GCTFCU Blog | Home Loans

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.

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.

Fixed Vs. Floating Interest Rate: Home Loans In Killeen, TX

7. January 2016 Administrator Home Loans (0)

Getting a home loan from a credit union in Killeen, TX is not a very tedious job as there is minimum paperwork involved. However, you need to choose whether you want to opt for a fixed or floating rate of interest. Both the options have their own advantages as well as disadvantages and it is up to you to decide which one is better.

Fixed rate of interest home loans

A fixed rate of interest implies repayment of loan in fixed equal installments during the loan term. In this case, the rate of interest remains constant and does not change with the market fluctuations.

Advantages:

No alterations in the rate of interest irrespective of market conditions.
Perfect option for people who have fixed budgets.
It is a secure alternative.

Disadvantages:

Loans are 1 to 2.5% higher than floating interest rate depending on the bank.
If the interest rate decreases in the market, you will not get any advantage.
In some instances the fixed rate home loan is fixed only for a few years and not the complete loan tenure.

Floating rate of interest home loans

If you apply for a home loan with a floating rate of interest, it simply means that the interest rate will differ as per the market conditions. In this instance, the interest rates are associated with a base rate and a floating element. Therefore, if there is any alteration in the base rate, the interest rate also fluctuates.

Advantages:

Cheaper than fixed interest rate home loans.
If the floating rate increases than fixed rate, it is temporary and not for entire loan period.
Can prove to be beneficial if you want to save money.

Disadvantages:

Monthly installments are not constant.
You can face difficulty in planning your budget.
There has been a hike in floating interest rates in recent times.

It can be concluded that fixed as well as floating interest rate home loans in Killeen have positive as well as negative aspects. Generally, borrowers opt for a floating rate of interest when applying for a home loan from a credit union. However, if you want more security and certainty, it is better to opt for a fixed rate home loan.

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

Eligibility For Home Loan In Killeen, TX

21. December 2015 Administrator Home Loans (0)

A home loan is a perfect way to purchase your dream house in Killeen, TX. However, before applying for a loan from a credit union or any other financial institution, it is important to know whether you are eligible for the same or not. It will help you save time and simplify the home loan process.

Listed below are some eligibility criterion set by most financial institutions in order to apply for a home loan in Killeen:

Age: Age is an important consideration for home loan approval. Younger people are more likely to get a loan as compared to those who are nearing retirement.

Source of income: Your source of income along with its stability is an important factor taken into account by a credit union. For instance, having a salaried job can fetch you a higher loan amount because of your job stability.

Additional debts: If you have an existing loan repayment, it can affect your chances of getting a home loan from credit union. It is better to pay off all your smaller loans (if any) before applying for a home loan. Additionally, having a good repayment history may also increase your chances of getting a home loan.

Proof of income: You will be required to show at least three of your recent pay slips to your lender. If not, you may be asked to submit a letter from your employer which states your annual salary. In case you are self-employed, you may be asked to provide the financial accounts for the past two years.

Debt to income ratio (DTI): Your debt to income ratio is another factor considered by a credit union before approving a home loan. It is basically a measure of your ability to manage monthly payments and repay debts as well. DTI is calculated by dividing total recurring monthly debt by gross monthly income. You should calculate it prior to deciding how much loan you want.

Credit score: Having a good credit score increases your chances of getting a home loan approved easily. Therefore, it will be beneficial if you maintain a decent credit score by paying all your installments and loans on time.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable and convenient home loans to our members in Killeen, TX. To know more about our services, feel free to call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX 76542.

Tips To Get The Best Home Loan Deal In Killeen, TX

7. December 2015 Administrator Home Loans (0)

A credit union is a community organization run by a group of individuals for their own members. Borrowers are increasingly opting for credit unions owing to the ease of getting a home loan from these organizations.

If you are on the lookout for an affordable home loan in Killeen, TX, there are some factors that you need to consider. Do a thorough research about the various credit unions and finalize the one where you can get the best home loan deal.

The following factors should be considered when applying for a home loan:

Ask for quotes from various credit unions: Different credit unions will offer you varied rates of interests on home loans. Make sure you ask for a quote to have an idea about your monthly repayment amount. Apart from the rate of interest, you should be able to know the limit up to which you can borrow. Compare quotes from different credit unions and finalize the one that offers the lowest rate of interest.

