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

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.

Home Loan Application Checklist

21. September 2017 Administrator Home Loans (0)

Common Home Loan Mistakes

19. July 2017 Administrator Home Loans (0)


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Guide To Home Loan Process

24. June 2017 Administrator Home Loans (0)

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Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying A Home

20. June 2017 Administrator Home Loans (0)
Buying a home is a dream for everyone as you can customize it according to your lifestyle and taste. However, buying a home is a task that should not be done in haste without prior planning. It is imperative to buy at the right time so that the purchase does not have any serious consequences on your present lifestyle. In order to know if you are ready for buying a home, you need to ask yourself certain questions. These are listed below:

What is your financial standing?

Without a doubt, your financial status needs to be strong before you embark on the journey to buy your own home. You need to look at factors such as consistent monthly income, a stable job, savings as well as your credit history. Since your finances will be finely scrutinized by the credit union and real estate agents, it is wise to be prepared well beforehand.

How much can you afford to pay every month?

If you are looking to buy a high-priced home, be prepared to shell out a high monthly payment. Even if you get a loan approval, consider having a re-look at the price range. You must be easily able to pay the EMI without affecting your monthly expenditure. Create your monthly budget and jot down your expenses for payments as well as luxuries. Always finalize your mortgage payments depending on your budget so that you don’t face any financial issues later on.

Which location do you prefer?

Once you buy a home, you can make numerous alterations in the property but the location will remain the same. Therefore, pay attention to this important aspect before buying a home. Decide whether you prefer to live in the city or countryside. Weigh the pros and cons of both and don’t limit yourself to a particular area. Conduct a thorough research on the Internet to discover good places where you can buy an affordable home.

What are the things you absolutely need in your home?

While conducting your home search, you will come across certain properties that will have all the features you desire but with a higher monthly payment. Therefore, you need to make a prior list of ‘must-haves’ in your property. For instance, a backyard or a specific number of bedrooms etc. could be on your wish-list. Decide on a particular home only after calculating the monthly installments and do your home search accordingly.

Whose names will be mentioned on the lease?

You will be made to sign a lease agreement in order to complete the home buying formalities. It is the most important document declaring the owner of the property. Therefore, if you are planning to buy a joint property, it is best to talk about that with your partner in advance. In certain instances, it may be beneficial to have your parent as your co-signer.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable home loans. To know more about the interest rates and membership benefits, feel free to call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

Home Loan Process At Credit Union

22. April 2017 Administrator Home Loans (0)





Advantages Of A Credit Union

22. March 2017 Administrator Auto Loans, Blog, Home Loans (0)



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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.

Pros And Cons Of Home Loan Modification

25. January 2017 Administrator Home Loans (0)
Home loan modification can be a good option for borrowers who find it difficult to pay their monthly mortgage installments. It is also sometimes helpful in avoiding a foreclosure and saving the lender from having to deal with the process. Lenders also suggest applying for a loan modification, particularly if the borrower is experiencing a temporary financial crunch. It provides the assurance that he will resume making timely payments over time.

What Exactly Is Home Loan Modification?

Home loan modification refers to the process of altering the terms and conditions of a mortgage agreement. It is usually requested by the borrower and on being approved by the lender, the loan repayment is then governed by the new contract. The lender may either approve or reject the application for home loan modification, depending upon the current financial condition of the borrower.

If you are planning to apply for a home loan modification, given below are certain pros and cons that you must consider before making the final decision:

Pros

Extended Loan Term

A shorter loan term implies higher monthly installments. This is the reason why most borrowers opt for a longer loan duration. However, when you extend the repayments to several years, you ultimately tend to pay more as interest. Home loan modification provides a convenient alternative to increase the loan term, without changing the rate of interest. The lender may extend your loan term initially, making it convenient for you to make the monthly payments.

