When looking for a loan, it can be easy to get lost in the mountains of information, options, and paperwork. Where should you start? With a little research, you can definitely find a loan that works for your specific needs. Here are three questions to ask yourself when looking for the right loan.
What kind of borrower am I?
As you think about what to look for in a loan, it is worth spending time to figure out the kind of borrower that you are. This means examining your unique situation and examining your finances in order to see what you are qualified for.
Consider your situation
People from all walks of life have to take out loans. Depending on factors unique to you, you may be able to take advantage of programs designed to help borrowers in your specific situation. Many lenders have specific rates for first-time home buyers, or people that own their own business, so in these cases you would want to research support relevant to you. If you’re a veteran, you qualify for an array of benefits that civilians do not qualify for, so be sure to check out VA loan rates in your area. Also, some states have local assistance programs for individuals or families at a certain income level, so look into local benefits too. Understanding the options and exceptions available for your situation will help you tailor your loan to your needs.
Examine your finances
When you apply for a loan, a lender will dig into your finances as part of their due diligence. You can avoid a lot of stress during this process by taking the time to examine your own money so that you’re aware of what they’ll find. Most credit card companies will let you pull a credit report for free once a year, which can help you better understand your credit score. Also, working to pay down debt so that less of your income goes towards debt payments will make you more attractive as a borrower.
What kind of loan do I need?
After doing a preliminary assessment of yourself as a borrower, it’s time to think about what type of loan would best meet your needs. There are several different kinds of loans which can be used to pay for different financial situations. For example, if you’re looking to buy a home, you want to look into getting a mortgage. Alternatively, if you’re looking to grow the small business that you run out of that home, you might want to look at small business loans, which can help to cover office supplies and other necessary expenses. There are also loans for buying cars, covering high-interest debt, and going back to school, so the important thing is to apply for the loan that does what you want it to.
What kind of lender am I looking for?
Just like there are specific loans for every need, there are also many different kinds of lenders. Each lender will have different pros and cons, so you want to find the one that best aligns with your priorities. Maybe you need money quickly, but you’re confident that you can pay it back, in which case you might want to go with a major commercial bank or an online finance company. If time isn’t as much of an issue, but you’re looking for more of a personal relationship with your lender, smaller, more local lenders may be a better fit for you.
When looking at loans, don’t settle for a fit that’s just “ok”. Just like you take care of your physical health, finding the right loan is key to taking care of your financial health. Consider these questions and you should be able to find a partnership that’s right for you!