Archive for February, 2010

Real Estate Investors – “7 Step Formula” to Secure Private Money

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

IMG_6170.JPG
Creative Commons License photo credit: ericskiff

First – Determine how much money you need to acquire a certain property and be sure to include the purchase price, closing cost and complete renovation costs. If you do not know the renovation cost be sure to make your best estimate so you do not leave these out.

Second – Start to market for private lenders. Make a point to tell everyone you know and meet “that you investing in discounted real estate investments and are looking for investors.” Show your potential private lenders how to start investing passively in investment real estate. You can also use other marketing strategies such as sending out post cards to wealthy people or putting up flyers in 55+ communities.

Third – You will need to create a presentation kit to educate your potential private lenders to the power and security of investing in discounted real estate. Essentially, position them as “the Bank.” (more…)

Why Apply For a Private Loan?

Friday, February 26th, 2010

If you are considering a private loan, rest assured that you are not alone. Thousands of people across the country apply for private loans every day, and every single one of those people have excellent reasons for seeking financial help.

There are many different reasons why private loans are preferred over any other kind of loan. The number one reason people apply for a private loan is that traditional lenders simply will not give regular borrowers a chance.

When traditional lenders deny a loan application, many consumers simply turn to private lenders. Unlike traditional lenders, many private lenders of secured loans are willing to approve almost any loan application. Also, if the loan is secured, a private lender will not rely upon a borrower’s credit history when it comes to loan approval.

Another reason why people seek private loans is that most people have big expenses that must be paid right away. Some of these expenses can include paying for weddings, borrowing money for a new or used car, and even paying off credit card debt.

In fact, that brings us to the second most popular reason why a private loan is a good idea: credit card debt. Credit card debt is a fact of life for most people, but it doesn’t have to be. Credit card companies take advantage of the fact that many people can only make minimum payments each month.

Even though minimum payments are made, interest rates keep climbing. Essentially, those people that only make minimum payments wind up paying more than they bargained. They may use one credit card to pay another and a never-ending cycle of paying only interest and little to no principal begins. By consolidating debt with a private secured loan such as a car title loan, the borrower will be able to make one easy monthly payment instead of multiple payments to multiple creditors. Many private lenders have flexible terms and can find a repayment plan to suit your budget.

No matter what your reason might be for acquiring a bit of extra money, applying for a private loan is a great way to relieve some debt, pay for an event, or simply create some extra spending money – wouldn’t that be nice? Private loans can be obtained for anything that you have in mind, from house repairs to new acquisitions.

When you apply for a private secured loan, you will be able to gain the money that you need right away. This is often the biggest incentive for people that need money now. Traditional lenders can take weeks to approve a loan, and sometimes they can take just as long to deny a loan application. Private loans just make sense.

Author: Molly Wider
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger

The Benefits of Federal Loans Vs the Benefits of Private Loans

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

There are some very significant difference between federal loans and private loans, and students who think they are the same simply because they are both loans and both types have to be paid back the same way are making a potentially grave mistake. While it is true that private loans can be very beneficial, it is vitally important to understand the difference between the two types of loans before making a decision concerning what type of loan to choose. Consider this: if given the choice to pay someone twenty dollars or fifty dollars, which is better? The repayment rate for some private loans can be substantially higher than the payback rate for federal loans. That is why it is crucial for students to complete the FAFSA form, which can be filled out right online. By doing so, students can find out whether or not they are eligible to receive federal loans such as the federal Stafford loan, which has a lower fixed interest rate than most private loans. This is not to say that private loans are not without benefits as well, simply that it is important to compare the two of them and decide what will be best from there.

One of the more prominent differences between federal loans and private loans is the fact that, in order to qualify for federal loans, a student must fill out and submit the FAFSA form, while students applying for private loans do not have to submit the FAFSA. Furthermore, most of the federal loans offered are need based scholarships, meaning that only students who demonstrate acceptable levels of financial need can receive them. Private loans, however, are generally awarded based on the potential borrower’s credit history; a cosigner may be necessary to receive a private loan.

Federal loans are disbursed directly to the student’s school and thus have to be used only for the COA. With private loans, the funds go straight to the recipient of the loan, usually within five business days. The things for which the money is used is left up to the borrower’s discretion.

There is a cap on how much money the federal government will allow a student to have for any given loan each year so there are no guarantees that a student’s financial aid package will meet all of his or her college expenses and needs. In general, borrowers can receive substantially more money from private loans, as there is no annual cap.

