Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

Refinancing Your Auto Loan

When you refinance your car, the present auto loan is replaced with a new one having an entirely different set of terms and conditions. You need to repay your loan to the new lender within the stipulated time period while keeping your vehicle as collateral. Refinancing your auto loan is a simple and quick process that has many benefits to offer. You have to pay an almost negligible amount as fees to refinance your auto loan.

In order to speed up the process of refinancing your auto loan from a credit union, ensure that you have the documents ready beforehand. All the application forms must be duly filled and it is essential to keep the car loan account number handy. Also, have all the information pertaining to your vehicle such as the car model, year of manufacturing, VIN etc.

The benefits of refinancing your auto loan are:

  • Reduced loan term: If you are looking to pay off your loan faster in short period of time, refinancing your auto loan is the best option available. This can happen if you have some major positive changes in your financial situation. Although this will lead to an increase in the monthly payment, the overall interest rate will come down. This will eventually lead to financial gains and contribute towards your savings.
  • Lowers the monthly payments: If you are finding it difficult to pay the monthly installments for your auto loan, it is good to opt for a refinance. This can happen if you have suffered a financial setback and need to bring down the monthly payments. A refinance will increase your loan term and provide you more time to repay. This extension in the loan period can help you manage your finances in a better manner.
  • Decreases the interest rate: A lower rate of interest is beneficial as it can reduce your total interest charge and help in repaying the auto loan at a faster pace. Therefore, if you think you did not get a competitive rate of interest in the first time, it is probably good to consider refinancing your auto loan.
  • You can own a car previously on lease: In case your car lease is about to expire, it can be easily purchased by using the option of auto loan refinancing. The loan you get from refinancing can be used to buy out the lease and hand over the payments to the lender. The advantage here is that you can own the car at the end of your loan term.
  • Handle your finances easily: Refinancing an auto loan can help you in managing your finances more efficiently. The amount you get from the refinanced auto loan can be utilized for repaying other smaller personal loans. Therefore, you get to pay only a single EMI instead of multiple EMIs that you were paying previously.
For refinancing options in Killeen, TX, get in touch with Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We can be contacted at (254) 690 – 2274.

Advantages Of Credit Union Auto Loans

Buying the car of your dreams is a great achievement that can only be fulfilled if you get a good car loan from a trusted lender at a decent rate of interest. One of the best options is to apply for a car loan from a credit union.

Although there are numerous lending options available in the market, getting an auto loan from a credit union is easier. Credit unions have the funds as well as amicable relationships with car dealers. This makes them one of the most trusted lending organizations when it comes to providing car loans.

Below is a list of advantages associated with getting a car loan from a credit union:

  • Favorable rate of interest: Credit unions are non-profit organizations that work for the benefit of their members. Therefore, you will get a lower rate of interest on your car loan from the credit union. A favorable rate of interest can significantly affect loan repayment amount and contribute towards great savings for you.
  • Fewer formalities: When you apply for an auto loan from a credit union, there are fewer formalities and lesser paperwork involved during the whole process. All you need to do is become a member of the credit union and then work towards the loan application process. There are also no hidden charges or fees involved.
  • Better customer service: Credit unions offer an impressive standard of customer service and their only motive is to pass on the profits to their members. When you apply for an auto loan, all the financial information will be provided to you in a simple manner. The final approval also does not take much time and you can expect to get a loan without much delay.
  • Shorter loans: Credit unions provide their members with an option of choosing their loan term. A longer loan term is equivalent to more interest and can put a financial burden on you. But when you opt for a shorter loan term, the monthly installment might be high but you will have to shell out lesser rate of interest.
  • Relaxed membership requirements: It is very easy to become a member of a credit union. The membership requirements are not stringent and almost anyone can join. Another advantage is that credit unions are more in sync with the local communities and can make the auto loan process much easier for you.
  • Beneficial for members: The credit unions are always working towards providing incentives to their members in the form of lower interest rates on the loan and saving amounts. Since profit is not on their agenda, they take utmost care of their customers and provide optimum services.
For auto loans in Killeen, TX, look no further than Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We can be contacted at (254) 690 – 2274.

