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

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.

The Pros Of Secured Auto Loan

20. October 2015 Administrator Auto Loans (0)
A secured auto loan is a good alternative for people looking for an affordable financing option. In this, the borrower needs to put forward collateral in exchange of the loan amount. In most cases, the collateral offered is the item for which the loan is being taken. For instance, the security in an auto loan is the recently bought vehicle itself.

Here are some of the benefits of a secured auto loan:

  • Flexible loan conditions: As a secured auto loan requires the borrower to present a collateral, it minimizes the risk for the lender. Hence, the terms and conditions of the loan are quite flexible which eliminates any sort of financial burden on both the parties involved. The borrower need not have a high income to be eligible for a secured loan.
  • Lower interest rates: Pledging an asset by the borrower subsequently brings down the interest rates on a secured auto loan. The lender is assured that he can take over the possession of the vehicle in case the borrower is unable to repay the loan. Lower interest rates imply easier and regular monthly payments, which in turn, improves your credit rating.
  • Quick Approval: Compared to other types of loans, it is much easier to get approval for a secured loan. Due to minimal risk, there is no need for the lender to conduct through background checks or income verification. Thus, secured auto loan applications are approved much faster, usually with 48 to 72 hours.
  • Economical repayments: The interest rates are much lower when it comes to a secured auto loan. This eventually means that the borrower has to give out less money for monthly repayments. You can even request to increase the term of loan repayment to make it even simpler to pay back the capital along with the interest.
  • More Reliable: By keeping a guarantee with the lender, there are minimal chances of the borrower defaulting on the loan. Also, knowing that the vehicle will be confiscated if he fails to repay the credit encourages him to be regular in his payments.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offers affordable secured auto loans in Killeen, TX. Being a non-profit organization, our credit union works solely for the benefit for the members. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.

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.

Questions To Ask Before Applying For A Secured Auto Loan

21. September 2015 Administrator Auto Loans (0)
With so many financial institutions offering secured loans and financing options for vehicles, choosing one can be a daunting task. To make the process less confusing, it is better to understand the stages of the loan process, right from submitting the application to its final repayment and hence, planning well in advance for your financial liabilities.

Seeking answers for the following questions can help you make an informed decision while applying for a secured auto loan:

  • What is the applicable nature of interest rate: You may borrow a loan under fixed or variable interest policy. In the former, the amount you need to pay each month will be fixed and thus enables you to plan your expenses. In the latter, the monthly payment may differ as interest rate may fluctuate based on market trends.
  • Am I required to buy my vehicle from a licensed dealership: Some lenders insist that you buy your vehicle from a particular dealer. Ask them if there is any such pre-condition so you can decide beforehand if you are willing to be flexible regarding the dealer’s choice.
  • Are there any penalties on my loan: You should ask the lender if there are any additional charges levied if you pay off the entire loan amount ahead of its tenure. Also, in case you are facing some temporary financial crisis, verify if they allow you to skip a payment. Do inquire about the terms and conditions for all such conveniences.  
  • What is the precise price that I will be paying at the end of the loan term: It is advisable to know the exact amount that you will end up paying (including the rate of interest) at the termination of loan term. This will help you determine if the loan is reasonably priced or not.
  • What is the exact amount that is being financed: You must know the correct breakup of the amount, both which is being financed and that required from your end as down payment. Some financial institutions require a fixed percentage of the vehicle’s value as down payment.
  • What are the finance charges: Another important part of the loan amount are the additional charges like handling fee, paperwork fee etc. Ask your lender if they have included all the charges in the amount quoted or you need to pay them separately.
If you are looking for a secured auto loan in Killeen, TX, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We offer customized loan plans with low interest rates and easy repayment options. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

Tips To Save On Auto Loan

14. September 2015 Administrator Auto Loans (0)
Purchasing a new car requires a huge financial input that can be shared by an auto loan. However, to ensure that you get the best deal, it is essential that you keep certain tips in mind. You can consider applying at a credit union to get competitive interest rates for your auto loan.

