Five tips to help you score a great caravan loan

Dec 25, 2014

Caravan ownership allows people to take affordable road trips and enjoy nature outings more thoroughly since they can bring the comforts of home with them to the open road. However, this type of recreational vehicle can be expensive, and many people may not be able to afford one easily. To help you obtain your own caravan, financing companies and caravan dealerships have loans available.

Five tips that can help you arrange a favourable caravan loan, include:

  1. Assessing your ability to repay the loan
  2. Investigating lenders
  3. Saving up a down payment
  4. Reviewing a loan’s repayment terms
  5. Knowing your credit rating

Loan Repayment

Before applying for a caravan loan, be sure to assess your overall finances to determine your ability to repay the amount that you need to borrow. Another option is to establish the amount that you can comfortably pay each month, and then, look for caravans that fall into this price point. By requesting a loan that you can repay easily, the financial institution will be more likely to approve the funds. In addition, you can speak with your bank, which will be able to give you the maximum amount you can borrow in a short amount of time.

Lender Investigation

To locate the best caravan loan for you, be sure to assess the terms of each financial arrangement. You can complete research online to compare the different loans that are available. In particular, review a loan’s repayment requirements, down payment conditions and interest rates. Does the interest rate remain fixed for the term? Are there any penalties for paying out the loan early?

The four most common financing methods include a hire purchase, personal, secured or credit card loan. A hire purchase loan is secured against your recreational vehicle while a personal loan is unsecured. If you select a traditional secured loan, then the lender will likely secure it against the value of your personal residence. A credit card loan is usually funds that a creditor has already approved for you, but the interest rates are often higher than other loan types. It’s probably best not to finance a caravan through your credit card.

Down Payment

Consider saving up a sizeable down payment prior to making a caravan purchase. When you put money down, your repayment amount will be lower, and it will decrease your monthly payments. It also means less risk to the finance companies as you are putting your own money into the caravan. Many loan providers require you to make a down payment of at least 10 percent. Most financiers will want to use the caravan as security, meaning the can repossess it in the event of non-payment and when you have put your own money into it, statistically, this event is much less likely to occur.

Evaluate a Loan’s Repayment Terms

Be sure to assess the repayment requirements of a financial arrangement before you agree to a loan. Keep in mind that a lengthy repayment term may decrease your monthly payments, but if you extend the loan, then you will pay more in interest charges. By paying your caravan loan in full as quickly as possible, you can decrease the total amount that you’ll wind up paying for your recreational vehicle however this may not always be possible.

Credit Ratings

When you have a good credit rating, lenders are more likely to give you favourable repayment terms. Consider checking your credit rating before you apply for a loan to ensure accuracy and to verify your likelihood of being approved. Essentially a financier is looking for a stable, reliable person. You’ll be given a better opportunity for a lower rate if you have been in your job for more than two years as well as being an home owner.

 

Caravan ownership is rewarding as the recreational vehicle gives you the freedom to discover the country affordably and explore isolated areas. When you take the time to arrange the best caravan loan for your personal finances, you will gain peace of mind since a thorough evaluation will give you a comprehensive understanding of the financial arrangement’s terms.

How did you buy your caravan? Are you planning on getting one soon? What preparation have you done? Tell us in the comments below… 

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