auto loans - getting your questions answeredauto loans - getting your questions answered


About Me

auto loans - getting your questions answered

Very few people have the financial means to go out and buy a car with cash in hand. In most cases, an auto loan is required to purchase a vehicle. Are you considering purchasing a car with an auto loan but are unsure how the loan process works? On my site, you will find the answers to the many questions you likely have. You will learn about interest rates, the application process, how a lien works, and the insurance requirements that most lenders require you to maintain. Take your time and learn everything about auto loans to be sure you fully understand how the process works before falling in love with a car.

Latest Posts

Steps to Take When a Loved One Has Been Arrested and is Facing Criminal Charges
23 October 2023

Having a loved one arrested and facing criminal ch

Selling Gold - Keys To Having Success As A Beginner
23 June 2023

Selling gold is a great way to earn money because

Auto Loans FAQs: A Guide For The Uninitiated
6 March 2023

If you've considered taking out an auto loan, you'

Tax Filing For Businesses: Common Mistakes To Avoid
13 December 2022

If you're in your first couple of years as a small

Three Ways To Pay Back A Friend After A Bail Bond
5 July 2022

A bad day or night can happen to anyone. If you fo

5 Ways To Ensure You Get The Best Mortgage If You Are Self-Employed

In the U.S., 6.6% of all workers are self-employed. While self-employment offers you a lot of economic freedom, it can make it more difficult to get a loan. If you are self-employed, there are five things you can do over the next two years to make sure you are approved for a home mortgage when you are ready to buy a home. 

Expect to Offer at Least a 20% Down Payment 

Traditionally, buyers have been expected to contribute at least 20% of the cost of the home they are purchasing as their down payment. Recently, lenders have been accepting lower down payments, such as 10%, as long as the borrower purchases adequate home insurance. In 2015, borrowers can expect to get loans from private lenders with as little as 3% down, which opens up the market for many buyers. Unfortunately, self-employed borrowers will most likely not be the recipients of these loans. 

As a self-employed person, you represent a greater risk to lenders. Because of this, you should expect to be asked to pay the traditional 20% as a down payment if you want a decent interest rate. 

Take Fewer Deductions and Save Documentation for Those You Take 

If you are self-employed, then you are likely aware of the many deductions you can write off as business expenses in order to claim less income when you file your taxes. While this saves you money each year, it can make your financial status look worse than it actually is to lenders. For at least two years before you apply for a loan, you should avoid taking unnecessary deductions so that your tax forms reflect your actual earnings. 

If you are thinking about purchasing a home in the next 2-3 years, you should consider tapering your deductions a little each year. This will not only show a larger income, but it will also present the appearance of a rising income, which is important to lenders. 

Organize Files of Your Personal and Business Finances 

Unlike a traditionally employed person, your business finances and personal finances are entwined much more deeply. For this reason, your lender will want thorough copies of not only your personal expenses but also your business expenses. It will be easiest for you if you keep detailed files of all major purchases and debt for you and your business for the two years before you apply for a loan. 

If you are applying for a loan soon, then you should do your best to collect information for the past two years before your lender asks for it. This will show you are organized and ready for a loan. 

Start Shopping For a Loan Early 

It is recommended that traditional home buyers start shopping for a loan and getting good faith quotes from sites like http://www.firstmortgagecompany.net two months before they are ready to purchase their home. This allows them time to bargain with lenders and secure the best deal without delaying the closing process. Unfortunately, if you are self-employed, you will need to start shopping a bit earlier.

Self-employed people generally receive 6 quotes from lenders for every 10 quotes a traditionally employed person receives. This means that it may take you more time to find an offer that fits your budget. Also, since more paperwork tends to be involved if you are self-employed, the approval process can take longer than normal. You should start shopping for a loan 3-4 months before you want to purchase your home. 

Consider Alternative Loans

A new twist on an old type of loan allows you to use alternative methods to verify your income. These loans, known as stated income loans, will allow you to use your bank balances and other proof over the past two years to state your income instead of relying solely on your tax records. If you were unable to plan ahead with your taxes, this may be an option for you, but you should watch out for higher interest rates on this type of loan.