Here are some tips that can help to save on auto loan:

  • Refinance: If you get a better interest rate, you should consider refinancing your auto loan. You should avoid extending the tenure of the loan lower the monthly payments as it incurs higher interest rates.
  • Research: You should evaluate the different loan amounts, tenures and interest rates offered to get the most affordable auto loan. You can consider a credit union to get the best interest rates and easy approval for the loan.
  • Additional payments: If possible, you can consider making additional payment for your auto loan. This will shorten the overall loan tenure and subsequently lower the amount of interest that needs to be paid.  
  • Do not skip a payment: It is imperative that you make the payment before or on its due date to avoid any late fees. Delaying a payment incurs more interest and increases the cost of the loan.
  • Credit score: You should maintain a clean credit record to ensure a lower interest rate. Previous loans, bank accounts and all other financial transactions should be genuine. The agent will conduct a complete credit check to ensure that you will be able to pay back the loan amount and interest rate.
  • Read the terms: It is advisable to read the terms and conditions carefully to ensure that you are getting the best deal. You should be acquainted with the exact loan amount, interest rate, monthly due dates and any other clauses that may affect your loan amount.
  • Negotiate: You can consider discussing your budget and requirements with the agent to get the best deal. You can also inquire about any factors that can assist in reducing interest rates for the loan amount.
If you are looking for an auto loan in Killeen, TX, contact Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 - 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E Elms Road Killeen, TX 76542.

Before You Apply For A Home Loan In Killeen, TX ‬

8. September 2015 Administrator Home Loans (0)
Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments that a person makes in his lifetime. Getting a home loan can reduce the financial burden involved in the process. However, the costs involved in premiums and interest can take up large amount of all total monthly expenses. Therefore, it is important that you are familiar with the basic factors that can help you get an affordable home loan.  

Here are some points to remember before applying for a home loan:

  • Loan Eligibility: The home loan amount depends on your income and previous loan record. There may be a significant difference in the online quoted amount and the actual loan sanctioned. Thus, you should have a clear idea about the loan plan you are eligible for.
  • Budget: You must evaluate your budget before applying for a home loan. This will help to determine the amount you can pay upfront for the home and the remaining can be applied for as loan. The budget also assists in deciding on a monthly amount that you can afford.
  • Credit Score: You should maintain a clean and dependable credit score. Maintenance of bank accounts, credit card usage, existing loans, payment of bills, all these can affect the interest rate charged on your home loan.
  • Interest Rate: The type of interest rate determines the amount you would have to pay every month. You can select between fixed rate and floating rate home loan. You can make the choice depending on your financial condition and current market rates.
  • Loan Duration: This will determine the interest amount and its portion that you will have to pay every month. A longer tenure will reduce the monthly payments but will eventually result in more interest payments.
  • Documents: You must ensure that you read the documents carefully before signing. All verbal contracts and negotiations must be in written. You should check the applicable charges, processing fee, late charges etc.
  • Research: It is essential to get quotes for different home loan policies and choose the one that best suits your needs. You can consider a credit union for low interest home loans.
  • Extra Charges: You must be aware of any extra charges that may be incurred during the course of the loan repayment. It is important to clarify the queries during the initial stage to avoid paying processing fee at a later stage.
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.

Steps To Qualify For An Auto Loan In Killeen

20. August 2015 Administrator Auto Loans (0)
When planning to buy a car, the most important thing that you need to consider is about financing it. Auto loans are a great option to meet the expenses of a new or used car. However, you must keep yourself fully prepared so that you do not face any problems in getting the loan. A lot of people end up financing the car from the dealer but this may make you to pay a huge amount of interest. Instead, you should consider getting pre-approved for auto loan from a credit union.

Here are some tips that can help you qualify for an auto loan:

  • Determine The Loan Amount: Firstly, the most important thing is to determine the amount that you need to borrow from the credit union. Depending upon the price of the car, interest rates and monthly installments, you must figure out the funds that you would be able to pay off easily.
  • Decide The Term Of Loan: Ideally, the duration of an auto loan should be around five to six years. Although a longer tenure can help to lower the monthly payments, but you will end up paying more interest in due course. Therefore, you should settle on a loan term that allows you to manage repayments easily while saving on the interest payments.
  • Know Your Credit Score: Your credit rating has a great impact on the interest you will be charged on your auto loan. Hence, before applying for the loan, you must look at your credit score to check if it reflects any unpaid loans, credit card debt, late payments etc. If possible, devote some time to improve your rating by paying off all the debts and making timely payments. This will help you get a better interest on your auto loan.
  • Get Pre-Approved: Getting a pre-approval for an auto loan will help you decide the price range in which you can buy the car. You should also make allowance for other costs associated with car buying such as taxes, insurance, initial down payment and maintenance expenses.
  • Close The Deal: When you have finalized the amount, tenure and negotiated a fair interest rate, you must now submit the loan application. You may need to provide your proof of income, residence, identity, social security number and other important documents along with the application.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, provide affordable auto loans in Killeen, TX. We offer customized loan plans with low interest rates as well as easy repayment options. For more information, call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.

Affordable Home Loans In Killeen, TX

13. August 2015 Administrator Home Loans (0)
With the ever-increasing property prices and soaring interest rates, it is important to choose the right home loan to avoid any financial issues in the long run. Keeping this in mind, a lot of home buyers prefer a credit union over bank for their financing needs. This is mainly because of the considerably low interest rates and better customer service offered by them. Additionally, the process of applying for a home loan at a credit union is much simpler, with minimal documentation and paperwork.

Given here are some of the benefits of choosing a credit union for a home loan:

  • Low Interest Rates: Being a non-profit organization, a credit union is not liable to pay any taxes to the state or federal government. This, in turn, allows them to offer low interest rates on their home loan products. Thus, you will have to pay lower monthly installments and be able to save more.
  • Account Holders Have A Say: As members of a credit union are its part owners, they have a say in the important matters of the credit union. This may be concerned with the working of the credit union, interest rate of loans or other services offered to the members.
  • Less Income Requirements: A credit union usually does not have a strict income criterion for an applicant to be eligible for home loan. Thus, people who have not been approved for home loan by a bank due to low income are quite likely to get approval at a credit union.
  • Fewer Processing Fees: The loan processing fees charged by a credit union are usually affordable and lesser than many other financial institutions. In addition, it also offers several other membership services such as online banking, checks, wire transfer etc. at a nominal cost.  
  • Speedier Closings: When you apply for a home loan at a credit union, you can expect an instant approval for the same.
  • Flexibility: Working solely for the benefit of the members, a credit union is not much stringent when it comes to their loan conditions and policies. They offer considerable flexibility in terms of loan products and repayment options.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, provide affordable 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.

Benefits Of Getting A Car Loan From A Credit Union

6. August 2015 Administrator Auto Loans, Blog (0)
If you need financing for your new car, an option that you can explore is credit union. Getting loan from a credit union is a great idea because of the various benefits that it offers over other financial institutions. Owned and operated by the members, credit union provides a number of financial services, including loans, free ATM, savings accounts, online banking, etc.

Here are some benefits of applying a car loan from a credit union:

  • Lower interest rates: Credit unions, being non-profit organizations are not liable to pay any taxes to the state or federal government. As a result, they offer considerably lower interest rates on car loans. This means that your monthly payments will be low and you can save more.
  • Flexible terms and conditions: The terms and conditions of car loans are usually flexible at a credit union. Working with a client centered approach, the credit unions are more considerate towards the financial needs of the members. Their policies are flexible enough to adjust the repayment options and loan duration according to the convenience of the clients.
  • Better customer services: The credit union is easy to approach and there are lesser formalities involved in the car loan application process. Their staff provides complete assistance to the clients in filling out the application form and getting the paperwork ready.
  • Convenient loan process: The process of getting loan is more relaxed at credit unions. The clients can even apply for a car loan through the credit union’s website. This eliminates the need to be physically present at their office.
  • Membership benefits: The credit unions also offer various other banking and financial services to their members. This includes wire transfer, payroll deduction, notary service, savings accounts, direct deposit, ATM, ACH origination, MasterCard Gift Cards etc.
  • Members have a say: All the members are stakeholders and part owners of the credit union. Therefore, they are given the right to choose the board of directors and vote on the important matters concerning loan rates, terms and working of the credit union.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, provide low interest loans for both new and used cars. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.