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

Steps To Get Best Deal On A Car Loan In Killeen, TX

15. April 2016 Administrator Car Loan (0)

Buying a new car requires a good auto loan deal to make the process smooth and quick. After finalizing the car that you want to buy, it is important to determine the amount of loan that you will require. Be clear about the down payment you will be able to make easily. Also, check out the interest rates being offered by various credit unions to settle for a loan plan that best suits your pocket.

Below are some steps that can help you get the best deal on a car loan:

Gather detailed information about your credit history: Get copies of your credit reports to know your eligibility for applying for a car loan. Keep this information handy as you may be required to present the document when applying for the loan. Every credit union has a different eligibility for a car loan, so it is better to inquire beforehand. The interest rates you will be offered will depend a lot on your credit score.
Do your homework: It is imperative to shop around in order to look for the best deal on a car loan. Compare the interest rates offered by various credit unions in Killeen and opt for the one that complies with your budget. Do not forget to thoroughly read the terms and conditions of the loan plan you are considering. This will clarify all the rules and regulations of your car loan as well as avert any problems in the future.
Choose a shorter loan term: Although a long term loan will reduce your monthly cost, it will significantly add up to the total interest payments. So, it is better to limit your auto loan to the shortest time period that you can afford as this will help you repay your loan faster. Compare the loan terms of various credit unions to make a wise decision.
Concentrate on the total cost: It is important to focus not only on the monthly payments but on the total cost of the loan, including the interest payments. In order to cut down on your loan amount, you can consider paying a higher down payment towards your new car purchase.
Ask for cash discounts: You can ask for cash discounts from your car loan dealer. These discounts can contribute towards the down payment for the car. It is better to go in for cash discounts rather than asking to lower your monthly EMI.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable auto loans in Killeen, TX. We offer a wide range of loan plans with easy repayment options. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX 76542.

Financing Your Car With Credit Union In Killeen

8. April 2016 Administrator Blog, Car Loan (0)

If you are planning to purchase a new or used car, financing it must be on your mind. A credit union is one of the safest and easiest ways to procure a car loan. You can choose from a wide range of loan plans, depending upon your budget and financing requirements.

Here are some benefits of first approaching your local credit union in Killeen, TX for an auto loan:

Chances of approval are more: Credit union is open to listening to the back stories of its members and then deciding on the loan terms. If you are worried about little or no credit history, you may discuss your concerns with the staff and figure out the best way to get the desired loan amount.

Convenience: The inter-personal approach of the credit union makes it convenient to apply for the loan even before you make the purchase. A pre-approved loan in your hand helps you to fix the budget for the car and spend prudently.

Competitive interest rate: Credit union offers low interest rates which keep your monthly payouts on lower side. Since they know credit history of their members closely they are likely to keep their interests in mind before sanctioning the loan.

Bundling: If you have an ongoing loan with the credit union , such as for your home, your interest rate may further be lowered, making it a better deal for you as they encourage bundling.

Personal touch: A credit union is a non-profit organization that works for the community. You can get proper knowledge and education about all financing tools in a personal manner at a credit union. The staff takes the time to help clients understand the loan details in order to make a well-informed decision.

Educated advice: Credit union has dedicated financial experts who are committed to provide information about financial products to the members. Their aim is to keep everyone informed of new policies and rates. This non-sales approach helps the members to build confidence.

Provide stability: Credit union is operated by the members and for the members. They plough back all their profits back in to improving the services for members. This gives them stability and they are not likely to be affected by profit motives.

Research all available options thoroughly before making up your mind. Compare interest rates and terms of loan by reading all documents carefully.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable auto loans in Killeen, TX. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

Tips When Buying A Luxury Car Loan In Killeen, TX

21. March 2016 Administrator Auto Loans (0)

Owning a luxury car is a dream for many in Killeen, TX. However, buying an expensive vehicle is not within reach many a times and getting a loan is a convenient way to fulfill that dream. Getting a car loan is not difficult but you need to be sure that the loan amount can be repaid easily. Analyze your budget and calculate if you will have enough money for your expenses after paying for the monthly installment along with the interest rate.

