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

Home Loans: Jargons and Terminology

People who have ever applied for a home loan in Killeen, TX know how puzzling and nerve-wracking the process can be. The jargons and terminologies used by the financiers are so complicated that most of the customers fail to understand the basics of their home loan. Due to this, they end up striking deals without knowing about out their consequences. Thus, anyone intending to get a home loan must be aware of the meaning of the commonly used jargons.

Given below is a complete explanation of the common terminologies used in home loans:

  • Annual Percentage Rate (APR): It refers to the variable or fixed interest rate at which the financier is ready to lend the loan for a certain period of time. Borrowing a loan at a low APR does not always mean a cheap loan, particularly if it is a long term loan. Paying higher number of installments at a low APR ultimately leads to reimbursing more interest.
  • Comparison Rate: This includes the upfront loan fees as well as the proposed interest rate. Comparison rate will help you in assessing the true cost of the home loan.
  • Fixed Rate: This allows you to borrow the loan at a definite rate of interest with fixed monthly payments for a specified period of time.
  • Loan To Value Ratio (LVR): It refers to the size of your home loan in proportion to the actual value of the property to be purchased. For instance, if you borrow $200,000 to finance a home worth $400,000, the loan will have an LVR of 50% ($200,000 is 80% of $400,000).
  • Variable Rate: It keeps on varying according to the changes in official rates of interest.
  • Down Payment: When you borrow a home loan, the lender will require you to contribute certain percentage of your own money to buy the house. This initial amount is known as down payment. 
  • Refinance: This refers to procuring a new mortgage loan on an already owned home. This is usually done to switch current loans on the property. 
  • Loan Term: It is the time period before the maturity of your home loan and is usually indicated in months, usually 24 to 84 months. It helps the borrower have an idea about when he is expected to pay off the loan.
For more information about home loans in Killeen, TX, contact Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. You can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542.

Applying For A Home Loan In Killeen, TX

Purchasing a home requires a big financial input and usually people apply for a home loan to assist with the investment. However there are many criteria and conditions that you must fulfill to qualify for a loan. Here are some parameters that describe your home loan endorsement and explain who can apply for a home loan in Killeen, TX.

  • Salary: One of the most important criteria that you must fulfill in order to be eligible for a home loan is regular employment. The loan providers seek the assurance that you can repay the loan amount smoothly without any interruptions. They make sure that the borrower has enough resources and seek documents such as your salary certificates, etc. High salary increases your chances of being approved for the loan.
  • Stable job: To qualify for a home loan, you must have a stable job. You must be employed for at least six months or a year before applying for loan to show stability and a regular income.
  • Existing loans: Before approving your home loan, the lenders may require information about any existing loan. If you have paid off your existing loans, it increases your chances of getting an approval.
  • Property check: To approve your home loan the financial institutions and banks often check the property that you intend to buy and see if it is built as per the technical and legal norms. They even verify if the property is sanctioned by the authorities. It is crucial that you check whether the property has approved sanctioned plans and complies with the technical and legal aspects.
  • Having saving account: Most of the financial institutions including banks approve loans for applicants who have a saving account. They often require the latest statement of your bank account to see whether you are capable of repaying the loan. Having enough savings increases your chances of getting approval for the home loan.
  • Credit score: The mortgage companies and financial institutions check your credit score before approving the loan. Your credit score decides your interest rate, the amount that you can borrow and the loan type that you are qualified to obtain.

You may be required to furnish your personal details by filling an application form while applying for home loan. We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offer easy home loans at affordable interest rates. For more details, call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

Mistakes To Avoid When Applying For A Secured Auto Loan

Applying for a secured auto loan can be a very confusing and deliberating task for many people. There are a number of terms and conditions that must be properly understood before you sign a contract.

Given here are some of the mistakes that people usually make while applying for a secured auto loan in Killeen, TX.

  • Not knowing your credit rating: Before visiting your financier, you must know about where you stand in terms of credit rating. Contact a reliable institution to know your credit score and the ways in which it can be improved. Even a minor alteration in your credit score can make a lot of difference in your car loan and its interest rates.
  • Not understanding the loan terms before signing: This is the most common mistake that people make while applying for a secured car loan. It is very important that you carefully read and understand all the terms and conditions of the loan agreement. You should also ask questions and clear all your doubts concerning the agreement.
  • Exceeding your monthly budget: You should not commit the mistake of buying a loan amount that is higher than what you can afford to repay. You should determine your monthly expenses and decide on a budget to buy a car accordingly.
  • Not doing enough research: It is not recommended that you visit one lender and finalize the loan procedure. Instead you must thoroughly research the market about the prevailing interest rates on secured auto loans so that you can compare and decide the best deal for yourself.
  • Not taking the shortest-term loan: As the value of cars depreciate over time it is beneficial to pay off the loan as early as possible. Although short-term loans may initially seem to have higher payments but you would end up paying less interest.
  • Signing under pressure: Signing the loan contract under any sort of hurry or pressure is another common mistake. Once you have initiated negotiations with the financier you should take your time to evaluate the options and decide what suits you best.
  • For more information on secured auto loans in Killeen, TX, contact Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. You can call us at (254) 690 - 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E Elms Road Killeen, TX 76542.

