Even though the current period of economic uncertainty means making it more difficult for borrowers to get a good loan, it is still possible for lenders to lend, but it means that borrowers have to try hard to get the best loan rate. So, as a borrower, you will have to learn a few things about what affects the interest rate and how to get the best possible loan rate.
What it actually the “best loan rate”?
Of course, a loan may not be right for you for a number of reasons, but generally speaking, the best loan rate is the rate with the lowest APR, as you are bound to pay less as the rate loan gets lower. APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate, referring to the amount of money you’ll have to pay on the annual basis. It is based on the interest loan rate plus any potential fees you could be expected to pay upfront.
How to start
The first thing to do is to decide how much money you need to borrow and how long it will take you to pay it back. This way, you’ll be able to compare the conditions of different lenders for the same amount of money you need. You can also use a tool on a comparison site to try out different amounts of money and the time you need to pay it back.
If you’re not satisfied with your credit score, check if there is anything you can do to improve it before you refer to a lender. It’s also highly important not to apply for several loans at once, as it hurts your credit score. So, instead of applying for various loans, it’s wiser to use quotation search (or ‘soft’ search) tools to tell you what products you would probably be accepted for and the great thing about them is that they can’t be seen by lenders.
Also, be ready to shop around for different offers from lenders. Every lender will make you a unique offer, so don’t rush and accept the first loan that sounds ok – you may stumble upon an even better one, so be patient and do a thorough search.
Lastly, you should know that different rates of APR depend on the amount of money you want to borrow. Essentially, the more money you want to borrow, the lower APR will be. But it’s possible to find just the right amount of money that will place you into the next APR bracket so that you get a bit more money than you need but with a considerably lower rate.
1. The best mortgage rate
The mortgage rate is mostly impacted by the current economy, which means you need to have a proof of your stable income and a verifiable down payment, as well as cash reserves. So, it’s smart to make a larger down payment or to decide to borrow less money, so that the loan rate gets lower.
Another option is to pay an origination fee upfront or to pay discount points. They are both expressed in a form of a percentage of the whole loan amount and will lower the interest rate, but bear in mind you’ll have to increase the amount of money at the closing.
2. Best student loan rate
The government is responsible for setting the interest rates, while private student loans rates are mostly dependable on the prime rate. The good thing about student loan rates is that they are attractive for subsidized loans. Any qualified student can get the loan regardless of the credit score.
In case you need a private loan, it’s best to get your credit report before you apply to avoid unpleasant surprises. Don’t waste too much time shopping around in that situation; instead, get several quotes as quickly as you can. Do it within a 10-day period because it could look like you are trying to get several loans, which will ultimately lower your credit score.
3. Best vehicle loan rate
It is possible to get good vehicle loans of various types if you, as with other lending products, manage to get a high credit score, which is important to lenders as they also use risk-based pricing. The interest rates will probably depend on the prime rate.
The first thing to do is to correct any inaccurate information on your credit report but also to check websites on vehicle prices before you actually go to the dealer. It’s important to compare offers from various lenders, not just the manufacturer – you could be surprised but the difference in pricing.
You’ll maybe notice that some vehicle manufacturers offer low-interest or even 0% interest on certain models, but would mean that you need excellent credit to qualify. Also, be aware of the fact that sometimes the advertised rate won’t always be the one you will be offered, but it could easily be a higher one, so don’t rush any decisions.
4. Best personal loan rate
Personal loan rates are similar to interest rates for credit cards, which are partially tied to the prime rate. It’s necessary to contact several lenders, both credit unions and traditional lenders. If you are a credit union member, you’ll probably get a more favorable loan rate as they care more about your overall financial situation that solely your FICO score that demonstrates your credit risk.
In case you’re going for a traditional lender’s loan, it’s possible to get a good rate if you use collateral like home equity or a free-and-clear car title.
Final comment
Taking out a loan is a serious and often a long-term commitment. Once you get the money, you could be charged extra fees if you change your mind at some point. That’s why it’s completely necessary to be sure that taking out a loan is the best option for you.
Once you’re sure of that, it’s important to be informed of all the ways to get the best possible outcome of getting the loan you need.
