Thursday, July 24, 2008

How To Effectively Compare Loans And Offers

By Chris Channing

Few other types of financial scenarios can be as testing as the loan. Loans can put a family into the red quicker than most would think, so it's good to get the best loan out there. Luckily there are a few guidelines in doing just that- and potentially saving hundreds each year because of a good decision.

Just like any other type of service existant in the service industry, one should always check with the lender's reputation and their credibility. Doing so can protect families from doing business with lenders that have less lenient rules and likely to have higher rates. This also shields the consumer from some types of predatory lending, which can effectively save them from a bankruptcy.

The next step is to compare lenders based on the rates they offer. Rates can vary from one lender to another, depending on what they can offer and what the credit rating on the applicant is. Different lenders will have different benefits and penalties for credit ratings, so it's good to make a trip to all of the lenders to find the best rate possible.

When comparing loans it's important to consider the fact that not every contract was created equal. Some lenders will try and offer a loan that has lowered interest rates- but only initially. After a set amount of time the borrower has to pay higher interest rates should he or she want to continue their service without defaulting. And since defaulting can be disastrous to one's credit rating, consumers are often trapped as a result..

Next to consider when comparing lenders is the term they wish to use for the loan. Some lenders will only allow for certain terms of length in payback, such as the 15 or 30 year staple that most mortgage loans follow. But if borrowers don't want to make a commitment that long, and plan to repay the loan sooner, they should investigate lenders who don't penalize borrowers for paying back money earlier than what was agreed upon.

Lastly, it's always a good idea to ensure the bank or lender is stable before doing business with them. Economic conditions and poor management makes many banks worldwide fail each day. If a borrower has a loan with such a bank, they may be in a tight predicament, depending on the contract they signed with the lender n question. To stay on the safe side, it's recommended that the borrower only does business with banks that have proven track records.

Final Thoughts

Sizing up all the competition before obtaining a loan is the only proper way to go about getting the best rates and deals in the financial industry. By following the comparison tips above, one can find the cheapest loan possible for the best terms possible. Just be wary of fraud or hidden fees that some lenders throw in to make an extra profit- and when in doubt, always consult a legal counselor for more help and information.

About the Author:

No comments: