GCTFCU Blog | Credit Union Killeen TX | Home Loans, Secured Auto Loan in Central Texas

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.

Your Killeen Credit Union Is The Best Place For Auto Loans

6. February 2016 Administrator Auto Loans, Blog (0)

Whether you are looking for a loan for a used or new vehicle in Killeen, a credit union can be a great option to consider. Being a non-profit organization, it offers easy financing options to the clients. Also, the loan is approved in much lesser time as compared to other financial institutions.

Given below are some of the reasons you should choose a credit union for auto loan in Killeen:

Higher chances of approval: If you have a lower income, you stand a higher chance of getting an auto loan approved at a credit union than at a bank. The staff at a credit union is inclined towards adjusting the terms of the loan to suit the needs of each client. Pre-approved auto loans may also be extended to make your vehicle purchase a hassle free exercise.
Competitive rate of interests: The biggest benefit of getting an auto loan from a credit union is that the interest rates are quite competitive. As these institutions are not liable to pay any state or federal taxes, they are able to offer loans at much lower interest rates.
Non-Sales Approach: Since a credit union works for the benefit of its members, the staff does not compel the clients to purchase the loan. Instead, they help the clients compare different loan plans and choose the one that best suits their requirements.
Profits are ploughed back: All the profits earned by the credit union are returned back to the members by way of low interest rates, higher dividends and more returns on savings accounts.
Friendly service: The management team of a Credit union comprises of members from the organization itself. You may have one to one sessions with loan officers and discuss your queries while your loan is being processed. Unions are flexible and comforting to their member’s concerns.
Membership is easy: Becoming a member at a credit union is quite easy. The eligibility criterion to be approved for an auto loan is also not too stringent at a credit union.

If you are looking for an auto loan in Killeen, TX, visit Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We offer low interest auto loans with easy repayment options. For more information, you can call at (254) 690 – 2274.

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.

Secured Loan Checklist Killeen, TX

13. January 2016 Administrator Auto Loans, Car Loan (0)

A secured loan is the one where your asset is kept as collateral and can be taken into possession by the lender in case you are unable to pay back the loan. Secured loans have become really popular over a period of time because you can get them easily approved. Moreover, you can borrow huge sums of money at a lower interest rate.

It is important that you conduct a thorough research about the secured loan rates being offered by the credit unions in your area. This will help you select the most appropriate lender for your loan requirements. It is always beneficial to prepare for your loan well in advance to make the process hassle free and quick. Consider the following checklist before applying for a secured loan:

Prepare your credit report: Check your credit report for any errors and make sure you do not have any pending debts. Also, make sure that all your credit card payments have been duly made on time.
Save regularly: Establish a good saving record by saving regularly so that you can build up security for your loan. Increased savings make it easier to borrow from a credit union.
Get insurance: It is imperative to have insurance prior to applying for a loan. For example, if you are applying for a secured auto loan, you need to show that you are insured to drive a car.
Income and employment verification: You will be required to provide details of your income during the last three months, wage and tax statement from your employer, latest tax return details as well as recent bank account statements. Keep all these documents ready beforehand so that you do not face any difficulty when applying for a secured loan.
Ask for pre-qualification: Whenever you go to a credit union to apply for a secured loan, you should ask them about the estimate of the loan that you can be given and the interest rate for which you are pre-qualified. For this, you need to show your employment and income verification documents.
Other documents: Apart from the above mentioned documents, you also need to submit a photo identity proof, your residential address, contact details of your insurance agent etc.

For affordable secured loans in Killeen, TX, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We offer customized loan plans with low interest rates and easy repayment options. To know more, call at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX 76542.

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.

Unsecured Vs. Secured Auto Loans

15. December 2015 Administrator Auto Loans, Car Loan (0)

If you are contemplating on getting an auto loan, there are numerous options available for you. You need to thoroughly research and establish the background of the type of auto loan you want to opt for. Auto loans are basically divided into two categories: secured and unsecured. Before you select an option for yourself, it is better to understand the difference between the two.

Secured Auto Loan:

A secured auto loan is the one in which your asset is used as collateral in case you fail to pay back the mortgage amount along with the interest. In an auto loan, the security is generally your car. This means your lender can sell off your car if you do not return the loan amount.

Interest rate: In a secured auto loan, the interest rate does not vary over a period of time. The advantage here is that since secured auto loans are mostly given on a fixed rate and your repayment amounts do not get altered.
Loan term: A secured auto loan generally has a shorter repayment term. However, since the risk is minimal in this case, so you are likely to get a lower interest rate.

Unsecured Auto Loan:

If you opt for an unsecured auto loan, you will not be required to give any security from your side. The lender approves the loan on the basis of your current financial resources. Every lending organization has its own criteria to conclude if you are fit for an unsecured loan or not.

Interest rate: When it comes to an unsecured auto loan, the rate of interest can either be fixed or variable. This is unlike the secured auto loans where there is only a fixed rate of interest. Although the rate of interest is higher, you can choose between fixed and variable depending on your financial condition. While a variable rate of interest will give you more flexibility, you can also opt for the fixed rate of interest if you have complete control over your finances.
Loan term: The loan term for an unsecured auto loan can be short as well as long on the basis of individual assessment.

Both types of loans have their own advantages and you must choose what is best suitable for your individual situation.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer unsecured and secured auto loans in Central Texas. For more information, feel free to call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

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.

Low Income Auto Loan In Central Texas

14. November 2015 Administrator Auto Loans (0)

Having a low monthly income can make it challenging for you to secure an auto loan. You need a loan plan that suits your budget requirements. A number of credit unions in Central Texas provide auto loans and refinancing options to people in the lower income group. Do a thorough research and compare the interest rates offered by these institutions to choose the one suiting your requirements.

Here are the factors that you need to consider while applying for an auto loan in Central Texas:

Period of job: In order to get a quick approval for the loan, you must have spent at least one year in your present job. However, if you did not stick to a job for a year, a credit union may check for at least three years of uninterrupted employment. At the most, you should have changed only 2-3 employers within this period.
Down payment: If you are applying for a low income auto loan, you will be required to pay some form of down payment to the lender. In case you don’t have any money at your disposal, you may inquire from your lending organization about the alternatives they can offer.
Credit profile: If you have a higher credit score or a longer credit profile, you can get a better rate of interest for a low income car finance program.
Duration of the loan: You can get your loan approved at a faster pace if you choose to repay within a shorter period of time. However, loans with shorter durations usually entail higher monthly premiums.
Debt to income ratio (DTI): Most of the lenders prefer a maximum DTI ratio between 40 to 50 percent. To calculate your DTI ratio, add up all your bills and divide the total amount by your monthly pre-tax income.
Payment to income ratio (PTI): For approving a low income auto loan, most lenders prefer a PTI ratio between 15 and 20 percent. In order to compute the PTI ratio, divide your new car payment by your pre-tax income.
Co-signer: There are a few lenders who approve convenient interest rates for low income auto loans in case you get a co-signer and have a good credit rating.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer low interest auto loans in Central Texas. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX 76542.