The Connection Between Benchmark Rates and Loan Rates

The beginning is near the end!  I say that because in this series of “how do lenders arrive at interest rates?”, I’ve talked about different factors that affect the rate you pay. But where does that rate originate? It doesn’t start at zero (after all, money is never free).   In general terms, most lenders will utilize existing benchmark… Read More »

theLeaseGuy

How Do Credit Scores and Other Risk Profiles Affect Rates?

In our ongoing series of lending factors that affect interest rates, let’s (finally) talk about credit scores and related risk factors. I say “finally” because to many people, the credit score is the be-all, end-all of borrowing. And it is true that credit scores and related risk factors are important, but not always in the way people think.   … Read More »

theLeaseGuy

How Do Defaults Affect a Lender’s Rates?

Easily one of the costliest parts of lending are defaults. In short, lenders look to avoid defaults at all costs, since they can be crippling. Defaults are when borrowers, at some point in the loan’s life, cease making their payments. For this post, the reasons why are immaterial – at the end of the day, all that matters… Read More »

theLeaseGuy

The True Cost of Funds

Next up in our series of how lenders arrive at interest rates is looking at the true cost of funds. It could also be entitled “How much does money cost?” because, in essence, that’s exactly what it is. One thing that’s helpful in understanding this is to look at money lending as an investment for the lender. If… Read More »

theLeaseGuy