7 Ways to Qualify for a Boat Loan

Posted on November 9, 2009
Filed Under Fishing Boats | Leave a Comment

1.Getting a boat loan, used to be a bit easier than it is right now, however if you follow the tips in this list you should increase your chances to get a loan and be able to afford that boat.

1. Run your credit, with all three agencies. As Equifax, Experian, and Transunion may all come up with different results. You want to check to make sure that all the information is correct and that you opened every account that appears. If you find one that you didn’t open, you will need to submit forms to all three to dispute the creation of the accounts or the charges.

2. Focus on your FICO score, which is the measurement of your financial stability and your ability to repay the loan. You can improve your score by paying down debt, having accounts with zero balances, and always paying your bills on time.

3. Increase the amount that you put down on the loan. By showing that the bank will not be the only one who will commit financially to the loan, you are able to show them that you are more likely to repay it. 20% or more is best.

4. Banks take more than just credit score and income into the criteria they use to assess risk. Previous boat loan experience is a positive, or at least comparable borrowing experience. They will also look into your employment history, previous payment history, and cash reserves.

5. Gather your financial documents. In order to qualify for a loan, a lender will want to verify that you have the means to both pay back the loan and take care of the boat, including maintenance, insurance, dockage, and fuel, while you own it. In order to prove your financial status, you will need to provide the lender with two years of tax returns, current year to date income, and a balance sheet of current investments, cash, stocks, annuities, IRA’s, 401k’s, etc. Also, remember that many lenders will require you to insure the boat until you have paid off the loan, even if your state does not require insurance.

6. Know the debt to income rations that banks use to qualify loans. Banks do not usually loan to anyone who’s debt and expenses exceed 40% of their income.

7. Find the right company to represent you. Only a few lending institutions provide boat loans, and most independent brokers will request a loan quote with each of them. This means that having two agents will not help you (and can often hurt your chances of getting a good loan). It is important that you select an agent or brokerage that has a long history of dealing with yacht loan lenders and a good track record of successful loans. Remember, a good broker is your advocate.

Now is a great time to buy a boat. There are ample opportunities to purchase boats at that represent an tremendous value, or may have been previously unaffordable. Take the time to gather your documents, get “pre-qualified” for a boat loan so you know that financing will not affect your negotiations or timetable to purchase.

categories: boat loan,yacht loan,financing,lending,boat,boats,boating,business,lending,faincing,banking

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