Car Loan Tips




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Auto Loan For Students: How To Get The Best Deal

Owning a car is quite a big deal for students. It gives a sense of independence, freedom and a personal transportation to commute through the busy roads. However, owning a car comes with a lot of financial obligations. Though auto loans offer a good way to cover up the expenses, you must invest a lot of time and efforts to make sure that you get a suitable financing plan.

Given below are some tips that can help you get the best deal on an auto loan in Killeen, TX:

Choose The Right Car

Though you may be excited about buying your first car, it is important to make a well-informed decision about the right make and model. The price of the car is a prominent factor that determines the amount of loan you need to apply for. Make sure that you can easily afford the monthly loan payments along with additional expenses such as fuel, insurance and maintenance costs.

Research The Available Financing Options

Get quotes from multiple financial institutions to get the best possible rate on your auto loan. You can also visit a credit union as they offer loans at quite low interest rates. Make sure you completely understand the terms and conditions of different loan plans before you finalize anything. You can choose from a secured or unsecured auto loan, depending upon your requirements and budget.

Work On Your Grades

Credit unions in Killeen offer a lower interest rate to students who have a high grade point average (GPA). This is due to the reason that such students are considered responsible and are likely to be punctual in their monthly payments, thereby minimizing the risk for the lender. If you have a low or average GPA, you can consider working on improving it so that you are able to get a better interest rate on your car loan.

Pay A Higher Down Payment

The more money you can pay upfront for your car, lesser will the amount that you need to borrow. Making a large down payment will not only decrease your loan amount, but also the interest payments and monthly installments. Plan your car purchase well in advance so that you can start saving for the down payment. Borrowing a small amount of money will reduce the risk for the lender, allowing him to make a better offer on the interest rate.

Go For A Short Term Loan

Just like most students, you may consider buying an inexpensive or used car till the time you are able to afford a better model. Hence, it is quite likely that you would not want to keep on paying the loan for a span of 5 to 7 years. A better alternative is to choose a short term loan so that you can pay it off quickly and start saving for your next car. Though this may mean that you will have to pay larger payments every month, you can save a lot in terms of interest.

Know Your Credit Score

Though many students have never checked their credit score, it is important to do so when you are applying for an auto loan. Maintaining a good credit score will not only increase your chances of getting approval for a loan, you will also be able to secure a low interest rate. This, in turn, will allow you to make significant savings throughout the loan duration.

Get A Co-Signer

The credit rating of your co-signer can greatly impact the rate of interest quoted by the lender for your auto loan. Make sure you do not choose your parents or relatives as co-signer. Rather, opt for a person who has a good credit score and helps to lower your overall auto loan costs.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable auto loans from students in Killeen, TX. You can either choose from unsecured or secured car loans. Our staff will assist you with the loan application and all the paperwork involved in the process. For more details about the auto loan plans offered, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.

Questions To Ask Before Getting An Auto Loan In Central Texas

Getting an auto loan from a credit union can take you one step closer towards buying your new car. However, you need to do a comprehensive research before choosing a credit union for your auto loan requirements in Central Texas. If anything is not clear, you can consider making a list of questions to clear your doubts. Below are some questions that you should ask before getting an auto loan from a credit union:

Q: What is the interest rate on the loan?
It is imperative to ask about the interest rate being charged on your loan. The interest rate should be competitive and the total cost of the loan should be in your budget. Be clear about the monthly installments because you should be able to repay them easily. Affordability is the key to decide the exact loan amount you should borrow.

Q: Is the interest rate fixed or variable?
A fixed rate of interest on your loan means the rate will remain the same throughout the loan term. On the other hand, it may keep on altering in case of variable interest rate. Before deciding on a specific type of interest rate, take a closer look at your budget and determine if you will be able to cope up with changing rates of interest.

