How Planning A Cruise is Like Getting a Loan To Buy A Home

Planning a Cruise Is A Lot Like Getting A Loan To Buy A Home

I just got back from my very first cruise and visited Alaska.

Planning started  a little over a year ago with the help of a travel agent one of my friends referred to me.

Having never traveled on a cruise ship before I was unsure of how my experience would turn out and felt a bit anxious. Of course I did some research on the internet but the real value came from my travel agent. Her knowledge of cruising to Alaska, the sites to see there, what documents to bring along, how to dine, and what type of cabin to get were some of the things that helped to make planning my trip much easier.

I had so much fun on my cruise that I would do it again in a heartbeat! I am so excited about sharing that I just HAD to write about it to you!

Now that I am back home and working to pay for my next cruise I wanted to tell you that there are a lot of similarities between getting a loan to buy a home and planning for a cruise. Here are 7 things they have in common:

1. Which cruise line should I take?             What lender should I work with?
2. Should I work with a travel agent or the cruise line directly to get the best deal?     Should I consider using an online lender or someone local?
3. Why do costs vary from room to room, floor to floor, and different cruise lines?     Why do lender’s interest rates and fees differ?
4. What is an onboard credit and how can I use it?     What are seller concessions and how should I make the most of them?
5. What paperwork do I need to bring with me?     What documents will my lender ask me for?
6. How much cash do I need to bring along?     What cash will I need for a down payment and closing costs?
7. What excursions should I take and how do they fit into my budget?     Especially if I am building a home how do upgrades change my qualifying ratios?

SO WHAT ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO DO AND HOW CAN I HELP?

Knowledge is Confidence!

I want to be your LOAN agent….your guide! If you or someone you know has been worried about the steps you must take to purchase a new home and get a loan, I would love to listen and help create a plan just like my travel agent did for me.

The JOY and MEMORIES of my cruise will be something I will never forget!

Heed Alaska’s motto: “north to the future”….Travel northward, never losing sight of your goals. Treasure awaits those who do not give up.