Is there anything worse in the world than having to go to the bank and ask for money? Why is the person you are dealing with, half you age with little to no experience? He or she is the one that will decide whether or not you get approved for the loan. Banks work backwards in my mind, when you dont need the money they continuously want to give it to you. When you do need the money, you have to jump through hops to get it. This article is designed to help you get prepared so that when you are applying for a mortgage, home equity loan, SBA loan, VA loan or any other kind of loan, the bank will always say yes. Let me repeat that, the banks will always say yes!

Lets start with how you dress when meeting your banker. They are professionals, so present yourself as one even if you are a mechanic. Put on a nice pair of dress pants along with a dress shirt and jacket. Ladies, a pant suit or dress will be fine. First impressions are critical so make a good one. Buy yourself a nice briefcase for all your paper work. It doesnt have to be Gucci, just new looking. Get to your appointment early. Even if you have to wait for 10 minutes, this alone shows that your respect their time and again works in your favor as fair as a first impression goes.

The most important thing you can do when applying for a new mortgage, home equity loan, SBA loan or VA loan is bring all your information with you. This means your social security number, drivers license, letter from your employee stating your hire date and current salary (if you are self employed, bring a copy of your last 3 years of tax returns with you), know what debt you are carrying, have a list of all your assets (or create a net worth statement on your computer at home). If you come into the bank fully prepared, looking good, are on time and have a smile on your face, the banks will say yes!