    Choosing The Right Car Loan In Killeen, TX

    Various financial institutions offer car loans with different repayment options. However as a borrower, it is important that you understand your requirements and affordability to avoid any difficulties while repaying the loan amount. 
    Here are some important tips that you must keep in mind while choosing a car loan:

    • Determine your affordability: Undoubtedly, this is the most important per-requisite of applying for a car loan. It is very important to establish your budget for the loan amount to ensure you can pay it off easily. Therefore, determine all our monthly expenses and determine the amount that you would be able to spare monthly. Some people may have the misconception that making large repayments is a good way to pay the loan off early. However, this extra expenditure every month cost can also cause you to financially struggle for your basic needs.
    • Know your budget: After you have set aside the amount that you can afford, you must work upon how you will manage your expenses. If you do not have a steady income, you should opt for a loan that offers flexible repayment options. Make sure that you chalk out a budget that seems practical and realistic.
    • Determine your chances of approval: Most financial institutions have a specified set of criterion to decide on if an applicant’s loan should be approved or not. You should consider your credit history, annual income and other relevant factors to determine the approximate loan amount that you can be lent.
    • Secured or unsecured loan: A secured loan would need you to put up collateral against the money borrowed. In case you fail to pay the loan back, the collateral will be possessed by the lender. Unsecured loans, on the other hand, will possibly have higher interest rates due to no such security. You should be aware of the stakes and take a well informed decision.
    • Interest rates: You must also decide between fixed and variable interest rates. Fixed rates would help you have a clear idea of your monthly repayments, and therefore, manage your budget accordingly. Variable rates however are subject to change according to the present market conditions but can offer benefits too.

    We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offer convenient and instant car loans at affordable rates of interest. For more details, feel free to call us at (254) 690 - 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E Elms Road Killeen, TX 76542.

    Home Loan Process

    Home loans are the best alternatives for people who want to own a house but do not have sufficient funds at hand. Borrowing a certain sum of money and them repaying in easy monthly installments helps to relieve the financial burden of the homeowners. However, there is a step by step that must be followed in order to getting a home loan easily. Once you have made your mind to buy a home, your first step after that should be to analyze your credit rating to be able to apply for a loan.

    Here is complete process of applying for a home loan in Killeen, TX:

    • Pre-Qualification: At this stage, your lender will determine how much loan amount you can afford. He will ask questions about your total income, assets and liabilities. According to this information, he will be able to provide you a rough estimate of the money that you can borrow. Although this is not a certification of loan approval, however, you will have an approximate price range at hand and you can search properties accordingly.
    • Pre-Approval: This is a bit more formal process than pre-qualification.For pre-approval, the lender will verify your credit rating, employment and financial information provided by you.This will also help to strengthen your position to negotiate for a property you like.Sellers are more keen to accept offers from buyers who are already been approved for a home loan.
    • Choosing a Lender: There are a number of lenders such as mortgage brokers, banks and credit unions to procure a home loan.Make sure you compare several loan plans before deciding on any one. Although it completely depends on your own choice and preference, credit unions are a good source of financing. They offer low interest rates and easy repayment options on home loans.
    • Submitting The Application: You can visit your lender’s office or call their representatives to visit your place and get the loan application signed. You would also require certain documents to be attached while submitting the application. These may include pay stubs from the previous month, recent bank statements, proof of your assets and liabilities etc.

    After this your lender will appraise the value of the home that you are considering to buy. He will also verify the authenticity of the documents submitted by you. Finally, if everything is satisfactory, the process will be closedand your home loan will be approved.

    For more details about the home loan process in Killeen, you can contact Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union at (254) 690 – 2274.

    How To Save On Your Home Loan

    Whether you need a home loan for buying a new home or remodeling an existing home, you can save a huge amount of money by getting home loans from credit unions. They offer better interest rates, are more flexible with re-payment terms and offer excellent customer service. Credit unions are considered a cross between a bank and a co-operative and often, people who share similar interests, set up a credit union to save money and avail low interest loans. The credit unions have become highly popular among people who seek auto and home loans.

