• Know The Jargons: It is essential to have a clear understanding of the terminologies involved in the home loan process to avoid misunderstandings. Some of these are annual percentage rate (APR), refinance, loan to value ratio, fixed rate, floating rate etc.

• Determine Your Budget: You must set some time aside to determine your financial position taking into consideration the insurance and taxes. If possible, you should consider making a higher down payment against the loan. This will reduce the overall interest rate and subsequently lower your monthly payments.

• Know Your Eligibility: The loan amount that you are eligible to borrow from a credit union depends on factors such as your annual income, previous loan payment records, credit card dues etc. In case you have any other liabilities, like a personal or auto loan, your eligibility may drop.

• Tenure Of The Loan: Your monthly payment will be inversely proportionate to the tenure of the home loan. If you choose a longer tenure, the EMI will be less and if the duration is shorter, the installments will be high. However, longer duration loans also increases the total amount of interest paid. Therefore, you should carefully weigh all the alternatives to choose the appropriate loan tenure.

• Type Of Interest Rate: In a fixed rate loan, the EMI does not change throughout the repayment tenure. On the other hand, in a variable rate loan, the EMI keeps on changing according to prevailing base rates in the market.

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.

Credit unions are community organizations that are run by the members and help each other by offering financial assistance. They function like banks but are more flexible as compared to banks and other financial institutions. The members are offered loans at very competitive prices with a possibility of altering the re-payment terms.

The members of the credit union either live in the same community, work together or have some other common bond. They can also be members of a trade union or a church. The credit unions function on non-profit basis and they use the profits to improve their services and reward their members. The credit unions range from small to large depending on if they have a few or thousands of members. The unions are regulated and they abide by certain rules which are pro customers and aim to extend the profit to their members.

A credit union offers home loan on the basis of the income of the member, his or her savings with the union and some other terms. They offer loans on lower interest rates as compared to banks and other financial institutions.  
If you apply for a home loan to a bank, you may have to fulfill a number of formalities and provide huge documents. However, while applying with a credit union, you can expect flexibility and leniency. Banks consider your credit score and offer home loans at high interest rates. They are even strict about the repayment terms and require you to pledge collateral. On the other hand, a credit union is flexible regarding credit score and you can discuss your individual case with them. It is much easier to apply and get a loan approved at a credit union than a bank or other financial institution.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offer quick and convenient home loans at affordable interest rates. For more information, call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542.