How Does Bridging Loan Finance Work

February 9th, 2009

Bridging loan finance is normally used for business and commerce. Though many consider this type of secured credit is expensive, it does have its uses. To understand the usual cost of bridging loan finance, let us consider the expenses you will incur to borrow £300,000 for a short period of a month. The monthly rate you are charged depends on various factors, but mainly on the amount borrowed as against the security denoted as a percent. 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% and 100% bridging loan finance carry higher rates of interest. The percent is known as LTV or loan to value. Hence on a bridging loan of £300,000 for a month, would typically have 1.25% interest rate. This means you will pay £3750.00 a month.

The borrower can repay the loan in various options. Some choose to convert this amount into another loan, which can be repaid over a period of up to 36 months. Others choose to repay the amount every month. Another option is to take a bridging loan for an amount of about £100,000 along with an interest of nearly 2 months, meaning a total amount of £102500. This option eliminates the need to make monthly payments, however the loan and interest is paid once the specific time frame is over.

Common uses of bridging loan finance are purchasing property at auction where you need money quickly and not after months. Business ventures, purchasing another house if your present home hasn’t been sold, preventing bankruptcy or repossession, commercial businesses shifting premises and venture capital for entrepreneurs are other uses. A bridge loan can find various legitimate uses if you have sufficient equity. Bad credit history and arrears don’t normally affect bridge finance because this credit is short term and secured.

Benefits Of A Variable Rate Loan

February 9th, 2009

In order to obtain a loan at a cheap rate, then you have to consider the possibilities of obtaining a variable rate loan. These loans come with an APR rate that can change according to the base interest rate. This can either benefit you or harm you, depending on if the rates increase or decrease. This article tells you more about the benefits of variable rate loans.

What is a variable rate loan?

A variable rate loan is a variant of loan with a fluctuating interest rate. Normally, the APR of the loan will be dependant on the base rate of interest, but with some points higher. This implies in case, the interest rate goes down, then the interest rate is likely to reduce. But if the rates increase, so will the APR of the loan.

Interest rate risk

The problem with obtaining a variable rate loan is that the interest rate can fluctuate, which is a risk in case of interest rate hike. If you earn a fixed income, then a variable rate loan can result in problems, if your monthly payments increase due to hike in interest rates. Hence prior to obtaining a variable rate loan, ensure you can manage the repayments even when the rates increase.

Rates limit

Although variable rate loans are slightly risky, there is normally a limit on the amount that the interest rate can take, but can vary. This implies you are aware of the maximum or minimum you will have to pay in case of the change in rates. Obtaining a variable rate loan with a limit will allow you to budget and limit the risk involved.

Variable rate is cheaper

Today, obtaining a variable rate loan seems like a great option, since it is quite possible that rates will continue to be quite low. This implies a 5 year variable rate loan will tend to be cheaper than an equivalent 5 year fixed rate loan. Moreover, fixed rate loans usually have a higher interest rate as you are assured that your rate will remain constant.

Other expenses

Like any other loan, you have to think about other costs besides the interest rate. Costs can include late fees, administration fees and early payment penalties. If you observe all these aspects then you are bound to get a better loan deal that matches your requirements.

Which is better: Variable or fixed?

In the present scenario, a variable rate loan will usually be cheaper than an equivalent fixed rate loan. But you must ensure you can keep up with the repayments, in case the rates go up. If you can, then you can benefit from the low interest rates and obtain a great deal on your variable rate loan.

Black American Express Credit Cards

February 9th, 2009

Black American Express credit cards are completely unique. They have various distinguishing features that make them stand out from the other credit cards.

How to Obtain One

While other credit card companies chase you persistently to choose their credit cards, the providers of Black American Express credit cards work just the reverse way. Black American Express credit cards are for the privileged few. You cannot apply for one, but must be specifically invited to apply for one. Besides in order to be invited, you must be an American Express cardholder with excellent credit standing. Moreover you must spend an average of $250,000 annually.

Black American Express credit cards also charge you an astronomical fee. When the cards were first introduced, the yearly fee was just $1,000. Today, it has jumped to a steep $2,500.

Benefits

Black American Express credit cards offer a personal concierge, along with a direct phone number and email address. The concierge obeys all your legal commands. Personal concierges normally make travel arrangements and book tickets to sold-out events within a very short time.

If you think it is not great enough, Black American Express credit cards also come with other exclusive privileges, like complimentary companion airline tickets on trans-Atlantic flights, personal shoppers at elite stores like Gucci and Saks Fifth Avenue, and a complimentary suite in any Mandarin Oriental hotel anywhere in the world each year.

With Black American Express credit cards, you only have to consider what and when to buy. This plastic is meant for the strong hearted and those who truly cherish luxury and extravagant lifestyle.