Fixed or adjustable rate loan: You can choose to get a home loan at a fixed rate of interest or an adjustable one. In case you select a fixed rate, the repayment amount remains constant throughout the loan term. On the other hand, the interest charged on adjustable-rate mortgage fluctuates over the time period of your loan. This eventually means your repayments will vary as well.

Choosing the loan term: You can get to choose a customized loan term from a credit union. Therefore, you can decide the amount of time it will take you to return the home loan. Depending on your income and expenditure, you can settle for a particular number of years within which you will be able to repay your loan. Though a longer duration can lower your monthly payments, it would eventually lead you to pay more interest.

Fees and charges: Check if you need to pay any fees or additional charges before getting a home loan approval. These may include ATM fees, loan fees, wire transfer fees etc.

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

Home Loan: Checklist For Borrowers

19. November 2015 Administrator Home Loans (0)

More and more homebuyers are considering credit unions for their home loan needs. A credit union is more considerate towards the financial needs of its members. Thus, it offers loans at competitive interest rates and easy repayment options. The procedure is very simple, quick and requires least paper work.

Here is a checklist you need to consider before applying for a home loan.

Documents: You may be required to provide some legal and financial documents to apply for home loan through credit union. These documents include:

Sale Agreement: Before you apply for a home loan with your credit union, it is requisite to have the sale agreement or evidence of deposit. You will need to provide the registered title and location of the relevant property for the pre-approval procedure.
Salary Verification Letter: Whether you are a salaried person or self-employed, you need to provide your salary and income verification letter. You need to furnish pay stubs for at least a month’s period for the loan. You also need to attach the recent W-2 statements.
Tax Returns: To apply for the home loan, the credit union requires you to provide your completed tax returns including schedules and statements. You need to offer certificate of payment of taxes.
ID proof: You must add a copy of your date of birth certificates along with other ID proofs, as they are crucial for the verification of the identity.
Attach Credit Report: Your credit score is an important deciding factor, as it will determine the amount of loan that you can borrow from the credit union and the rate of interest that you will have to pay. Check your credit file before applying for the home loan.

Assess your ability to repay: Failure to pay the loan amount can lead to penalties and it will have adverse effect on your credit score. Make sure you have the ability and a steady source of income to ensure that you can repay the amount.

Choose the right loan period: Depending upon your budget, choose your loan period. If you choose a longer period, you may have to pay less every month, but the rate of interest may be higher, so decide the loan period accordingly.

Compare the prices: While applying for a home loan, you need to pay initial valuation and legal fee, which is included in APR, so compare the costs and fee to get the best deals.

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

Terms You Must Know Before Taking Home Loan

5. November 2015 Administrator Home Loans (0)

When applying for a home loan, there is a lot of paperwork and documentation that you need to undertake. There are a number of jargons that you need to be familiar with for a hassle-free loan process. Here is a list of some of the common terms that you may come across while taking a home loan in Killeen, TX:

Offer Letter/Sanction Letter: It is a formal confirmation letter given by the financial institution from where you are taking the loan. This letter states that you have been duly considered to be one of the loan applicants. However, this letter does not confirm the approval of a home loan. The loan will only be sanctioned after verifying all the documents and eligibility criteria of the applicant.
Equated Monthly Installments (EMI): EMI is the amount you repay to your lender every month. It includes the principal repayment along with the interest amount. Three basic factors are considered while deciding your EMI. These include the principal amount, loan duration and rate of interest. An amortization schedule shows how your EMIs have been formulated over the period of entire loan term.
Pre-EMI: If you buy a property that is still under construction, you will be given only a part of the loan amount. You are required to make the interest payments on this partial amount. These payments are known as pre-EMI. This eventually means you will have to keep on paying more interest to the financial institution till the time your builder takes to complete the construction of the property.
Credit Appraisal: The process of credit appraisal involves looking at various factors before finalizing the loan. The financial institution will consider parameters such as income, age, savings, qualifications, work experience etc. They will also check the number of loans you are presently servicing. Your eligibility for the loan will only be finalized after scrutinizing all these factors.
Margin: It is important to note that any lending organization will not sanction you the entire amount required for your home. You can get up to 90% of the cost and the rest you will have to put in from your side. This balance amount is called down payment or margin.
Post-Dated Checks (PDCs): PDCs are scheduled for future dates and cannot be processed till the mentioned date arrives. Generally, the lending organization will ask you to give them post-dated checks for one to two years. These checks need to be addressed to the credit union or home loan company. The exact amount of EMI to be paid should be mentioned on these checks.

