What You Need To Know About A Secured Loan And Unsecured Loan

By Author: John O’Farrell
Total Articles: 23
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1. What You Need To Know About a Secured Loan

A secured loan allows an individual to use their personal property as security to obtain a loan. By placing a charge over personal property, the bank is reassured that they are not at high risk of losing any money if you happen to default on any payments. The charge however is a second charge and so must sit behind a pre-existing mortgage. Somewhat surprisingly then, it is the case that if you don’t already have a mortgage and your property is unencumbered, then you can’t get this kind of loan! It is also important to note that in the event of default, the bank is entitled to foreclose on your property which can then be sold to recover the debt. Since this type of loan requires you to place a charge on your property until the loan is paid, the interest rate attached to the loan is usually more beneficial and the term can be longer – up to 20 years. The alternative of taking a loan without security most likely leads to a more punitive rate - this is the primary advantage of the loan. In addition, even those with poor credit histories can borrow if they have enough equity ...
... in their property; usually total borrowings can go up to 85% LTV.

How individuals can gain from a loan?
As with all loans there are some disadvantages, most notably in this case that your property is at risk if repayments are not made, however there are several positive factors too. Many people on this type of loan have had poor credit histories and by leveraging the free equity in their property they allow themselves an opportunity to borrow and, in making repayments, rebuild their credit record and their credit score. This is a great opportunity for a person to prove they are capable of paying off a loan they may not have had the opportunity to take in most cases.

2. What you need to know about an unsecured loan?
An unsecured loan involves borrowing money from a lender without having to supply any collateral (such as personal property) for security purposes. Usually the term is no more than 5 years. In the current financially straitened times, being approved for this type of loan usually means you have had no or little trouble maintaining a positive credit report that reflects your accountability to pay what is owed in a timely manner. However, don’t expect it to be cheap! Though base rates are at 0.5%, loan rates start at about 8% for even the most prime credits! If you have had a questionable credit history then rates quickly hit double or for some even eye-watering triple digit interest rates! Clearly it pays to maintain a good credit record!

How individuals can choose the best loan possible
Which is the best kind of loan for you? It depends on your circumstances and requirements. Are you happy to secure your home or would you rather not? Is the interest rate and repayment term important to you? Weigh up these factors and you can determine which is right for you.

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