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

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.

Steps To Get A Home Loan

28. February 2017 Administrator (0)

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Ways To Pay Off Your Car Loan Faster

17. February 2017 Administrator Car Loan (0)
Applying for a car loan seems like a ‘cake walk’ with credit unions. In addition to low interest rates and less paperwork, these lendi GCTFCU Blog | All posts by admin
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

Things To Consider While Applying For Car Loans?

25. January 2018 Administrator Car Loan (0)



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Ways To Build Your Credit Score

19. January 2018 Administrator (0)



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Benefits Of Availing Online Service Offered By A Credit Union

28. December 2017 Administrator Blog (0)
Credit unions are a favorite amongst masses due to the services and convenience they offer to their members. Not only do they offer online tools and facilities which save a member’s precious time and money but they also provide some of the best secure online services free of cost. Examples of such online services are payment of bills, banking, offering e-statements, mobile banking and so on.

Here we have listed certain benefits of availing online services of a credit union.

  • Keeping Up With Your Accounts 24/7
Availing the online banking services that credit unions offer makes it convenient and easy for members to access and manage their money at any hour of the day. There are no forms to fill, no queues, etc. Your money is just a tap away. You can also get details about previous transactions and current balance by click of mouse though online panel provided by credit union.

  • Easy Transfers
This is a person to person service which makes it easy to send and receive money securely. No need to write a check to send someone money. The Electronic Transfer service lets you carry out these transactions in less than a day’s time.

  • Fast And Secure Monthly Statements
Online services save on a lot of time by offering members the facility to access e-Statements. It becomes very easy to manage finances as per ones convenience. The e-Statements and forms are available on PC’s and smartphones. All you have to do to sign up for these statements is to log on to your credit union’s online banking account.

  • Protection Of Personal And Financial Information
With more people leaning towards transacting online, the security of one’s personal and financial information is crucial. When availing online services offered by credit unions, you are completely safe. Information of each and every member of the credit union is highly secured.

  • Timely Payment Of Bills
Credit unions offer online bill payment through which you can make quick and secure payments, anywhere and at any time. In a flick of a second, you can view your bill details, history, make payments etc. You would never forget to make important payments as Credit Unions offer you a convenient service through which you can pre-schedule them.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer various online services to our members in Killeen, TX. For more information call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

Secured Loans v/s Unsecured Loans

20. December 2017 Administrator Blog (0)



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Guide To Understanding Credit Unions

13. December 2017 Administrator (0)


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Things To Know Before Joining a Credit Union

25. November 2017 Administrator Blog (0)


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How To Determine The Value Of Your Car Loan

14. November 2017 Administrator Car Loan (0)
Car loans on new and used cars are a boon for those who are hesitant to shell out a large chunk of money instantly. Before getting a car, do get an idea of the value of your car loan. This gives you a hint of what your monthly payments would likely be and whether it will be easy for you to comply with them.

Let’s take a look at some strategies to help you determine the value of your car loan well in advance:-

  • Credit Score - Credit score of a person is an important factor in deciding the amount of car loan they will get. Check out your credit score to calculate as to what amount of loan you would be able to qualify for. Also a good credit score can help you save on interests.

  • Down-Payment - The amount you pay for down payment decides the amount of loan you would further need. If you have enough savings in your hand then you can easily pay more amount as down payment initially. Higher the amount, the lesser will be the amount of loan you would need, thus making it easy for you to qualify and get approved for a car loan. You can easily calculate the amount of loan and the interest thereon after considering the amount of down payment.

  • Monthly Instalments -  An important aspect while determining the value of your car loan is the amount of monthly instalments. Plan your budget and calculate what amount of money you can easily pay. You want a loan with monthly instalments that will blend with other expenses you might have. Stick to the rule of not spending more than half of your monthly income on financial obligations towards other parties. Aim for a low budget as you will have an auto insurance to cater to on the purchase of a new car.

  • Tenure - Do the rounds with lenders in your area and tell them your preferences based on where you stand financially. For clients with a good credit score, lenders usually recommend short-term loans. These loans have lower interest rates and higher monthly instalments. If you are looking for lower monthly payments and don’t mind higher rates of interest, then long-term loans are your best bet.

We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide car loans. 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.

Ways To Manage Auto Loan

8. November 2017 Administrator Auto Loans (0)



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Home Loan Tips

28. October 2017 Administrator Home Loans (0)
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.

Avoid Additional Car Loan Costs

25. October 2017 Administrator Car Loan (0)

ey against a collateral of similar value, thus, minimizing the investment to be made out of pocket.
  • Loan Tenure: As the interest rates are quite low, you can conveniently repay the loan amount over a longer period of time. This implies that you would have to make lesser monthly payments, allowing you to save money for other financial liabilities as well.
    • How to decide between unsecured and secured auto loans:

    Getting an auto loan can be a tricky process and with so many options available, you are quite likely to get confused. It is important that you evaluate your requirements as well as the loan plans to make the right choice. The following factors need to be considered while doing so:

    • The car you want to buy
    • Monthly installments you can afford to pay
    • Other financial liabilities
    • Amount of loan required
    • Interest rate quoted by the lender
    • Loan tenure
    As compared to an unsecured loan, you can get quick approval for a secured auto loan, usually within a few days. This is because there is no need for the lender to conduct extensive background and income checks. Also, the terms and conditions for such loans are quite flexible which minimizes the financial burden on the borrower.

