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

Guide To Home Loan Process

24. June 2017 Administrator Home Loans (0)

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Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying A Home

20. June 2017 Administrator Home Loans (0)
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.

Credit Union Glossary

30. May 2017 Administrator Blog (0)

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Types Of Auto Loans

24. May 2017 Administrator Auto Loans (0)


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Advantages Of Credit Union Auto Loans

18. May 2017 Administrator Auto Loans (0)
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

29. April 2017 Administrator Auto Loans (0)



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Home Loan Process At Credit Union

22. April 2017 Administrator Home Loans (0)





How To Apply For An Auto Loan

29. March 2017 Administrator Auto Loans (0)


Advantages Of A Credit Union

22. March 2017 Administrator Auto Loans, Blog, Home Loans (0)



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Steps To Applying For A Home Loan

17. March 2017 Administrator Home Loans (0)
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.
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

Factors Affecting Tenure Period For Your Loan

28. April 2018 Administrator Blog (0)
The tenure period of your auto loan is a major point to consider when finalizing the terms of the loan. Amidst the excitement of purchasing a new car, it is easy to overlook the importance of duration of the loan. Here is a look at the major factors that determine the ideal tenure period of your loan:

  • Total Amount Of Interest Paid: Even though a long tenure can seem enticing due to the lower monthly payments, it is important to take into account the total amount of interest that you will be paying over the entire duration of the loan. Longer tenures mean a higher amount of interest and vice versa.
  • Loan Amount – The tenure period also depends on the amount of loan you take and your capacity to repay it. Again the amount of loan that you take depends on the car you wish to get financed. Generally, higher the amount of loan that you take, more will be the time you would need to repay without disturbing your monthly budget. If your sole reason for choosing a long-term loan is to own an expensive car, then it is prudent to opt for a cheaper car, or a used one. This could mean being able to afford the monthly payments for a shorter time period.
  • Income Of The Person – The tenure period depends on the amount of money or installment that a person can pay on monthly basis. This further depends on the income as well as expenditures of a person. Make sure that you opt for a loan period that requires you to pay an amount of installment which you can comfortably pay off on a monthly basis.
  • Resale Value: The resale value of your vehicle keeps decreasing, the longer you keep it. This is an important consideration before signing up for a long-tenure loan. Trying to sell your car at the end of a 3-year loan term is sure to be a lot easier than after a 5 or 7-year period.

The tenure period of your loan is of high importance, since it could have a tremendous impact on your present as well as long-term finances.

When it comes to taking loans then credit unions are your best bet. The members enjoy a number of benefits and are offered low interest rate loans with flexible repayment options. Also the staff members assist people throughout in deciding what is best for them. For more information, visit Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can call at (254) 690 – 2274.

Ways To Pay Off Secured Loans Early

24. April 2018 Administrator Blog (0)



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New V/s Used Auto Loans

29. March 2018 Administrator Auto Loans (0)
If you considering owning a car but can’t decide on whether to opt for a new car or a used one, it might be helpful to consider the financing options for both of them. Pre-owned cars cost less as compared to new ones. However, both involve a considerable amount of money. Here are some points of comparison between financing options of used and new cars.

  • The Down-Payment
The down-payment for both types of cars differs greatly. Lenders demand a higher down payment for used cars as compared to new cars. So if you are considering a used car, be ready to shell out a higher down-payment.

  • Duration Of The Loan
The tenure for repaying the loan for a new car is usually longer. However, when it comes to used cars, the loan repayment tenure is shorter. The decisive factor when it comes to the tenure of loans for used cars are the amount of loan and age of car.

  • Monthly Instalments
The monthly instalments for new cars are lower in value as compared to those of used cars. This is because the tenure to repay the loan of new cars is longer than that of used cars.

  • The Amount Of Loan
Loans for new cars are usually granted for either the complete value of the car or significant percentage of the total cost. This is because a new car’s value is higher. For used cars, lenders are willing to offer loans at a considerably lower percentage of their value as these cars are priced at a lower value. Many buyers consider credit unions as they offer greater flexibility as per the amount and duration of the auto loans.

  • Interest Rates
The interest rate on loan for a used car is higher as compared to that of new cars. This is because the loan amount of a used car is lower than that of a new car. New cars have a better resale price and are in more demand. This makes them a safe option for lenders and that’s the reason why interest rates are lower. Credit unions are a boon for car buyers as they offer loans on new and old cars at very reasonable interest rates.