Below is a list of some tips that can be utilized when getting a luxury car loan in Killeen:

Research: It is important to conduct a thorough research regarding the loan plans being offered by various credit unions. Browse through the internet and read the reviews to decide from which lender you want to get a loan. Compare the plans from at least three providers before making a decision.
Interest rate: Interest rate is a crucial factor when applying for a car loan as it eventually decides the EMI that you need to pay every month. A minimal increase in the interest rate can cause a major jump in the monthly installments. Identify the best deal and it is better to opt for a floating rate of interest if you want a loan for a short period of time. On the other hand, go for a fixed rate of interest if you want to opt for a longer tenure loan.
Processing fee: Every credit union has its own method of calculating the processing charges for a car loan. Some credit unions use fixed percentage of their loan as processing fee. On the other hand, many lenders also have flat rate processing fee. Decide on what suits your requirement and the amount you can easily afford to repay.
Down payment: Down payment is the lump sum money that needs to be paid at the commencement of the loan term. Therefore, you need to have some amount of cash ready for down payment. Take note that lesser down payments will eventually increase your monthly EMIs. So, you need to decide according to the financial resources available to you.
Loan term: It is best to avoid long term loans as this can lead to an increase the interest payments made during the loan tenure. On the other hand, a short term will help you in saving on the interest cost. Depending on your financial standing, you can decide on the car loan term.
Prepayment charges: The lender can levy prepayment charges if the borrower is able to return the complete or partial loan amount before the end of the loan term. Therefore, you need to be aware if your credit union levies any such charges.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable car loans in Killeen, TX. For more information, you can call at (254) 690 – 2274.

Document Checklist For A Secured Auto Loan In Killeen

14. March 2016 Administrator Auto Loans, Blog (0)

When you need to apply for a secured auto loan, having the required documents at hand can help to get a faster approval for your application. It is important for the credit union to be sure that you will be able to repay the loan on time. This information will help to determine the interest rate that you may be charged on the loan amount.

Given below are some documents that you may need to submit while applying for a secured auto loan in Killeen, TX:

Income Proof: This is the most important document to be presented by the loan applicants. If you are a salaried individual, you may need to submit at least two of your recent pay stubs from the employer. For self-employed applicants, a copy of the tax returns of the last two financial years may be required. A bank account statement for the past 6 months may also be needed. If you have any source of sizeable income, such as rental properties, alimony, legal settlements etc. do provide the documents for validation.
Identity Proof: You must submit a valid identity proof and a recent photograph along with the application for the secured auto loan. The ID proofs that may be accepted include social security card, birth certificate, passport, driver’s license etc. It is recommended that you confirm the identity proof required by your credit union beforehand to avoid any trouble later.
Proof Of Residence: You may also need to submit proof of present and permanent address to apply for the loan. The document you provide should have an address consistent with that on your proof of identity as well as the loan application.
Vehicle Information: If you are buying a new vehicle, you may need to give the vehicle identification number (VIN) to the lender. You may also be asked to submit he sales agreement from the dealer which may include the type, make, model, year and purchase price of the vehicle. For buying a used vehicle, get information about the original title, vehicle model and disclosure of no pending liens from the dealer.
Proof Of Insurance: The credit union may also want to ensure that you have a valid insurance policy for your vehicle. The coverage options that you have chosen may also be considered while approving your loan application and deciding the interest rate.

For affordable secured auto loans in Killeen, feel free to contact Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union at (254) 690 – 2274.

Things First-Time Home Loan Borrowers Must Know

8. March 2016 Administrator Home Loans (0)

Buying a home is one of the most important and biggest financial decisions that you may take in your lifetime. The process of taking a loan to buy a home may seem overwhelming, particularly for first time buyers. The paperwork, jargons and formalities may prove to be too mind-boggling if you are not prepared.

Following factors will help to understand the constituents of a home loan and ease out the process if you are first time home loan borrower.

Principal Amount: This is the amount that you are looking to borrow. This may not be the actual price of the home as some investment needs to be done by the buyer in the form of down payment and only the rest will be extended as loan. The amount you can afford as down payment must be carefully decided keeping your financial position in mind.

Interest rates: There are two types of interest rates that you can opt from. Variable rate depends on the situation of the market and suits a borrower who can afford the volatility of the rate. Fixed rate remains the same for the entire tenure as agreed at the time of loan approval.

Eligibility: It is important to review your credit history so you are aware how much loan amount you are eligible for. You can also get a co-applicant for a loan that has a steady income to improve your combined eligibility and up the amount you can take as loan.

Time Period: After evaluating your current and future financial requirements, decide on the time period for which you will repay the loan amount. This may vary from 10 to 20 years and will affect your monthly payouts.

Processing Fees: Ask the agent at the credit union if there is any processing fee for the loan you are applying for. In some cases, this fee is waived off for customers depending on schemes offered by the lender and in other a percentage of the loan amount is charged.

Pre payment charges: Check if you will have to pay some extra charges in case you wish to pay your loan amount before the actual date. This may be a possibility if your financial condition improves and you are in a position to pay-off the loan.