    We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable auto loans in Killeen. You can choose from both secured and unsecured loan plans with nominal rates of interest. For more information, feel free to call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our credit union at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.

    Applying For A Home Loan? Questions Your Lender May Ask

    17. November 2016 Administrator Home Loans (0)
    Getting a home loan is expected to be an extensive process as the lender may ask some important questions from the borrower. This may be done to clear any doubts regarding your financial stability. You need to be prepared with all the paperwork and documents at the origination of the loan-approval process. Following is a list of questions a lender may ask before approving your home loan:

    Q: How much do you earn?
    The lender may ask for the recent pay stubs in order to secure a fairer idea of your monthly income. The debt-to-income ratio has to be conducive for you to secure the desired amount of loan at a reasonable rate of interest. Having a stable job with a steady income reduces a number of hassles for you. In case you own a business or have recently changed your job you may need to produce your tax returns. Asking for your income tax returns can imply two important causes. One, the lender wishes to look at your annual revenue. In case you have provided with a record of past few years, the lender will get a fair idea if your revenue has increased or remained constant over the years. This is good because it increases your credit worthiness.

    Q: What is your source of income?
    The lender would want to be sure about your job stability. Providing details about your employer can help the lender get a better idea about your income consistency. If you are self-employed, it is necessary to make sure your business is profitable. The lender may ask for at least two years of income records. In case you are planning to pay the loan from your savings or you will be using a grant/gift from your relatives, you may be required to produce the gift letters as proof.

    Q: Do you have any current debts?
    This question is generally asked to get an idea about your financial liabilities and ensure that you will be able to repay the loan. Sometimes, the lender may ask you to produce documents which state that you have paid all of the previous debts. In case you have an active debt, the lender may want to make sure that your income allows you to take another loan.

    Q: What is your marital status?
    If you plan to pay your debt through the alimony, the lender will need assurance that you will receive the amount. Women receiving money from their ex-husbands may need to produce the papers that state their legal separation.

    Q: What is your credit history?
    The lending institution may want to know your credit history in order to make sure you pay your bills on time. This also gives the lender a fair idea of your creditworthiness and the way you manage your expenses. Having a high credit score increases your chances of securing loan at a lower rate of interest.

    Q: How much savings do you have?
    Many people plan to make the loan payments through their savings. Having sufficient savings in the bank is appealing for the lender because it shows your liquidity and ability to pay the mortgages smoothly. A savings account acts as an asset for a borrower and increases the chances of getting a loan approval.

    Q: What is the limit of your down payment?
    The down payment is a major factor determining the amount of the monthly installments. This in turn decides the duration of loan payments and the money you save. If you pay a higher down payment, lesser will be your loan tenure and monthly installments. An added benefit is that you may secure the loan at a lower rate.

    If you are looking for affordable home or auto loan in Killeen, TX, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We offer a wide range of loan plans at low interest rates and easy repayment options. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

    Benefits Of Using A Credit Union

    26. October 2016 Administrator Blog (0)
    Over the years, credit unions have emerged as a safety refuge for people who wish to save money as well as earn interest out of their savings. These are not-for-profit institutions that aim at keeping the members first. They offer a wide range of financial services, membership benefits and attractive policies which sets them apart from other financial institutions.

    Discuss below are some benefits of using a credit union:

    Superior service that keeps members first
    Credit unions are financial cooperatives that are owned by the members. Their aim is not to make big profits for stockholders, but to provide financial assistance and customer service to the shareholders. The credit unions take an extra step where they involve the members to vote on the new policies and take account of the suggestions.

    Credit unions offer lower interest rates
    Owing to their not-for-profit status, credit unions offer high rates on savings account and lower rates on loans as well as credit cards. These rates are competitive and promote savings. Thus, you can enjoy lower rates on your credit cards, house loans and auto loans while you can earn a higher rate of interest on savings and cash deposits.

    No minimum balance constraint
    Unlike other financial institutions, a credit union does not have to maintain a minimum balance or cash reserve ratio. Thus, it is not mandatory for the account holders to maintain a minimum balance in their financial account. This feature allows customers to withdraw all or keep no money in their account.

    Flexible fees
    Credit unions are very flexible when it comes to charging fees. They usually aim at charging less and keeping the costs low for the members. They prefer to eliminate a few products and services in order to cut costs, rather than piling up on the fees.

    Easier access to cash
    Credit unions have come up with the CO-OP ATM network and a shared branch alliance. This includes surcharge-free cash machines and shared branching that gives members the ability to conduct in-person transactions at a larger number of branches across the state. Also, these CO-OP ATMs do not charge any transaction fee.

    Friendly and cooperative staff
    The staff at credit unions is friendlier and more cooperative as compared to other financial institutions. They are also easily accessible to address your queries and concerns regarding any financial matter. They only invite members who are local and thus are comparatively smaller. This allows them to be well connected with their surroundings and better at giving feedback.

    Provides loan regardless of credit history
    This is another major benefit of being a member at a credit union. These institutions are willing to provide quick loan approval to people regardless of their credit history. They also offer programs that help you manage your budget and unexpected expenses.

    The Add-Ons
    A more attractive feature of opting for a credit union is the additional products and services they offer, besides financial services. You may come across some credit unions that have provisions like individual health insurance and financial advisory services. They aim at community service and providing financial education.

    All in all, credit unions prove to be community friendly and more welcoming when it comes to providing financial services to the local people. They offer a lower interest rates, and fee -free ATM transactions. Thus they work on a different and more welcoming business model, which makes them customer friendly.