  • Depreciation
If you are considering the value of depreciation that you will incur on purchasing a car, then a used car is your best bet. The value of depreciation on a used car is negligible as compared to that of a new car whose depreciation rate is quite high.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers loans for both used as well as new cars. For more information about our services, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX 76542 or call at (254) 690-2274.

Things To Avoid While Applying For An Auto Loan

26. March 2018 Administrator Auto Loans (0)



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Rules To Keep In Mind While Applying For Loan

16. March 2018 Administrator Blog (0)



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How A Credit Union Helps You Save Money

27. February 2018 Administrator Blog (0)
Credit union is a non-profit organization which is owned & controlled by account holders. There’s always a common link between the members of a credit union. They could be working in the same company, going to the same church, living in the same community etc. Profit earned from the union is re-invested into the organization or used to fund its members.

Borrowing from a credit union can help you save money in the following ways:

• Lower Costs
Instead of making profits, credit unions focus on providing better products to their members at low costs. So, they charge nominal fees for their services. The amount charged is just to cover their costs of operation. This is done to ensure that in the long term you end up saving more money by shelling out less in the form of interest rates and service charges.

• Higher Interest Rates On Savings
Credit unions offer high interest rates on savings accounts. The amount of interest that adds up over time is directly a part of your savings. This will increase your savings substantially.

• Lower Interest Rates On Loans
With a low rate of interest, borrowing from credit union becomes a great option for cutting down one’s expenses. It is easy to accommodate interest payments of such loans into one’s monthly budget.

• Convenient Auto Loans
Getting an auto loan via a credit union is a great way of reducing the payouts of monthly installments. They encourage members to make higher down payments which reflect in lower monthly expenses and interest rates. Members can also choose shorter tenure periods for the loans consequently saving on their interest costs.

• Easy Approval
Members of credit unions can easily get pre-approved for the loan. They generally approve the loan application within 24 - 48 hours of document verification. The whole process is quite flexible & hassle free.

• Budgeting Assistance
The welfare of its members is pivotal for any credit union. The loan officers at the credit unions work in tandem with their members and offer assistance in finding a loan that best works for them.

Credit unions are a great option for loans as they follow an easy and stress free process. The staff assists the members in all aspects of loan application process. For more information, visit Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can call at (254) 690 – 2274 or log on to https://gctfcu.net/

Try A Credit Union For Cheaper Auto Loan

24. February 2018 Administrator Auto Loans (0)



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Step-By-Step Guide To Auto Loan Pre-Approval

21. February 2018 Administrator Auto Loans (0)


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Checklist Before You Visit A Credit Union

29. January 2018 Administrator Blog (0)
Credit unions are highly preferred by many due to their lower cost of borrowing. They are owned by the members and adopt a personal approach towards their loans. They are non-profit cooperatives whose main goal is to provide the members with financial services.

1. Fit Into The Criteria For Membership
The first thing you will have to ensure is that you fulfill the requirements of becoming a credit union member. These requirements may vary amongst different credit unions. Find out what your local credit unions requirements are and get them fulfilled in order to become a member and avail low interest loans.

2. Demonstrate Credit Worthiness
It is imperative to work on your credit scores before visiting a credit union. You will be required to show a proof of good credit before being considered as a member. The low interest rates come at a price of a good credit record as credit unions have to be assured that the loan will be repaid.

3. Prepare Your Documents
You are required to submit documents for opening an account with any credit union. You should seek a list of documents required and prepare all of them before visiting.

However, following is a list of some basic documents that almost all credit unions ask for -
   
  • Identity proof
  • Address proof
  • Date of birth proof

4. Make Arrangements To Fulfill Minimum Balance Requirement
Most credit unions expect a modest opening deposit depending on whether it’s a savings or checking account. Members are expected to maintain some minimum balance in their accounts. Non compliance may lead to additional monthly service charges.

5. Compare Your Options
Before picking a credit union, do some research on the products, services and rates they offer. Look out for what suits your specific requirements. You might even have to overlook factors such as the location of branch and working hours. Nowadays a lot can be done on mobile devices. Always be aware of the protection you are being offered by a credit union and the limits on that protection if any.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union is a member owned cooperative that started in 1957. The loans offered by us are flexible and customized to suit the financial interests of our clients. For more information about our services, visit us at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at (254) 690-2274.

Things To Consider While Applying For Car Loans?

25. January 2018 Administrator Car Loan (0)



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