Q: What is the loan term?
Although lower monthly installments may seem to be a bit easier to repay but they will increase the length of your loan term. On the other hand, a higher EMI will decrease your loan term but can be overbearing on your finances. Therefore, you need to decide what suits you best and only then settle for the loan term.

Q: Is there a possibility of any penalties being levied on my loan?
In certain instances, repaying the loan before the end of your loan term may entail penalties. Apart from this, there are many extra charges that you might have to pay during the term of your loan period. It is best to clarify all these aspects before signing the loan agreement.

Q: What about credit insurance?
You may be offered insurance by your credit union or you may have to get it on the insistence of your lender. Before opting for credit insurance, you need to have a thorough look at your finances. You also need to check if it is mandatory to get the credit insurance as per the state laws so that you can make the decision accordingly.

For affordable auto loans in Killeen, TX, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We are located at 3305 E Elms Rd, Killeen, TX 76542.

Factors To Consider While Applying For Car Loan In Central Texas

When applying for a car loan in Central Texas, you need to choose the one that you can easily repay along with the specified interest rate. It is important to consider certain factors so that you find a loan plan within your budget. Whether you are planning to buy an old car or a new one, make sure you consider the following parameters:

  • Budget: Calculate your budget to find out the monthly amount you can manage to repay your car loan. It is best to opt for a used car if you have a low budget as going in for an expensive one may put a financial burden on you. Apart from monthly installments, you will also have to spend money on insurance, car maintenance, registration etc. Keep all these expenses in mind before making a decision.
  • Interest rate: The amount of money you need to pay as interest hugely affects your EMIs. Therefore, you need to check the interest rate with the credit union where you are planning to apply for the car loan. It is better to compare the rates from at least three credit unions and choose the one that suits you the best.
  • Type of car: Depending on your budget and daily use, you need to decide if you want to buy a new or a used car. A used car is generally the best choice in case you drive occasionally because it will cost you less. On the other hand, if you plan to use the four-wheeler on a daily basis, it is better to check out the latest car models and choose the one that fits your budget.
  • Credit score: Before applying for a car loan, keep a check on your credit score. It is imperative that you clear all your previous dues (if any) and be regular in your loan payments as well. Your credit score has a bearing on the approved amount of loan and the interest rate.
  • Down payment: You need to make an initial down payment when you finance a new car. Although a lower down payment may seem lucrative in the beginning, it can result in higher EMIs. This will consequently increase the tenure of your loan. So, you need to consider the amount you can afford to pay as down payment and the impact it may have on your loan.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer low interest loans for new as well as used cars. For details, call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E Elms Rd, Killeen, TX 76542.

Tips To Reduce Your Monthly Auto Loan Payment

If you are planning to finance your next vehicle, it’s a smart idea to consider various options to lower your repayment options. Factors such as the make of the vehicle, total loan amount, existing interest rates, your credit rating etc. play a major role in determining the loan repayment you may have to pay to your credit union. It is also important to note that interest rates for used cars are usually higher as opposed to a new one.

The following tips can help to reduce your monthly auto loan payments:

  • Refinance your loan: The term ‘refinancing’ means to repay your current loan by taking another loan which has lower interest rates. It helps to bring down your monthly payments and allow you to pay off the loan amount in a less period of time, thus making the whole procedure convenient.
  • Extend loan payment term: The longer your loan payment period, the lesser monthly installment amount you will have to pay. Carefully assess your existing loan repayment ability and see if you need to extend the term.
  • Save for down payment: When you think about making an auto purchase, make sure you plan much in advance so you can save up for the down payment. The higher the down payment, lower will be the monthly payouts.
  • Strengthen your credit rating: If your credit rating is strong, it is highly possible that you will get the lowest possible interest rates. This is because a good credit rating assures that the lender will receive timely repayments. Hence, it minimizes the risk for the lender which, in turn, lowers your overall monthly auto loan payment.
  • Shop around: Just as you shop around for your car, make sure you request quotes from at least three credit unions to compare their terms and conditions. Evaluate the interest rates and flexibility in repayments offered by them. Only after careful comparison must you finalize a lender that offers the most affordable auto loan plan.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer low interest auto loan to the clients in Killeen, TX. Our staff will guide you through the different options available as well as assist in the submission of loan application. For more information about the auto loans offered, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E Elms Rd, Killeen, TX 76542.

