It goes without saying that anyone who is in the market for a home improvement loan is after the lowest interest rate possible. Using the equity in your home is the best way to get a low interest home improvement loan. The hard part is finding a lender that can give you the rate that you are seeking. Here are some tips to help you find the best low interest home improvement loan that you can get:
- Know Your Numbers. It is very important to know some key numbers before you start calling around for rates. First, know how much you want to borrow. Next calculate your loan to value ratio. This is the percentage of the value of your home that you are looking to borrow. For example, if your home is worth $100,000 and the overall amount of the loans against your home will total $75,000, then your loan to value ratio is 75%. If possible, try to keep this number below 80% for the best rates. You should also know what your credit score is. You can get a free copy of your credit score once a year from any one of the major credit bureaus.
- Shop Around. Don't just take the first relatively decent deal you are offered. Once you know your numbers, call around to different lenders and ask them what their rates are based on the numbers you are giving them. If you ask the same questions to each lender, you should be able to get a good idea of who will give you the best low interest home improvement loan.
- Keep Your Credit Score High. Each potential lender will request that you fill out an application and grant them permission to check your credit. Granted they do this in order to give you the most accurate most accurate quote possible but too many credit inquires in a short period of time will lower your score. So, don't let too many prospective lenders pull your credit report. Also, try to keep all of your bills current to avoid any negative reflections on your credit score. You will get a lower interest rate if your credit it good.
- Choose A Reputable Lender. You are more likely to get a lower interest rate with a reputable lender than you would with a small, unknown finance company. They also tend to have more loan options available to consumers so you stand a better chance of getting a more personalized loan.
- Beware of high closing costs before you close on your loan. If at all possible, avoid financing any of the closing costs. It is best to pay them in cash at the time of closing. If they are added to the loan balance you will end up paying more, regardless of how low your interest rates are.
There are many different lenders out there who would love the opportunity to service a low interest home improvement loan for you. Finding one that will give the lowest rates will take some work. By following the advice given above and doing your homework you will find a lender that will meet your home improvement loan needs.