How to Improve your Chances to Get 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. Understand the way that a bank looks at your history. Yes, a bank looks at credit scores and your down payment percentage, but they will also look into your job stability, cash reserves, previous payment history, and borrowing experience. This means that you should not expect a loan dramatically larger than anything you have gotten at before.

5. Gather your financial documents. In order to qualify for a loan, a lender will want to verify that you have the means to both pay back the loan and take care of the boat, including maintenance, insurance, dockage, and fuel, while you own it. In order to prove your financial status, you will need to provide the lender with two years of tax returns, current year to date income, and a balance sheet of current investments, cash, stocks, annuities, IRA’s, 401k’s, etc. Also, remember that many lenders will require you to insure the boat until you have paid off the loan, even if your state does not require insurance.

6. Know the ratios banks use to pre-qualify individuals. All monthly operating expenses and all debt payments (including mortgage and car payments) should not exceed your 40% of your household’s monthly income.

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 exceptional time to buy a boat. There are tremendous opportunities to purchase boats at that represent an exceptional value, or may have been previously unaffordable. Take the time to prepare in advance, get “pre-qualified” for a boat loan so you know that financing will not affect your negotiations or timetable to purchase.

categories: boat loan,yacht loan,financing,lending,boat,boats,boating,business,lending,faincing,banking