Tips To Finance Your Next Car: Secured Vs Unsecured Loans

If you are planning to finance your next car, there are different kinds of loan options available. The two most common of them are: secured and unsecured loans. Both types of car loan options have their own advantages as well as disadvantages. Read on to decide which one is better for you.

Secured Car Loans:

  • Definition: In this case, you need to put a collateral against the loan amount which, in most cases, is the car itself. If you fail to repay the loan in the specified time period, the lender has the legal right to sell off the collateral to recompense the principal amount along with the interest.
  • Rate of interest: The rate of interest offered for a secured car loan is usually less as compared to an unsecured car loan. It poses a lower risk for the lender as putting the car as the collateral reassures that the loan will be repaid in time.  
  • Premiums: Secured loans are generally offered on a fixed interest rate, i.e. your premiums will remain constant throughout the loan term. The monthly payments may also be higher to pay off the loan in a shorter period of time.  
  • Borrowing limits: A secured loan tends to have a higher borrowing limit. Therefore, you can borrow more money to purchase the car you want without having to invest much out of your pocket.
Unsecured Car Loans:

  • Definition: In an unsecured loan, you do not need to provide any security to the lender. The loan is approved on the basis of your income, credit history and other related parameters.
  • Rate of interest: The interest rate quoted for an unsecured car loan varies for each borrower. It may depend upon your income, amount of loan and credit record. The interest is usually higher as compared to secured loans because there is no collateral associated and hence offers no security to the lender
  • Premiums: An unsecured car loan can be offered either on a fixed or variable interest rate. Hence, your premiums may remain constant or vary according to the fluctuating market rates. 
  • Borrowing limits: The loan amount that may be sanctioned depends upon the value of the car to be purchased, your credit history and income. You can finance a certain percentage of the total cost of the car and the rest needs to be invested from your side.
We, at Greater Central Texas Credit Union, offer both unsecured and secured car loans in Killeen, TX. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit 3305 E Elms Rd, Killeen, TX 76542.
GCTFCU Blog | All posts tagged 'Home Loans In Killeen TX '
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

Home Loan Tips

Buying a home is indeed a dream come true and the experience is completely surreal. Today, one can take loan and pave their way to home-ownership. However, buying an ideal home involves huge finances that can put a burden on your pocket if not planned well. Here we have listed certain tips which must be considered before taking a loan.

  • Know Your Repaying Capacity – Do not borrow an amount which you cannot repay. Check if you have enough monetary and income sources to make sure you make no defaults on repayment of interest and loan amount.
  • Take Loan From A Credit Union – It is a wise decision to opt for loans from credit unions. To apply for loan, a credit union membership is quintessential. From liberal policies to low interest rates, they offer a wide range of home loan options to their members.
  • Start Saving For The Down Payment – No matter what type or amount of loan you opt for, saving early for the down payment is imperative. Saving and planning for your down payment helps you to take advantage of better options and to meet your financial commitments on time.
  • Avoid Long Term Loans – Longer the period of loan, more the interest rates. To avoid shelling out dollars, it is highly advisable to take loans for a shorter tenure which are affordable and easy to repay.
  • Ensure Complete Paperwork – To get qualified for home loan promptly, make sure that you possess all the necessary financial documents that your lender asks for.
  • Plan Your Budget – If you are planning to take a home loan in near future, plan your budget accordingly. Cut down on other expenses to make sure that you save enough to fulfil your financial commitments that shall arise when you opt for a loan.
  • Choose An Ideal Loan Option – Thoroughly research for all the available loans options and select that one whose terms and conditions suit you the best. Carefully choose the loan type after considering your financial status and requirements. Focus on all the aspects of the loan rather than just taking into account the low interest rates.
  • Improve Your Credit Score – You must have a good credit score to secure the best deal. The lender would certainly consider your credit records to ensure himself whether you would be able to repay your loan or not.
  • Use A Mortgage Calculator- It requires you to enter some basic details like price of home, your down payment savings, payments per year etc. The easy to use calculator allows you to calculate mortgage payments you would need to pay on the basis of the information you fill in.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offer home loans to our members. For more information call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