    GCTFCU Blog | Credit Union Killeen TX | Home Loans, Secured Auto Loan in Central Texas

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

    Mistakes To Avoid While Applying For A Home Loan

    Home loans enable you to purchase your dream house while not having to make a large one time investment. It helps you instead by letting you stagger payments monthly over a set duration of time. Taking out a home loan can be a relatively complicated process, depending on market conditions and your own requirements. There are a lot of things to consider, including the amount of the loan, the conditions and duration of repayment, the rate of interest you will be charged and the amount of the monthly payments you will have to make. While for most people, the procedure might go off without a hitch, there are a number of mistakes that can significantly increase the amount of time and hassle involved. Avoiding these mistakes will surely put you in a better position to get your home loan processed smoothly and fast.

    1. Getting a Credit Score – The one thing you should never forget while applying for a home loan is to get a comprehensive credit score. You should use the service of a reputed and effective credit rating agency to get your credit evaluated and to make sure that your credit score is free of errors. In fact, it is a good idea to get a credit score sheet out periodically so you can stay on top of your credit records.
    2. Avoid other Loans –While applying for a home loan, make sure that you do not apply for other kinds of credit at the same time. For at least a time period of six months before your home loan application gets through, you need to ensure that you do not apply for other kinds of credit like personal or auto loans. This might lead to your loan application getting cancelled.
    3. Check your Source – When applying for a home loan, make sure that you perform thorough checks on the institution that you are considering for the loan. Carefully check the terms of the loan and go through all the documents carefully before deciding on a particular loan. You can also hire the services of Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union that helps get secured home loans and provides assistance through the entire process.
    4. Consider Pre-approval – If you have had a successful and long relationship with an institution, you might be eligible for a pre-approved home loan. These loans take less time and paperwork to process, and make the processes much smoother altogether. You should not miss the chance to grab a pre-approved home loan offer if you can get your hands on one.

    To procure quick and affordable home loan in Central Texas, visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We are located at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call us at (254) 690 - 2274.

    Credit Unions: Good Sources For Home Loans In Killeen TX

    More and more prospective homebuyers are relying on credit unions for home loans these days, as the credit unions offer a variety of plans and benefits to the members. Besides competitive rates, the credit unions offer low closing costs and their loan programs are ideal to meet typical financial needs. Here are some reasons that make credit unions a good source for home loans in Killeen TX.

    • Better Chances of home approvals: It is a fact that the credit unions are more considerate towards you as a member. They listen to your reasons and offer a quick approval. Even if you had problem with your credits in the past, credit unions are ready to make adjustment in the loan terms for the members.  This definitely is one of the major reasons that people seek loan from credit unions now a days.
    • Lower rates of interests: The major reason that people are counting on credit unions for their home loans is lower rate of interests. Besides lower banking fees, they require lower balance. This makes them the first choice of union members who want to apply for home loan, or any other loan.
    • Personalized service: Credit unions are members oriented. They are nonprofit organizations that help the members for the growth of the community. The aim of a credit union is to provide members with quality customer services. As, all the decisions are made by the volunteer board members, so they have a personalized approach. You can easily tell them your concerns about your loan and flexibility that you desire in your payment options. The credit unions often consider your issues and work with your best interests in focus.
    • Low closing costs and time: Getting home loans from credit unions involve less paper work and bureaucratic formalities. It takes less time to get the loan from the credit union and it involves low closing costs.
    • Guidance: The credit unions have their resource centers where you can get all the required information regarding your home loan. The guides available there at the center help you take better decisions. Whether you have already taken a loan or applying for the first time, you can get reliable answers to your queries here.
    • Non-profit: The credit unions have non-sales approach, as they do not work for profits. The unions work for the advantage of members and are not driven to make profit by selling anything. Their all profits return to the members in the form of lower rates

    Used Car Auto Loans: Things To Consider

    If you are thinking of buying a used car for the family but are not yet ready to make a large one-time investment, it makes sense to go for a used car auto loan. With a used car auto loan, the vehicle you purchase costs much less to begin with and your loan provides you with a way to scatter payments into comfortable and easy monthly installments thus enabling you to start using your car immediately without having to worry about one-time payments. There are a number of things to consider when you want to finance a used car. Knowing about these factors can help you make a wiser, smarter decision and make the process smooth and easy.

    Initial Considerations

    The first thing you need to determine before you can start the process of getting a used car auto loan is to set a concrete budget. Remember to include all possible components in your budget likes local sales tax, licensing fees and car titling fees. If you calculate these costs ahead of time it will really help to figure out the value of the used car that you finally choose.