With federal loans, students are guaranteed a grace period of six months following graduation or withdrawal from an institution. If necessary, there are other opportunities for deferral as well, provided that deferment is approved. Conversely, the recipients of private loans can seek deferment only while they are in school. Private lenders offer no grace period and it is much more difficult to receive a deferment after the borrower has finished with school.

There are circumstances under which federal loans can be forgiven, canceled, or discharged. Furthermore, in cases of financial and economic hardship or of the student going back to school, federal loans offer the opportunity for substantial deferments. With private loans, there are no opportunities for forgiveness; requirements for deferment options are much more strict and tightly regulated.

With federal Perkins loans, federal Stafford loans, and PLUS loans for parents, there are fixed interest rates. Private loans, on the other hand, come with variable interest rates, which can be as much as five percent higher than the interest rates offered by federal loans.

Lastly, the average repayment term for federal loans is ten years. Private loans determine the repayment term according to how much money the loan recipient has borrowed.

Author: Gary Marjani
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

How to Apply For Private Student Loans

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

Thinking different
Creative Commons License photo credit: mackz

So you’re Joe College and you have elected not to pursue federal student financial aid, for any of a number of reasons. That’s fine, but what are your other options? You could try to apply for private student loans, for one thing.

As with most other things, when I am hunting down information, my starting point is always the Internet. Do a search online, using any of the major search engines, using the words ‘private student loans’ and you will turn up at least 50,000 related websites. Keep in mind, however, that not all of these will be pertinent. Typically the first fifty or so websites will be helpful, and fifty different sources of information is pretty good in anyone’s book! (more…)

Private Loans – The Alternative Education Loan For Students in Need of Additional Financial Aid

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

One of Uncle Sam’s greatest gifts to the American student is the Federal student loan program which makes it possible for millions of young Americans to pursue higher education. But Federal student loans may not always cover tuition and expenses 100%. That’s why so many parents and students turn to private student loans to fill in the gap.

Private student loans — not just for tuition!

All the talk these days is about the higher costs of college tuition. But what often gets overlooked are all of the other college expenses that can make going to college more financially crushing.

However, that may not be a problem for you since most private loans can cover virtually all college expenses, including: o Room and board o Off-campus housing o Registration fees o Text books o Laptop/Internet access o Travel expenses to get to and from classes

How can you qualify for a private loan?

Because private loans are made by private institutions such as a bank or other private lending institution, your ability to get a loan will be based on merit, specifically good credit, essentially, a high enough credit score. The availability of a co-signer with good credit is even better from the lender’s perspective because taking into account a co-signer’s good credit, your combined probability of repaying the loan is higher. So, the lender can be more likely to approve you for a private loan.

If you think about it, most consumer loans require collateral, such as a house or a car. If a borrower doesn’t repay the loan, then lender can repossess your property, so it can sell it to recoup the money it had loaned out.

In the case of education loans, there really is no collateral; i.e., how can a lender repossess your education? It can’t. That’s why lenders rely on a good credit record, since that is a strong indicator that you and/or your co-signer have a proven track record of repaying on your credit cards or other loans in a timely and responsible manner.

Co-signers with good credit can help you qualify for a private loan, lower your borrowing costs and improve your own credit score!

Because private loans are based on merit, the rate you receive is based on your credit history and income. If you don’t have one or the other or both, having a creditworthy co-signer can be invaluable. In fact, a co-signer with good credit can help you obtain a private loan with a lower interest rate, saving you a ton of money over the life of the loan.

Another added benefit of a creditworthy co-signer is “guilt by association but in a good way.” This means that the timely, responsible repayment of your private loan under a co-signer arrangement will be a positive way to build up your own credit record.

Take advantage of private loan benefits

Of course the primary purpose of obtaining a student loan is to help you obtain a sound education so you can realize your career aspirations. And using credit wisely is important. That’s why you’re encouraged to seek out as much Federal student aid, grants and scholarships first before applying for a private loan.

Private loan application process — get pre-approved in minutes if you qualify!

However, once you determine that a private student loan can be a viable alternative funding source to cover your education finance gap, you could be pre-approved for a private loan within minutes of applying! Many times the application process is very simple and can, with most lenders, even be handled over the phone or online.

Longer pre-payment terms and no pre-payment penalties can help you better manage your cash flow after college

When it comes to paying back your private loans, many lenders give you up to 20 or 25 years to do so. The absence of pre-payment penalties means that as long as you make your minimum monthly payment, you can pay off your loans as fast or as slow as you want within your repayment term.

Interest rate discounts can help lower your cost of private loan borrowing even more!