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Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying A Home

Buying a home is a dream for everyone as you can customize it according to your lifestyle and taste. However, buying a home is a task that should not be done in haste without prior planning. It is imperative to buy at the right time so that the purchase does not have any serious consequences on your present lifestyle. In order to know if you are ready for buying a home, you need to ask yourself certain questions. These are listed below:

What is your financial standing?

Without a doubt, your financial status needs to be strong before you embark on the journey to buy your own home. You need to look at factors such as consistent monthly income, a stable job, savings as well as your credit history. Since your finances will be finely scrutinized by the credit union and real estate agents, it is wise to be prepared well beforehand.

How much can you afford to pay every month?

If you are looking to buy a high-priced home, be prepared to shell out a high monthly payment. Even if you get a loan approval, consider having a re-look at the price range. You must be easily able to pay the EMI without affecting your monthly expenditure. Create your monthly budget and jot down your expenses for payments as well as luxuries. Always finalize your mortgage payments depending on your budget so that you don’t face any financial issues later on.

Which location do you prefer?

Once you buy a home, you can make numerous alterations in the property but the location will remain the same. Therefore, pay attention to this important aspect before buying a home. Decide whether you prefer to live in the city or countryside. Weigh the pros and cons of both and don’t limit yourself to a particular area. Conduct a thorough research on the Internet to discover good places where you can buy an affordable home.

What are the things you absolutely need in your home?

While conducting your home search, you will come across certain properties that will have all the features you desire but with a higher monthly payment. Therefore, you need to make a prior list of ‘must-haves’ in your property. For instance, a backyard or a specific number of bedrooms etc. could be on your wish-list. Decide on a particular home only after calculating the monthly installments and do your home search accordingly.

Whose names will be mentioned on the lease?

You will be made to sign a lease agreement in order to complete the home buying formalities. It is the most important document declaring the owner of the property. Therefore, if you are planning to buy a joint property, it is best to talk about that with your partner in advance. In certain instances, it may be beneficial to have your parent as your co-signer.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable home loans. To know more about the interest rates and membership benefits, feel free to call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

Steps To Applying For A Home Loan

A credit union is a non-profit cooperative that provides home loans at low interest rates to its members. The organization aims at passing on the profits to the members and therefore adds a lot to their savings. It is important to be clear about the home loan requirements so that you can easily purchase the home of your dreams.

Below are some steps that you need to follow while applying for a home loan:

