• Annual Percentage Rate (APR): It refers to the variable or fixed interest rate at which the financier is ready to lend the loan for a certain period of time. Borrowing a loan at a low APR does not always mean a cheap loan, particularly if it is a long term loan. Paying higher number of installments at a low APR ultimately leads to reimbursing more interest.
• Comparison Rate: This includes the upfront loan fees as well as the proposed interest rate. Comparison rate will help you in assessing the true cost of the home loan.
• Fixed Rate: This allows you to borrow the loan at a definite rate of interest with fixed monthly payments for a specified period of time.
• Loan To Value Ratio (LVR): It refers to the size of your home loan in proportion to the actual value of the property to be purchased. For instance, if you borrow $200,000 to finance a home worth $400,000, the loan will have an LVR of 50% ($200,000 is 80% of $400,000).
• Variable Rate: It keeps on varying according to the changes in official rates of interest.
• Down Payment: When you borrow a home loan, the lender will require you to contribute certain percentage of your own money to buy the house. This initial amount is known as down payment. 
• Refinance: This refers to procuring a new mortgage loan on an already owned home. This is usually done to switch current loans on the property. 
• Loan Term: It is the time period before the maturity of your home loan and is usually indicated in months, usually 24 to 84 months. It helps the borrower have an idea about when he is expected to pay off the loan.
  

Purchasing a home requires a big financial input and usually people apply for a home loan to assist with the investment. However there are many criteria and conditions that you must fulfill to qualify for a loan. Here are some parameters that describe your home loan endorsement and explain who can apply for a home loan in Killeen, TX.

• Salary: One of the most important criteria that you must fulfill in order to be eligible for a home loan is regular employment. The loan providers seek the assurance that you can repay the loan amount smoothly without any interruptions. They make sure that the borrower has enough resources and seek documents such as your salary certificates, etc. High salary increases your chances of being approved for the loan.
• Stable job: To qualify for a home loan, you must have a stable job. You must be employed for at least six months or a year before applying for loan to show stability and a regular income.
• Existing loans: Before approving your home loan, the lenders may require information about any existing loan. If you have paid off your existing loans, it increases your chances of getting an approval.
• Property check: To approve your home loan the financial institutions and banks often check the property that you intend to buy and see if it is built as per the technical and legal norms. They even verify if the property is sanctioned by the authorities. It is crucial that you check whether the property has approved sanctioned plans and complies with the technical and legal aspects.
• Having saving account: Most of the financial institutions including banks approve loans for applicants who have a saving account. They often require the latest statement of your bank account to see whether you are capable of repaying the loan. Having enough savings increases your chances of getting approval for the home loan.
• Credit score: The mortgage companies and financial institutions check your credit score before approving the loan. Your credit score decides your interest rate, the amount that you can borrow and the loan type that you are qualified to obtain.

You may be required to furnish your personal details by filling an application form while applying for home loan. We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offer easy home loans at affordable interest rates. For more details, call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

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.