Many private loan lenders would like to have your business. So be sure to shop around, and make sure to ask each lender about these and other private loan “borrower benefits” such as:

o An interest rate discount for automatic payment from a savings or checking account

o An interest rate discount for simply making on-time payments.

o Little or no origination fees, if you or your co-signer has good credit

Who is eligible for a Private Loan?

Keep in mind that each private loan lender has certain eligibility requirements. For most private student loans, you must meet the following criteria:

- Must be creditworthy applicant or have a creditworthy co-borrower

- Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or international student with a qualified U.S. citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident co-signer

- Must be within age of majority by your state of residence (typically 18 years of age)

- May be a full time, half time, or less than half time (including continuing education) student

Types of Private loans

What’s great about private loans is that many lenders have a variety of loans that is tailored to fit your specific course of study. The loan name, minimum and maximum loan amounts, and the loan repayment terms are all tailored around the typical needs of the course of study you have chosen to pursue.

Undergraduate Private Loans – Just as the name implies, apply for an undergraduate private loan if you’re a college undergraduate, or are attending a career, technical, and trade school in the U.S., at least half-time. Continuing Education Private Loans – This private loan is right for you if you are completing a degree, a certification program or taking classes to further your career or for personal development. A continuing education private loan is available to you if you attend an eligible school at least part-time (less than half-time). Graduate/Professional Private loan – If you have decided to pursue an advanced degree at participating colleges and universities, and planning to attend at least half-time, then this private loan can get you the funds you need to achieve your educational goals. K-12 Education Private loan – If you are a parents or other adult sponsor (relative or friend) of children who attend participating non-public elementary schools, many lenders provide these loans to help cover the expenses. Most lenders provide K-12 education private loans for students who attend private, religious, preparatory, and military or special education schools.

Need more money to pay for college? Private loans are here for you!

Now that you’ve learned about an alternative way to pay for your college-related expenses, don’t let anything hold you back from pursuing the dreams of success you want. A great education is a wonderful thing and nothing should ever stand in your way of achieving your goals.

As you start or continue your education, the availability of private loans offers you an option to fund your education when you don’t know where else to turn for the money you need.

Author: Paul Simino
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Small Business Credit Cards – Let’s Analyze Them

Sunday, February 14th, 2010

Microsoft Office 2007
Creative Commons License photo credit: robertnelson

First of all lets analyze what is credit card? It is nothing but a financial instrument on which we can borrow money or buy products and services on credit. It is the card issued by the bank and other private companies that allows consumers to purchase goods or services from a merchant on credit. This card can be used more then once as many times as you may need. Banks, retail stores and other businesses generally issue these credit cards. You should understand that a credit is different from debit.

The main definition of business card is that it is usually issued to corporate executives or business owners in order to help them maintain their business expenses separately and personal expenses separately. (more…)

Economy Recovering – Bank Loans Still Scarce

Saturday, February 6th, 2010

With FDIC reserves plunging to $10.4 billion from $45 billion last fall and the number of troubled banks rising to 416 from 305 in the first quarter, more pressure is being put on banks to “shape up”.

Although the economy is showing clear signs of recovery, the banking sector may not rebound any time soon. It’s possible that the continued problems in the banking industry will substantially outlast the recession, resulting in a significantly suppressed availability of credit in a recovering economy.

With many banks struggling to keep their doors open, small business owners seeking financing, who are already finding limited options, are faced with desperate cash flow issues. As businesses attempt to recover along with the economy, they need financing solutions now.  It is critical that businesses acquire a funding source that is readily available and dependable.

Accounts Receivable Financing is an often overlooked choice for growing businesses. This form of financing (also known as Factoring), is a financial tool that allows businesses to capitalize on the power of their outstanding invoices. Factoring is a valuable mechanism to turn a business’ invoices into immediate cash, enabling them to fund business operations.

It is not widely understood, but a factoring firm provides funds to its clients based upon its clients’ accounts receivable. Most invoices billed to credit worthy customers can qualify. Banks, on the other hand, must consider more stringent criteria before qualifying a borrower for any type of funding. In most cases, when considering assisting a business based strictly upon its accounts receivable, factoring companies can provide funds when a commercial bank cannot.

Keith Mabe is Director of Operations for Charter Capital, recognized as one of the hardest working independent providers of invoice factoring for small to mid-sized businesses. Charter Capital offers a complete line of no-loan business funding and related financial services. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Charter Capital provides accounts receivable financing and asset-based lending for major industries including freight and transportation, consulting firms, service providers, staffing firms, distributors and manufacturers, medical service providers. Find out more at http://www.CharterCapitalUSA.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/loans-articles/economy-recovering-bank-loans-still-scarce-1291274.html