Check all papers: Once the application has been processed, read all documents carefully. Every minute detail must be clear to you so there are no disputes in the future. You must also save all correspondences for reference.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offer home loans at affordable interest rates. For more information, you can call at (254) 690 – 2274.

Applying For A Home Loan In Killeen, Texas

19. February 2016 Administrator Home Loans (0)

Whenever you are planning to buy your dream home in Killeen, TX and applying for a mortgage, the most important thing that you need to focus on is your budget. You must know how much monthly installments you can afford to pay. In addition to the EMIs, some other costs are also included in the home buying process. This may comprise the closing costs, credit report fees, home appraisals, application fees, taxes, title transfer fees etc. Therefore, you need to take all factors into account before applying for a home loan.

Below are some tips that can be utilized when you are going to submit a loan application at a credit union:

Save money: The terms and conditions for getting a home loan approval keep on changing from time to time. Therefore, if you are planning to apply for a home loan, make sure you have enough cash reserve. You may need to pay the down payment right away once your loan is approved.

Get pre-qualified: Knowing how much you can afford is a key step in getting pre-qualified for a loan. Your lender may ask questions pertaining to your monthly income, estimated down payment and the assets you own. Pre-qualification helps in determining your borrowing capacity but it does not guarantee an approval for your loan.

Get pre-approved: In order to get pre-approved for a housing loan, you need to submit your recent bank statements, proof of income, and income tax return papers along with employment information. This will help your lender in cross-checking if you have sufficient funds to repay the loan amount.

Compare housing loan rates: Compare the various housing loan rates being offered by different credit unions to select the most suitable plan. Most of the credit unions in Killeen offer flexible loan terms thereby making it easier for customers to get approval.

Know your credit score: It is important to review your credit score before applying for a home loan. This is a critical factor in deciding your eligibility for a home loan. Also, it is imperative to pay all your bills on time, lower your debts and have a good credit report.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable home loans in Killeen, TX. For more information, you can call at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX 76542.

Reasons You Must Join A Credit Union In Killeen, TX

12. February 2016 Administrator Auto Loans, Home Loans (0)

Credit Union is a not for profit institution that works collaboratively with its members to ease the financial liabilities of the clients. It lays emphasis on customer service and working for the benefits of the members. As the good word is spreading, more people are showing interest in joining credit union in the Killeen area as it offers various benefits.

Focus on the community: A credit union aims at uplifting the financial understanding and positioning of its members. They plough back the finances they raise for the improvement of the objectives, thus making them a viable social organization.

Easier loans and lower interest rates: Accessibility of loans at competitive interest rates is one of the biggest advantages of a credit union. The application process is much easier and the loans are approved in a shorter period of time.

Lower banking fee: Their overdraft policies, minimum balance policies are competitive and designed keeping in mind the benefit of the members.

Easy to join: It is easy to become a member of a credit union. Membership may be accepted depending on your area of residence, thus opening its gates to more and more members.

Education: One can trust a credit union to offer the best advice when it comes to financial constraints and liabilities. They organize periodic seminars, panel discussions, lectures, and personalized financial counseling to make the members aware of latest financial tools available.

Accessibility: Credit Unions are managed by representatives amongst the members and thus are more receptive to an individual’s concern. They are connected digitally, giving its members various windows to interact and exchange views, all round the day.

More personal: You can strike personal relations with the staff as they are more forthcoming in attending to your queries than anywhere else. You can discuss your problems, raise queries and express opinions as these unions respond promptly to feedback.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offer complete financial services in Killeen, TX. We provide low interest home loans, checking accounts, savings account, payroll deduction, MasterCard, wire transfer and may other services to the clients. For more information, you can call at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX 76542.

Your Killeen Credit Union Is The Best Place For Auto Loans

6. February 2016 Administrator Auto Loans, Blog (0)

Whether you are looking for a loan for a used or new vehicle in Killeen, a credit union can be a great option to consider. Being a non-profit organization, it offers easy financing options to the clients. Also, the loan is approved in much lesser time as compared to other financial institutions.

