How to choose an online lender

In the case of FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans the minimum acceptable credit score is directly related to the amount of the down payment. If we are talking about a minimum down payment of 3.5% of the property value, your credit score must be 580 or higher. However, if you can make a 10% down payment, the credit score requirement goes down to 500.

A hard money loan is a specialized type of asset-based lending by which a borrower obtains funds secured by real estate. Hard money loans are usually issued by private investors or companies. As with any other secured loan, the interest rate on such a loan is lower than usual due to the presence of a collateral.

A HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) is a loan with an agreed repayment period, in which the borrower's real estate or his share in the real estate is pledged as collateral. In this case, the borrower does not receive the entire amount, as in a conventional loan, but gets access to a credit line, which may be then used at his or her own discretion and in any amount.

To be able to apply for an FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loan, you must meet some strict requirements. Specifically, your FICO (Fair Isaac Corporation) score must come within 500 to 579 with 10 percent down or 580 and higher with 3,5 percent down. Also you should demonstrate verifiable history of employment for previous 2 years.

A non recourse loan is a secured loan (in which the collateral is most often real estate) which has a very important feature. If the borrower fails to fulfill his obligations under the loan agreement, he is liable to the lender only to the extent of the collateral, even if its value is less than the amount of the borrower's obligations to the lender.

A peer-to-peer lending is a way of lending money to unrelated individuals or 'peers' without involving a traditional financial intermediary such as a bank or other financial organization. Loans are provided online on the websites of special lending institutions through a variety of lending platforms and credit check tools.

Loan amortization is the process of gradual repayment of a loan by making regular payments of principal and interest on the use of credit funds. In essence, loan amortization is a repayment of the loan on the terms and conditions agreed in the loan agreement and over a specified period.

A micro lender is a type of lending institution that specializes in providing small ammounts of money. Since micro-lending is not accompanied by collaterals, the risks for the lender increase exponentially. Because of this, the interest rate on microloans is usually very high. In addition, the activity of micro lenders is strictly controlled by state authorities, especially in terms of collecting outstanding loans.

Each banking institution has its own procedures, rules and methodologies for examining and analyzing the creditworthiness of a potential borrower applying for a loan. The underwriting procedure results in a positive decision on the loan application or refusal to grant a loan, or a compromise decision: granting a loan, but in the amount and/or under the conditions that are favorable to the bank, even if they differ from the client's expectations. That is, a credit underwriter is a specialist who makes such decisions.

The thing is, the Department of Veterans Affairs doesn't confirm the loan but makes specific requirements that appliers must follow to obtain the VA guarantee. One of those requirements strictly limits the amount you can loan based upon a formula called your 'debt to income ratio' or just 'debt ratio.' This parameter is a percent-denominated value which is calculated by dividing exact debt obligations by your monthly income.

A loan assumption is the transfer of a borrower's rights and obligations under a loan agreement to another person or legal entity. In the case of a mortgage contract, the buyer of the real estate can replace the original borrower to the lender and act in his or her place under the loan agreement.

A PPP abbreviation means Paycheck Protection Program which is a governmental initiative to support business. To participate in the program, you must represent a small business or a non-profit organization with up to 500 employees. Almost forgot: You have to prove that getting a loan is really necessary for your company.

A loan pre-approval is an agreement in principle by a particular lender to lend a specified amount to a particular borrower on exact terms and conditions. In fact, a loan pre-approval is a preliminary stage prior to the lender's final approval and signing of the loan agreement.