Improving Your Chances to Qualify for a Yacht Loan
1.Two years ago getting a boat loan was substantially easier than it is now, however is is not impossible to get one now. Following these seven tips should increase your chances at qualifying and getting your dream yacht. 2. Check your credit score with all three agencies: Equifax, Experian, and Transunion (Each agency will give you a different score, and may even find different accounts). It is important that you run each one and check for accounts that you did not open or charges that you did not generate. If you find any you will need to dispute them with all three agencies. 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. Put some “skin in the game.” Lenders like to see that you have financial motivation to keep from defaulting on the loan. By putting down 20%, the bank sees that you have a motivation to keep repaying the loan, and if you are able to put down more than 20% many times lenders will be able to give you better terms. 4. Know your history. A bank will look at your credit score, and commitment to the loan by looking at the amount of your down payment, but they will also consider the rest of your history, including employment history, loan payment history, cash reserves, and the size of any previous loans. Banks hardly lend a significantly larger loan than the other loans you may have had in the past. 5. Get ready to prove your financial position. Because a yacht loan lender might end up owning your boat (if you default), they will want to know that you have the income to not only pay back the loan, but also take care of the boat, including maintenance and insurance. You will need to provide proof of YTD earnings, two years of tax returns, and a listing of all investments (including retirement accounts). 6. Understand how bank look at your debt and income. A bank will want to see that your monthly debt payments are not greater than 40% of your monthly earnings. 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 yacht. There are great opportunities to purchase yachts at that represent an tremendous value, or may have been previously unaffordable. Take the time to prepare in advance, get “pre-qualified” for a yacht loan so you know that financing will not affect your negotiations or timetable to purchase. |