Given below are some of the reasons you should choose a credit union for auto loan in Killeen:

Higher chances of approval: If you have a lower income, you stand a higher chance of getting an auto loan approved at a credit union than at a bank. The staff at a credit union is inclined towards adjusting the terms of the loan to suit the needs of each client. Pre-approved auto loans may also be extended to make your vehicle purchase a hassle free exercise.
Competitive rate of interests: The biggest benefit of getting an auto loan from a credit union is that the interest rates are quite competitive. As these institutions are not liable to pay any state or federal taxes, they are able to offer loans at much lower interest rates.
Non-Sales Approach: Since a credit union works for the benefit of its members, the staff does not compel the clients to purchase the loan. Instead, they help the clients compare different loan plans and choose the one that best suits their requirements.
Profits are ploughed back: All the profits earned by the credit union are returned back to the members by way of low interest rates, higher dividends and more returns on savings accounts.
Friendly service: The management team of a Credit union comprises of members from the organization itself. You may have one to one sessions with loan officers and discuss your queries while your loan is being processed. Unions are flexible and comforting to their member’s concerns.
Membership is easy: Becoming a member at a credit union is quite easy. The eligibility criterion to be approved for an auto loan is also not too stringent at a credit union.

If you are looking for an auto loan in Killeen, TX, visit Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We offer low interest auto loans with easy repayment options. For more information, you can call at (254) 690 – 2274.

Tips When Applying For A Home Loan In Killeen

20. January 2016 Administrator Home Loans (0)

When buying a house in Killeen, TX, make sure you have also done enough homework on the long term liability that it entails. There are some important things to keep in mind so that the process is smooth and you can buy your dream home without any financial constraints.

Improve your creditworthiness: The lender must see that you are worthy of the credit you are seeking. This means that how you are managing your other debts, i.e. if you are paying installments on time or before due dates. If a lender sees a positive behavior with regard to your other debts, he may extend certain advantage in your current loan.

Consider pre-approval: Before you start looking for a house, get a pre-approved loan so you can have a realistic idea about how much you can spend. A pre-approval will determine how much money you are qualified to borrow for a purchase.

Keep all documents ready: When applying for a loan, the lender may ask for certain financial documents. Spend some time in getting all paperwork in order so the loan process is accelerated. Your bank statements, salary slips, tax papers etc. are some examples of documents you may need.

Explore the entire market: There are many players offering home loans in the market and thus it is wise to explore all the options. Lenders may provide discounts, better interest rates or additional benefits which must all be considered before making the decision.

Decrease your loan value: Try to make as much down payment as you can. Bringing down your liability will improve your creditworthiness and lower your monthly payments. You could use the existing funds to fuel this payment.

See your financial situation: It is important to do your number crunching before you set out looking for the right loan against your home. See your financial position for next few years, exact value of the property you plan to buy, monthly expenses etc. before you fix the amount.

Understand loan types: One should know the difference between fixed and adjustable rate loans. While the former doesn’t change even if there are fluctuations in the market, the latter may depend on the prevalent base rate. See your own situation and decide which of the above will better cater to your needs.

Be patient: See the financial market and then decide if it is feasible and sensible to take a loan. Do not make any desperate decision as you may get higher rates or fewer benefits on your loan.

It is always better to take advice from an expert so you are better prepared before you set out to seek home loan.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable home loans in Killeen, TX. For more information, you can call at (254) 690 – 2274.

Secured Loan Checklist Killeen, TX

13. January 2016 Administrator Auto Loans, Car Loan (0)

A secured loan is the one where your asset is kept as collateral and can be taken into possession by the lender in case you are unable to pay back the loan. Secured loans have become really popular over a period of time because you can get them easily approved. Moreover, you can borrow huge sums of money at a lower interest rate.

It is important that you conduct a thorough research about the secured loan rates being offered by the credit unions in your area. This will help you select the most appropriate lender for your loan requirements. It is always beneficial to prepare for your loan well in advance to make the process hassle free and quick. Consider the following checklist before applying for a secured loan:

Prepare your credit report: Check your credit report for any errors and make sure you do not have any pending debts. Also, make sure that all your credit card payments have been duly made on time.
Save regularly: Establish a good saving record by saving regularly so that you can build up security for your loan. Increased savings make it easier to borrow from a credit union.
Get insurance: It is imperative to have insurance prior to applying for a loan. For example, if you are applying for a secured auto loan, you need to show that you are insured to drive a car.
Income and employment verification: You will be required to provide details of your income during the last three months, wage and tax statement from your employer, latest tax return details as well as recent bank account statements. Keep all these documents ready beforehand so that you do not face any difficulty when applying for a secured loan.
Ask for pre-qualification: Whenever you go to a credit union to apply for a secured loan, you should ask them about the estimate of the loan that you can be given and the interest rate for which you are pre-qualified. For this, you need to show your employment and income verification documents.
Other documents: Apart from the above mentioned documents, you also need to submit a photo identity proof, your residential address, contact details of your insurance agent etc.

For affordable secured loans in Killeen, TX, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We offer customized loan plans with low interest rates and easy repayment options. To know more, call at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX 76542.