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:

Variable vs. fixed rate

As with most personal loans, business loans come in both fixed and variable rates. For those companies that have definite incomes each month and want to pay a fixed amount, then it would be better to have fixed loans. While you can save money with variable rates, you need to remember to budget in case interest rates increase.

Here are the payment types

The way that you will pay back the loan is the most important factor regardless of what type of loan you get. Making equal repayments back each month until you pay off the loan in full and the interest amount is considered as the most common repayment. The agreed loan term length and the interest level can determine the amount that you pay each month.

There is another popular method and that is to pay lower equal payments each month and then pay a larger balloon payment at the end. If you know that in the future you will have more money then this would work but right now, you need to keep your outgoings to a minimum. However, budgeting for this is crucial due to the fact that you should remember that you will have to pay the large payment at the end.

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.

Advantages of business loans

Business loans have many advantages and these would include: Retaining business ownership Financial flexibility and improved cash flow Budgeting is easier Increased financial leverage

Right now, you may be able to pay for things with cash but even so, getting a loan may mean you have more financial flexibility, and will leave your cash free when times are tougher. Of course, there are disadvantages as well, including the costs involved and the risks of default and repossession. However, if you need to expand your business or free up cash to get your business started, then a business loan could be right for you.




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