Finding the right loan for you
Check out all the options when it’s time to apply for a loan
There are many types of loans, and when you’re looking to borrow money, it’s important to know your options.
Open and closed ended loans are two loan options that are available to you. Open ended loans are loans you can borrow over and over, such as credit cards and lines of credit. You have a credit limit that you can make purchases against; this applies for both types. Your available credit increases each time you make a payment, and when you make purchases, your available credit decreases.
Closed ended loans can’t be borrowed again once they are paid. As you make payments on this type of loan, the balance of the loan goes down; however, you won’t have any additional available credit. If you need to borrow more money, you will have to apply for another loan. Mortgage, auto and student loans are included in this type of loan.
Loans that rely on an asset such as collateral for the loan are also known as secured loans. The lender can take possession of the asset in the event of a loan default. Once this happens the asset covers the loan. Even though you may need to have your asset appraised before you can borrow a secured loan, the interests would be lower rather than that of an unsecured loan.
Unsecured loans don’t have asset for collateral. Although these loans are easier to obtain through many lenders, they have higher interest rates. Unsecured loans rely solely on your credit history and your income to qualify you for the loan. If you default on an unsecured loan, the lender will use collection options like debt collectors and a lawsuit to recover the loan.
Conventional loans are those that aren’t insured by a government agency, and may be conforming, meaning they follow the guidelines set forth by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Loans that do not meet those qualifications are non-conforming loans.
Payday loans are short-term loans borrowed using your next paycheck as guarantee for the loan. Some have high interest rates. Advance fee loans aren’t really loans, and are, in fact, scams to get borrowers to send money to obtain the loan.
For many small business owners or those seeking personal loans, business loans or unsecured loans are the right choice.