Reduced Interest Rate

In a home loan modification, the lender may also reduce the interest rate for a short time period. This may be done to reduce the monthly installments and allow the borrower to recover from the financial crisis. In such situations, the loan conditions are re-evaluated to determine the amount you can easily pay according to the current debt-to-income ratio. The interest rate may then be temporarily reduced and gradually increased according to the market conditions.

Save Money For Other Liabilities

If you have another pending loan, such as an auto loan, student loan or credit card bill, getting your home loan modified may help you to save money to pay for these. With lower mortgage payments and lesser interest rate, you will have significant money to pay down each month towards other financial liabilities.

Cons

Strict Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for home loan modification, you need to convince the lender that you are genuinely facing difficulty in making the monthly mortgage payments. He may verify your credit rating, current financial position, other liabilities etc. to ensure that you are eligible for the program. You may need to provide a number of documents stating all your sources of income and monthly expenses, Due to the extensive paperwork involved in the process, getting a home loan modified may take approximately 30 to 180 days.

Negative Impact On Credit Score

People who apply for a home loan modification would obviously have some sort of financial crisis, which may be perceived as a risk by the future lenders. Applicants with a good credit rating and a flawless record of loan repayments are generally preferred by most lenders. Thus, modifying the home loan may greatly affect your future borrowing abilities, specifically if you are planning to get a higher amount.

Can Be A Risky Proposition

Home loan modification can be a real risk, particularly if you have not done your research. If the lending institution has proposed modifying the home loan, it does not necessarily mean that they will not initiate the foreclosure process. Though it may be true in some cases, you may have to leave your home while the loan modification application is still being reviewed by the lender.

Considering the above pros and cons, it is important to evaluate all your options before applying for a home loan modification.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union is a leading credit union in Killeen, TX providing comprehensive financial services to the clients. We offer flexible home and auto loans at low interest rates and with easy repayment options. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.

GCTFCU Blog | Credit Union Killeen TX | Home Loans, Secured Auto Loan in Central Texas
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

Reasons To Join A Credit Union In Killeen

21. July 2020 Administrator Blog (0)



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What Is A Share Savings Account?

24. June 2020 Administrator Blog (0)



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Steps To Open An Account With A Credit Union

18. June 2020 Administrator Blog (0)
Credit unions are a reliable source of superior and affordable financial services. The financial services offered by credit unions include an array of account types and loans. The process of opening a credit union account involves simple steps. The process is designed as per the convenience and customer satisfaction.

Essential steps involved in opening an account in a credit union are:

  • Determine The Requirements: To start with, individuals should determine their needs, study membership requirements, assess the rates and fees for desired account type. Also, know about the minimum balance requirements.
  • Collect Important Information: Next, start gathering information that is required by the credit union for proving your identity. This includes tax identification number or Social Security Number, physical address, valid identification (driver’s license or passport), and other eligibility documents.
  • Establish The Membership: Before opening an account with a credit union, the customers are required to establish the membership with it. Membership eligibility requires individuals to be a part of a specific non-profit organization or working, worshipping or attending school in a specific community, state, or city.
  • Make A Deposit: After establishing membership with a credit union, members are required to make an initial deposit in order to open an account. This is a nominal amount and is required to project the availability of funds in the account. Most credit unions require members to maintain a minimum balance in their accounts.
  • Use your Account: The last step of this process is to understand the terms and conditions associated with using your account. You can ask your employer to set up direct deposit services, make payments electronically and maintain a record of transactions.
Conclusion: Members can open an account in person or online as per the services provided by the credit union. Online and general services include but are not limited to bill pay, account transfers, e-statements, wire transfer, payroll deduction, direct deposit, credit card, debit cards, etc.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers a variety of accounts to its members. The officials help the members to open an account with the credit union. For more details on steps to open a credit union account, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX – 76542. You can also contact (254) 690 – 2274.