To know more about the home loan process, feel free to contact Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union at (254) 690 – 2274.

Borrowing From A Credit Union: The Benefits

13. October 2015 Administrator Auto Loans, Car Loan, Home Loans (0)

A majority of people looking for easy financing options are turning to credit union these days. A credit union is basically a member owned and operated non-profit organization working solely for the benefit of the clients. When you are looking for a home or auto loan, you must consider applying at a credit union to get an affordable deal.

Here are some of the benefits of borrowing from a credit union:

Competitive Interest Rates: Working with a customer centric approach, a credit union offers loans at significantly low interest rates as compared to other financial institutions. As they are not liable to pay any state or federal taxes, all their profits are given out to the members in the form of low interest rates.

Excellent Customer Service: A credit union always keeps customers’ benefit as their topmost priority. They formulate customized loan products, policies, terms and conditions according to the client’s requirements. Their staff even assists the clients in the loan application process.

Lower Fees: The loan application fees charged by a credit union tend to be lower so as to benefit the customers. The transfer fee is also less and usually, there are no ATM charges levied from the clients. This in turn, implies that you can save a lot of money and add to your savings substantially.

No Hidden Charges: All the rules and regulations of credit unions are very clear as well as explicitly stated. There are no hidden charges or fines in case you pay back the loan before the stipulated time period.

Fewer Income Requirements: In order to be eligible for borrowing from a credit union, you do not need to have a considerably high income. People who have a low income can also get approval for their loan application. The staff at a credit union is more amenable to the clients’ needs and willing to make minor alterations in terms of the loan.

Repay Loan Through Various Channels: A credit union allows you to repay the loan through various channels, such as payroll deduction or direct deposit. You can even skip-a-payment once a year in case of a financial crisis.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union is a leading credit union in Killeen, TX. We offer low interest secured and unsecured loans for homes, vehicles, etc. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX 76542.

Home Loan Tips: Credit Union Killeen, TX

6. October 2015 Administrator Home Loans (0)

Buying a house is a huge and one time investment for most people. Therefore, it is important to choose a home loan provider wisely so that this liability can be eased to some extent. With so many financing options available, it can be difficult to choose the right one. A credit union is a reliable option that can provide you the loan amount at affordable interest rates, the lowering your monthly repayment amount.

Read on to know about some tips for getting a home loan from a credit union.

Research thoroughly: It is suggested to carry out complete research before applying for a home loan. Compare the interest rates of various financial institutions so that you are able to find a plan with affordable interest rates, making it easier to repay the loan. Acquaint yourself with the jargons used in home loan agreements so you can understand the terms and conditions properly.

Check your credit score: Your credit score is an important point of reference when it comes to getting a home loan approval. It helps to determine your consistency in repaying loans, paying taxes etc. The interest rate you are likely to be quoted depends a lot upon your credit score.

Decide the monthly installment: It is advisable to apply for a loan that fits your budget. Evaluate your monthly income from all sources and the necessary expenditures to determine the amount that you can spare towards your home loan repayment.

Prepare documents: Make sure you have all the required documents at hand before applying for the home loan. The lender may ask for the closing disclosure from previous home sale (if applicable), alimony funds, relocation agreement and retirement statement etc. You should be prepared with all the documents beforehand in order to make the process hassle-free

Read the agreement: You must read each and every point mentioned in the home loan agreement thoroughly. The loan tenure, interest rates, EMI amount, due date for payment and other important details should be clearly mentioned therein. Clear all your doubts and if there is anything that you do not understand, make sure you ask the agent to avoid any confusion later on.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, provide affordable home loans in Killeen, TX. We offer low interest rate, easy repayment options and flexible loan plans to suit the requirements of the clients. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX 76542.