Monday, March 19, 2012

When Applying For A Business Loan

By Greg Tilley


If you are just starting out in the business world or you are thinking of expanding your current business, then you may be thinking about taking out a business loan. When you get a loan, it is not always the cheapest way of financing but often, it is necessary and does give you more flexibility than most other options. You will be able to find the best loan for your business needs as long as you do your research and follow some simple steps.

Types of loans

As with any type of loan, business loans come in various types and with various terms. You need to think about several options when you are getting a business loan and these include:

Fixed vs. variable rate

Coming in both fixed and variable rates, as with most personal loans, are business loans. Fixed rate loans are better for those companies that have definite incomes each month, and so want to pay a fixed amount. Variable rates can save you money, but you remember to budget in case interest rates increase.

What are the payment types?

Whatever type of loan you get, the most important factor is the way you will pay back the loan. Considered as the most common repayment scheme is to make equal repayments back each month until you pay off the loan in full and the interest amount. With the interest level and the agreed loan term length, the amount you pay each month will be determined.

Paying lower equal payments each month and then paying a larger balloon payment at the end is another popular method. This works if you know that in the future you will have more money, but right now you need to keep your outgoings to a minimum. But try not to forget that you will have to pay the large payment at the end which means that budgeting for this is crucial.

If you want even lower payments then you can just pay the interest each month and then pay the remainder of the loan at the end of the term. If you want really low monthly payments to begin with, then this is good but you do need to remember that the loan term will last a long time if you only pay interest, and that the final payment will be very large.

The pros of business loans

There are many advantages to business loans, including: You get to retain business ownership There is financial flexibility and improved cash flow It's easier to budget There is increased financial leverage

Even if you can afford to pay for things with cash right now, getting a loan may mean you have more financial flexibility, and will leave your cash free when times are tougher. But remember that there will also be several disadvantages to this which would include the costs involved and the risks of default and repossession. A business loan could be the right choice for you if you do need to expand your business or free up cash to get your business started.




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