The most common form of secured finance is a home loan. Here are the basics that are universally the same. The first thing you must know that, even though it is secured finance which has relatively fewer risks for the lender than an unsecured loan, it is still a major purchase and a loan of a substantial amount of money for a private individual to borrow.

Be prepared, for that reason, to fill out an extensive loan application, and a lot of information on the property that is being used to secure the financing. Be prepared to explain your budget – your income and your expenses, your assets and your liabilities.

Be aware as well, that your secured finance options can change at any time, as rates do change. Once you have that secured financing in place keep an eye on interest rates.

It may be that somewhere down the road you will see interest rates drop and can save some money through a refinance process on the same secured property. Refinancing a mortgage has become quite commonplace.

When you see a better rate that will save you some money, and more attractive terms, try to take advantage of that secured refinance opportunity to save yourself a considerable amount of money over the life of the mortgage.

No matter which finance option you choose – and for a home loan its almost undoubtedly going to be secured – you must make your payments on time. This is the most important thing you can do to your credit and your ability to retain your home. Nothing can hurt your credit rating than making your mortgage payments late.

And since it is a finance options secured with your own home, youre risking the roof over your head when you are late with a payment. If your mortgage company offers automatic debit payments through your bank account take them up on that. Dont risk your home and your credit.

The options for buying a new car with a loan are generally going to be secured finance deals, although you can make them with the auto dealer or with the bank. You generally have a greater percentage of your own money in the way of cash or a trade in of your present car than you do for a home loan, but you almost always need a secured finance lender as well.

The other choice you would have is to lease the car. The problem with leasing is that the car is never really yours and to make it so you will end up with a huge balloon payment at the end of the lease.

The auto dealer finance option, still secured with your new vehicle, means higher interest rates than most financial institutions. It does have its benefits, however. For one thing you can buy the car, finance the car on the spot and drive it home. For busy people this can be a considerable savings of itself.

Auto dealers have relationships with many lenders and know what institution will lend you what money and at what particular rate. They can, therefore do your comparison shopping for you and generally get you the best deal possible.

If your credit is good these auto dealers may also have a special limited time offer on new car loans that they use as incentives.