  • Get pre-approval: In simple terms, pre-approval is a written application that states how much amount the lender will let you borrow. This document is necessary so that you know exactly how much you can borrow and how much money you need to put from your side. This will help you divide your budget according to the monthly expenses. Various factors such as employment history, credit score, down payment etc. are taken into account while pre-approving a home loan.
  • Make the offer: After zeroing down a particular property, you need to prepare an offer in consultation with your real estate agent. Offer contains details such as purchase price, closing date and the time period for which the offer holds good for you. This is given to the seller who can accept or reject it. If your offer is accepted, you need to get home inspection done from a qualified professional. 
  • Complete the loan application: After coming to a conclusion regarding the price, you need to complete the loan application formalities. The lender will determine the terms and conditions of your loan, ask you to complete the loan documents and may also demand additional documents. These can include: pay stubs for the past few months and tax return details etc.
  • Get the interest rate locked: Locking the interest rate with your lender ensures that it does not go up while your loan is still getting processed. This is imperative because home loan interest rates can fluctuate on a daily basis and you would want the lowest interest rates for big financial savings.
  • Go through loan processing: In this step, your home will be evaluated to judge its market value. Apart from this, the lender will review your loan application, cross-check the documents, verify the financial information and also check the title details to ensure that all the legalities are in place.
  • Closing: During the last stage, your home loan documents will be sent to a title company so that you and the seller can duly sign them. A photo identity proof along with the down payment amount is required for closing. Apart from this, many other documents such as loan note and deed etc. need to be reviewed and signed.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offer affordable financing services in Killeen, TX.  To know more about our credit union, call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

Pros And Cons Of Home Loan Modification

Home loan modification can be a good option for borrowers who find it difficult to pay their monthly mortgage installments. It is also sometimes helpful in avoiding a foreclosure and saving the lender from having to deal with the process. Lenders also suggest applying for a loan modification, particularly if the borrower is experiencing a temporary financial crunch. It provides the assurance that he will resume making timely payments over time.

What Exactly Is Home Loan Modification?

Home loan modification refers to the process of altering the terms and conditions of a mortgage agreement. It is usually requested by the borrower and on being approved by the lender, the loan repayment is then governed by the new contract. The lender may either approve or reject the application for home loan modification, depending upon the current financial condition of the borrower.

If you are planning to apply for a home loan modification, given below are certain pros and cons that you must consider before making the final decision:

Pros

Extended Loan Term

A shorter loan term implies higher monthly installments. This is the reason why most borrowers opt for a longer loan duration. However, when you extend the repayments to several years, you ultimately tend to pay more as interest. Home loan modification provides a convenient alternative to increase the loan term, without changing the rate of interest. The lender may extend your loan term initially, making it convenient for you to make the monthly payments.

Reduced Interest Rate

In a home loan modification, the lender may also reduce the interest rate for a short time period. This may be done to reduce the monthly installments and allow the borrower to recover from the financial crisis. In such situations, the loan conditions are re-evaluated to determine the amount you can easily pay according to the current debt-to-income ratio. The interest rate may then be temporarily reduced and gradually increased according to the market conditions.

Save Money For Other Liabilities

If you have another pending loan, such as an auto loan, student loan or credit card bill, getting your home loan modified may help you to save money to pay for these. With lower mortgage payments and lesser interest rate, you will have significant money to pay down each month towards other financial liabilities.

Cons

Strict Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for home loan modification, you need to convince the lender that you are genuinely facing difficulty in making the monthly mortgage payments. He may verify your credit rating, current financial position, other liabilities etc. to ensure that you are eligible for the program. You may need to provide a number of documents stating all your sources of income and monthly expenses, Due to the extensive paperwork involved in the process, getting a home loan modified may take approximately 30 to 180 days.

Negative Impact On Credit Score

People who apply for a home loan modification would obviously have some sort of financial crisis, which may be perceived as a risk by the future lenders. Applicants with a good credit rating and a flawless record of loan repayments are generally preferred by most lenders. Thus, modifying the home loan may greatly affect your future borrowing abilities, specifically if you are planning to get a higher amount.

Can Be A Risky Proposition

Home loan modification can be a real risk, particularly if you have not done your research. If the lending institution has proposed modifying the home loan, it does not necessarily mean that they will not initiate the foreclosure process. Though it may be true in some cases, you may have to leave your home while the loan modification application is still being reviewed by the lender.

Considering the above pros and cons, it is important to evaluate all your options before applying for a home loan modification.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union is a leading credit union in Killeen, TX providing comprehensive financial services to the clients. We offer flexible home and auto loans at low interest rates and with easy repayment options. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.