real ...") ](https://www.realized1031.com/glossary/debt#blogform)

Download eBook

---

 

---

### Get Tips For Managing Real Estate Wealth

![Learn Ways To Help Build Long-Term Real Estate Wealth](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/UI/graphics/composites/IPWM-eBook-550.jpg?width=550&height=650&name=IPWM-eBook-550.jpg)

Learn new ways to use real estate to pursue your wealth goals.

By providing your email and phone number, you are opting to receive communications from Realized. If you receive a text message and choose to stop receiving further messages, reply STOP to immediately unsubscribe. Msg & Data rates may apply. To manage receiving emails from Realized visit the Manage Preferences link in any email received.

Search

#### Realized

- 500 W 13th Street  
  Austin, TX 78701
- (877) 797-1031

##### [Contact Us](https://www.realized1031.com/contact-us)

- [![Realized on Facebook](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/UI/Social/Icons/Mix/social-facebook-whiterev.png?width=60&height=60&name=social-facebook-whiterev.png)](https://www.facebook.com/Realized/)
- [![Realized on LinkedIn](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/UI/Social/Icons/Mix/social-linkedin-whiterev.png?width=60&height=60&name=social-linkedin-whiterev.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/realized/)
- [![Realized on YouTube](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/UI/Social/Icons/Mix/social-youtube-whiterev.png?width=60&height=60&name=social-youtube-whiterev.png)](https://www.youtube.com/c/Realized1031?sub_confirmation=1)

- [![Realized Holdings, Inc. BBB Business Review](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/professional-assoc/bbb/RZH2-bbb-seal.png?width=40&height=65&name=RZH2-bbb-seal.png)](http://www.bbb.org/central-texas/business-reviews/real-estate-investors/realized-holdings-llc-in-austin-tx-1000112948/#bbbonlineclick)
- [![FEA Logo](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/professional-assoc/fea/RZH2-fea-logo.png?width=82&height=65&name=RZH2-fea-logo.png "FEA Logo")](https://www.1031.org)

SECURITIES DISCLOSURE

Realized1031.com is a website operated by Realized Technologies, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Realized Holdings, Inc. (“Realized Holdings”). Securities and/or Investment Advisory Services may be offered through Registered Representatives or Investment Advisor Representatives of Realized Financial, Inc. ("Realized"), a broker/dealer, member [FINRA](https://www.finra.org)/[SIPC](https://www.sipc.org/), and registered investment adviser. Realized is a subsidiary of Realized Holdings, Inc. ("Realized Holdings"). Check the background of this firm on [FINRA's BrokerCheck](https://brokercheck.finra.org/firm/summary/22333).

Hypothetical example(s) are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to represent the past or future performance of any specific investment.

Investing in alternative assets involves higher risks than traditional investments and is suitable only for sophisticated investors. Alternative investments are often sold by prospectus that discloses all risks, fees, and expenses. They are not tax efficient and an investor should consult with his/her tax advisor prior to investing. Alternative investments have higher fees than traditional investments and they may also be highly leveraged and engage in speculative investment techniques, which can magnify the potential for investment loss or gain and should not be deemed a complete investment program. The value of the investment may fall as well as rise and investors may get back less than they invested.

This site is published for residents of the United States who are accredited investors only. Registered Representatives and Investment Advisor Representatives may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed until appropriate registration is obtained or exemption from registration is determined. Not all of services referenced on this site are available in every state and through every representative listed. For additional information, please contact the Realized Compliance department at 512-472-7171 or info@realized1031.com.

- [Terms & Conditions](https://www.realized1031.com/terms-and-conditions)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.realized1031.com/privacy-policy)
- [Form CRS](https://www.realized1031.com/hubfs/common-files/disclosures/FormCRS.pdf)
- [ADV 2A](https://www.realized1031.com/hubfs/common-files/disclosures/ADV2A.pdf)
- [Reg BI Disclosures](https://www.realized1031.com/hubfs/common-files/disclosures/RegBI.pdf)
-  

© 2026 Realized Holdings, Inc.

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org/",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "articleBody" : "Debt is an amount of money owed by a borrower to a lender. It is used by individuals and corporations to make large purchases that they otherwise would be incapable of making given current cash holdings. A debt agreement provides terms that include the amount borrowed and the date at which principal and interest need to be repaid. Common forms of debt for personal consumers include mortgages, auto loans and credit card debt. Terms of debt arrangements vary depending on the type of asset. For example, mortgages typically have terms of 15 or 30 years with an interest rate that is ultimately a gauge of the borrower’s creditworthiness. A mortgage is also a secured type of debt, meaning the lender has rights to obtain control of an individual’s home in the event a borrower is no longer capable of repaying the debts. Corporate debt serves a similar purpose and is used by businesses to expand operations and grow revenues. Corporate debt is an agreement between investors and corporations in which investors provide corporations funds now in exchange for the return of principal and regular interest payments at a later date.",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "email" : "marketing@realized1031.com",
    "name" : "The Realized Team",
    "url" : "https://www.realized1031.com/blog/author/the-realized-team"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2022-06-27T19:24:22+0000",
  "datePublished" : "2022-06-27T19:24:22+0000",
  "description" : "Debt is an amount of money owed by a borrower to a lender.",
  "headline" : "Debt",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 627,
    "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/733513/social-suggested-images/Realized_Glossary_Graphic.jpg",
    "width" : 1200
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://www.realized1031.com/glossary/debt",
  "name" : "Debt",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "address" : {
      "@type" : "PostalAddress",
      "addressCountry" : "USA",
      "addressLocality" : "Austin",
      "addressRegion" : "TX",
      "postalCode" : "78701",
      "streetAddress" : "500 W 13th Street "
    },
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60,
      "url" : "http://www.realized1031.com/hubfs/Images/Brand/Logo/Realized/Realized-Logo-Black-No-Margin-296x60-AMP.png",
      "width" : 296
    },
    "name" : "Realized"
  }
}
```