The caravanning bug has once again bitten many Australian families especially after having gone through more than a year of nonessential travel restrictions. Actually, traveling with a caravan in tow trended among younger generations back in 2019, and many would have followed suit in 2020 if not for the COVID-19 outbreak. As some of the money saved for buying a caravan is nearly, if not all gone, many are currently considering the option to borrow for a caravan.

However, those planning to buy a caravan on finance have frequently come across advice of not readily agreeing and signing up for a financing deal put forward by caravan dealerships. Aside from raising the interests that a bank would ordinarily quote, most dealership financing deals are cut-and-dried. Oftentimes, they require monthly payments that can place a heavy burden on the family’s household finances.

While applying for a personal loan with a bank is the better alternative, a loan applicant is still faced with the same possibility. Once the bank starts looking and checking into the applicant’s financial records and credit history, the results of the evaluation can impact the actual interest rate that the lending bank will impose on one’s loan.

At worst, if a person’s credit score does not meet the bank’s requirement, a loan application can be rejected outright.

Hiring a Finance Broker

Still, not all banks or lenders are the same, and there’s always a chance of finding a licensed lender willing to grant a loan that best suits one’s paying capacity. Actually, the fastest and less cumbersome way to look for such lenders is by hiring a finance broker.

To cite as an example, the National Loans Australia offers to give every client the opportunity to secure a loan that will enable them to purchase a vehicle, including a caravan or home trailer. An NLA finance expert will take into account factors that can increase the preliminary interest rate quoted by a lender; then use such info in developing a loan when brokering a loan on behalf of a borrowing client.

Factors That Affect a Car Loan Interest Rate

We mentioned earlier that credit scores and history can have a huge impact on what the lender will actually apply as interest rate when considering loan applications. Still, since the past year had wrought financial distresses that affected the ability of many citizens to pay their obligations, some lenders are willing to overlook credit scores as basis for the interest rate

Income

If an applicant is borrowing to buy a vehicle or caravan for business purposes, this can improve one’s chances of getting approved for a fairly low interest rate. Borrowers who receive income on a regular basis, also have better chances of negotiating for an interest rate that will make their monthly payments more manageable.

Loan Term

If one is applying for a longer loan term of between 36 and 72 months, the loan interest rate will be higher. Conversely, a shorter term calls for lower interest rate — however this also means the borrower’s monthly payments will be higher.

Down Payment or a Trade-In Offer

Making a larger amount as down payment or offering one’s existing vehicle for trade-in can reduce the principal and the interest rate that will be charged. Still, other factors such as income and term of loan will also be taken into consideration by the lender.