Benefits Of Becoming A Member Of Credit Union

30. May 2020 Administrator Blog (0)


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How To Apply For Loan From A Credit Union

25. May 2020 Administrator Blog (0)

Things Millennials Consider While Opening An Account In A Credit Union

19. May 2020 Administrator Blog (0)
Credit unions are a popular option among millennials considering to open an account. The main reason behind the popularity of credit unions is that they offer suitable financial solutions which are in line with the financial requirements of the millennials.

When opening an account in a credit union, important things that millennials take into consideration are:

  • Personalization: One of the most important things for millennials in a financial institution is the degree of personalization offered. They want a credit union to understand their needs beyond the financial preferences and provide them with personalized information and offers. They require support for financial planning in the form of a customized financial plans that offer flexibility and convenience.
  • Protection: Data privacy is a huge consideration for millennials, and they want to know how their data and personally identifiable information is being used by a financial institution. Credit unions are known to be transparent with the data of their members and use the same to enhance their services.
  • Mobility: Millennials look for mobility in financial transactions in the form of digital options that promote self-service. In addition to a convenient physical location of a credit union, they also want the convenience of online financial services. Online services offered by credit unions include bill pay, direct deposits, account opening, online loan application, etc.
  • Community Benefits: A credit union’s social responsibility in the form of social programs, local drives, and community enrichment programs helps foster trust and loyalty towards it among millennials. Most millennials are dedicated to community service and appreciate financial institutions with the same spirit.
  • Customer Service: A customer-friendly environment is an attribute of credit unions that appeals to millennials. Credit unions are in a better position to provide great customer service and personal attention as they have a limited number of members.
  • Fees And Interest Rates: Most credit unions offer checking accounts with low monthly fees and convenient requirements related to deposits and transactions. They also offer competitive interest rates on savings accounts, credit cards, and loans.
  • Financial Education: Millennials prefer to seek financial literacy from credit unions. Credit unions assist their members in making smart financial decisions.
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers a variety of financial services to millennials. The officials help members to open an account with the credit union. For more information on opening an account in a credit union, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX – 76542. You can also call at (254) 690 – 2274.

Why Are Credit Unions Popular?

27. April 2020 Administrator Blog (0)

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How Do Auto Loans Work From Credit Unions?

23. April 2020 Administrator Auto Loans (0)
Auto loans from credit unions are preferred by most people due to their affordability and streamlined qualification procedures. The process of getting an auto loan from a credit union is relatively convenient and personalized. Credit union auto loans offer flexibility as far as interest rates and loan options are concerned.

If you are considering getting an auto loan from a credit union, following are some points as to how these loans work:

  • Members Are Shareholders: Once you are a member of a credit union, you are deemed to be a shareholder and not a customer. This is because credit unions are meant to serve their members (shareholders) with financial services at reasonable rates.
  • Individualized Attention: Credit unions aim to make it convenient for members to avail financial services. Due to this, they offer individualized attention as far as meeting loan requirements is concerned. A credit union member, who is interested in an auto loan, can get information as per his unique requirements either online, by visiting the branch.
  • Types Of Auto Loans: You can get a secured loan for new autos and used autos with variable APR rates and terms. You can get secured auto loans and Share Secured Loans. Unsecured auto loans are also available with variable APR rates.
  • Interest Rates: Members of a credit union looking for auto loans are provided with a variety of options to compare and assess. In most cases, credit unions offer auto loans at affordable rates of interest as compared to other financial institutions.
  • Other Services: In addition to auto loans, credit unions offer a variety of other services. These services include Savings Account, Payroll Deduction, ATM, Bill Pay, Wire Transfer, ACH Origination, MasterCard Gift Cards, MasterCard Cash Advance, Direct Deposit, Regular Share Savings Account, Share Certificates of Deposit, IRAs and Club Accounts.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers auto loans to its members. Members can seek assistance from the loan officers to understand the working and requirements of auto loans. The credit union also educates its members on ways to improve their financial health. For further details on the working of auto loans, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX – 76542. You can also call at (254) 690 – 2274. 

Ways In Which Secured Loans Can Build Credit

30. March 2020 Administrator Blog (0)


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