    The next step is to choose a used vehicle and determine its exact current value accurately. Make sure that you get a fair price and have the vehicle assessed by professionals, if there is need for that. To know more about the condition of the vehicle in question, you can ask for a history report from the previous owners which would tell you about usage records, servicing records and records of accidents if any. This helps you foresee potential problems in the future which can turn out to be costly.

    Getting a Used Car Auto Loan

    When all the initial steps have been taken care of, you can then move onto the actual process of getting a used car auto loan. Keep a close eye on your budget and figure out how much you want to spend monthly. Another thing to watch out for is the interest rate which you will be charged with a used car auto loan. Make sure that your monthly payment figure and the rate of interest is favorable to you and enables you to smoothly make monthly payments with convenience and by staying within your original budget. On figuring these things out, the only thing that remains to be done is to complete the actual paperwork and you will have the money to buy the used car of your choice.

    Benefits Of A Secured Auto Loan

    For most people the first step when they decide to get a new car is to get a secured auto loan. Financing the purchase through a lending institution can help you tackle what can otherwise be a huge expense and hassle. To avoid paying a hefty periodic interest rate you should consider financing the vehicle from a credit union instead of a bank, as it is more cost effective and pro community. The benefits of a secured loan greatly outnumber those of an unsecured loan.

    • The interest rates are much lesser in case of a secured loan as you put up an asset as collateral. It is an affordable scheme you should be confident to repay the loan. The nominal interest rates make the repayment convenient.
    • It is easier to get a secured loan sanctioned as the lending institution does not hesitate to sign it with collateral in hand. On many occasions, getting the loan sanctioned is the biggest obstacle and you wind up having to wait for months to make sure that it is approved. Credit Unions are also very lenient in case of people who opt for a secured loan. You can borrow a favorable amount when you put up a property as collateral as there is no limit to the amount of money the credit unions are willing to lend.
    • Apart from all this the repayment period is also flexible and you can pay the loan back over a longer duration of time. This means less pressure, less monthly installments and more peace of mind for you. Even the interest rates are not fixed for secured borrowers. As long as you have a decent flow of monthly income, some property to show and a decent credit history, you should take advantage of the above mentioned benefits offered by secured loans.
    • credit union is the most suitable place to get a loan from. Not only are the interest rates lower but the level of service is also top notch and backed by friendly staff members. Apart from borrowing money you can also get all other financial and banking needs catered to at credit unions.

    We at the Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union can help you with your secured loan and clear any doubts that you may have. You can call us at (254) 690 – 227.

    Secured Vs Unsecured Auto Loans

    Buying a car is a major long-term investment for families and involves a significant outlay of funds and careful consideration as to where those funds come from. For most families, taking out an auto loan is a viable and wise option as it gives them the adequate funds to make an outright purchase while scattering the actual payment over a period of time with monthly payments, thereby lessening the financial pressure on them by a considerable margin. Auto loans are easily available with the bare minimum of hassle if applied for by an experienced credit union. Auto loans can be of two broad kinds- secured auto loans and unsecured auto loans and the basic difference lies in the fact that with secure auto loans the vehicle that is being purchased is taken into consideration as  collateral for the loan amount and there is no collateral in case of an unsecured auto loan. While you decide which kind of loan you want to apply for, it is useful to know about the fundamental differences between these two kinds of auto loans and what each of them would imply for you.

    Secured Auto Loans

    In a secured auto loan, the car you purchase is worked into the loan agreement as collateral for the loan. Therefore, the party providing the loan retains all rights over the vehicle and you get the right to use the vehicle for your purposes. Once the loan is repaid fully, you receive the ownership rights to the car which is then transferred to your name.

    Since the lender in listed as the lien holder in case of a secured auto loan, you need to maintain comprehensive coverage insurance on the vehicle until all loan dues are paid off. If you cannot make payments on time or fail to make them, the lien holder can ask the car to be returned. Inability to do so will cause the car to be legally repossessed to pay off for the remainder of the loan. The upsides are that interest rates are usually low and it is easy to get a loan approved for large amounts, thus enabling you to get the model of car you want.

    Unsecured Auto Loans

    These loans do not have any collateral mentioned, which means that once you purchase your car you can assume ownership of it immediately. Also, you are free to choose the kind of insurance coverage you want for your car. There is no possibility of an event where your car can be claimed or repossessed but the interest rates for unsecured auto loans can be relatively higher and approval processes might be a little more rigorous than those for secured auto loans.

    We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union can help you apply for a car loan in Killeen and deal with all the details. We can be contacted at (254) 690 – 227.